4-acre Property in Chappaqua NY. Large pond Creation with aeration, Masonry, granite slate porch with Stone center fire pit. Land design and installation of gardens around deck and yard with sporadic trees. About us: Tom Williamson Landscaping, Inc. Simple. Elegant. Landscaping. When preserving or remodeling your outdoor inspirational gardens, entertainment areas, or read-a-book oasis, you can rely on a professional landscaper for the best in beautiful design. As your advocates, they shop multiple nurseries to ensure that you get the healthiest of shrubs, trees, flowers, ground cover, and seed for your installations. Other design elements professionals consider are strong defining rock walls, delightful three-season blooming beds, and healthy rolling lawns. Plus, their planning and project management are additional skills that significantly affect the look and life of your garden. Years of experience and training and working alongside horticultural experts develop the important skills of the trade. But, the ability to turn a home into a representation of the family’s successes and accomplishments is the artistry that only a seasonal professional landscaper can deliver. Welcome to Tom Williamson Landscaping. We design, install and maintain brilliant gardens and lawns, providing this high level of beauty. Our 30 years of servicing Westchester County’s fine homes and families is a testament to our ability to listen and respond to your visions and needs. We have the artists, the muscle, and the management to provide — not only gardens and lawns your neighbors will envy — but the “experience” that ensures you hired the right landscaper. So, if you are planning on refreshing your home and outdoors with stone or living environments, visit our gallery to see our work. We are here, happy to answer your questions. Call us today at 914-762-4927 or email us. Services provided are everything great gardening: Landscaping and Masonry; Ground cover, Pachysandra installation, Rose bush installation, Boxwood installation, Tree installation, Bushes, Plantings, Trees, Seasonal plantings, Urns, Pruning, Fertilization, Lawn care & Maintenance, Mulching, Installation of Large Trees, Holiday Trimming, Snowplowing to keep your home enjoyable even in the winter. Landscape Design and construction, Lawn care and maintenance, Lawn Installation: sod, hydro seeding, spot seeding, Lawn Fertilizing and Lyme application, Landscape design plans and installation, Masonry: stone walls, patios, walkways, garden paths, boulder steps, Planting Bed Care: mulching, weeding, edging, trimming, Pruning: trees & shrubs, Deep Root Feeding: Trees and shrubs, Tree Installation: dwarf to large, ornamental, flowering, evergreen, Maple, Cedar, Dogwood, Cherry, Apple, Red Bud, Shrub Installation: Boxwood, Holly, Juniper, Cypress, Dogwood twig, Leucothoe, Andromeda, Viburnum, Hydrangea, Lylac, Installation Ornamental Grasses: Fountain grass, Fox Tail grass, Hakone grass, ferns, Ground Cover Installation: Pachysandra, Ivy, Vinca, Perennial Installation: Daffodils, Tulips, Lilies, Lavender, Hibiscus, Black-eyed Susan, Bleeding Heart, Peony, Sage, Clematis, Sedum, Hosta, Sage, Iris, Plumbago, Astilbe, and Ferns, Flowering Annuals Installation: Pansies, Begonias, Petunias, Daises, Geraniums, Impatiens, Lantana, Fushia, Bacopa, Flower Pots, Urns and Boxes: Overflowing mixture of annuals, perennials and hangers for spring, summer, fall and winter, Gutter Cleaning: Late fall, Snow Removal: Plowing, salting, walkways shoveled, roofs raked, Winter Holiday Trimming Areas cover: 10504, 10506, 10510, 10514, 10546, 10549, 10562, 10570, 10510 Servicing Chappaqua, Briarcliff Manor, Ossining, Scarborough, Pleasantville, Armonk, and Mt. Kisco Chappaqua 10514 Landscaping: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Scarsdale landscaping: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Masonry in Chappaqua: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Masonry in Pleasantville: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Armonk landscaping specialists: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Mt. Kisco landscaping specialists: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Briarcliff Manor 10510 landscaping contractors: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Braircliff masonry 10510 contractors: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Armonk Masonry contractors: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Chappaqua rock wall specialists: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Ossining landscaping: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Ossining Masonry: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Scarborough Landscaper: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Scarborough Stone Wall and Mason: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Pleasantville land design and installation of large trees: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Pleasantville landscaper: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Mt. Kisco masonry contractors: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Armonk stone wall, driveway and pathway designer: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Best Landscaper in Westchester, NY : http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Hottest landscape business in Westchester, NY: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos

4-acre Property in Chappaqua NY. Large pond Creation with aeration, Masonry, granite slate porch with Stone center fire pit. Land design and installation of gardens around deck and yard with sporadic trees. About us: Tom Williamson Landscaping, Inc. Simple. Elegant. Landscaping. When preserving or remodeling your outdoor inspirational gardens, entertainment areas, or read-a-book oasis, you can rely on a professional landscaper for the best in beautiful design. As your advocates, they shop multiple nurseries to ensure that you get the healthiest of shrubs, trees, flowers, ground cover, and seed for your installations. Other design elements professionals consider are strong defining rock walls, delightful three-season blooming beds, and healthy rolling lawns. Plus, their planning and project management are additional skills that significantly affect the look and life of your garden. Years of experience and training and working alongside horticultural experts develop the important skills of the trade. But, the ability to turn a home into a representation of the family’s successes and accomplishments is the artistry that only a seasonal professional landscaper can deliver. Welcome to Tom Williamson Landscaping. We design, install and maintain brilliant gardens and lawns, providing this high level of beauty. Our 30 years of servicing Westchester County’s fine homes and families is a testament to our ability to listen and respond to your visions and needs. We have the artists, the muscle, and the management to provide — not only gardens and lawns your neighbors will envy — but the “experience” that ensures you hired the right landscaper. So, if you are planning on refreshing your home and outdoors with stone or living environments, visit our gallery to see our work. We are here, happy to answer your questions. Call us today at 914-762-4927 or email us. Services provided are everything great gardening: Landscaping and Masonry; Ground cover, Pachysandra installation, Rose bush installation, Boxwood installation, Tree installation, Bushes, Plantings, Trees, Seasonal plantings, Urns, Pruning, Fertilization, Lawn care & Maintenance, Mulching, Installation of Large Trees, Holiday Trimming, Snowplowing to keep your home enjoyable even in the winter. Landscape Design and construction, Lawn care and maintenance, Lawn Installation: sod, hydro seeding, spot seeding, Lawn Fertilizing and Lyme application, Landscape design plans and installation, Masonry: stone walls, patios, walkways, garden paths, boulder steps, Planting Bed Care: mulching, weeding, edging, trimming, Pruning: trees & shrubs, Deep Root Feeding: Trees and shrubs, Tree Installation: dwarf to large, ornamental, flowering, evergreen, Maple, Cedar, Dogwood, Cherry, Apple, Red Bud, Shrub Installation: Boxwood, Holly, Juniper, Cypress, Dogwood twig, Leucothoe, Andromeda, Viburnum, Hydrangea, Lylac, Installation Ornamental Grasses: Fountain grass, Fox Tail grass, Hakone grass, ferns, Ground Cover Installation: Pachysandra, Ivy, Vinca, Perennial Installation: Daffodils, Tulips, Lilies, Lavender, Hibiscus, Black-eyed Susan, Bleeding Heart, Peony, Sage, Clematis, Sedum, Hosta, Sage, Iris, Plumbago, Astilbe, and Ferns, Flowering Annuals Installation: Pansies, Begonias, Petunias, Daises, Geraniums, Impatiens, Lantana, Fushia, Bacopa, Flower Pots, Urns and Boxes: Overflowing mixture of annuals, perennials and hangers for spring, summer, fall and winter, Gutter Cleaning: Late fall, Snow Removal: Plowing, salting, walkways shoveled, roofs raked, Winter Holiday Trimming Areas cover: 10504, 10506, 10510, 10514, 10546, 10549, 10562, 10570, 10510 Servicing Chappaqua, Briarcliff Manor, Ossining, Scarborough, Pleasantville, Armonk, and Mt. Kisco Chappaqua 10514 Landscaping: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Scarsdale landscaping: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Masonry in Chappaqua: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Masonry in Pleasantville: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Armonk landscaping specialists: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Mt. Kisco landscaping specialists: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Briarcliff Manor 10510 landscaping contractors: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Braircliff masonry 10510 contractors: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Armonk Masonry contractors: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Chappaqua rock wall specialists: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Ossining landscaping: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Ossining Masonry: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Scarborough Landscaper: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Scarborough Stone Wall and Mason: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Pleasantville land design and installation of large trees: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Pleasantville landscaper: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Mt. Kisco masonry contractors: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Armonk stone wall, driveway and pathway designer: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Best Landscaper in Westchester, NY : http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Hottest landscape business in Westchester, NY: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos

Staircase - cottage staircase idea in San Francisco

4-acre Property in Chappaqua NY. Large pond Creation with aeration, Masonry, granite slate porch with Stone center fire pit. Land design and installation of gardens around deck and yard with sporadic trees. About us: Tom Williamson Landscaping, Inc. Simple. Elegant. Landscaping. When preserving or remodeling your outdoor inspirational gardens, entertainment areas, or read-a-book oasis, you can rely on a professional landscaper for the best in beautiful design. As your advocates, they shop multiple nurseries to ensure that you get the healthiest of shrubs, trees, flowers, ground cover, and seed for your installations. Other design elements professionals consider are strong defining rock walls, delightful three-season blooming beds, and healthy rolling lawns. Plus, their planning and project management are additional skills that significantly affect the look and life of your garden. Years of experience and training and working alongside horticultural experts develop the important skills of the trade. But, the ability to turn a home into a representation of the family’s successes and accomplishments is the artistry that only a seasonal professional landscaper can deliver. Welcome to Tom Williamson Landscaping. We design, install and maintain brilliant gardens and lawns, providing this high level of beauty. Our 30 years of servicing Westchester County’s fine homes and families is a testament to our ability to listen and respond to your visions and needs. We have the artists, the muscle, and the management to provide — not only gardens and lawns your neighbors will envy — but the “experience” that ensures you hired the right landscaper. So, if you are planning on refreshing your home and outdoors with stone or living environments, visit our gallery to see our work. We are here, happy to answer your questions. Call us today at 914-762-4927 or email us. Services provided are everything great gardening: Landscaping and Masonry; Ground cover, Pachysandra installation, Rose bush installation, Boxwood installation, Tree installation, Bushes, Plantings, Trees, Seasonal plantings, Urns, Pruning, Fertilization, Lawn care & Maintenance, Mulching, Installation of Large Trees, Holiday Trimming, Snowplowing to keep your home enjoyable even in the winter. Landscape Design and construction, Lawn care and maintenance, Lawn Installation: sod, hydro seeding, spot seeding, Lawn Fertilizing and Lyme application, Landscape design plans and installation, Masonry: stone walls, patios, walkways, garden paths, boulder steps, Planting Bed Care: mulching, weeding, edging, trimming, Pruning: trees & shrubs, Deep Root Feeding: Trees and shrubs, Tree Installation: dwarf to large, ornamental, flowering, evergreen, Maple, Cedar, Dogwood, Cherry, Apple, Red Bud, Shrub Installation: Boxwood, Holly, Juniper, Cypress, Dogwood twig, Leucothoe, Andromeda, Viburnum, Hydrangea, Lylac, Installation Ornamental Grasses: Fountain grass, Fox Tail grass, Hakone grass, ferns, Ground Cover Installation: Pachysandra, Ivy, Vinca, Perennial Installation: Daffodils, Tulips, Lilies, Lavender, Hibiscus, Black-eyed Susan, Bleeding Heart, Peony, Sage, Clematis, Sedum, Hosta, Sage, Iris, Plumbago, Astilbe, and Ferns, Flowering Annuals Installation: Pansies, Begonias, Petunias, Daises, Geraniums, Impatiens, Lantana, Fushia, Bacopa, Flower Pots, Urns and Boxes: Overflowing mixture of annuals, perennials and hangers for spring, summer, fall and winter, Gutter Cleaning: Late fall, Snow Removal: Plowing, salting, walkways shoveled, roofs raked, Winter Holiday Trimming Areas cover: 10504, 10506, 10510, 10514, 10546, 10549, 10562, 10570, 10510 Servicing Chappaqua, Briarcliff Manor, Ossining, Scarborough, Pleasantville, Armonk, and Mt. Kisco Chappaqua 10514 Landscaping: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Scarsdale landscaping: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Masonry in Chappaqua: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Masonry in Pleasantville: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Armonk landscaping specialists: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Mt. Kisco landscaping specialists: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Briarcliff Manor 10510 landscaping contractors: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Braircliff masonry 10510 contractors: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Armonk Masonry contractors: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Chappaqua rock wall specialists: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Ossining landscaping: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Ossining Masonry: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Scarborough Landscaper: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Scarborough Stone Wall and Mason: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Pleasantville land design and installation of large trees: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Pleasantville landscaper: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Mt. Kisco masonry contractors: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Armonk stone wall, driveway and pathway designer: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Best Landscaper in Westchester, NY : http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Hottest landscape business in Westchester, NY: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos

4-acre Property in Chappaqua NY. Large pond Creation with aeration, Masonry, granite slate porch with Stone center fire pit. Land design and installation of gardens around deck and yard with sporadic trees. About us: Tom Williamson Landscaping, Inc. Simple. Elegant. Landscaping. When preserving or remodeling your outdoor inspirational gardens, entertainment areas, or read-a-book oasis, you can rely on a professional landscaper for the best in beautiful design. As your advocates, they shop multiple nurseries to ensure that you get the healthiest of shrubs, trees, flowers, ground cover, and seed for your installations. Other design elements professionals consider are strong defining rock walls, delightful three-season blooming beds, and healthy rolling lawns. Plus, their planning and project management are additional skills that significantly affect the look and life of your garden. Years of experience and training and working alongside horticultural experts develop the important skills of the trade. But, the ability to turn a home into a representation of the family’s successes and accomplishments is the artistry that only a seasonal professional landscaper can deliver. Welcome to Tom Williamson Landscaping. We design, install and maintain brilliant gardens and lawns, providing this high level of beauty. Our 30 years of servicing Westchester County’s fine homes and families is a testament to our ability to listen and respond to your visions and needs. We have the artists, the muscle, and the management to provide — not only gardens and lawns your neighbors will envy — but the “experience” that ensures you hired the right landscaper. So, if you are planning on refreshing your home and outdoors with stone or living environments, visit our gallery to see our work. We are here, happy to answer your questions. Call us today at 914-762-4927 or email us. Services provided are everything great gardening: Landscaping and Masonry; Ground cover, Pachysandra installation, Rose bush installation, Boxwood installation, Tree installation, Bushes, Plantings, Trees, Seasonal plantings, Urns, Pruning, Fertilization, Lawn care & Maintenance, Mulching, Installation of Large Trees, Holiday Trimming, Snowplowing to keep your home enjoyable even in the winter. Landscape Design and construction, Lawn care and maintenance, Lawn Installation: sod, hydro seeding, spot seeding, Lawn Fertilizing and Lyme application, Landscape design plans and installation, Masonry: stone walls, patios, walkways, garden paths, boulder steps, Planting Bed Care: mulching, weeding, edging, trimming, Pruning: trees & shrubs, Deep Root Feeding: Trees and shrubs, Tree Installation: dwarf to large, ornamental, flowering, evergreen, Maple, Cedar, Dogwood, Cherry, Apple, Red Bud, Shrub Installation: Boxwood, Holly, Juniper, Cypress, Dogwood twig, Leucothoe, Andromeda, Viburnum, Hydrangea, Lylac, Installation Ornamental Grasses: Fountain grass, Fox Tail grass, Hakone grass, ferns, Ground Cover Installation: Pachysandra, Ivy, Vinca, Perennial Installation: Daffodils, Tulips, Lilies, Lavender, Hibiscus, Black-eyed Susan, Bleeding Heart, Peony, Sage, Clematis, Sedum, Hosta, Sage, Iris, Plumbago, Astilbe, and Ferns, Flowering Annuals Installation: Pansies, Begonias, Petunias, Daises, Geraniums, Impatiens, Lantana, Fushia, Bacopa, Flower Pots, Urns and Boxes: Overflowing mixture of annuals, perennials and hangers for spring, summer, fall and winter, Gutter Cleaning: Late fall, Snow Removal: Plowing, salting, walkways shoveled, roofs raked, Winter Holiday Trimming Areas cover: 10504, 10506, 10510, 10514, 10546, 10549, 10562, 10570, 10510 Servicing Chappaqua, Briarcliff Manor, Ossining, Scarborough, Pleasantville, Armonk, and Mt. Kisco Chappaqua 10514 Landscaping: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Scarsdale landscaping: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Masonry in Chappaqua: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Masonry in Pleasantville: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Armonk landscaping specialists: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Mt. Kisco landscaping specialists: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Briarcliff Manor 10510 landscaping contractors: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Braircliff masonry 10510 contractors: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Armonk Masonry contractors: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Chappaqua rock wall specialists: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Ossining landscaping: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Ossining Masonry: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Scarborough Landscaper: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Scarborough Stone Wall and Mason: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Pleasantville land design and installation of large trees: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Pleasantville landscaper: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Mt. Kisco masonry contractors: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Armonk stone wall, driveway and pathway designer: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Best Landscaper in Westchester, NY : http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos Hottest landscape business in Westchester, NY: http://www.tomwilliamsonlandscaping.com/photos

Budget Blinds blackout roller shades, photo credit installer Adam Brannick
Example of a mid-sized transitional guest bedroom design in Cedar Rapids with gray walls and no fireplace

