Search results for "Avoiding last minute" in Home Design Ideas

In this primary bathroom, the lighting scheme was key to achieve the client’s goals and create a space where the client would enjoy being. The bathroom felt cramped, dark, visually heavy. The client was also claustrophobic, making the use of the space uncomfortable.
The goal was to transform this space into a relaxed modern spa-like atmosphere, rethink and simplify the floorplan avoiding visual clutter, access natural light, add efficient lighting, and create more visual space.
The lighting plan was crucial to increase visual space. My first thought was to add a skylight to access natural light that is so effective in enlarging the feel of a space.
After looking at the attic and roof lines it became clear that this was not an option. After some research I found the perfect solution: a smart light fixture that mimics a window. It is installed between studs or ceiling joists. The fixture replicates the light of the sun during the day. It goes from soft morning light - to bright noon - to soft dawn light. By recessing the fixture into the ceiling, the skylight-look and extra height was achieved.
The benefits of this light go beyond beautiful design. The fixture is sustainable, energy efficient, and made to last for decades. It regulates the body’s circadian rhythm, helping against sleeping problems and seasonal affective disorder. It also integrates biophilic design, creating connections to nature and benefiting people that spend hours indoors.
The use of mood lighting was also key, creating a cozy, welcoming feel to this home-spa. All the lights are dimmable, and plenty of indirect light sources, like the gorgeous vanity pendants and LED mirrors, create the perfect setting. Not forgetting to mention the soft curves of the bathtub chandelier. This is the perfect place to relax in the bubbly bathtub!

What Is Modern Style?
Modern style has its roots in the modernist movement of the early and mid-20th century. Modern architecture and furnishings emphasize form and structure rather than surface ornamentation — think of large expanses of glass; smooth surfaces like concrete, steel, stone and wood; and accents of chrome and black leather.
Modern style is:
- Clean. Excess embellishment is considered a distraction and to be avoided. Think crisp, clean and sculptural. Shapes are strong, with clearly defined lines and planes.
- Architectural. Furnishings echo rather than distract attention from the architecture for a seamless look.
- Minimal. Modern style embraces negative space with spare furnishings and little color or pattern.
Modern style is not:
- Ornamented. A reaction against heavily ornamented traditional styles, this look embraces simplicity of form.
- Trendy. Unlike contemporary style, which taps into up-to-the-minute changes in the design world, modern design feels more securely rooted.
- Cluttered. Furnishings are chosen with care, and accessories are kept to a minimum for a clean, spacious look.

In this primary bathroom, the lighting scheme was key to achieve the client’s goals and create a space where the client would enjoy being. The bathroom felt cramped, dark, visually heavy. The client was also claustrophobic, making the use of the space uncomfortable.
The goal was to transform this space into a relaxed modern spa-like atmosphere, rethink and simplify the floorplan avoiding visual clutter, access natural light, add efficient lighting, and create more visual space.
The lighting plan was crucial to increase visual space. My first thought was to add a skylight to access natural light that is so effective in enlarging the feel of a space.
After looking at the attic and roof lines it became clear that this was not an option. After some research I found the perfect solution: a smart light fixture that mimics a window. It is installed between studs or ceiling joists. The fixture replicates the light of the sun during the day. It goes from soft morning light - to bright noon - to soft dawn light. By recessing the fixture into the ceiling, the skylight-look and extra height was achieved.
The benefits of this light go beyond beautiful design. The fixture is sustainable, energy efficient, and made to last for decades. It regulates the body’s circadian rhythm, helping against sleeping problems and seasonal affective disorder. It also integrates biophilic design, creating connections to nature and benefiting people that spend hours indoors.
The use of mood lighting was also key, creating a cozy, welcoming feel to this home-spa. All the lights are dimmable, and plenty of indirect light sources, like the gorgeous vanity pendants and LED mirrors, create the perfect setting. Not forgetting to mention the soft curves of the bathtub chandelier. This is the perfect place to relax in the bubbly bathtub!
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In this primary bathroom, the lighting scheme was key to achieve the client’s goals and create a space where the client would enjoy being. The bathroom felt cramped, dark, visually heavy. The client was also claustrophobic, making the use of the space uncomfortable.
The goal was to transform this space into a relaxed modern spa-like atmosphere, rethink and simplify the floorplan avoiding visual clutter, access natural light, add efficient lighting, and create more visual space.
The lighting plan was crucial to increase visual space. My first thought was to add a skylight to access natural light that is so effective in enlarging the feel of a space.
After looking at the attic and roof lines it became clear that this was not an option. After some research I found the perfect solution: a smart light fixture that mimics a window. It is installed between studs or ceiling joists. The fixture replicates the light of the sun during the day. It goes from soft morning light - to bright noon - to soft dawn light. By recessing the fixture into the ceiling, the skylight-look and extra height was achieved.
The benefits of this light go beyond beautiful design. The fixture is sustainable, energy efficient, and made to last for decades. It regulates the body’s circadian rhythm, helping against sleeping problems and seasonal affective disorder. It also integrates biophilic design, creating connections to nature and benefiting people that spend hours indoors.
The use of mood lighting was also key, creating a cozy, welcoming feel to this home-spa. All the lights are dimmable, and plenty of indirect light sources, like the gorgeous vanity pendants and LED mirrors, create the perfect setting. Not forgetting to mention the soft curves of the bathtub chandelier. This is the perfect place to relax in the bubbly bathtub!

