Brick veneer wall. Imagine what the original wall looked like before installing brick veneer over it. On this project, the homeowner wanted something more appealing than just a regular drywall. When she contacted us, we scheduled a meeting where we presented her with multiple options. However, when we look into the fact that she wanted something light weight to go over the dry wall, we thought an antique brick wall would be her best choice. However, most antique bricks are plain red and not the color she had envisioned for beautiful living room. Luckily, we found this 200year old salvaged handmade bricks. Which turned out to be the perfect color for her living room. These bricks came in full size and weighed quite a bit. So, in order to install them on drywall, we had to reduce the thickness by cutting them to half an inch. And in the cause cutting them, many did break. Since imperfection is core to the beauty in this kind of work, we were able to use all the broken bricks. Hench that stunningly beautiful wall. Lastly, it’s important to note that, this rustic look would not have been possible without the right color of mortar. Had these bricks been on the original plantation house, they would have had that creamy lime look. However since you can’t find pure lime in the market, we had to fake the color of mortar to depick the original look.

The first thing anyone sees when visiting your home is your driveway. Most driveways are plain gray concrete without any added finishes or textures. However, for a very reasonable price, you can add a touch of luxury. Stamped concrete and exposed aggregate finishes are a great way to give your driveway and property curb appeal. Not only do they come in a variety of patterns and colors, but they also provide a long-lasting surface that requires little maintenance. Many of our customers come to us because their driveways have cracked and crumbled. Unfortunately, their driveways were created with little focus on doing the job right. Diehl Concrete is a locally owned small business that focuses on creating an aesthetically pleasing product that is also long lasting. We can replace your driveway with a quality aggregate, stamped, or traditional broom finish, which can make a huge difference in your home’s appearance. With over 15 years in the concrete business, Diehl Concrete would be a great choice for your concrete driveway renovation. We take great pride in preparing and finishing all concrete projects, using only quality concrete products. The owner, Ryan Diehl, is personally involved with each and every project. Call today and he will evaluate your current driveway, answer your questions, and provide a free quote.

Photographer: Danna Cain, Home & Garden Design, Inc.
Photo of a mid-sized traditional full sun front yard flower bed in Atlanta for summer.

Bodoum Photographie
Inspiration for a modern 3/4 white tile and subway tile ceramic tile and gray floor alcove bathtub remodel in Montreal with flat-panel cabinets, a one-piece toilet, green walls, quartzite countertops, white countertops, light wood cabinets and a console sink

Victoria agave with a queen butterfly.
This is an example of a southwestern landscaping in Phoenix.

A large kitchen with grey distressed cabinets and warm stained cabinets has so much texture and warmth. A custom wood hood was created on site and add to the rustic appeal. Glass pendants were used over the island. A prep sink was incorporated into the island. The windows all go down to the countertop to maximize the views out the large windows. Transom windows were incorporated on the range wall to let even more light flood in. The granite was run up behind the wolf range to continue the texture.

Custom Eliza Sofa and Rocking Loveseat by England Furniture. Traditional Loveseat, Chair, Rocker and Ottoman are also available. It's what's on the inside that counts. That's our motto here at England. This is why we build all of our furniture here in the U.S.A. out of quality materials. And we think quality and design go hand in hand. We offer more than 450 fabrics for you to select from, so you can design the piece of furniture that is perfect for your home. And you'll have your custom furniture delivered in 42 days or less! Create a warm and inviting style in your living room with the elegant Eliza and Linden collection. These charming upholstered pieces will add a casual country charm to your home, offering plush tight back cushions, deep welted box seat cushions, and pretty rolled arms. Beautiful turned wooden feet, or smooth rocker bases are available in a warm medium brown or weathered white finish to suit your taste. Available in multiple fabric options by special order, the Eliza and Linden living room groups will complement your home decor beautifully. The Eliza collection is a great option if you are looking for Traditional furniture in the Charleston & Summerville, SC area. Sofa: Elegantly crafted and designed, this upholstered sofa provides style and comfort wrapped in your choice of fabrics. This traditional sofa will keep you cozy, with deep welted box seat cushions and plush high back cushions. Rolled arms frame the piece, with elegantly turned wooden feet below the curved base for the perfectly charming finishing touch. Rocking Loveseat: Add this beautiful country style upholstered rocking loveseat to your home for an instant touch of class. This elegant seat has a comfortable and casual appeal, with high plush back cushions, pretty rolled arms, and a wooden rocker base in either warm medium brown or antique white wood. Complete your living room, nursery, or any other space with this lovely rocker. Choose from multiple fabric options for the ideal look to fit your home.

