This project included a massive renovation to nearly all spaces in the home: the entry, living room, family room, dining room, kitchen, staircase, and master bathroom. Each space underwent a massive transformation in order to create the elegant & traditional aesthetic that our clients love. On the main level of the home, the original space layout was extremely compartmentalized and dark. Our clients wanted to open up and brighten the space as much as possible. In addition to this, a major goal was to increase function and to create a welcoming environment for guests and the clients alike. We started by opening up the space plan significantly. This allows for flowing space between the kitchen, front living room, and rear family room. Light is better carried through these spaces, and further emphasized with airy colors, light cabinetry, and a better lighting plan overall. We removed the old decorative ceiling beams and reworked closets and hallways to create a more open and functional main level. The kitchen offers a large amount of counter space and storage opportunity, but also welcomes guests at a sizable island and secondary peninsula. Beyond the kitchen, we designed a work nook where display storage and functional workspace are both present. We reworked both fireplaces in the home to create warm nooks for gathering: both fireplaces feature large format stone and are flanked with display shelving. The master bathroom upstairs was completely reworked as well. We eliminated the oversized drop-in tub and in-wall fireplace, and took away the steam shower that had been causing water and mildew issues for years. We relocated the toilet and developed a gorgeous vanity area in the space where the old bathtub and fireplace used to be. We then created a massive shower room in lieu of a tub/shower combination. The bathroom is adorned with warm tones and natural textures: marble subway tile runs up the entire wall behind the vanity, wood-look porcelain covers the floor and back wall of the shower, and simple artisan subway tiles in a creamy vanilla tone cover the shower walls. These spaces completely transformed the look and feel of the house, and we are so happy our amazing clients get to enjoy this home with their family for years to come!

This project included a massive renovation to nearly all spaces in the home: the entry, living room, family room, dining room, kitchen, staircase, and master bathroom. Each space underwent a massive transformation in order to create the elegant & traditional aesthetic that our clients love. On the main level of the home, the original space layout was extremely compartmentalized and dark. Our clients wanted to open up and brighten the space as much as possible. In addition to this, a major goal was to increase function and to create a welcoming environment for guests and the clients alike. We started by opening up the space plan significantly. This allows for flowing space between the kitchen, front living room, and rear family room. Light is better carried through these spaces, and further emphasized with airy colors, light cabinetry, and a better lighting plan overall. We removed the old decorative ceiling beams and reworked closets and hallways to create a more open and functional main level. The kitchen offers a large amount of counter space and storage opportunity, but also welcomes guests at a sizable island and secondary peninsula. Beyond the kitchen, we designed a work nook where display storage and functional workspace are both present. We reworked both fireplaces in the home to create warm nooks for gathering: both fireplaces feature large format stone and are flanked with display shelving. The master bathroom upstairs was completely reworked as well. We eliminated the oversized drop-in tub and in-wall fireplace, and took away the steam shower that had been causing water and mildew issues for years. We relocated the toilet and developed a gorgeous vanity area in the space where the old bathtub and fireplace used to be. We then created a massive shower room in lieu of a tub/shower combination. The bathroom is adorned with warm tones and natural textures: marble subway tile runs up the entire wall behind the vanity, wood-look porcelain covers the floor and back wall of the shower, and simple artisan subway tiles in a creamy vanilla tone cover the shower walls. These spaces completely transformed the look and feel of the house, and we are so happy our amazing clients get to enjoy this home with their family for years to come!

This project included a massive renovation to nearly all spaces in the home: the entry, living room, family room, dining room, kitchen, staircase, and master bathroom. Each space underwent a massive transformation in order to create the elegant & traditional aesthetic that our clients love. On the main level of the home, the original space layout was extremely compartmentalized and dark. Our clients wanted to open up and brighten the space as much as possible. In addition to this, a major goal was to increase function and to create a welcoming environment for guests and the clients alike. We started by opening up the space plan significantly. This allows for flowing space between the kitchen, front living room, and rear family room. Light is better carried through these spaces, and further emphasized with airy colors, light cabinetry, and a better lighting plan overall. We removed the old decorative ceiling beams and reworked closets and hallways to create a more open and functional main level. The kitchen offers a large amount of counter space and storage opportunity, but also welcomes guests at a sizable island and secondary peninsula. Beyond the kitchen, we designed a work nook where display storage and functional workspace are both present. We reworked both fireplaces in the home to create warm nooks for gathering: both fireplaces feature large format stone and are flanked with display shelving. The master bathroom upstairs was completely reworked as well. We eliminated the oversized drop-in tub and in-wall fireplace, and took away the steam shower that had been causing water and mildew issues for years. We relocated the toilet and developed a gorgeous vanity area in the space where the old bathtub and fireplace used to be. We then created a massive shower room in lieu of a tub/shower combination. The bathroom is adorned with warm tones and natural textures: marble subway tile runs up the entire wall behind the vanity, wood-look porcelain covers the floor and back wall of the shower, and simple artisan subway tiles in a creamy vanilla tone cover the shower walls. These spaces completely transformed the look and feel of the house, and we are so happy our amazing clients get to enjoy this home with their family for years to come!