MATERIAL - Tiny Juniper wall mount sink is built using heavy-duty Grade A Vitreous China ceramic material coated with stain and scratch resistant glossy porcelain to give a sleek glazed look to your home, making it glide right in with your style.
DIMENSIONS - Measures 17-1/8 In. Wide x 5-3/4 In. High x 10-1/2 In. Proj. Compact space-saving sink is perfect for small bathrooms. Unique oval pattern is an attractive charm to have - Pretty and Practical Porcelain Sinks!
LAVATORY SINK SPECS- Floating wall mount sink includes overflow to avoid water damage and a pre-drilled faucet single hole towards the left. The package does not include faucet, drain and P-Trap, these are sold separately.
JUNIPER WALL HUNG SINKS - Skillfully designed semicircular floating vessel sink is sure to add style and beauty to your place without occupying much space - Perfect for your small bathroom, half bathroom or for kids washroom.
LAG BOLT SLIP ON INSTALLATION - It includes a Lag Bolt Slip-On installation design. You can easily install within minutes and mount the sink on two bolts without needing any bracket.

All of our outdoor patio furniture, including our Anchor Adirondack Chair, is of commercial quality. It is perfect for the pool deck, sundeck, the front porch, or around the fire pit. Each piece is designed to be SOLID & STURDY and is built with comfort in mind. They are designed to be UNIQUE, eye-catching, impressive, yet practical and virtually maintenance free, and built to last for decades. Our chairs are handcrafted from man made composits made by Trex®, which withstands even the harshest weather conditions and includes a 25 year warranty to not shrink, swell, warp, splinter, rot, fade or delaminate and is insect resistant. We use only premium quality American Made stainless steel fasteners to help prevent any rust or corrosion.
Our chair seats and backs interlock for extra strength, durability, and comfort and feature a rolled front design with a curved back and contoured seat and have a flexibility not found in hard wooden chairs and our chairs never get HOT in the sun. We offer dozens of designs (Including your Logo or special request) which can be engraved into the chair back and the design is guaranteed to not crack or chip! We have the best warranty in the industry and a "No Questions Asked" 30 day return policy.
* Our Chairs never Get Hot in The Sun!
* Virtually Maintenance Free - Never needs Painted
* 100% American Made
* Assembly Required if Purchased Online
* 30 Days - No Questions Asked Return Policy
* 25 Year Warranty
Assembly - When shipped, our products will arrive un-assembled and neatly packaged. Assembly instructions will be included, .pdf versions are available on the web site, and "Youtube.com" videos are available to guide you through the easy assembly process. With no previous experience, customers can usually assemble a chair in about 45 minutes. We do this in order to be able to offer FREE SHIPPING!