Diehl Concrete is a local Denver business that prides itself in quality decorative work such as custom stamped concrete patios. The owner, Ryan Diehl, plays a hands-on part throughout the entire process. With over 15 years of experience in creating beautiful outdoor spaces, along with his un-compromised integrity, Diehl Concrete is a wise choice for your project. There are countless examples of his work throughout Colorado, including Denver, Aurora, Brighton, Boulder, and Evergreen. Call today and Ryan Diehl will personally evaluate your project, answer your questions, and provide a free quote. Benefits of Stamped Concrete Patios: Affordability: Stamped concrete patios are much more affordable when compared to brick pavers or natural stone. Fortunately, This lower cost doesn’t lack durability or beauty. Longevity: Concrete typically lasts longer than alternative patio materials. To ensure durability, Diehl Concrete will take the extra steps to reduce cracking. We will take great care in preparing your concrete sub-grade with proper compaction, and road base as well as rebar reinforcement within the concrete. Finally, expansion joints will be strategically placed to minimize and prevent cracking. Color and Pattern Options: The sky is truly the limit on color choices and patterns for stamped concrete patios. Shape: Due to its versatility of the substance, concrete offers homeowners the ability to create any type of shape they would like. Would you like curves, planting beds, or even a fire pit incorporated into your stamped concrete patio? No problem. Low Maintenance: To maintain the look and uphold the durability, a once yearly sealer may be applied. This is something you can do yourself, or we can seal your patio for you. Increased home resale value. Decorative concrete adds curb appeal and aesthetic value to your home, allowing you to maximize the return on your investment.

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.

The first thing anyone sees when visiting your home is your driveway. Most driveways are plain gray concrete without any added finishes or textures. However, for a very reasonable price, you can add a touch of luxury. Stamped concrete and exposed aggregate finishes are a great way to give your driveway and property curb appeal. Not only do they come in a variety of patterns and colors, but they also provide a long-lasting surface that requires little maintenance. Many of our customers come to us because their driveways have cracked and crumbled. Unfortunately, their driveways were created with little focus on doing the job right. Diehl Concrete is a locally owned small business that focuses on creating an aesthetically pleasing product that is also long lasting. We can replace your driveway with a quality aggregate, stamped, or traditional broom finish, which can make a huge difference in your home’s appearance. With over 15 years in the concrete business, Diehl Concrete would be a great choice for your concrete driveway renovation. We take great pride in preparing and finishing all concrete projects, using only quality concrete products. The owner, Ryan Diehl, is personally involved with each and every project. Call today and he will evaluate your current driveway, answer your questions, and provide a free quote.