This article is posted here with the consent of the author. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, view, or opinion of Crestron Electronics, Inc., or of any of its employees. Crestron Electronics is not responsible for, and does not verify the accuracy of, any of the information contained in this article. By Jeff Singer The “smart” revolution began several years ago with smartphones (a.k.a phones) and has extended in recent years to thermostats, doorbells, alarm systems, and kitchen appliances. Smart devices are so ubiquitous that the term “smart” is overused to the point that it is almost meaningless. Companies are eager to jump on the bandwagon and claim their products are “smart,” and consumers proudly claim they have a smart home because they have lighting control. Misconceptions about smart homes are prevalent and create confusion in the marketplace. This can have deleterious effects on businesses and underserve consumers. Here are seven of the most popular misconceptions about smart homes: 1. Apps are smart Apps are convenient and easy to use. Yes, it seems there’s an app for everything. People expect to be able to download an app and do just about anything. App developers and many companies do not disavow consumers of this myth. On the contrary, they promote this idea with carefully worded descriptions. The promise of having the world at your fingertips for $1.99 is very enticing. Although it sounds too good to be true, it is also too good to pass up for many people. This leads to undervaluing home control and disappointment when the apps don’t work, which undermines confidence in our industry. The fact is that apps are not smart. They do not control anything. They must connect to and communicate with a control system or cloud service that processes, prioritizes, and executes commands. That’s the real magic and what most people do not understand. 2. Smart devices work together With so many smart appliances and devices on the market today, it’s understandable that the average consumer might think that they actually communicate and work together. This is simply not the case. Smart devices are not that smart. They are designed and manufactured by different, often competing, companies. There are no national or industry standards governing these products. Even if they all operate using Wi-Fi® communications, that doesn’t mean they work together. Some companies promote a home control platform, which unites different devices from different companies – in theory. The platform is yet another third-party software totally dependent on other companies developing APIs and writing control modules for their hardware to run on that piece of software. The devices are not independently compatible. Also, when updates are made to either the hardware or the software, functionality may be affected for some period. That’s a nice way of saying the device or system won’t work and there’s no way of knowing for how long. 3. It’s a DIY project Which brings us to the next myth, which is that the average person can do it themselves. Unless you are a skilled professional, I would not advise taking on a smart home project. You want to make a light turn on and off with your Alexa® or Google Assistant™ virtual assistant software, go for it. A smart home takes much more planning and expertise. I have no problem changing a light bulb or hanging a light fixture in my dining room; however, I am not going to rewire my house. I may change the flush valve in my toilet, but I’m not going to replace the pipes in my house. You get it. Integrating devices and systems, establishing different zones, creating scenes, designing the UI with a balance between control, feedback, and simplicity – all takes experience and skill. 4. Need a programmer to make changes Early adopters may have experienced the pain of trying to make a simple change or update to their home control system. Years ago, if the cable provider changed the channel line-up, the homeowner would have to call the dealer or programmer to make an appointment for them to come out to the house to reprogram the system. The system wouldn’t work as expected until it was updated, which often took several days and beaucoup bucks. Not anymore. Technology has evolved so now it’s easy for system owners to change favorite channels, create scenes, rename buttons, update images, and more. While a professional is needed for the initial installation and setup, the system is easy to manage once it’s up and running. This makes life so much easier for both dealer and customer. 5. Tech becomes obsolete quickly Similar to updating the UI, updating firmware or hardware used to be a stressful process. A smart home should be intelligent enough to update itself. Apps don’t become obsolete. Updates are constantly pushed out from the cloud, making them better all the time. The same is true for a good smart home system. New features, functions, and device support gets added in the background consistently, so the system you installed (or purchased) yesterday gets better over time. Swapping out decorative elements, such as keypads, dimmers, and touch screens is also seamless. When a new device is added, all the settings are pulled down from the cloud and it just works. No system interruptions. No sunk costs. No imposing house calls. No surprise bills. 6. Lighting control saves energy and money Lighting control is one of the most popular smart systems, but it takes more than just one system to make a home smart. On the surface, it makes sense that if you dim the lights ten percent, then you save ten percent of energy costs. If the shades are raised during the day to take advantage of sunlight so the lights don’t need to be on (or at least not 100%), but that causes the room temperature to rise a few degrees, which triggers the air conditioner to run longer and more often, was energy usage (or cost) reduced? A smart home integrates all the various systems and technology to optimize comfort, convenience, safety, and sometimes energy. 7. Home technology is easy to hack Security is at the forefront of people’s minds these days. Personal identities are stolen; email accounts hacked; private photos publicized; and more. A smart home must outsmart those who don’t respect privacy. Crestron control systems adhere to the strictest security standards. The same Crestron control system that goes into a home is also installed in secure government and military facilities, global banking institutions, hospitals, and other mission critical applications. When installed correctly by a trained professional, a Crestron smart home is the gold standard for security, comfort, and convenience.

Large country u-shaped medium tone wood floor kitchen photo in Milwaukee with white cabinets and a peninsula

Example of a 1950s home design design in Seattle

Mannington Adura LVT Napa, color Tanin
Elegant vinyl floor bedroom photo

Example of a mid-sized transitional enclosed carpeted and beige floor home theater design in Salt Lake City with gray walls and a wall-mounted tv

http://www.heidisbridge.com/
Minimalist home design photo in Philadelphia

Grabell Phase 1 – In this phase of the project, we transformed the entire first floor by gutting it down to studs and subfloor. We replaced rotted exterior walls, completely removed all exterior siding and installed vinyl simulated cedar shingle siding. We removed the chimney and installed central AC and gas heat and on demand hot water. We then installed white oak floors, recessed lights, and converted front porch into a mudroom with a coat closet and custom bench. We created a completely redesigned kitchen, living room, bathroom and two bedrooms to complete the first floor.