Utilizing the right plants can really spruce up the look of your property. But before you go and buy the first plant you see, it’s important to think about how dedicated you are to maintaining them and how much time you are willing to invest in them. All plants are alive and need love and attention. The amount of love and attention can vary depending on the plant. If you are a busy person who doesn’t have a lot of time to dedicate to the care of your plants, this doesn’t mean you can’t have plants and have them thrive.
There are many low-maintenance plants that you can choose from. These will allow you to add to the aesthetic of your property, without consuming your time to care for them. We here at Five Star Tree Services have come up with a list of the best low-maintenance shrubs for you to consider.
Flowering Shrubs
Looking to add colour and beauty to your landscape? You might be thinking regular flowers can do this, but have you considered flowering shrubs? These are something simple and beautiful that you can add to your yard.
Hibiscus
These plants come in many colours. It is also known as Chinese Hibiscus, China Rose, and Tropical Hibiscus. This evergreen perennial is native to warm temperature, subtropical and tropical places around the world. The flowers it produces can be 3-8 inches in diameter. Some resemble trumpets. Every flower has 5 or more petals and can range in colours from red, orange, yellow, purple, pink, and white. Flowers are constantly produced by this plant but each blossom only lasts a day. Its growth can be 24 inches a year and has the potential to reach 15 feet fully grown.
Forsythia
This shrub is part of the olive family. It is mostly native to eastern Asia but one is native to southeastern Europe. This plant is also known as golden bells. This is a deciduous shrub that can grow to 3-9 feet but ones with rough grey-brown bark have been known to grow to 20 feet. With opposite positioned leaves, that can grow between 2 and 10 cm in length. They produce bright yellow flowers and will bloom in early spring before the leaves come out.
Evergreen Shrubs
It is beneficial to have more green plants around you. There was a study done that showed women can have improved mental health and a longer life expectancy if you live in or near green areas. If you have a busy life and don’t have space in your home, you are able to still benefit from and experience evergreen shrubs. They are perfect for small yards and large ones alike.
Euonymus
This plant is native to places like East Asia, North America, Madagascar, the Himalayas, and Europe. Depending on what country you are in will determine the species you encounter. These have many names and you might have heard them referred to as a spindle tree, burning-bush, euonymus, strawberry-bush, spindle, or wintercreeper. There are 130 species of deciduous small trees, evergreen shrubs, and lianas.
The wintercreeper is a herbaceous perennial vine and it can grow to 70 feet. But it usually is left at 2-4 feet as a mounded shrub. It has egg-shaped leaves that measure to 1-2.5 inches long and 1-1.75 inches wide. They can vary in colour, such as dark green, green-gold, or green-white.
Blue Star Juniper
This is a needled shrub and is a member of the cypress family. It is native to the Himalayas, Afghanistan, and western China. You might also know it as flaky juniper, Himalayan juniper, or singleseed juniper. This is a dwarf shrub and when it gets to a mature size, it is a compact mound measuring from 1-3 feet high and 1.5-3 feet wide. It grows slow and has a tendency to grow out and not up. It has silvery-blue foliage and is densely packed with needles that are awl-shaped.
Privacy Shrubs
Everyone wants privacy while you are in your home or yard. Some people decide to install a fence in order to give themselves privacy. But there is a more creative way to acquire your privacy; with privacy shrubs! If you are looking for something that is different from a fence and low-maintenance, privacy shrubs are exactly what you are looking for. Not only do these plants provide you with the much-needed privacy you desire, they also add beauty to your landscaping. Some suggestions are as follows:
Thuja Green Giant
This is a genus of coniferous trees that belong to the cypress or Cupressaceae family. 3 out of 5 of these plants are native to Eastern Asia and the other 2 are from North America. This evergreen can also be known as Thuja green rocket or green giant arborvitae. They are fast growing and can grow to 3-5 feet in one season. Growing in a uniform shape, when mature, they can be 50-60 feet tall and 12-20 feet wide. They have tiny, glossy leaves that resemble scales. These overlap tightly together and create a fan of foliage.
Boxwood hedges
These evergreen shrubs and small trees are slow growing. You might also have heard them called boxes. They are native to numerous places that include Mexico, southern and eastern Asia, Africa, and southern and western Europe. These plants have been specifically grown for their foliage but they also produce a flower. They can grow from 1-20 feet tall and spread 2-8 feet wide. They have leathery feeling leaves that are lace-shaped or almost round. The colours can range from pale green to dark blue-green. They produce small yellow-green flowers in the spring.
WARNIIG: this plant produces a toxic alkaloid that can hurt humans and animals. If a person or animal were to eat the leaves, it can trigger convulsions, dizziness, intestinal distress, and respiratory failure. If you come in contact with the sap, it could cause skin irritation. It is best to avoid this plant if you have small children or pets.
Wax Myrtle Tree
This large shrub or small tree is native to the Caribbean and North and Central America. There are many names for this plant that include bayberry tree, southern wax myrtle, southern bayberry, tallow shrub, and candleberry. It is very adaptable to various habitats but it naturally will grow near rivers and streams, wetlands, dunes, fields, pine barrens, hillsides, and in mixed-broadleaf and coniferous forests. This shrub can grow 20-25 feet tall with light olive-green leaves that have serrated edges. It also has smooth thin gray-brown bark. It can also produce bluish-white fruit which grows on short stalks in clusters.
How Five Star Tree Service Can Help
When looking for privacy for your home, utilizing low-maintenance plants is a great way to do this. It is also a great way to add something unique to your yard. Some of these shrubs will require some maintenance, which is where our team at Five Star Tree Services can help! We offer shrub trimming services in Toronto and if you require our assistance, make sure to give us a call at (416) 990-3355.