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   The Klimala’s and their three kids are no strangers to moving, this being their fifth house in the same town over the 20-year period they have lived there. “It must be the 7-year itch, because every seven years, we seem to find ourselves antsy for a new project or a new environment. I think part of it is being a designer, I see my own taste evolve and I want my environment to reflect that. Having easy access to wonderful tradesmen and a knowledge of the process makes it that much easier”. This time, Klimala’s fell in love with a somewhat unlikely candidate. The 1950’s ranch turned cape cod was a bit of a mutt, but it’s location 5 minutes from their design studio and backing up to the high school where their kids can roll out of bed and walk to school, coupled with the charm of its location on a private road and lush landscaping made it an appealing choice for them. “The bones of the house were really charming. It was typical 1,500 square foot ranch that at some point someone added a second floor to. Its sloped roofline and dormered bedrooms gave it some charm.” With the help of architect Maureen McHugh, Klimala’s gutted and reworked the layout to make the house work for them. An open concept kitchen and dining room allows for more frequent casual family dinners and dinner parties that linger. A dingy 3-season room off the back of the original house was insulated, given a vaulted ceiling with skylights and now opens up to the kitchen. This room now houses an 8’ raw edge white oak dining table and functions as an informal dining room. “One of the challenges with these mid-century homes is the 8’ ceilings. I had to have at least one room that had a higher ceiling so that’s how we did it” states Klimala. The kitchen features a 10’ island which houses a 5’0” Galley Sink. The Galley features two faucets, and double tiered rail system to which accessories such as cutting boards and stainless steel bowls can be added for ease of cooking. Across from the large sink is an induction cooktop. “My two teen daughters and I enjoy cooking, and the Galley and induction cooktop make it so easy.” A wall of tall cabinets features a full size refrigerator, freezer, double oven and built in coffeemaker. The area on the opposite end of the kitchen features a pantry with mirrored glass doors and a beverage center below. The rest of the first floor features an entry way, a living room with views to the front yard’s lush landscaping, a family room where the family hangs out to watch TV, a back entry from the garage with a laundry room and mudroom area, one of the home’s four bedrooms and a full bath. There is a double sided fireplace between the family room and living room. The home features pops of color from the living room’s peach grass cloth to purple painted wall in the family room. “I’m definitely a traditionalist at heart but because of the home’s Midcentury roots, I wanted to incorporate some of those elements into the furniture, lighting and accessories which also ended up being really fun. We are not formal people so I wanted a house that my kids would enjoy, have their friends over and feel comfortable.” The second floor houses the master bedroom suite, two of the kids’ bedrooms and a back room nicknamed “the library” because it has turned into a quiet get away area where the girls can study or take a break from the rest of the family. The area was originally unfinished attic, and because the home was short on closet space, this Jack and Jill area off the girls’ bedrooms houses two large walk-in closets and a small sitting area with a makeup vanity. “The girls really wanted to keep the exposed brick of the fireplace that runs up the through the space, so that’s what we did, and I think they feel like they are in their own little loft space in the city when they are up there” says Klimala. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Carlos Vergara For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Completely remodeled Mid-century classic kitchen with red quartz counters and large format glass tile backsplash. New floor plan allowed for twice as much prep space and created a focal point with induction range and exposed vent hood. Photography: Jeff Beck

In this remodel, the kitchen underwent a remarkable transformation, evolving from a cramped, uninspiring space into an elevated culinary haven. Through strategic design choices and meticulous attention to detail, the once small and cold kitchen blossomed into a spacious focal point and inviting gathering spot. Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, adorned with rich maple-stained wood and accented by gleaming gold hardware, instantly elevated the aesthetic and functionality of the space. The addition of brand-new appliances further enhanced the kitchen's efficiency and modern appeal. Removing the wrap-around barstool counter proved to be a pivotal decision, as it opened up the area, fostering a seamless flow and sense of spaciousness. Adjacent to the kitchen, a dining room emerged, offering a convenient and inviting space for family meals and entertaining. To preserve the kitchen's warmth and individuality, vibrant green abstract tiles were meticulously chosen to line the backsplash, infusing the space with personality and charm. Each element of the renovation was thoughtfully curated to ensure a harmonious blend of style, functionality, and comfort, resulting in a kitchen that not only meets but exceeds the needs and expectations of its inhabitants.

This gem of a house was built in the 1950s, when its neighborhood undoubtedly felt remote. The university footprint has expanded in the 70 years since, however, and today this home sits on prime real estate—easy biking and reasonable walking distance to campus. When it went up for sale in 2017, it was largely unaltered. Our clients purchased it to renovate and resell, and while we all knew we'd need to add square footage to make it profitable, we also wanted to respect the neighborhood and the house’s own history. Swedes have a word that means “just the right amount”: lagom. It is a guiding philosophy for us at SYH, and especially applied in this renovation. Part of the soul of this house was about living in just the right amount of space. Super sizing wasn’t a thing in 1950s America. So, the solution emerged: keep the original rectangle, but add an L off the back. With no owner to design with and for, SYH created a layout to appeal to the masses. All public spaces are the back of the home--the new addition that extends into the property’s expansive backyard. A den and four smallish bedrooms are atypically located in the front of the house, in the original 1500 square feet. Lagom is behind that choice: conserve space in the rooms where you spend most of your time with your eyes shut. Put money and square footage toward the spaces in which you mostly have your eyes open. In the studio, we started calling this project the Mullet Ranch—business up front, party in the back. The front has a sleek but quiet effect, mimicking its original low-profile architecture street-side. It’s very Hoosier of us to keep appearances modest, we think. But get around to the back, and surprise! lofted ceilings and walls of windows. Gorgeous.