This project included a massive renovation to nearly all spaces in the home: the entry, living room, family room, dining room, kitchen, staircase, and master bathroom. Each space underwent a massive transformation in order to create the elegant & traditional aesthetic that our clients love. On the main level of the home, the original space layout was extremely compartmentalized and dark. Our clients wanted to open up and brighten the space as much as possible. In addition to this, a major goal was to increase function and to create a welcoming environment for guests and the clients alike. We started by opening up the space plan significantly. This allows for flowing space between the kitchen, front living room, and rear family room. Light is better carried through these spaces, and further emphasized with airy colors, light cabinetry, and a better lighting plan overall. We removed the old decorative ceiling beams and reworked closets and hallways to create a more open and functional main level. The kitchen offers a large amount of counter space and storage opportunity, but also welcomes guests at a sizable island and secondary peninsula. Beyond the kitchen, we designed a work nook where display storage and functional workspace are both present. We reworked both fireplaces in the home to create warm nooks for gathering: both fireplaces feature large format stone and are flanked with display shelving. The master bathroom upstairs was completely reworked as well. We eliminated the oversized drop-in tub and in-wall fireplace, and took away the steam shower that had been causing water and mildew issues for years. We relocated the toilet and developed a gorgeous vanity area in the space where the old bathtub and fireplace used to be. We then created a massive shower room in lieu of a tub/shower combination. The bathroom is adorned with warm tones and natural textures: marble subway tile runs up the entire wall behind the vanity, wood-look porcelain covers the floor and back wall of the shower, and simple artisan subway tiles in a creamy vanilla tone cover the shower walls. These spaces completely transformed the look and feel of the house, and we are so happy our amazing clients get to enjoy this home with their family for years to come!

Pontcanna is a popular residential area in the western district of Cardiff, in South East Wales. Known for its rather large houses and spectacular foliage, interestingly enough roughly a quarter of the population are English folk. I was called down to a property in the area to take a look at a Victorian tiled floor which was in quite poor condition. Along with the typical amount of dirt and muck seen on poorly maintained tiles, there were a number of missing tiles and a fair bit of cement caked on the surface of the floor. It would require a robust clean, fresh seal, and several repairs to get this floor back into optimum condition. To begin, I checked for excess moisture problems using a damp meter in various places of the hallway floor and, thankfully, it was showing dry results. Any dampness could have potentially caused problems later on in the restoration process, so it was s good idea to run tests before starting. Next, I manually scraped as much of the dry paint and cement off the tiles as possible, with no lubrication necessary. I then proceeded to clean the floor with a solution I mixed early, consisting of equal parts Tile Doctor NanoTech HBU and Tile Doctor Pro Clean, rinsing as I went. Both products are designed to tackle heavy soil build-up, with the former uniquely using nano-sized particles (as the product name suggests) to penetrate deep into difficult to reach areas in the tiles in order to lift out ingrained muck. Following the initial clean, I removed all of the loose tiles and those heavily affected by cement, before retiling as necessary with fresh Victorian tiles, and grouting the whole floor. Of course, these replacement tiles were carefully sourced to ensure consistency, as far as possible, with the original pattern of the floor. The next day, I went over the whole floor with an application of the acid-based Tile Doctor Grout Clean Up, diluted with a little alkaline Pro Clean to form a cleaning solution. I then used a black pad to scrub the cleaner into the tiles, similarly to the previous day’s cleaning. This was followed by a through rinse with water to neutralise the floor. It was at this point that I noticed some stubborn cement stains remained so I set about breaking them down using a 60 grade hand held diamond polishing block, and this technique proved successful. After completing the clean, I left the floor to dry out for roughly 24 hours. Upon my return to the property to seal the tiles, I tested again for moisture. It is recommended to run damp tests before sealing, as excess moisture can cloud the sealer, affecting its performance in the long run. Fortunately, no dampness was detected and I was proceeded to seal the floor with seven coats of Tile Doctor Seal & Go, which enhances the natural colours in the stone and provides a nice satin gloss appearance, as requested by the customer. I was extremely pleased with the results of this restoration, as was the customer. The extent of the soil build up and damage was such before the restoration that, after completion, the floor looked like it had been newly laid! Julian Iancono South East Wales Tile Doctor