Want to avoid a costly re-paving project? You may want to look into getting your asphalt sealed to help combat erosion.
Seal coating a driveway will not only give your asphalt the rich, black color it had when it was new, but it can also make your existing asphalt last up to 4 years longer.
Give us a call at 908-249-3519 for a free quote or to find out more about our expertise in construction services we offer.

MATERIAL - Tiny Juniper wall mount sink is built using heavy-duty Grade A Vitreous China ceramic material coated with stain and scratch resistant glossy porcelain to give a sleek glazed look to your home, making it glide right in with your style.
DIMENSIONS - Measures 17-1/8 In. Wide x 5-3/4 In. High x 10-1/2 In. Proj. Compact space-saving sink is perfect for small bathrooms. Unique oval pattern is an attractive charm to have - Pretty and Practical Porcelain Sinks!
LAVATORY SINK SPECS- Floating wall mount sink includes overflow to avoid water damage and a pre-drilled faucet single hole towards the left. The package does not include faucet, drain and P-Trap, these are sold separately.
JUNIPER WALL HUNG SINKS - Skillfully designed semicircular floating vessel sink is sure to add style and beauty to your place without occupying much space - Perfect for your small bathroom, half bathroom or for kids washroom.
LAG BOLT SLIP ON INSTALLATION - It includes a Lag Bolt Slip-On installation design. You can easily install within minutes and mount the sink on two bolts without needing any bracket.

▶Hangs vertically or horizontally on your wall by Z-bars. ▶Slope Frame Edge with R-shaped corners design. ▶Adjustable color temperatures changes from 3000K-6000K. ▶Tap-tap to change the light temperature from 3000K, 4000K to 6000K. ▶Dimmable 100%-10% function. ▶The brightness and light color state are restored when the mirror is powered off. ▶Power switch and anti-fog switch are separate control. ▶IP54 Large-size Anti-fog pad provides better defogger performance, and anti-fog power will be automatic shut off after 60 minutes, safe and energy-saving. ▶Packed with a plug so the mirror can be installed with plug or hardwire as your wish. Hardwire installation support wall switch control the mirror light and defoger ON/OFF. ▶Integrated LED bulbs have an estimated life expectancy of 50,000 hours. ▶Brightness at 2200 lumens ensures consistent lighting with no hot spots or dark spots. ▶Mininum 90 CRI(color rendering index). ▶Wider LED light frost area. ▶Explosion-proof mirror glass can avoid accidentally broken. ▶ETL-listed for US and Canada, conforms to UL Std. 962, certified to CSA Std. C22.2 No. 250.0.

Transforming mundane to majestic! Our team undertook a comprehensive home remodel, breathing new life into every corner of the property and elevating it to unparalleled levels of luxury and sophistication. Among the many stunning transformations, the staircase was the focal point, grasping attention with its grandeur and elegance. From the exquisite balustrades to the meticulously crafted handrails, every aspect of the staircase reflects our commitment to excellence and our dedication to exceeding our clients' expectations. Lastly, of course the floors were undoubtedly just as breathtaking. The light natural wood flooring elevated the home and brought a sophisticated appearance the minute you walk in.