Ever notice how your iron fence looks worse every spring after Chicago winters? That steady seasonal decline is not inevitable - it is a preparation and coating problem that Windy City Painters solves with systematic metal restoration. PROJECT OVERVIEW Iron fence painting in Chicago requires more than a fresh coat of paint. Chicago's freeze-thaw cycles, road salt exposure, and high seasonal humidity create conditions that destroy inadequately prepared metal coatings within a year or two. Windy City Painters approaches every iron fence project as a corrosion control job first and a painting job second. The result is a finish that holds up through multiple Chicago winters without peeling, bubbling, or allowing rust to spread beneath the surface. MAterials AND PRODUCTS Windy City Painters selects products specifically rated for ferrous metal in high-corrosion environments. For rust conversion, we use Ospho phosphoric acid treatment or Corroseal water-based rust converter, both of which chemically transform active rust into a stable iron phosphate compound. For priming and finish coats, Rust-Oleum DTM and Sherwin-Williams DTM rust-inhibitive direct-to-metal coatings provide excellent adhesion, flexibility, and moisture resistance. These products are formulated to expand and contract with metal through temperature swings without cracking. THE PROCESS Step 1 - Mechanical Surface Preparation: Wire wheel grinding and needle gun descaling remove all loose rust, failing paint, and mill scale. This step is non-negotiable. No rust-inhibitive coating performs correctly over contaminated or loosely adhered substrate. Windy City Painters treats this phase as the foundation of the entire project. Step 2 - Rust Conversion Treatment: Ospho or Corroseal is applied to any remaining rust after mechanical prep. These products do not simply cover rust - they react with iron oxide to create iron phosphate, a chemically stable surface that accepts primer without ongoing corrosion underneath. Contact time and full surface saturation are critical. Step 3 - Rust-Inhibitive Priming: Rust-Oleum DTM or Sherwin-Williams DTM rust-inhibitive primer is applied by brush to ensure full penetration into ornamental details, crevices, and rail joints where moisture collects. Spray application alone misses critical contact points on older Chicago ironwork. Step 4 - Finish Coat Application: Two finish coats of Rust-Oleum DTM or Sherwin-Williams DTM topcoat deliver color saturation, UV stability, and a hard film that resists chipping from foot traffic, landscaping equipment, and seasonal debris impact common to Chicago urban properties. CHICAGO-SPECIFIC CHALLENGES Chicago iron fences face a combination of stressors that accelerates failure compared to milder climates. Road salt spray migrates well beyond the street surface and deposits chlorides on fence metal throughout winter. Freeze-thaw cycles - sometimes occurring multiple times in a single week - expand and contract metal enough to crack coatings that lack flexibility. Older ornamental iron on greystones, Victorian brownstones, two-flats, and courtyard buildings often has decades of paint buildup that must be addressed before any restoration coating will perform correctly. WHAT TO EXPECT LONG-TERM A properly prepared and coated iron fence painted by Windy City Painters typically performs five to seven years before requiring recoating in Chicago conditions. Annual spring inspection for salt residue, minor touch-up of any chips within the first season, and a light rinse to remove winter road chemicals all extend coating life. Structural rust that has compromised rail integrity should be addressed by a welder before painting - Windy City Painters identifies these conditions during initial assessment. PRO TIPS Tip 1: Never paint over rust without a conversion treatment first. Paint applied over active rust creates a sealed environment where corrosion accelerates invisibly until the coating fails completely. Tip 2: Budget for welded repairs on iron fences older than twenty-five years. Ornamental iron on Chicago historic properties often has pitting or section loss that painting alone cannot address structurally. Tip 3: Time your iron fence painting project for late spring or early fall when temperatures stay consistently above fifty degrees overnight. DTM coatings need adequate cure time before the first freeze to achieve full hardness. Call Windy City Painters to schedule your iron fence assessment at windypainters.com. FAQ Q: What is the cost of iron fence painting in Chicago? A: Iron fence painting cost in Chicago varies by linear footage, rust severity, and ornamental complexity. Windy City Painters provides free on-site estimates so you receive an accurate number before any commitment is made. Q: Do you need to remove all old paint before repainting an iron fence? A: Not always. Windy City Painters assesses existing coating adhesion. Sound paint in good condition can remain. Peeling, bubbling, or paint over active rust must be removed for the new coating to perform correctly. Q: Can structural rust on an iron fence be repaired without replacing the fence? A: Depends on severity. Surface and moderate rust responds well to conversion treatment and DTM coatings. If rust has caused section loss or structural weakness, Windy City Painters recommends a welder address those areas before painting. Q: How long does iron fence painting take? A: Most residential iron fence projects take one to three days including prep, rust conversion, priming, and two finish coats. Windy City Painters sequences cure time between coats to ensure full adhesion at every stage. Q: What is the best paint for iron fences in Chicago? A: Rust-Oleum DTM and Sherwin-Williams DTM rust-inhibitive coatings are among the best options for Chicago iron fences due to their flexibility, moisture resistance, and ability to handle freeze-thaw temperature swings without cracking. Q: Is it worth painting an old iron fence or should I replace it? A: Painting is almost always more cost-effective than replacement for structurally sound iron. Windy City Painters assesses every fence honestly and only recommends replacement when restoration would not deliver a durable result. Q: How do I find a reliable iron fence painting contractor near me in Chicago? A: Look for contractors who specify rust conversion products by name, explain their mechanical prep process, and provide references from similar Chicago properties. Windy City Painters documents every step and warranties our work.