Transitional kitchen photo in Philadelphia

Adding woodchips underneath your trees has many benefits. Some of these benefits include: -soil moisture retention -nutrient leaching when decomposing over time -smother weeds and invasive plants But before you add any woodchips to your gardens and trees, it’s important to make sure you aerate the root zone. Doing so improves the oxygen supply and leaching to the roots. You will see more growth when there is more oxygen. Our team at Five Star Tree Services has come up with a guide on how you can use woodchips in your gardens. Where To Place Woodchips Even though there are many benefits for your trees, there is a right and wrong way to use them. If used incorrectly, you can actually end up hurting your tree instead of helping it. This can happen when there is an excessive amount piled up around a tree, its roots, and the trunk. Woodchips should never touch the trunk of a tree for extended periods of time. What happens is that moisture is retained in the chips and will eventually cause the tree to rot. The end result is death if not caught in time. An indication of rot and decay is fruiting bodies or mushrooms. It is important to keep an eye out for these indicators by taking a good look at your trees. To avoid this situation, make sure to evenly and carefully spread out the chips around the root zone. Clear any chips away from the trunk by an inch or two. When applied correctly; you will see your trees thrive and prosper. They will stay healthy and vivacious from the moisture retention and gradual organic leaching. Soil Compaction Soil compaction can dramatically affect your trees. This is often an overlooked issue for many landscapers. Due to things like foot traffic, large amounts of rain, construction, and the use of heavy machinery, are all factors that result in soil compaction. Things like water and nutrients can’t saturate through the soil when it becomes too compact. This results in soil that is without minerals and dry. When this happens, tree roots struggle to push through the soil, resulting in stressed trees. Preventing Soil Compaction If a tree is left in compacted soil, it will eventually die. One way to avoid this if you are having any construction done in your yard is to set up a Tree Protection Zone, or TPZ. Fences are used to create a barrier where heavy equipment and machinery can’t go in. When heavy machinery is used, this creates extremely compact soil and has been known to crush roots. How Five Star Tree Services Can Help Using woodchips is a great way to help your gardens thrive. But it is vitally important to use it properly, otherwise you will end up hurting your trees, instead of helping them. If you require any Richmond Hill Tree Care Services, don’t hesitate to give us at Five Star Tree Services a call at (416) 990-3355!

u2014 ALE: Wayne Rain Garden Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association u2014 ALE: Wayne Rain Garden Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence winner Category: Residential Up to $15,000 Award Level: Gold Project Description: Our company was contracted by the client to provide a creative solution to an ongoing drainage problem. Their property is located within 30 feet of a local stream that collects storm water from the surrounding area. The nearby stream and high water table caused the lawn area at the side of their home to flood and to remain waterlogged for a few days after each storm. The client not only had difficulty growing plants in the existing conditions, but also had a problem with mosquitoes due to standing water. Our goal was to design a self-contained, naturalistic rain garden that slowed storm water runoff, allowed for percolation, and promoted infiltration while permitting excess clean water to enter the nearby stream with diminished force. As designed, the rain garden allows the earth to slowly and more naturally absorb excess storm water while filtering out toxins such as excess nitrogen and phosphorous which are frequently found in the landscape, therefore reducing the contaminants entering the stream. A percolation test was conducted with criteria of absorbing a one-inch rainstorm within four hours without overflow. The one-inch storm calculation included an existing downspout from the home, which would be piped into the rain garden to reduce roof runoff. The first test failed due to a deep layer of high clay-content soil. Excavation continued until a layer of sandy loam was reached, the percolation test was repeated, and a successful test result was achieved. Next, the entire rain garden basin was excavated to the sandy loam layer and the soil amended with compost and sand to create a highly porous planting media. Geotextile fabric was placed to help reduce migration of the surface stone into the soil and allow for minimal maintenance. Gravel, river stone and small boulders were carefully placed to achieve the look of a natural streambed. A palette of mostly native plants with a few non-invasive ornamentals were chosen for their ability to survive in extreme conditions ranging from floods to drought and were placed according to their specific preferences. Wetland plants were chosen for the lowest portion of the rain garden as that area remains saturated for longer periods of time, with a Chionanthus virginicus as a focal point surrounded by irises and ferns at the lowest depth. Plants tolerant of drier conditions were chosen for the upper edges of the garden. The beautiful colors of Monarda, Ligularia, Eupatorium, Solidago, Chelone, and Rudbeckia were scattered within the upper edge, while movement and softness were incorporated by use of the graceful Nassella that lines the border. Finally, winter interest was provided with a backdrop of Cornus sericea. As built, this small rain garden creates tremendous impact by decreasing the amount of storm water runoff not only on our client's property, but also in the neighboring stream. It serves as a means of slowing the water and providing an area for infiltration back into the earth. The plants provide a habitat for birds, butterflies, and insects, working in harmony with nature and providing beautiful visual interest year-round. Photo Credit: Lisa C. Falls

