Question – Is Rubber Mulch Safe? Yes, rubber mulch is safe both for the environment and for use as a playground surface. Studies conducted by the EPA, the Rubber Manufacturers Association, and Cardno ChemRisk, a company that provides environmental risk assessments, found that rubber mulch on playgrounds caused no adverse human health or ecological health effects. No Fault Rubber Mulch is a great, economical way to surface your playground!

Dense mature tree cover caused heavy shade and a lot of autumn leaf-raking. At the curb, passengers alighting had to step on bare, sometimes muddy ground. To make way for some understory foliage and to accommodate the easing of leaf pick-up, i proposed to have planted pots, to give a sculptural focal point and keeping the ground free of leaf-trapping cover plants. Mica slate stone pieces were set on a base of 1/4"-10 clean, crushed gravel and the joints were grouted to make the surface finish sanitary. The happy client commented that the irregular edge was evocative of the silhouette of the city skyline. Solution here is a practical, beautiful and welcoming best-foot-forward for this home. Other plants possibilities in this very shaded, adverse situation would be Aspidistra, Euphorbia amygdaloides 'Robbiae', Buxus, Polystichum selection ferns, Asarum, Beesia, Mahonia repens, Vaccinium ovata, Epimedium, Saxafraga, Reineckia carnea and Vinca major. Client's choice, Pittosporum 'Golf Ball', will be on probation here, as the shade may too dense. photo by Steve Carruthers

Last week we featured an incredible new kitchen with an open floor plan and unique architectural interest. I alluded to a change in the staircase and here it is. Part of designing a new kitchen or bath is looking at surrounding spaces and how the remodel will affect them. Will the current master bedroom seem dated as an entrance to the new bath? Is the dining room that adjoins the kitchen badly in need of flooring and lighting? Some projects might have to wait. But if the immediate area has an adverse affect on the newly remodeled kitchen it might be just as important to address these areas within your remodel. Although the staircase was in harmony with the homes existing era and colors, it simply didn’t work with the new kitchen. Despite its open risers, the existing balusters and railings with their colonial turnings and dark stain, were the opposite of the finished kitchen. With the carpeting gone from the floors, it looked dated and out-of-place on the stairs. We carried our kitchen theme to the staircase. We used the natural oak of our flooring for the treads, handrails and posts, but kept the balusters and trim crisp white. The effect perfectly reflects the feel of the kitchen, light and airy. Before, the dark wood details drew the eye up, ultimately to the textured ceiling in the dining room. The darker tone created a dramatic ending as it traveled up to die into the wall. Now, as the eye travels up, the staircase seems to soar. The textured ceiling was replaced with a smooth white one and the wall color is a soft warm contrast. The handrail still ends at the wall, but with white balusters and the light oak handrail, the ending is softer. It isn’t a lighting change, the staircase simply lets the light shine through. The treads are slim and sleek, while the white walls, trim and balusters reflect the light for an overall brighter feel. The newel posts were a great choice. The larger size and square craftsman like features add substance and architecture without seeming heavy or bulky. The final touch completes the look. From front door to back, up and down, this remodel is finished. This home now bursts with sunshine the minute you enter and stays bright and sunny no matter where you turn. From the architectural details that are the center of attention, to the modern stainless steel appliance, this space is perfect for entertaining, or any day. http://www.designsbyskill.com/ http://www.rjkconstructioninc.com/

Eric Roth Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized country open concept light wood floor living room remodel in Boston with white walls, a wood stove, a stone fireplace and no tv