Chiara Rose Anti-slip Armless Sofa Cover Furniture Protector Chair Size Acacia
Dimensions: 29 Inch X 70 Inch
BEST SOFA PROTECTOR - This Slipcover is Extremely Sturdy, as well as an Instant, Magical Solution to Renew your Old Furniture with an Elegant Look! Ultrasonically welded seams prevent ripping apart and unraveling. The Edges are Laser-Cut to give a Chenille Trim Effect. Its Velvety Texture is Soft and also functions like a Warm Pet Bed giving a Sense of Security while your Pet is Resting. Our Covers are absolutely Pet-Friendly.
PROTECTIVE! Best Protection for ANIMAL SCRATCHES FUR SHED-HAIR DIRT FOOD SPILLS WEAR TEAR! STAIN PROOF! Perfect Guard against Cats Dogs Kids Children!
DECORATIVE! Great Stylish Coverage and Luxury Decoration in Living, Sitting Room with Full Solid Colors and Beautiful Printed, Patterned Designs, Extra Deluxe Décor, Nice Plush Texture! New Modern Look! CUSTOM-FIT! Relaxed fitted in Wing-back, Club, Rocker, Single Chair and a Half, one two three Pillow Coach, 1 2 Seaters, Box, T cushion, L, U shape Seaters! Big Large Long Wide Couches! Leather Velour Denim Twill Linen Sofas!
NON SLIDE! Slid-Resistant with PLASTIC DROP BACKING! No More Slipping Off / Sliding Over! Plastic Dots firmly Grip Upholstery! Stays in Place! No Zipper, Mat, Elastic Strap! No Pads under!
EASY CARE & WASH, DURABLE, DETERRENT! Machine Washable! Easily Removable Ready Made Furniture Throws! Cheap and Inexpensive! Heavy Duty Fabric! Stretch Enough to Cloth up Perfectly and Look Form Fit! NO ARMS! Slipcovers with Armrests DON’T properly FIT IN the Armrests and always create Fitting Problems. You know, they also have an Ugly Look. But with Chiara Rose no Need to Worry about Armrests anymore!
• PLEASE MAKE SURE TO READ DETAILED PRODUCT INFORMATION BELOW!
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Product Description
WHY CHIARA ROSE SOFA COVERS?
Kids and Pets; We love them but we also love our furniture. Cleaning furniture is one of the most difficult chores and that’s why you need to protect it from dirt. The easiest and economical way of preserving your furniture is Chiara Rose Sofa Protector. Just put the sofa protector on your sofas (futon or couch) and stop worrying about stains and spills. It is perfect for homes with kids and pets. Pets love to scratch upholstery of the furniture. The enduring 220 gsm polyester fabric of Chiara Rose Sofa Protectors prevents tears and any kind of debris on your sofas. Its sturdy texture doesn’t let any spill and dirt penetrate the upholstery.
Besides being durable, Chiara Rose Sofa Cover is suitable to all types of decoration. To express your own personal style, you can choose from a variety of color and design options that fit perfectly to your home décor. With brilliant colors and attractive patterns, Chiara Rose Sofa Covers will give your room a completely new outlook. Unlike other covers, you don’t need to remove Chiara Rose Sofa Protector when you have guests. It will both protect your furniture and become a part of your home decoration.
WHY CHIARA ROSE SOFA PROTECTOR IS DURABLE?
The most common problem with traditional sofa covers is that after a short time of use the stitches come apart. The edges of Chiara Rose Sofa Cover are manufactured with ultrasonic laser cut technology. This technology prevents the edges from unraveling. What’s more, the 220 gsm polyester knitted fabric is the most long lasting fabric used in furniture protectors. While being durable, this fabric gives a warm sense
of touch and pleasure to sit upon.
WHY CHIARA ROSE IS THE BEST ANTI-SLIP SOFA PROTECTOR?
We always use the most contemporary technology to develop our products. That’s why we decided to use the patented plastic drop design on the back side of our covers to create the anti slip effect. These plastic drops firmly grip the upholstery of furniture so that the cover doesn’t slip off the seat easily. Even after your kids and pets jump on the sofa, Chiara Rose Sofa Cover holds on to your furniture. A quick adjustment is all it takes to get it back to look smooth. Chiara Rose Sofa Cover is the only sofa protector that uses this new technology.
WHY IT IS EASY TO USE CHIARA ROSE SOFA PROTECTORS?
No zippers, no elastic straps, no metal hooks!!! The anti-slip drops will take care of everything! , As shown on the image, just lay Chiara Rose Sofa Cover on your sofa, and tuck it between the cushion and the arms of the sofa. That’s all you need to do to put it on.
Chiara Rose Sofa Protector doesn’t allow everyday dirt, pet hair and food spills reach your sofa. The pattern of the fabric prevents accumulation of dirt on it. You can easily take off this dirt. In order to get best results, use a vacuum cleaner or shake your cover off before machine wash.
Chiara Rose Sofa Protector is easy care. It can be machine washed on max. 30°C or 85°F water temperature. Don’t use bleacher. Machine dryer can be used on low heat setting. To avoid wrinkles, use gentle cycle on washing machine and hang from a line while drying. If necessary, iron at low temperature.