Inspiration for a contemporary kitchen remodel in Orange County

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

The End of the Ultra-Slim Wedding Suit For several years, men’s formalwear was dominated by narrow lapels, short jackets and trousers cut close to the leg. The style created a sharp outline, but it often left little room for sitting, dancing or eating comfortably. Current tailoring is moving towards a more balanced shape, with cleaner shoulders, a defined waist and trousers that follow the leg without gripping it.This change does not mean that wedding suits have become oversized. The newer approach sits between skinny and loose. It keeps the structure expected of formal clothing while allowing the cloth to hang properly. For grooms, that balance is useful during a day that may involve a ceremony, photographs, dinner and several hours on the dance floor. Look For Shape Rather Than Tightness A well-fitted suit should create a clear outline without relying on tension. Collections of Marc Darcy suits include tailored three-piece designs, checks and textured fabrics that suit the current preference for visible structure and considered proportions. The jacket should sit close enough to define the waist, but the front button should fasten without pulling the cloth into an X-shaped crease. At the shoulders, the seam should finish close to the natural shoulder point. Extra width can make the jacket look borrowed, while a shoulder that is too narrow may cause the upper sleeve to collapse. Fit should be assessed while moving as well as standing. Reach forward, sit down and raise both arms. A tailored jacket will never feel like casual sportswear, but it should allow the groom to carry out ordinary movements without sharp restriction across the back or chest. Give The Jacket Enough Length Very short suit jackets became common alongside skinny trousers, but they can disrupt the proportions of a three-piece outfit. If the jacket finishes too high, the waistcoat may appear longer than the outer layer and the trousers may look as though they begin too low. A more traditional jacket length usually covers most of the seat and divides the body more evenly. This can make the legs appear longer without shortening the jacket excessively. The correct length depends on height and body proportions, so two men wearing the same chest size may still need different jacket lengths. View the suit from the back and side rather than relying on a front-facing mirror. The vents should lie flat, and the hem should not lift away from the body. A side photograph can reveal an unbalanced jacket more clearly than the changing-room mirror. Choose Trousers That Fall Cleanly The move away from very tight tailoring is most noticeable in suit trousers. A modern tailored leg can still be neat at the ankle, but it should provide enough room through the seat and thigh for the fabric to fall without horizontal lines. Trouser pockets offer a useful fit check. If they pull open while standing, the waist or hips may be too tight. The fly should lie flat, and the waistband should remain in place without depending on an overtightened belt. Higher-rise trousers can work particularly well with a waistcoat because they reduce the chance of shirt fabric appearing between the two pieces. The hem should make gentle contact with the shoe rather than gathering heavily around it. A short hem can work with narrow trousers but taking it too far may make the suit look dated once the current cropped style moves on. A slight break is easier to wear with different formal shoes and tends to look balanced in full-length wedding photographs. Let The Waistcoat Support the Silhouette A waistcoat adds structure through the centre of the outfit, but only when it fits correctly. It should lie flat against the shirt and cover the trouser waistband. Tightening the back strap cannot correct a waistcoat that is the wrong size or too short. Current three-piece styling often places greater emphasis on the waistcoat. Double-breasted designs, contrasting fabrics and wider openings can distinguish the groom without requiring a brightly coloured jacket. When the groom removes the jacket later, the waistcoat keeps the outfit looking complete. Allow room for a full meal and several hours of wear. A waistcoat that feels acceptably close during a brief fitting may become uncomfortable at dinner. Sit down with every button fastened and check whether the lower edge presses into the waist or causes the front to bow. Use Stronger Lapels Carefully Wider notch and peak lapels are returning after years of extremely narrow designs. A broader lapel can frame the shirt and tie, balance the shoulders and give the jacket a more formal character. Peak lapels create a particularly strong line on double-breasted jackets and evening suits. The lapel width should still suit the wearer. A very broad lapel can overwhelm a smaller frame, while an extremely narrow one may look out of proportion on a broad chest. The shirt collar, tie width and lapel should relate to one another without matching exactly. A wider lapel also leaves less need for decorative extras. A simple buttonhole flower or plain pocket square may be enough. Large lapel pins can crowd the upper part of the jacket, especially when the cloth already contains a check. Avoid Buying According to the Size Label Alone The same labelled size can fit differently across designs because cut, fabric and construction affect the garment. Begin with accurate chest, waist, inside-leg and approximate jacket-length measurements. Compare those figures with the retailer’s size information rather than ordering the size worn in another brand without checking. If the jacket fits at the shoulders but needs slight shaping through the waist, a tailor can often make the adjustment. Sleeves and trouser hems are also commonly altered. Major changes to the shoulder line or jacket length are more difficult and may not be economical. Do not choose the smallest size that can be fastened. A suit that looks tight in the fitting room is unlikely to become more comfortable during a long wedding day. Cloth should skim the body and return to a clean position after movement. Balance a checked suit with simple styling Texture and checks remain popular in wedding tailoring, particularly for country houses, converted barns and traditional venues. These fabrics already add depth to the outfit, so the cut should remain controlled and the accessories relatively quiet. A plain white, pale blue or cream shirt gives a checked suit a clear foundation. Choose a tie from one of the secondary colours in the cloth rather than introducing another strong pattern. A white pocket square works when the suit contains several shades and does not need further decoration. Shoes should support the proportions of the trousers. A very slim shoe may appear too small beneath a fuller hem, while a heavy casual sole can pull attention away from the tailoring. Oxfords, Derbies and refined brogues usually provide enough visual weight without looking bulky. Coordinate the wedding party without forcing one fit Matching groomsmen suits can become difficult when every member of the party has a different build. Insisting on an identical close fit may leave some men comfortable and others visibly restricted. A better approach is to keep the cloth, colour and main design consistent while adjusting jacket and trouser sizes for each person. The groom can stand apart through a waistcoat, lapel shape or accessory rather than wearing a suit cut much tighter than everyone else. This creates a connection across the group without treating one silhouette as suitable for every body. Arrange fittings early enough to identify size and alteration issues. Group orders should be checked well before the wedding, particularly when trousers need hemming or jackets require sleeve adjustments. Each person should try the complete outfit with the intended shirt and shoes. Judge the suit by the whole day A wedding fitting often lasts less than half an hour, while the suit may be worn for twelve hours or more. Comfort should therefore be tested under realistic conditions. Sit for several minutes, walk upstairs and check the waistband after moving around. Pay attention to the parts that cannot be seen clearly in a mirror. The collar should remain close to the shirt at the back of the neck. Jacket vents should not pull apart, and the trouser seat should follow the body without sagging or strain. The current move towards balanced tailoring gives grooms more room to choose clothes that look formal without feeling restrictive. Clean shoulders, a shaped jacket and trousers with a natural fall will outlast extreme proportions. A suit that allows the groom to stand, sit and celebrate comfortably is also more likely to look composed in photographs taken throughout the day.