Elegant 4-Foot Black Ornamental Aluminum Fence by Wiler Fence Company – Elite EFF-20 Model Installed for a New Inground Pool in Medina, OhioWiler Fence Company recently completed a stunning 4-foot tall black ornamental aluminum fence installation in Medina, Ohio, perfectly complementing a brand-new inground swimming pool for a growing family. Manufactured by Elite Fence Products (a trusted American-made brand), the EFF-20 model delivers timeless wrought-iron style with modern durability and zero-maintenance appeal—making it an ideal choice for poolside safety, curb appeal, and long-term value.The EFF-20 is one of Elite's most popular residential-grade styles, featuring a clean, flat top rail with a subtle beveled edge for a sleek, contemporary look that mimics traditional wrought iron without the rust or upkeep. Key specifications include:Height: 4 feet (48 inches) – precisely meeting Medina's minimum 4-foot requirement for residential pool enclosures while keeping the yard feeling open and inviting. Construction: Extruded aluminum panels with 1-1/8" x 1" horizontal rails (three rails total for strength and stability), 5/8" x 5/8" vertical pickets spaced approximately 3-13/16" apart (standard residential spacing that allows visibility while preventing small children or pets from slipping through). Finish: Premium powder-coated black – a durable TGIC polyester coating that resists fading, chipping, and corrosion, backed by Elite's limited lifetime warranty. This rich matte-to-semi-gloss black finish enhances any home's exterior and blends beautifully with modern landscaping. Strength: Residential-grade design supports up to 350 lbs of pressure on the top rail, ensuring it stands up to Ohio's weather extremes and everyday use. Panels: Pre-assembled sections (typically 72.5" wide) for efficient, precise installation with minimal visible hardware (screws on one side only for a cleaner appearance from the street). This installation was specifically chosen for the new inground pool to provide essential safety and code compliance. In Medina, Ohio, local regulations require pool fences to be at least 4 feet tall, with no more than 3 inches of ground clearance, self-closing/latching gates, and spacing that prevents a 4-inch sphere from passing through—standards the Elite EFF-20 easily satisfies (and often exceeds for pool applications). The open picket design maintains great sightlines for supervision while creating a secure barrier that deters unsupervised access.Wiler Fence Company's expert crew handled the full process seamlessly:Coordinated with the City of Medina for the required building permit and zoning certificate (including site plans and pool setback compliance—no front-yard placement, minimum distances from structures, etc.). Called 811 for utility locates and prepared post holes to frost-line depth (typically 36-42 inches in Medina's soil) for rock-solid concrete footings. Installed line, corner, and end posts (2" x 2" or 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" aluminum) with matching black powder coat. Set pre-assembled EFF-20 panels level and plumb, then added self-closing, self-latching gates (with child-proof latches at least 54 inches high) for easy pool access. Left the site spotless, with final walkthrough and city inspection passed on the first try. The homeowners now enjoy a safe, elegant pool area that looks upscale and professional—enhancing their backyard oasis without the ongoing painting, rust worries, or sagging common with other materials. The black aluminum provides a sophisticated contrast against the pool's blue water and surrounding greenery, while the 4-foot height keeps the view open to the house and yard.At Wiler Fence Company, we're proud to bring Elite Fence Products' high-quality craftsmanship to Northeast Ohio homes. If you're adding an inground pool, upgrading your perimeter, or seeking low-maintenance elegance, the EFF-20 in black is a top performer for safety, style, and satisfaction.Ready for your own Elite aluminum fence project in Medina, Brunswick, or surrounding areas? Contact us for a free estimate today! (216) 714-3337 www.wiler.org #WilerFenceCompany #EliteFence #OrnamentalAluminumFence #PoolFence #MedinaOhio #IngroundPool #BlackAluminumFence #NortheastOhioFencing

The ground floor volumes wrapped in an elongated hand-fired brick, emphasizing the horizontality of the architecture that lays solidly on the land. (Photography by: Matthew Millman)

Modern luxury meets warm farmhouse in this Southampton home! Scandinavian inspired furnishings and light fixtures create a clean and tailored look, while the natural materials found in accent walls, casegoods, the staircase, and home decor hone in on a homey feel. An open-concept interior that proves less can be more is how we’d explain this interior. By accentuating the “negative space,” we’ve allowed the carefully chosen furnishings and artwork to steal the show, while the crisp whites and abundance of natural light create a rejuvenated and refreshed interior. This sprawling 5,000 square foot home includes a salon, ballet room, two media rooms, a conference room, multifunctional study, and, lastly, a guest house (which is a mini version of the main house).