Last week we featured an incredible new kitchen with an open floor plan and unique architectural interest. I alluded to a change in the staircase and here it is. Part of designing a new kitchen or bath is looking at surrounding spaces and how the remodel will affect them. Will the current master bedroom seem dated as an entrance to the new bath? Is the dining room that adjoins the kitchen badly in need of flooring and lighting? Some projects might have to wait. But if the immediate area has an adverse affect on the newly remodeled kitchen it might be just as important to address these areas within your remodel. Although the staircase was in harmony with the homes existing era and colors, it simply didn’t work with the new kitchen. Despite its open risers, the existing balusters and railings with their colonial turnings and dark stain, were the opposite of the finished kitchen. With the carpeting gone from the floors, it looked dated and out-of-place on the stairs. We carried our kitchen theme to the staircase. We used the natural oak of our flooring for the treads, handrails and posts, but kept the balusters and trim crisp white. The effect perfectly reflects the feel of the kitchen, light and airy. Before, the dark wood details drew the eye up, ultimately to the textured ceiling in the dining room. The darker tone created a dramatic ending as it traveled up to die into the wall. Now, as the eye travels up, the staircase seems to soar. The textured ceiling was replaced with a smooth white one and the wall color is a soft warm contrast. The handrail still ends at the wall, but with white balusters and the light oak handrail, the ending is softer. It isn’t a lighting change, the staircase simply lets the light shine through. The treads are slim and sleek, while the white walls, trim and balusters reflect the light for an overall brighter feel. The newel posts were a great choice. The larger size and square craftsman like features add substance and architecture without seeming heavy or bulky. The final touch completes the look. From front door to back, up and down, this remodel is finished. This home now bursts with sunshine the minute you enter and stays bright and sunny no matter where you turn. From the architectural details that are the center of attention, to the modern stainless steel appliance, this space is perfect for entertaining, or any day. http://www.designsbyskill.com/ http://www.rjkconstructioninc.com/

Last week we featured an incredible new kitchen with an open floor plan and unique architectural interest. I alluded to a change in the staircase and here it is. Part of designing a new kitchen or bath is looking at surrounding spaces and how the remodel will affect them. Will the current master bedroom seem dated as an entrance to the new bath? Is the dining room that adjoins the kitchen badly in need of flooring and lighting? Some projects might have to wait. But if the immediate area has an adverse affect on the newly remodeled kitchen it might be just as important to address these areas within your remodel. Although the staircase was in harmony with the homes existing era and colors, it simply didn’t work with the new kitchen. Despite its open risers, the existing balusters and railings with their colonial turnings and dark stain, were the opposite of the finished kitchen. With the carpeting gone from the floors, it looked dated and out-of-place on the stairs. We carried our kitchen theme to the staircase. We used the natural oak of our flooring for the treads, handrails and posts, but kept the balusters and trim crisp white. The effect perfectly reflects the feel of the kitchen, light and airy. Before, the dark wood details drew the eye up, ultimately to the textured ceiling in the dining room. The darker tone created a dramatic ending as it traveled up to die into the wall. Now, as the eye travels up, the staircase seems to soar. The textured ceiling was replaced with a smooth white one and the wall color is a soft warm contrast. The handrail still ends at the wall, but with white balusters and the light oak handrail, the ending is softer. It isn’t a lighting change, the staircase simply lets the light shine through. The treads are slim and sleek, while the white walls, trim and balusters reflect the light for an overall brighter feel. The newel posts were a great choice. The larger size and square craftsman like features add substance and architecture without seeming heavy or bulky. The final touch completes the look. From front door to back, up and down, this remodel is finished. This home now bursts with sunshine the minute you enter and stays bright and sunny no matter where you turn. From the architectural details that are the center of attention, to the modern stainless steel appliance, this space is perfect for entertaining, or any day. http://www.designsbyskill.com/ http://www.rjkconstructioninc.com/

The living room is a panoply of custom designed furniture and art pieces. The room’s design concept celebrates the well-traveled modern lifestyle with a subtle Egyptian and South African flair. Much of the furniture, carpets and wall coverings were specifically sourced by the designer to emphasize small-batch design & production, and they utilize natural fabrics and fibers that do not off-gas or adversely affect a healthy home air-quality. A richly red accent wall draws the eye down the length of the space, and is comprised of faux alligator leather, cork veneer and golden grass cloth alcoves. Creamy velvet couches flank a striking custom carpet woven richly in natural wool fibers, which is then topped with a rich center table in faux-ostrich and ebony. Dave Bryce Photography

Eric Roth
Entryway - coastal entryway idea in Boston

Filtered shade helps the lantana to survive the adverse affects of a heat wave.
Photo of a landscaping in Other.