A glowing villa would set the tone for what is housed within. The entire project was illuminated with a single custom uplight from Hydrel. Each uplight was manufactured with the junction box on the bottom so not add any additional visual clutter to the floor. They were recessed into a floor covered in 1/2"x1/2" taupe colored tile. The cover plate was cast aluminum 12"x12" in a square with an eight inch diameter opening to coddle a heavy molded piece of borosilicate made to fit flush with plate and floor tile. The glass was selected for its excellent thermal properties and extremely low expansion. It also has exceptional crystal clear clarity. The fixtures housed a krypton gas filled PAR 38 SPOT from GE Lamps on an adjustable swing arm. GE Lamps were chosen because of the single rolled bullnose edge design the lens has were it connects to the parabolic glass sides. Others fix the lens to the edge creating two rolled edges and a crease. These edges capture and project the light and create more than one artifact prarabola caused by the lens edge and the way it is attached. This creates distracting and multiple visual parabolas being projected on the the walls and ceilings. A single one is problematic, having multiple ones with so many fixture being used becomes overwhelmingly distracting. The fixture housing was also designed to be 12" deep keeping the top of the lamp recess 4" below the glass. The swing arm also contained a custom gimbal ring that allowed for both a lens and an internal louver to be mounted just above the lamp face. The louver was a custom black color in a custom large cell egg crate design of 1/2"x1/2"x1/2" size. The entire interior of this uplight was custom painted so that all parts were powder coated with Paxton Matte Black, named for the client who helped perfect the exact black color. The color was tested and fabricated multiple times before the results were finally achieved. It was to be an exceptionally matte black that did not reflect in the slightst way any light or light source. It was supposed to be void of reflectance. The larger size of the uplight was selected over other choices because the lighting designer wanted to illuminate the 24" wide columns and pilasters through out the project. Smaller lamps and fixtures came out of the floor with a steep reverse parabola grazing the architecture. The depth of the custom fixture was dictated by the desire to have the narrow portion of the parabola effect occur inside the fixture before it even was viewable. The beam emitted from the fixture came out almost as fat as the columns were wide. The fixture was positioned a half inch from the vertical walls to keep the center beam six inches away. This helped perfectly graze the wall surface as well as control up light glare. The louvers were exactly the size of the floor tile so there was a consistency to the floor grid even within the light fixtures. The position of the lamp and the 45° cutoff of the louver kept the visual cutoff at around 20° where people would be standing. You really have to hold your head near the wall and look down into the fixtures in order to see the source. Everything was also dimmed with multiple presets for the clients command and a preprogrammed fade that started at dusk and continually reduced itself as the night progressed into early morning. The entire building would be bathed in a soft candle like glow of 10% from 2 am until sunrise with on the hour 2 minute fades from 80% brightness. Photo: Robert Cook