Located in Burgh Castle West of Great Yarmouth, this Travertine stone floor was a classic example of an incomplete installation. By incomplete I mean the tiler had done a fine job of laying and grouting the tiles but had left it at that and not sealed the stone. Natural stone like Travertine is porous and needs a sealer to stop dirt becoming ingrained in its pores, a sealer will also improve its appearance. Without a sealer this floor now looked very dull, pale, rather damaged with pitting and heavily soiled with ingrained dirt. Pitting in stone like this is a natural feature of Travertine however it can be exacerbated with the use of acid cleaning products. This was a floor in urgent need of a face lift, and I was confident it could be transformed into a very beautiful floor. I think it is true to say that most tilers will skilfully lay a floor for you but usually don’t have the knowledge, experience or equipment to finish the surface properly and when it comes to sealing many will recommend a product and suggest you take care of it yourself. Naturally if your find yourself in that position don’t insist the tiler does it, better to give us a call and have it done properly. Our first job was to backfill the larger pits in the stone which as I mentioned are a natural feature of travertine material, but they can trap dirt and so its best if they are plugged with a suitably rigid filler. Also, if left alone the larger holes can quickly become larger as their edges crumble and break up leading to the entire tile becoming unstable. Replacing a tile in a floor like this is possible however its an extremely awkward job to do and it can be difficult to find an exact match for replacement. Filling was done using a two-part, neutral cream-coloured polyester compound which gels in about fifteen minutes after addition of the catalyst. After this initial period, the excess product is trimmed off level with the surface of the tile before it sets harder than the stone itself in around sixty minutes. The fully cured compound can then be cut and machined as though it were part of the stone structure. Our second job was to remove deep scratches caused by the unprotected feet of workmen’s ladders. This was done using Tile Doctor 50-grit and 100-grit diamond hand burnishing pads with a little water as a cutting medium. Shallower scratching present across the rest of the floor was removed using a Tile Doctor 200-grit soft milling pad driven by our Klindex 17″ rotary machine. This abrasive action produces a fine slurry which was then rinsed with water and extracted using our 400psi Ninja machine in preparation for the next stage of the refinishing process. These machines were an expensive investment for our business however they are very robust and effective producing a good result that saves time. Next task was to restore the polished appearance of the Travertine which was done using the application of a set of Tile Doctor burnishing pads. The process starts by applying a coarse 400-grit diamond pad, again fitted to the Klindex rotary machine. This cleans the tile and improves the matt finish left by the milling pad; again, the slurry was rinse-extracted before moving on to the next pad in the set. Next came the finer diamond polishing stages of 800 grit and 1500 grit, slurry being removed as before between the grades. By this time, all the scratches had been removed and the Travertine floor had visually pleasing even sheen across the whole surface. The last pad in the set is applied dry with a little water sprayed onto the tile so we left the area to dry out thoroughly overnight with the assistance of our large capacity dehumidifier. Returning the following morning, we found that the floor had dried out perfectly and was ready to be vacuumed and spray burnished with the last pad in the set which is a 3000-grit very fine pad applied using a small amount of water sprayed from a trigger bottle resulting in a deep, rich shine across the floor surface. Last step in the face lift was to seal the floor with a generous coat of Tile Doctor Ultra-Seal, a premium grade penetrating sealer recommended for use in Kitchens and food preparation areas. Having left the floor to soak up as much of the Tile Doctor Ultra-Seal as it could, the excess product was removed and the whole area allowed to dry completely with the assistance of our industrial air moving fan. Finally, the floor was spray buffed to a deep shine using a white maintenance pad. The client was extremely pleased with our results and was amazed at the variation of colours within the stone which had never been visible previously. Nick White Norfolk Tile Doctor

Originally, the exterior of the Napa ranch residence was a standard knocked down stucco finish. We covered over the entire exterior of the house with a natural plaster product that has been made in Italy for centuries, known as Rialto or Vero. This product is a combination of slaked lime mixed with 60% reconstituted crushed marble dust. Quarried from the legendary Carrara marble mines. The finish itself is a vertically combed striated texture embedded into the plaster. While it cures, a transparent group of patinas are applied to the stone-like plaster substance to create a look of an aged villa.