This is what happens when you avoid cleaning & sealing your brick paver patio in a shady environment.
Patio - small backyard brick patio idea in Detroit

This client asked me to provide them with ample storage in their ski vacation condo's kitchen. I wanted to take advantage of the end wall to maximize the countertop and give them more storage with a cabinet under the new range that is 92" wide. Even though the cabinet is well supported, the cabinet opening has no center divider which would hinder any individual seeking out pots and kettles from below. The other elements fell into logical places including a generous pantry to the right of the refrigerator. In trying to maintain the sleek look of the backsplash, I worked diligently with the electrician to avoid outlets in the backsplash area as much as possible using Task Lighting's angled power strips. I love working with the outlet strips that tuck up under the cabinetry; they are brilliantly discreet. One of the special elements in this kitchen is the log pedestal base under the cantilevered bar top that is a continuation of the cap on the half wall. This log is from my neighbor's tree which they were cutting down in perfect timing with this renovation. Other components from this same tree are incorporated elsewhere in the condo. Surrounding the bar top are great wrought iron bar stools from Charleston Forge Photo by Sandra J. Curtis, ASID

The Setup For this primary bathroom project, the homeowners sought to transform their outdated, beige-toned space into a bright, functional sanctuary. The existing bathroom felt cramped and lifeless, with a small shower and limited storage options. The goal was to create a fresh, updated bathroom that maximizes the existing footprint while addressing specific desires for a more open, organized space with timeless materials. Design objectives: Brighten the bathroom and eliminate the dated beige color scheme Install a freestanding tub in a compact space Create a larger, more open shower without encroaching on the existing foot print too much Incorporate hidden storage solutions Maintain the existing bathroom layout while improving functionality Update lighting and fixtures to create a contemporary feel The Remodel Design challenges to be solved: - Compact Space Utilization – The small bathroom required careful planning to accommodate a freestanding tub while maintaining functionality and avoiding overcrowding. - Hidden Storage Integration – The clients wanted a discreet hamper solution that wouldn’t clutter the limited floor space. - Shower Niche Placement – With plumbing limitations and the clients’ desire to preserve their wavy accent tile wall, finding the perfect niche spot became a creative puzzle. - Tile and Finish Coordination – Selecting complementary white tile and floor materials that worked harmoniously together. - Larger Shower Space – Make the shower feel more open and brighter The Renewed Space Design solutions: - Strategic Tub Placement – The freestanding tub was carefully positioned to maximize space, with its faucet strategically placed to allow easy access while preserving walking room. We reduced the counter depth just a bit by the tub, allowing more room for hamper cabinet and window access. - Concealed Hamper Storage – A custom pull-out hamper was integrated into the vanity (right side, by tub), providing discreet storage within an 18-inch depth constraint. - Shower Plumbing Wall Niche – We shifted the niche left, just enough to work around the plumbing infrastructure and still score a roomy storage spot that looks intentional. - Sophisticated Selections – Porcelanosa curvy white tile, Kohler brushed gold fixtures, and a neutral grey tile floor created a simple, timeless aesthetic that will be loved years to come. - Open Shower – Replacing the side wall with a clear glass surround, continuing the tile on the ceiling and extending the footprint opened up this area to the room while allowing more natural lighting into the shower space. This bathroom transformation shows how thoughtful design turns challenges into opportunities. Brushed gold fixtures add warmth to the fresh white palette, while the perfectly balanced floor tile brings just the right depth. A partially glass-fronted vanity introduces subtle charm, giving the space a unique edge. Once cramped and outdated, this bathroom now feels bright, spacious, and serene—a testament to how every design detail makes a difference.

This bathroom allows for natural light to flow in while still maintaining the privacy required to relax.
Minimalist home design photo in Denver

Blossom End Rot (BER) is not a disease, it's a physiological condition of tomatoes. It usually occurs after a heat wave early in the summer, and arises when the plant's growth outstrips its ability to deliver water all the way to the tip of the fruit. It usually only affects the tomato trusses that are growing rapidly at the time. Irregular or inadequate water is the most common cause, and over-fertilization can contribute. Inadequate calcium was once thought to be the culprit, but only in rare cases is calcium deficiency the cause. BER is common in container-grown tomatoes. Affected tomatoes are still edible, just cut off the bad part of the fruit. With adequate water, the problem usually self-corrects, but if you want to avoid it entirely, grow cherry tomatoes. Photo by Steve Masley

Stainless steel TEC barbecue. We built a brick wall to match the neighbours brick in order for a seamless look and to avoid introducing a new material.