?✨ Transforming Dreams: From Damage to Elegance in Capitol Hill, Seattle ✨? At Levite Construction, we believe in turning challenges into opportunities, and that's exactly what we did with this stunning project in Capitol Hill, Seattle, WA. Witness the incredible journey of restoring a beautiful town house that fell victim to water damage, as we share with you the remarkable transformation that showcases our expertise, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence. ? Repairing the Aftermath? The story began with a distress call, a plea for help from a water-damaged home in Capitol Hill. Our skilled team swiftly sprang into action, assessing the damage and devising a comprehensive plan for restoration. From minor repairs to major overhauls, we left no stone unturned in bringing this residence back to life. ? A Vision Takes Shape ? Our creative design team envisioned a space that not only corrected the damage but also elevated the aesthetic to new heights. The challenge was accepted – to create a spa-like haven that exudes luxury and tranquility while maintaining a smart and functional layout. ? A Tranquil Retreat - Smart Bathroom Remodeling ? Step into our world of ingenuity as you explore the images of the spa-inspired bathrooms. Every detail has been meticulously curated to evoke a sense of serenity. From innovative fixtures to thoughtfully chosen color palettes, this space is a testament to our dedication to crafting exceptional experiences. ? Every Inch Transformed? Witness the metamorphosis as our skilled team undertook tasks that spanned the spectrum of construction artistry. Admire the seamless new floor installation, where every step taken is now on a canvas of elegance. The rich tapestry of paintwork dances in harmony with carefully crafted cabinetry, breathing life into this once-damaged dwelling. ?‍♂️ Expertise in Action ?‍♂️ Our project managers played a pivotal role in orchestrating this symphony of construction. Their meticulous planning, relentless dedication, and unwavering attention to detail ensured that every aspect of this project was executed flawlessly. ? Result: Elegance Redefined ? As you scroll through the images, you'll witness the culmination of our endeavors – a home that has been resurrected from the ruins and reimagined with elegance. Levite Construction's commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction shines through every corner of this remodel. ? Capture the Journey? Explore the photo gallery capturing the transition from devastation to breathtaking beauty. Every image is a testament to the passion and craftsmanship that define Levite Construction. Thank you for joining us on this remarkable journey from adversity to triumph. We're proud to have turned a challenge into an opportunity and to have brought a smile back to this Capitol Hill home. At Levite Construction, we don't just build structures; we build dreams. #LeviteConstruction #FromDamageToElegance #CapitolHillRestoration #CraftingDreamHomes

The living room is a panoply of custom designed furniture and art pieces. The room’s design concept celebrates the well-traveled modern lifestyle with a subtle Egyptian and South African flair. Much of the furniture, carpets and wall coverings were specifically sourced by the designer to emphasize small-batch design & production, and they utilize natural fabrics and fibers that do not off-gas or adversely affect a healthy home air-quality. A richly red accent wall draws the eye down the length of the space, and is comprised of faux alligator leather, cork veneer and golden grass cloth alcoves. Creamy velvet couches flank a striking custom carpet woven richly in natural wool fibers, which is then topped with a rich center table in faux-ostrich and ebony. Dave Bryce Photography

The owners of this 1940's Wauwatosa, Wisconsin colonial home felt that their living room, which is used primarily to read and relax, was dated and missing a centerpiece. The fireplace and surrounding bookshelves were lost in the ornamental white washed space. The goal was to enhance the existing living room by creating an aesthetically pleasing focal point in the room while not adversely affecting the new laminate floor. Custom birch prefinished cabinets with arched tops were installed on either side of the existing fireplace with heavy fluted trim. The new custom curved mantel provides continuity as the line across the entire wall matches its height with the adjacent shelving. The mantle includes two oversized corbels to add weight and aesthetic appeal to the centerpiece. A new crown molding was made to replicate the existing crown on adjacent walls and blend seamlessly. The recessed area above the mantel was flushed out with the existing walls creating an ideal space for the homeowners to display artwork. Two new dimmable 6" recessed eyeball lights provided the need display lighting. The homeowners had recently remodeled their kitchen and fell in love with their new granite countertops, so they knew that they wanted to use granite for this project as well. The choice for their new fireplace surround was a unique piece of 1 1/4 Mascarello granite. To compliment the new granite they selected a custom legend rectangle with arched doors for the fireplace facing, a blue steel frame, and bronze glass. Simple knob handles were used to complete the look. The laminate floor was undisturbed as the cabinets and flush hearth were sized to meet the existing.