This is a large 17.2 m2 Sandstone Floor installed throughout the living and kitchen areas of a property in the beautiful village of Disley close to Lyme Park which is run by the National Trust. The floor had been installed four years ago and my client was unhappy with the original sealer which hadn’t lasted very long. Without the protection of a sealer dirt had become ingrained in the pores of the stone which was now difficult to clean. Another issue was the rough nature of the Sandstone meant it was impossible to mop as it shreds the mop! As a result, the floor was mainly cleaned with a hoover which was not ideal, especially in a kitchen.
I went over to survey the floor and before quoting I ran a small test clean in the kitchen which took the floor back to its natural pale colour and really showed how dirty the floor had become. Test cleans are great as it helps me to formulate an effective cleaning plan and provide an accurate quote. My client was impressed with the result and so I was booked to come back and deep clean and then reseal the whole floor. Due to its size I estimated the floor would take two days to deep clean and a further day to apply a new sealer, so three days in total.
Working in large sections I started by cleaning the floor and stripping off the old sealer with a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Remove and Go which is a coatings remover that is safe to use on stone. The solution was left to soak into the pores of the Sandstone for ten minutes before being worked in with a 200-grit diamond pad fitted to a rotary floor machine. This action not only removed the old sealer and cleaned the floor but the 200-grit pad being vey coarse removed a lot of the roughness from the surface of the Sandstone so it shouldn’t shred any more mops.
After rinsing the floor with water and removing the slurry with a wet vacuum I set about cleaning the grout with Tile Doctor Pro-Clean worked into the grout line with a stiff brush and assisted with steam from a professional steam cleaner with a grout attachment. Once done the floor was rinsed and extracted again to remove the soil from the grouting. There was also an area near one of the doors where the grout had become loose and needed replacing so I made up a batch of matching grout and filled this in. The floor was then left overnight to dry with assistance from a couple of air movers.
I returned the next day to finish the floor by applying a sealer. First, I double checked the floor was dry with the damp meter. The readings confirmed the air movers had done a good job and that the floor was within the accepted parameters, so I was ready to seal. The sealer I chose was Tile Doctor Seal and Go which being water based doesn’t leave a smell as it dries, it really works well on Sandstone and adds a nice subtle sheen to the stone.
Once finished the floor looked much cleaner, lighter in colour overall more inviting, you could even see the fossils in some of the tiles.
The surface was also smoother so the customer should find cleaning with a mop much easier in future. On that subject its worth pointing out that owners of sealed floors should always use a neutral pH tile cleaner on their floors as most supermarket products are simply too strong and will prematurely strip the sealer off a tile if used repeatedly. Tile Doctor sell a product called Tile Doctor Neutral Cleaner which is ideal for cleaning sealed Sandstone floors like this one.
My client was really happy with the results and sent me a message later saying: “the floor looks amazing!”
Kamila Logonzy
East Cheshire Tile Doctor