This is an example of a traditional landscaping in Philadelphia.

Returning home after more than a decade living and working in Taiwan, our client envisioned something entirely different from the French Colonial aesthetic of his early-1990s Beaverton home. Through a comprehensive design-build renovation, this Portland metro whole-house remodel transformed a conventional suburban residence into a richly layered retreat inspired by global travel, natural materials, and timeless craftsmanship. The result is a warm, sophisticated home designed to showcase treasured artifacts and collectibles gathered from years abroad while providing modern functionality for everyday living. From the moment you enter, the home's new character unfolds through a carefully curated palette of wood, stone, and metal. Rich ebony-stained knotty alder millwork draws the eye through the entry, where a newly created mudroom replaces the former office space. Beyond a set of dramatic barn doors, a striking stone fireplace becomes the focal point of the living room, anchored by a reclaimed wood mantel and rustic ceiling beams that add warmth and architectural depth. Nearby, the sunroom was completely refreshed through thoughtful window modifications and custom trim detailing, creating a seamless connection between the interior and the surrounding landscape. The kitchen serves as the heart of the renovation, blending rustic elegance with refined craftsmanship. Custom alder cabinetry is paired with layered metal finishes, allowing subtle copper and bronze undertones to emerge from creamy quartz countertops. A textured slate backsplash echoes the flagstone-inspired flooring, while a newly created butler's pantry provides both beauty and functionality. Each material was selected to evoke the authenticity of old-world craftsmanship while supporting the practical needs of modern living. One of the home's most dramatic architectural transformations is the custom floating staircase. Designed as both a sculptural centerpiece and a solution to circulation challenges, the staircase opens previously constricted pathways and enhances the home's flow. Hand-tooled hickory wraps each tread while weathered metal accents provide subtle industrial character. Upstairs, creative space planning allowed for the addition of a discreet laundry nook within an underutilized hallway area, improving convenience without sacrificing valuable living space. The primary suite continues the home's story of understated luxury and global influence. Rustic ceiling beams mirror those seen throughout the main level, creating visual continuity and warmth. An antique carved door serves as a distinctive feature within the reconfigured closet layout, while the primary bathroom embraces a calming combination of stone, concrete, and matte black finishes. Large-format tile arranged in a custom Versailles-inspired pattern guides the eye through the spa-like retreat, where natural textures and abundant daylight create a serene atmosphere. While the main and upper levels celebrate warmth and global influence, the basement renovation introduces an entirely different layer of the home's personality. To create the ultimate entertainment destination, the basement footprint was extended approximately seven feet beyond the original foundation, transforming previously underutilized space into a seamless indoor-outdoor gathering environment. Inspired by cultured industrial design, the newly expanded lower level was envisioned as a place where family and friends could relax, connect, and enjoy the home's resort-like backyard amenities. At the heart of the basement renovation is a custom entertainment bar featuring reclaimed rustic cabinetry and chiseled-edge granite countertops that emphasize the natural character of the materials. Accordion-style serving windows create a direct connection between the interior bar and the outdoor living spaces, allowing drinks, food, and conversation to flow effortlessly between the entertainment room and the backyard pool, hot tub, and professionally landscaped grounds. The result is a true indoor-outdoor living experience designed for year-round enjoyment. The expansive recreation area accommodates a variety of activities while maintaining a cohesive design