This sustainable project was completed on a private 80 acre view parcel in the hills above Corralitos, CA. The owners were drawn to us through the Green Building link on our website and after an initial meeting, hired us to manage the preliminary feasibility studies, site work, design and eventual construction. With this type of project, we start at the beginning; making sure that development on the site is both possible and practical before we spend a lot of our client’s budget on plans that may not be suitable. After we determined that building on the property would be permitted by the Santa Cruz County Building and Planning Departments, we completed several feasibility steps that included: •A geologic review • Percolation test (for septic) • Water well probability analysis • Grading analysis • Biologic review • Site survey and topographic mapping • Earthquake zone and archeological clearances With these steps finished, we set up interviews with several local architects that we partner with to find the one that was most appealing to our client. The owners were integral to the process and agreed with our choice of Daniel Silvernail, Architect. He impressed the clients with his gracious nature and open attitude; welcoming feedback and the preferences they had throughout the design process. In addition to being very reasonably priced, Mr. Silvernail quickly gave his attention to the preliminary design plans. After client reviews and approval the full architectural and construction blueprints were finished. We had the complete ready-to-submit-for-permit documents in less than 10 weeks; this included structural engineering, energy calculations and Green Building ratings. We were all impressed by his professionalism throughout the design and building process.

Diehl Concrete is a local Denver business that prides itself in quality decorative work such as custom stamped concrete patios. The owner, Ryan Diehl, plays a hands-on part throughout the entire process. With over 15 years of experience in creating beautiful outdoor spaces, along with his un-compromised integrity, Diehl Concrete is a wise choice for your project. There are countless examples of his work throughout Colorado, including Denver, Aurora, Brighton, Boulder, and Evergreen. Call today and Ryan Diehl will personally evaluate your project, answer your questions, and provide a free quote. Benefits of Stamped Concrete Patios: Affordability: Stamped concrete patios are much more affordable when compared to brick pavers or natural stone. Fortunately, This lower cost doesn’t lack durability or beauty. Longevity: Concrete typically lasts longer than alternative patio materials. To ensure durability, Diehl Concrete will take the extra steps to reduce cracking. We will take great care in preparing your concrete sub-grade with proper compaction, and road base as well as rebar reinforcement within the concrete. Finally, expansion joints will be strategically placed to minimize and prevent cracking. Color and Pattern Options: The sky is truly the limit on color choices and patterns for stamped concrete patios. Shape: Due to its versatility of the substance, concrete offers homeowners the ability to create any type of shape they would like. Would you like curves, planting beds, or even a fire pit incorporated into your stamped concrete patio? No problem. Low Maintenance: To maintain the look and uphold the durability, a once yearly sealer may be applied. This is something you can do yourself, or we can seal your patio for you. Increased home resale value. Decorative concrete adds curb appeal and aesthetic value to your home, allowing you to maximize the return on your investment.