Highlights of this shower stall are the sliding glass doors from Fleurco and the Artistic Tile Whirlwind mosaic inset into Thassos wall tile. Photo by J. Nefsky

Last week we featured an incredible new kitchen with an open floor plan and unique architectural interest. I alluded to a change in the staircase and here it is. Part of designing a new kitchen or bath is looking at surrounding spaces and how the remodel will affect them. Will the current master bedroom seem dated as an entrance to the new bath? Is the dining room that adjoins the kitchen badly in need of flooring and lighting? Some projects might have to wait. But if the immediate area has an adverse affect on the newly remodeled kitchen it might be just as important to address these areas within your remodel. Although the staircase was in harmony with the homes existing era and colors, it simply didn’t work with the new kitchen. Despite its open risers, the existing balusters and railings with their colonial turnings and dark stain, were the opposite of the finished kitchen. With the carpeting gone from the floors, it looked dated and out-of-place on the stairs. We carried our kitchen theme to the staircase. We used the natural oak of our flooring for the treads, handrails and posts, but kept the balusters and trim crisp white. The effect perfectly reflects the feel of the kitchen, light and airy. Before, the dark wood details drew the eye up, ultimately to the textured ceiling in the dining room. The darker tone created a dramatic ending as it traveled up to die into the wall. Now, as the eye travels up, the staircase seems to soar. The textured ceiling was replaced with a smooth white one and the wall color is a soft warm contrast. The handrail still ends at the wall, but with white balusters and the light oak handrail, the ending is softer. It isn’t a lighting change, the staircase simply lets the light shine through. The treads are slim and sleek, while the white walls, trim and balusters reflect the light for an overall brighter feel. The newel posts were a great choice. The larger size and square craftsman like features add substance and architecture without seeming heavy or bulky. The final touch completes the look. From front door to back, up and down, this remodel is finished. This home now bursts with sunshine the minute you enter and stays bright and sunny no matter where you turn. From the architectural details that are the center of attention, to the modern stainless steel appliance, this space is perfect for entertaining, or any day. http://www.designsbyskill.com/ http://www.rjkconstructioninc.com/

Last week we featured an incredible new kitchen with an open floor plan and unique architectural interest. I alluded to a change in the staircase and here it is. Part of designing a new kitchen or bath is looking at surrounding spaces and how the remodel will affect them. Will the current master bedroom seem dated as an entrance to the new bath? Is the dining room that adjoins the kitchen badly in need of flooring and lighting? Some projects might have to wait. But if the immediate area has an adverse affect on the newly remodeled kitchen it might be just as important to address these areas within your remodel. Although the staircase was in harmony with the homes existing era and colors, it simply didn’t work with the new kitchen. Despite its open risers, the existing balusters and railings with their colonial turnings and dark stain, were the opposite of the finished kitchen. With the carpeting gone from the floors, it looked dated and out-of-place on the stairs. We carried our kitchen theme to the staircase. We used the natural oak of our flooring for the treads, handrails and posts, but kept the balusters and trim crisp white. The effect perfectly reflects the feel of the kitchen, light and airy. Before, the dark wood details drew the eye up, ultimately to the textured ceiling in the dining room. The darker tone created a dramatic ending as it traveled up to die into the wall. Now, as the eye travels up, the staircase seems to soar. The textured ceiling was replaced with a smooth white one and the wall color is a soft warm contrast. The handrail still ends at the wall, but with white balusters and the light oak handrail, the ending is softer. It isn’t a lighting change, the staircase simply lets the light shine through. The treads are slim and sleek, while the white walls, trim and balusters reflect the light for an overall brighter feel. The newel posts were a great choice. The larger size and square craftsman like features add substance and architecture without seeming heavy or bulky. The final touch completes the look. From front door to back, up and down, this remodel is finished. This home now bursts with sunshine the minute you enter and stays bright and sunny no matter where you turn. From the architectural details that are the center of attention, to the modern stainless steel appliance, this space is perfect for entertaining, or any day. http://www.designsbyskill.com/ http://www.rjkconstructioninc.com/

The intricate details in ironwork of this paint entrance door made our job a bit of a fun experience. Looking adversity between the eyes, we trudged forward with delicate care to ensure the perfect result for this church door. And so it was.

The intricate details in ironwork of this paint entrance door made our job a bit of a fun experience. Looking adversity between the eyes, we trudged forward with delicate care to ensure the perfect result for this church door. And so it was.