aesthetic. A shuffleboard table, billiards area, and casual bar dining space provide multiple destinations for gathering, all unified by a sophisticated palette of brick, concrete, wood, and metal. Slim-profile brick walls introduce texture and authenticity, while custom decorative painting techniques create the appearance of cast concrete accent walls, reinforcing the basement's refined industrial character without overwhelming the space. Supporting spaces throughout the lower level were equally transformed. An outdated bathroom was fully renovated to reflect the home's dark and moody aesthetic, incorporating a curbless shower, rustic vanity, and layered finishes that balance comfort with style. Two underutilized bedrooms were thoughtfully reconfigured to better support the homeowner's lifestyle, with one becoming a dedicated home office and the other opening into a flexible music room designed for creativity and relaxation. Additional unfinished crawlspace and storage areas were reclaimed to create a private home gym, maximizing every square foot of the home's footprint. The renovation extended beyond the interior walls of the home. A newly rebuilt two-story deck strengthens the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces while providing multiple vantage points overlooking the backyard retreat. On the upper level, adjacent to the primary suite, a new enclosed sunroom addition creates a peaceful sanctuary elevated among the trees. Together, these exterior improvements complement the home's interior transformation, enhancing both livability and year-round enjoyment while creating a true extension of the living space outdoors. Behind the finished spaces, this Beaverton full home remodel required significant structural and technical expertise. Replacing the original staircase involved extensive modifications to the upper-floor framing system, including the installation of concealed supports for the floating treads and the creation of a new landing structure. Throughout the home, natural materials presented unique installation challenges. The dimensional variation of the slate backsplash required each stone to be precisely shaped around electrical devices and surrounding elements, while reclaimed wood beams demanded extensive preparation before they could be securely installed. Careful coordination among multiple trades ensured every custom detail performed as beautifully as it appeared. Because the homeowner remained in Taiwan for much of the renovation, collaboration relied on a highly organized design-build process and frequent communication across a fourteen-hour time difference. Detailed design presentations, material selections, and construction updates allowed key decisions to be made efficiently, even from across the globe. This partnership enabled the project team to successfully execute a highly customized vision despite logistical complexities and construction delays outside of the project's control. Strategic planning also played a crucial role in maintaining the project budget. While the homeowner initially envisioned reclaimed wood flooring and natural flagstone throughout the home, carefully selected engineered hardwood and porcelain tile provided a similar aesthetic with improved performance and cost efficiency. Authenticity was preserved through the use of genuine stone at key focal points, including the fireplace surround and kitchen backsplash, as well as reclaimed wood incorporated into architectural beam details. Existing high-quality windows were retained and transformed through selective replacement, custom trim work, and thoughtful refinishing, delivering the desired look while avoiding unnecessary expense. Additional savings came from a creative exterior repair solution that replicated the home's original stucco detailing without requiring a complete façade replacement. This luxury Beaverton whole-house renovation demonstrates how thoughtful design-build remodeling can completely reimagine an existing home. Through strategic space planning, custom craftsmanship, and budget-conscious decision making, a dated suburban residence was transformed into a distinctive rustic contemporary retreat that reflects its owner's global experiences, personal story, and vision for home.