This LEED Platinum certified house reflects the homeowner's desire for an exceptionally healthy and comfortable living environment, within a traditional neighborhood.
INFILL SITE. The family, who moved from another area of Wellesley, sought out this property to be within walking distance of the high school and downtown area. An existing structure on the tight lot was removed to make way for the new home. 84% of the construction waste, from both the previous structure and the new home, was diverted from a landfill. ZED designed to preserve the existing mature trees on the perimeter of the property to minimize site impacts, and to maintain the character of the neighborhood as well as privacy on the site.
EXTERIOR EXPRESSION. The street facade of the home relates to the local New England vernacular. The rear uses contemporary language, a nod to the family’s Californian roots, to incorporate a roof deck, solar panels, outdoor living space, and the backyard swimming pool. ZED’s careful planning avoided to the need to face the garage doors towards the street, a common syndrome of a narrow lot.
THOUGHTFUL SPACE. Homes with dual entries can often result in duplicate and unused spaces. In this home, the everyday and formal entry areas are one and the same; the front and garage doors share the entry program of coat closets, mudroom storage with bench for removing your shoes, and a laundry room with generous closets for the children's sporting equipment. The entry area leads directly to the living space, encompassing the kitchen, dining and sitting area areas in an L-shaped open plan arrangement. The kitchen is placed at the south-west corner of the space to allow for a strong connection to the dining, sitting and outdoor living spaces. A fire pit on the deck satisfies the family’s desire for an open flame while a sealed gas fireplace is used indoors - ZED’s preference after omitting gas burning appliances completely from an airtight home. A small study, with a window seat, is conveniently located just off of the living space. A first floor guest bedroom includes an accessible bathroom for aging visitors and can be used as a master suite to accommodate aging in place.
HEALTHY LIVING. The client requested a home that was easy to clean and would provide a respite from seasonal allergies and common contaminants that are found in many indoor spaces. ZED selected easy to clean solid surface flooring throughout, provided ample space for cleaning supplies on each floor, and designed a mechanical system with ventilation that provides a constant supply of fresh outdoor air. ZED selected durable materials, finishes, cabinetry, and casework with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and no added urea formaldehyde.
YEAR-ROUND COMFORT. The home is super insulated and air-tight, paired with high performance triple-paned windows, to ensure it is draft-free throughout the winter (even when in front of the large windows and doors). ZED designed a right-sized heating and cooling system to pair with the thermally improved building enclosure to ensure year-round comfort. The glazing on the home maximizes passive solar gains, and facilitates cross ventilation and daylighting.
ENERGY EFFICIENT. As one of the most energy efficient houses built to date in Wellesley, the home highlights a practical solution for Massachusetts. First, the building enclosure reduces the largest energy requirement for typical houses (heating). Super-insulation, exceptional air sealing, a thermally broken wall assembly, triple pane windows, and passive solar gain combine for a sizable heating load reduction. Second, within the house only efficient systems consume energy. These include an air source heat pump for heating & cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation, and high efficiency appliances. Lastly, photovoltaics provide renewable energy help offset energy consumption. The result is an 89% reduction in energy use compared to a similar brand new home built to code requirements.
RESILIENT. The home will fare well in extreme weather events. During a winter power outage, heat loss will be very slow due to the super-insulated and airtight envelope– taking multiple days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. An engineered drainage system, paired with careful the detailing of the foundation, will help to keep the finished basement dry. A generator will provide full operation of the all-electric house during a power outage.
OVERALL. The home is a reflection of the family goals and an expression of their values, beautifully enabling health, comfort, safety, resilience, and utility, all while respecting the planet.
ZED - Architect & Mechanical Designer
Bevilacqua Builders Inc - Contractor
Creative Land & Water Engineering - Civil Engineering
Barbara Peterson Landscape - Landscape Design
Nest & Company - Interior Furnishings
Eric Roth Photography - Photography

The bathroom of my dreams has finally come true!
Thanks to B.A.C Construction Inc., they have helped turn my 90's bathroom into far better bathroom space. With monochromatic colour tones, we feel that this bathroom will have the timeless style that will last throughout the years and decades to come.

This project was designed by Giuseppe Abbrancati and installed by Gappsi at a fully custom built luxury home in the secluded area of Huntington Bay on Long Island. Simple, clean lines, and elegant design incorporates a 20×40 gunite swimming pool with many features. It includes a built-in spa, finished with waterline porcelain tiles and a blue diamond brite quartz finish made to last a long time. The spa, swimming pool, and all the other options are fully automated by a control accessible through a smartphone. The swimming pool is also equipped with a safety auto cover, that can open and close in one minute. The swimming pool equipment includes a gas heater, multiple VS pumps, an air blower for the spa, a salt-chlorine generator system, and an ozone system. The pool also includes 2 water spill over fire bowls with LED lighting, a full sized diving board, and a sundeck LED bubbler water jet.
This backyard setting includes a gas fire pit area with a masonry patio fire pit structure, and 36 inches columns built to hold the fire bowls next to the pool. There is also an outdoor kitchen built with Wolf outdoor cabinets and a Twin Eagles grill. All patios and walls were paved and veneered with Fiorito travertine, and the pool coping and stepping stone walkways are custom cut flamed Pennsylvania blue stone. A custom-built pavilion was incorporated in the layout to match the house’s architectural design, colors, and materials. This structure was built to cover the couch sitting area and protect it from the rain and sun. The landscaping entails many types of trees and flowers, natural rock walls, precast step risers built to lead to the lower backyard area, and all new sod with an irrigation system for the entire backyard.
Gappsi is a pool & masonry contractor that provides full services from design concepts to management and construction. Gappsi provides backyard and pool designer services in Huntington Bay NY 11743. Feel free to visit our website also at Gappsi.com.