It's known as the PISA/TIMSS voyaging convoy. Every time worldwide tests results are discharged with association tables indicating champs and failures a gaggle of scientists, scholastics and grouped kindred explorers plummet on the most astounding performing nation or instruction framework to break down and write about "world's best practice". The objective continues evolving One issue with thusly of deduction is that nobody framework reliably beats the rest. In light of the 1995 and 1999 TIMSS (Trends in International Math and Science Study) results, Asian instruction frameworks in Singapore, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan overwhelmed. Accordingly, the emphasis was immovably on recognizing the reasons the Asian tigers were performing so well. In the PISA (Program for International Student Assessment) 2000 results, Finland positioned first in education, fourth in arithmetic and third in science. Finland became the overwhelming focus and specialists and scholastics ran to Helsinki to find the reasons Finnish understudies performed at or close to the highest point of the table. By 2012, at the end of the day, an alternate training framework turned into the focal point of consideration. Finland descended the PISA rankings as another champ, Shanghai, rose as first in arithmetic, science and perusing. Apples aren't being contrasted with apples A second issue when making correlations is that the spots we've recognized as examples of overcoming adversity are distinctive to Australia. City-states like Singapore and instruction frameworks in profoundly performing spots like Hong Kong and Shanghai have remarkable qualities that separate them from nations like Australia, England and the USA. Contrasts in topography, the quantities of understudies and schools, the understudy cosmetics (as far as dialect, society and financial profile) and how schools, including educational modules and appraisal, are organized and oversaw significantly affect results. Singapore, when contrasted with Australia, is little topographically, more homogenous as far as dialect and culture and utilizes instructive practices that have long been out of support in Australia. These incorporate gushing kids in view of their abilities, and high-chance, focused tests and examinations. As noted in a paper titled How not to prevail upon PISA information: an unexpected examination, there are additionally social components clarifying solid execution that are troublesome, if not unimaginable, to exchange starting with one instruction framework then onto the next. Evident cases incorporate the effect of Confucian qualities and morals that stretch appreciation for power (particularly instructors), the conviction that achievement is conceivable with inspiration, fixation and diligent work, and the thought that training is focal if one is to accomplish a superior life. Confounding circumstances and end results Befuddling what has driven these nations to achievement speaks to the third trouble in expecting that what seems to prompt accomplishment in one nation can without much of a stretch be exchanged to another. To expect that everything we need to do in Australia to enhance test outcomes is to lessen the impact of the Australian Education Union, while being appealing to some, is both undemocratic and blameworthy of accepting circumstances and end results. There are a few advantages of abroad correlations PISA and TIMSS tests have been held for a long time. Thus, there is a decent arrangement of examination recognizing the attributes of more grounded performing instruction frameworks from which states and domains can learn. The early ethnographic work recording Japanese and American classes nitty gritty in Harvard distribution The Teaching Gap uncovers how the lessons in Asian classrooms are more unequivocal, obviously organized and sound and there is a desire that all understudies, with the essential offer and applications, some assistance with canning succeed. A later distribution by the Grattan Institute, Catching up: gaining from the best educational systems in East Asia, likewise distinguishes imperative lessons from fruitful Asian instruction frameworks. Positive variables incorporate giving instructors more opportunity to work cooperatively and to tutor each other, guaranteeing that educator training, course readings and the educational modules are commonly steady and concentrate on enhancing classroom rehearse. It ought to additionally be noticed that while Australian understudies don't perform in the top level in PISA and TIMSS tests, there is some reason for festivity. Understudies in the Australian Capital Territory perform well over the Australian normal and frequently coordinate the execution of top-performing abroad instruction frameworks. As far as lifting the execution of understudies from distraught foundations it is additionally critical to take note of that Catholic schools, in light of an investigation of the 2009 PISA results completed by the Australian Council for Educational Research, accomplish a value rating surpassing that of Finland. About the Author: Amy Parker writes too many academic papers for people who have troubles with it. She always gives needed advices, shows the examples of the papers and helps with writing at http://papersnetwork.net

Adding a screened porch to your home can contribute positively to its overall value. It is typically a covered structure attached to the exterior of a house, designed to provide an open-air experience while protecting occupants from insects, debris, and adverse weather conditions. Whether you're looking to create a tranquil retreat, a dining area, or an entertainment space, a well-designed screened porch can provide a perfect balance between the comfort of indoor living and the refreshing experience of the outdoors.