Enigmatic and refined, the SF residence is designed to draw one’s curiosity to what lies below the surface. Inspired by the Pacific Ocean just beyond its walls, the home conceptually dances between the solid and the permeable. At first glance, a collection of gabled volumes communicate volumetric simplicity. However, it is the materiality that takes precedence to the massing. The first floor’s concrete pedestal is sculpted to form curvilinear entries and passageways - its form and void paying homage to coastal bluffs. Perched above this, the entire gabled facade is enveloped in an operable, wooden veil. Located in an area with significant pedestrian traffic, this rippling screen brings versatility and beauty to the home’s juxtaposition of exposure and privacy. Light, wind, and the sounds and smells of the ocean outside its walls create spaces of reverence and reflection by day. At night, the translucence of the veil gives the home the appearance of a glowing lantern. The residence itself is organized around a series of intimate outdoor rooms, which are not immediately apparent to outside observers. From sunlight sanctuaries to reflective pools, the layout avoids traditional distinctions between indoor and outdoor spaces. Instead, nature is woven into each space through light, sky, trees, and water - culminating in an experience that is entirely unique.

The project consists of three primary additions, one a workshop and garage, the second a basement expansion that juts out over the lake, and a third, which expands the existing living areas with a wall of glass. This third addition, originally not part of the project, was a recommendation by Architecture Office well received by the client because of how it transformed the existing living areas. The existing architecture consists of a historic neo-classical house with a less purist addition that attempts to mimic the original. We took the approach of contrasting the existing to avoid having two additions lacking the craft and integrity of the original. This contrast is a welcoming change to previously dark interiors. The concept opens up opportunities for capturing lake views, creating modern living areas that flow from one to the next. The rear garage and second floor workshop compliment the owners entrepreneurial spirit, a person who enjoys the act of a making. The form is simple but clearly delineates itself form the brick construction with black metal siding and a glass walkway connecting the two. The structure draws from old factory buildings that gather daylight from above, synthesized through a milky polycarbonate portion of roof. The basement addition expands on an existing subterranean space used for storage and utilities. This room is converted into a living space with sleeping quarters, wet bar, and restroom facilities. This living room is a mini oasis from the rest of the house with views secluded to the water and sky. The openness of the balcony expand the view in all directions, with the sun blocked under a cantilevered shade cover.

Quite a bit of flexibility No longer need to move your books or notebooks around to get it in the light at night. The spring loaded arm makes it easy to swing up and down smoothly, and the head of the lamp also turns around freely. Versatile Handy lamp, fits in a number of areas. You can clip it to many places with the C-clamp included. Say, clamp it on a shelf, chair, bedrail, bench, or any other places you would like to. With the heavy weighted base, the lamp can also stand on its own without tripping over. Replaceable bulbs With an E26 sized screw base, the bulb can be replaced as desired. The fuse maximum permissible wattage is 100W, and a 40W bulb is bright enough for normal use. Instant On The lamp response instantly, there is no waiting for light to appear. Delicate size The elegant body of the lamp provides a beautiful and exquisite style that perfectly suitable for you. It comes with a C-clamp for space saving. The cord of the adapter is long enough to reach the outlet. The clamp is screw-on-type rather than a tension-type, which avoid of leaving bite marks on the desk. Key Data Brand: Lighting EVER/LE; Item weight: 3 pounds; Shell Color: Black; Finish: Painting; Power source: Corded-Electric; Input Voltage：110-130V; Base Diameter: 6.02inches; Length of the power cord: 59.06inches.

Beautiful Corner Frame-less Glass Shower Enclosure with Glass-Glass Hinges. Glass-Glass (glass to glass) hinges are the more attractive method to hinge a door that is not connected to a wall. There are limitations such as distance from the wall or weight of the door, and others, Usually we manage to find a way to use this method and the outcome is a beautiful shower enclosure with minimal metal hardware. U-Channel sometimes is a little harder to avoid. It was the only option for this client since we would not have fit 2 brackets on the base of the hinge-side panel for swing support.

Make the Smart Choice! Smart people pay attention to what matters. When people visit your home they won’t be impressed as easily, but they will notice shoddy furniture immediately. It’s human nature to find flaws and problems quicker than solutions. Whenever you enter a home, you look at the furniture. Sadly people often overlook a key piece which is dining chairs. And this thing can be a big problem once you actually sit on the chair. Most chairs look good but when you sit on them, they are actually quite uncomfortable. Imagine having guests over. They love your home and compliment you on your fine taste. When it comes to dinner, they approach the dining table and take their seats. And bam, they start fidgeting in their chairs. Uncomfortable dining chairs can ruin the best dinners and make your home look dull. With these fine dining chairs, you can avoid both a dull look and uncomfortable seats. Designed with a combo of stainless steel and bi-cast leather, these dining chairs provide an interesting design with the incorporation of arm rests. The chairs have a modern look over all and will definitely look great with any modern artsy looking dining table.