My client decided to sell his house. Fantastic location, best schools in the area, minutes away from the ocean... All that was missing were signs of life and updated finishes. We instantly agreed on whites & greys; a free standing tub, double vanity, and long-lasting / easy-maintenance tile. We now have a clean white space that can be molded into anyone's perfect bath. White canvas gives opportunity to add color and drama. I call this "Baltic White" because sky reflections and tint in the shower glass cast just enough blue to remind me of snowy winters in Scandinavia. To demonstrate character, I staged with black accessories, a tribal rug and added warmth via walnut tub shelf. Candles and salt rock ground the airy feel and leave us with a balanced space that is as welcoming as it is elegant.
Photos - Hale Production Studios

A local cleaning contractor called us in to work on the Terracotta tiled floors at a council building in Amersham. The Terracotta had not been deep cleaned and resealed for about ten years and the sealer had worn off leaving the tile vulnerable to dirt becoming ingrained in the pores of the tile. The grout had also suffered the same fate and had almost gone black in many areas.
This is a common problem with Terracotta which is quite porous and once those pores become ingrained with dirt the tile becomes difficult to clean effectively. The solution is to seal the tile however sealers wear off over time and this was basically the problem.
After discussing the issues we agreed on a plan of action to deep clean the Terracotta tile and grout and then re-seal to protect it. Due to the busy nature of the building we agreed to do the work between Christmas and New Year when we knew the building would be empty.
We started by applying a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Oxy-Gel which is a strong tile cleaning product that being in a gel form ensures it sits on the tile for longer, giving it a longer effective dwell time so it can really eat into and loose the dirt. After approximately twenty minutes the gel was scrubbed into the tile with a black scrubbing pad fitted to a rotary machine. This broke down most of the dirt and removed any remaining sealer. Once the whole floor had been treated in this manner it was rinsed thoroughly with water which was then extracted using a wet vacuum.
With the soiled cleaning solution removed I could see the next step would be to spot clean stubborn staining and clean the grout. For this task I used a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean scrubbing it in by hand using stiff brushes and aided with a hand-held steamer to help treat the stubborn staining. Once done the floor was given a final rinse and then as much moisture as possible removed with the wet vacuum.
We then left the floor to dry off completely and came back a couple of days later to seal the Terracotta tile.
I mentioned earlier that Terracotta is porous; in fact it’s probably the most porous material I deal with, so to fully seal the floor I had to apply eight coats of Tile Doctor Seal and Go which will provide complete and long lasting protection against staining and dirt. Seal and Go also adds an appealing satin sheen to the tile and the new seal will make it much easier to clean in future.
The floor tile and grout now look much healthier and I’m sure the council will be very impressed when they go back to work after the holidays.
Happy New Year…
Andrew Newstead
North Buckinghamshire Tile Doctor

What Is Modern Style?
Modern style has its roots in the modernist movement of the early and mid-20th century. Modern architecture and furnishings emphasize form and structure rather than surface ornamentation — think of large expanses of glass; smooth surfaces like concrete, steel, stone and wood; and accents of chrome and black leather.
Modern style is:
- Clean. Excess embellishment is considered a distraction and to be avoided. Think crisp, clean and sculptural. Shapes are strong, with clearly defined lines and planes.
- Architectural. Furnishings echo rather than distract attention from the architecture for a seamless look.
- Minimal. Modern style embraces negative space with spare furnishings and little color or pattern.
Modern style is not:
- Ornamented. A reaction against heavily ornamented traditional styles, this look embraces simplicity of form.
- Trendy. Unlike contemporary style, which taps into up-to-the-minute changes in the design world, modern design feels more securely rooted.
- Cluttered. Furnishings are chosen with care, and accessories are kept to a minimum for a clean, spacious look.

When navigating around a property and creating a pathway, a concrete walk will do a great job. Concrete is often used for walkways as it is the perfect solution to provide a contoured, conforming surface to the ground while blending in with it’s surroundings. Concrete walkways are a popular choice when a solid consistent surface is desired. Concrete will help to avoid weeds growth as well as offer a smooth surface without any trip hazards that are common with shifting concrete pavers or brick walkways. Concrete is also ideal if you want to include concrete steps, curves or ramps as it can be formed and poured into any shape or curvature.
Decorative concrete can blend seamlessly into the surroundings as it has limitless design possibilities, options and color choices. Concrete walks can be customized to suit your needs and landscape decor. Stamped concrete is an ideal way to add a textured pattern or design to a freshly placed concrete slab walkway.
Concrete can add a lot of curb appeal to your Denver home and the best part is that concrete walkways can be a cost effective solutions when compared to other hard surface materials, while providing a long lasting solution.
Even though concrete is recognized as a grey boring surface, Colored Concrete will add the much needed flare that makes your concrete walkway or pathway stand out from the rest while offering a great way to get wherever it is you’re going around your property.
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