When it comes to selecting fixtures for your kitchen or bathroom, few options offer the blend of elegance, durability, and functionality like brass bridge faucets. These faucets, with their vintage charm and modern efficiency, bring a unique aesthetic and practical benefits to any space. This article explores the appeal of brass bridge faucets, their key features, benefits, and tips on how to choose and maintain them. The Charm of Brass Bridge Faucets Classic Aesthetic Brass bridge faucets are known for their classic, timeless look. The warm, golden hue of brass adds a touch of luxury and sophistication, making these faucets a focal point in any kitchen or bathroom. Their vintage design can seamlessly blend with various décor styles, from rustic to contemporary. Durability One of the standout qualities of brass is its durability. Brass is resistant to corrosion and can withstand daily wear and tear, ensuring that your faucet remains in excellent condition for years. This makes brass bridge faucets a long-term investment for your home. Versatility Available in various finishes such as polished, brushed, or antique brass, these faucets can complement a wide range of design themes. Whether you want a shiny, reflective finish or a more subdued, matte look, there’s a brass bridge faucet to suit your taste. Key Features of Brass Bridge Faucets Elevated Bridge Design The distinctive feature of bridge faucets is the elevated connecting pipe that links the hot and cold water lines. This bridge not only enhances the faucet's aesthetic appeal but also provides additional clearance, making it easier to clean large pots and pans or to accommodate larger sinks. Dual Handles Brass bridge faucets typically feature dual handles, allowing for precise control over water temperature. This functionality ensures a balanced mix of hot and cold water, providing you with the perfect temperature for your needs. Classic Spout Designs These faucets often come with high-arc or gooseneck spouts, which are both practical and stylish. The high spout design provides ample space for washing and filling containers, adding to the faucet’s functionality. Benefits of Brass Bridge Faucets Visual Appeal Brass bridge faucets serve as a statement piece in any room. Their elegant design and warm finish add a touch of luxury and can elevate the overall aesthetic of your kitchen or bathroom. Functionality Beyond their beauty, brass bridge faucets are highly functional. The dual-handle design allows for precise temperature control, while the elevated bridge offers extra clearance for various tasks. This combination of form and function makes them a practical choice for busy households. Hygienic Properties Brass has natural antimicrobial properties, making it a hygienic choice for kitchen and bathroom fixtures. This can be particularly beneficial in spaces where cleanliness is paramount. Choosing the Right Brass Bridge Faucet Finish Options When selecting a brass bridge faucet, consider the finish that best matches your existing décor. Polished brass offers a shiny, reflective surface, while antique brass provides a more vintage, weathered look. Brushed brass has a matte finish that hides fingerprints and water spots. Coordination with Other Fixtures Ensure that your brass bridge faucet complements other fixtures in your kitchen or bathroom. Coordinating the faucet with cabinet handles, lighting fixtures, and other hardware can create a cohesive and harmonious look. Installation Requirements Check the installation requirements before purchasing a brass bridge faucet. These faucets typically require a three-hole installation, so make sure your sink or countertop is compatible. Maintenance Tips Regular Cleaning To maintain the luster of your brass bridge faucet, clean it regularly with a soft cloth and mild soap. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbers that can scratch the surface. Preventing Water Spots After cleaning, dry the faucet thoroughly to prevent water spots. This is particularly important for polished brass finishes, which are more prone to showing spots and fingerprints. Addressing Tarnish Brass can tarnish over time. To address this, use a brass cleaner or a mixture of lemon juice and baking soda to gently polish the surface. Regular polishing can keep your faucet looking its best. Conclusion Brass bridge faucets are a beautiful and functional addition to any home. Their timeless design, durability, and practicality make them a worthwhile investment for your kitchen or bathroom. By choosing the right finish and maintaining it properly, you can enjoy the elegance and charm of a brass bridge faucet for years to come. Embrace the classic appeal of brass and elevate the look of your home with this stunning fixture.

Set in the charming neighborhood of Wedgwood, this Cape Cod-style home needed a major update to satisfy our client's lifestyle needs. The living room, dining room, and kitchen were all separated, making it hard for our clients to carry out day-to-day life with small kids or adequately entertain. Our client also loved to cook for her family, so having a large open concept kitchen where she could cook, keep tabs on the kids, and entertain simultaneously was very important. To accommodate those needs, we bumped out the back and side of the house and eliminated all the walls in the home's communal areas. Adding on to the back of the house also created space in the basement where they could add a separate entrance and mudroom. We wanted to make sure to blend the character of this home with the client's love for color, modern flare, and updated finishes. So we decided to keep the original fireplace and give it a fresh look with tile, add new hardwood in a lighter stain to match the existing and bring in pops of color through the kitchen cabinets and furnishings. New windows, siding, and a fresh coat of paint were added to give this home the curbside appeal it deserved. In the second phase of this remodel, we transformed the basement bathroom and storage room into a primary suite. With the addition of baby number three, our clients wanted to create a retreat they could call their own. Bringing in soft, muted tones made their bedroom feel calm and collected, a relaxing place to land after a busy day. With our client’s love of patterned tile, we decided to go a little bolder in the bathroom with the flooring and vanity wall. Adding the marble in the shower and on the countertop helped balance the bold tile choices and keep both spaces feeling cohesive.