Our clients chose to use Deckorators Vista Ironwood decking with single end boards to provide a finished look and a single divider board to avoid unsightly butt seams

These photographs below are of a Slate Tiled Kitchen floor taken at a customer’s house in Henley-on-Thames which, as its name suggests, sits alongside the River Thames in Oxfordshire. My client’s Slate kitchen floor had recently been cleaned with unsuitable cleaning products which I suspect impacted the sealer leaving it looking dull. Sealers really to improve the look of a stone floor so unsurprisingly once the sealer had been damaged my client had been unable to find a cleaning product that could have any kind of positive effect on the tiles. It’s fairly well known that many supermarket quality cleaners are only really designed for use on Ceramic or Porcelain tiled floors as they contain acids which strip away at sealers and acid sensitive stone floors, leaving the stone beneath vulnerable. So your select a cleaning product for your floor always read the small print on the back of the label and make sure you avoid anything that mentions not for use on acid sensitive stone; belter still Tile Doctor have a number of products for cleaning tiled floors including Neutral Cleaner and Stone Soap. To clean the floor and remove any remaining sealer I first made a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Pro Clean which is a strong alkaline cleaner and then spread this over the floor, leaving it to dwell. This allows the cleaner to seep into the slate and get underneath, breakdown sealers and start to lift out ingrained dirt. Following a dwelling period of roughly ten minutes, I agitated the floor periodically with a rotary machine fitted with a black scrubbing pad and scrubbed along the grout lines with a stiff grout brush. I then used a wet vacuum to extract the resultant slurry away and then followed up by rinsing the floor with clean water, and once again vacuumed up the residue. Any stubborn areas were retreated until I was happy with the floor and then I left the floor to dry off completely overnight, in preparation for sealing the following day. Upon my return to the house the following day, I ran some damp tests on different parts of the floor to check for any excess moisture which could potentially damage the performance of the sealer. Once I was satisfied that the floor was completely dry, I proceeded to seal the tiles using Tile Doctor Seal & Go. This will provide a robust surface seal for the future, along with an aesthetically pleasing low-sheen finish. This sealer works particularly well on Slate tiles and, being a water-based sealant, additionally Seal & Go does not emit an unpleasant smell as it dries. Slate is quite a porous stone so I applied six coats of seal to provide long-lasting protection. Barry Woodward Oxfordshire Tile Doctor

When it came to the design of the kitchen, we knew that we wanted something timeless and bright. Classic moldings, white cabinets, and brass fixtures all helped to achieve that effect. While we brought in some existing pieces i.e. the loveseat, window treatments and pillows we splurged when it came to the fixtures. One of the first decisions we made were the Gabby barstools! To avoid having too “sterile” of a space we brought in warmth and texture through our accessories (i.e. vintage pickle jars, woven demijohns and heirloom silver).

We designed the layout of this home around family. The pantry room was transformed into a beautiful, peaceful home office with a cozy corner for the family dog. The living room was redesigned to accommodate the family’s playful pursuits. We designed a stylish outdoor bathroom space to avoid “inside-the-house” messes. The kitchen with a large island and added breakfast table create a cozy space for warm family gatherings. ---Project designed by Courtney Thomas Design in La Cañada. Serving Pasadena, Glendale, Monrovia, San Marino, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena, and Altadena. For more about Courtney Thomas Design, see here: https://www.courtneythomasdesign.com/ To learn more about this project, see here: https://www.courtneythomasdesign.com/portfolio/family-friendly-colonial/

This home had dated and falling apart finishes, an insignificant fireplace in a giant living room, and a poor layout in the family room. Not to mention the primary bath covered in bamboo wallpaper. The clients wanted a functional, updated and good-looking kitchen, a more adult family room, an updated serene primary bath. The remaining baths to be updated and modern. And, to make it feel like a holistic update, they wanted a welcoming staircase/entry. As with most clients, stretching their dollar as far as possible was important. They didn't want to enlarge any footprint or move walls - we had to stay within existing bounds. With a whole home remodel costs can add up quickly depending on where we start & stop. For this family it made sense to do all the work at once to avoid repeat remodels. It was either buy new and still have to customize, or remodel to their exact needs and wants. The remodel was more affordable and made just for them. Many finishes are clean, simple, and modern. A window was removed! in the family room to allow for a symmetrical entertainment center. A dramatic floor to ceiling fireplace surround was created in the Living room. The staircase was totally redone in both shape and style! The primary bath was reworked to get a two-person shower, and soaking tub. Serene /quiet finishes in the primary helped achieve a mellow /calming atmosphere. All new doors and trim throughout.

K Morris
Elegant deck photo in Other