We used: Custom cherry cabinetry in Arts & Crafts Shaker style by Kabinart in Boulder and Espresso stains. Liberty Hardware Venetian bronze 1-1/2" cabinet knobs. KitchenAid Architect II Series 22 CF counter-depth French door refrigerator. KitchenAid Architect Series II 27" convection single wall oven. KitchenAid 36" 6-burner dual fuel freestanding commercial-style range. KitchenAid Architect II Series 24" dishwasher. Sharp Insight Pro Series 24" built-in microwave drawer (Model #KB6524PS). Crystorama Solaris 12" wide pendant lights in English bronze. Granite countertops in Brown Fantasy. 3"x6" polished marble backsplash. Paint colors: Walls: Glidden Silver Cloud 30YY 63/024 Ceilings/Trims/Doors: Glidden Swan White GLC23 Robert B. Narod Photography

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional wooden u-shaped staircase remodel in New York with painted risers

This was a substantial engagement at a luxury rental apartment in Brighton rejuvenating the Limestone tiles in two bathrooms and a hallway taking six days of hard work. In addition, I would be working around two decorators, making for even more testing work conditions. I first set to work on the smallest bathroom, which featured limestone tiles from floor to ceiling, as well as a large bath, copper sink and a tiled surround. Limestone is a very popular choice for interior and exterior decoration, but the tiles in this bathroom were in need of some care to get them looking their best again. My initial task was to strip away any previous sealer by hand; this was done using a mixture of warm water and Tile Doctor Pro-Clean which, along with Limestone, is also suitable for use on other types of natural stone, such as Granite, Slate and Travertine. Pro-Clean serves both as an effective stripper and cleaner, meaning that once the sealer had been stripped away, the tiles also received a thorough clean. Once I had cleaned the tiles, I sucked up any excess water and residue using a Wet-Dry Vac machine. Since the tiles would have to be left to dry for a couple of days, I offered to restore the copper sink for the customer, even though this was not actually part of my job description. After conducting some research into copper cleaning, I opted to use a combination of lemon juice, vinegar and salt. The research paid off as, once I began to apply the solution to the sink, the bright orange and brown colours of the copper quickly rose to the surface. Within the space of an hour, I had transformed what initially appeared to be a ruined sink into a lovely, shimmering copper feature for the bathroom. Both the decorators and I were truly amazed at the results – but all credit goes to Google! The larger of the two bathrooms was a much stiffer test for the Tile Doctor products. It had not been left in great condition, as the shower area had clearly not been sealed correctly, and the tiles had been left in such a manner that soap scum from shampoos, soaps and shower gels had built up on the window sill. In fact, the damage was significant enough that I had to explain to the customer before starting the work that whilst I could greatly improve the appearance of the tiles, I would not be able to restore them to new. This is because many shampoo and body wash products are acidic and can cause permanent damage to stone work especially when left to dwell for a long time. My choice of product was Tile Doctor Mould Away, a formula which, over time, seeps deeply into the pores of the stone, effectively lifting away the muck. In cases of particularly stubborn areas, it is necessary to apply another covering of Mould Away and leave it for an extended period of time. This is exactly what I did over the next few days, leaving the product overnight to work its magic. The change was certainly drastic, if not perfect. As both bathrooms required extended periods of drying, I spent two days working on the hallway, which had been partially covered with a plastic sealing for the previous six months due to building work. Needless to say, the hallway was in need of a good clean. I set about cleaning the hallway with a solution of warm water and Tile Doctor Pro-Clean, before once again using a Wet-Dry Vac machine to remove any excess water to prepare the floor for sealing at a later point. It is very important to remove any residue of cleaning solution before sealing, as this may impact the performance of the sealer. Following this, I left the hallway to dry for two days, providing the builders with strict instructions to cover it with blankets for protection while they were working. While the floor was drying, I sealed the bathrooms – both now fully dried – with Tile Doctor Colour Grow Sealer, a solvent-based sealer that was highly effective at enhancing the colour of the brown tiles around the sinks. The product will also provide durable surface protection. I spent the final of the six days sealing the hallway floor with Tile Doctor Seal & Go, which provides both a stain-resistant surface seal and a durable, low-sheen finish. This was an ideal choice of product, as the customer requested a hard-wearing, yet shiny finish. The hard work really paid off, as both the customer and the decorators were very impressed with the final results in the two bathrooms and the hallway. I was extremely pleased that I was able to complete this big job to the highest possible standards.

Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Residential $60,000-$120,000 Award Level: Silver Project Description: We were contracted by the family to create a master plan for the property. They were experiencing extreme drainage and erosion problems due to the surrounding properties’ drastic grade changes. Erosion had caused the rear lawn to sink in various areas and the existing rear patio spaces were failing. The client wanted to rebuild their patios and walkways, repave their driveway and give their home more visual appeal. Most importantly, they wanted an environmentally friendly solution. Our design solution was to create a rain garden that would slow storm water runoff, allow for percolation, and promote infiltration, while permitting excess clean water to enter the storm drain at the street with slower velocity. The rain garden acts as a temporary holding space that allows the earth to slowly absorb water, rather than overwhelm the nearby storm drain. Our first objective was to conduct a percolation test to determine the amount of clay soil that needed to be removed before reaching the sandy loam layer. A percolation test and storm water calculations were generated to accommodate a 1” rain event. Based on our calculations and the small size of the property, we determined a depth of 18” was necessary for optimal holding capacity. We removed 18” of clay soil until a layer of sandy loam was encountered. Next, the soil was amended with compost and sand to create a highly porous planting media for the basin of the garden. We piped the three existing rear downspouts to the rain garden area to capture for infiltration and alleviate runoff throughout the rear lawn and patio space. We installed an 18” wide over-flow standpipe at a 24” depth into the ground that outlets to a stone swale that carries the water to the property edge. As an added means of holding the maximum amount of water, we designed the standpipe to sit 14” above grade. The height of this standpipe allows this rain garden to capture 14” of water before reaching the overflow capacity. We placed geotextile fabric to help reduce migration of the stones into the soil and aid in the prevention of weeds and erosion. We heavily planted the rain garden to further aid in absorption and to attract local wildlife. A native plant palette of butterfly weed, Panicum, Joe-Pye weed, and asters form a colorful backdrop while the basin was filled with obligate wetland plants such as royal ferns, irises and cardinal flowers. The upper edges in the foreground are planted with Echinacea, Rudbeckia and Monarda, satisfying the local bird community and adding bright seasonal colors. This garden effectively collects and cleanses rainwater while creating a habitat for birds, frogs, and butterflies. Our next challenge was to redesign the existing patios and walkways without increasing impervious surfaces. According to township regulations this property was currently at its maximum capacity, therefore we designed the front and rear patios with a slightly smaller footprint to decrease their existing impervious surfaces. New planting beds were designed throughout the entire property. Plants were chosen that were tolerant of specific site conditions. For the rear yard, we choose a backdrop of witch hazel and hollies to provide an evergreen screen as well as early spring color. We placed hydrangea throughout to add summer color. We planted ostrich fern under the existing spruce tree to create a lush floor. This area became an additional backdrop for the rain garden as well as a screen for the neighboring property. We choose a combination of ‘Blue Star’ juniper and creeping jenny to soften the existing rear wall with creepers. Around the rear patio areas we choose a combination of Liatris, Rudbeckia and ‘Lo and Behold’ butterfly bush. This combination of plants works in harmony with the rain garden and attracts additional butterflies. For the front of the property we worked with an existing Japanese maple that provided dense shade. We choose a shade-tolerant combination of Heuchera, Astilbe, ferns and hostas for this area. We added more hydrangeas to the front foundation of the house to provide lush layering of plant material and visual interest with additional summer blooms. Overall, we were able to exceed the client’s needs and expectations in transforming their property into a colorful paradise that attracts wildlife from season to season. The plant palette provides seasonal interest and the rain garden has successfully decreased storm water runoff. The new hardscape surfaces were designed and built with a slightly smaller footprint to decrease impervious surfaces. This project is a positive example of how all properties, regardless of size, can make an ecological difference by decreasing impervious surfaces and maintaining proper storm water management. Photo Credit: Terren Landscapes

Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Residential $60,000-$120,000 Award Level: Silver Project Description: We were contracted by the family to create a master plan for the property. They were experiencing extreme drainage and erosion problems due to the surrounding properties’ drastic grade changes. Erosion had caused the rear lawn to sink in various areas and the existing rear patio spaces were failing. The client wanted to rebuild their patios and walkways, repave their driveway and give their home more visual appeal. Most importantly, they wanted an environmentally friendly solution. Our design solution was to create a rain garden that would slow storm water runoff, allow for percolation, and promote infiltration, while permitting excess clean water to enter the storm drain at the street with slower velocity. The rain garden acts as a temporary holding space that allows the earth to slowly absorb water, rather than overwhelm the nearby storm drain. Our first objective was to conduct a percolation test to determine the amount of clay soil that needed to be removed before reaching the sandy loam layer. A percolation test and storm water calculations were generated to accommodate a 1” rain event. Based on our calculations and the small size of the property, we determined a depth of 18” was necessary for optimal holding capacity. We removed 18” of clay soil until a layer of sandy loam was encountered. Next, the soil was amended with compost and sand to create a highly porous planting media for the basin of the garden. We piped the three existing rear downspouts to the rain garden area to capture for infiltration and alleviate runoff throughout the rear lawn and patio space. We installed an 18” wide over-flow standpipe at a 24” depth into the ground that outlets to a stone swale that carries the water to the property edge. As an added means of holding the maximum amount of water, we designed the standpipe to sit 14” above grade. The height of this standpipe allows this rain garden to capture 14” of water before reaching the overflow capacity. We placed geotextile fabric to help reduce migration of the stones into the soil and aid in the prevention of weeds and erosion. We heavily planted the rain garden to further aid in absorption and to attract local wildlife. A native plant palette of butterfly weed, Panicum, Joe-Pye weed, and asters form a colorful backdrop while the basin was filled with obligate wetland plants such as royal ferns, irises and cardinal flowers. The upper edges in the foreground are planted with Echinacea, Rudbeckia and Monarda, satisfying the local bird community and adding bright seasonal colors. This garden effectively collects and cleanses rainwater while creating a habitat for birds, frogs, and butterflies. Our next challenge was to redesign the existing patios and walkways without increasing impervious surfaces. According to township regulations this property was currently at its maximum capacity, therefore we designed the front and rear patios with a slightly smaller footprint to decrease their existing impervious surfaces. New planting beds were designed throughout the entire property. Plants were chosen that were tolerant of specific site conditions. For the rear yard, we choose a backdrop of witch hazel and hollies to provide an evergreen screen as well as early spring color. We placed hydrangea throughout to add summer color. We planted ostrich fern under the existing spruce tree to create a lush floor. This area became an additional backdrop for the rain garden as well as a screen for the neighboring property. We choose a combination of ‘Blue Star’ juniper and creeping jenny to soften the existing rear wall with creepers. Around the rear patio areas we choose a combination of Liatris, Rudbeckia and ‘Lo and Behold’ butterfly bush. This combination of plants works in harmony with the rain garden and attracts additional butterflies. For the front of the property we worked with an existing Japanese maple that provided dense shade. We choose a shade-tolerant combination of Heuchera, Astilbe, ferns and hostas for this area. We added more hydrangeas to the front foundation of the house to provide lush layering of plant material and visual interest with additional summer blooms. Overall, we were able to exceed the client’s needs and expectations in transforming their property into a colorful paradise that attracts wildlife from season to season. The plant palette provides seasonal interest and the rain garden has successfully decreased storm water runoff. The new hardscape surfaces were designed and built with a slightly smaller footprint to decrease impervious surfaces. This project is a positive example of how all properties, regardless of size, can make an ecological difference by decreasing impervious surfaces and maintaining proper storm water management. Photo Credit: Terren Landscapes

Custom Surface Solutions (www.css-tile.com) - Owner Craig Thompson (512) 430-1215. This project shows new 12 x 24 tile installed vertically with offset layout pattern on wall and floor. Includes shower box with linear glass accent tile back and vertical glass accent band. Tile edges are finished with Schluter Jolly satin aluminum profile edge trim.

There are a lot of different materials used in making a roof. In the past, roofs were made out of wood and shingles. Now, they are made out of a variety of different materials like steel and plastic. But, no matter what material your roof uses, it needs to be durable and waterproof. The new roof system that was developed by GM Systems Inc. combines different materials to make a sturdy and durable roof that is also very easy to install. This new roof is designed to keep the elements away from your home. It will also protect you from the heat of the sun. This means that you won't have to worry about the roof causing you problems. You will be able to enjoy the comfort of your home while using a product that works great. This is something that you can't say for many other products. The roof that GM Systems Inc. created has been tested and approved by many experts in the industry. So, you can rest assured that you are using a quality product. 1. What is GM Systems Inc.? GM Systems Inc. is a company that is dedicated to providing top-quality roofing systems. They provide quality roofing materials and services that exceed all expectations. They offer an extensive line of products that are durable and energy-efficient. In fact, the company was able to produce a great product because it invested heavily in research and development. The company invested thousands of dollars to create a unique product. It is because of this that the company can claim that it has the best product on the market. 2. Features of GM Systems Inc. Roof system GM Systems Inc. Roof system is a new type of material that can protect the roof of your home. It is very versatile, and you can use it for any type of roof, including flat and curved roofs. If you need a new roof, GM Systems Inc. can help you to replace the old one. You can either repair the old roof or completely replace it with this new roof. The new roof is a great solution because it protects your home. It will keep the rain and wind out. It will also reduce your monthly bills. In addition, it helps you to reduce the chances of your home getting damaged by the weather. The new roof can help you to get a longer lifespan for your roof. You can also use the roof to save energy. It will help you to lower your utility bills. 3. Types of roofing system Many companies make roofing systems. They provide different types of roofs. They can be categorized into three types: flat roofs, sloped roofs, and steel roofs. Flat roofs: A flat roof has a smooth surface. This is because the roof is made of asphalt or tar. They are easy to maintain. They can last for a long time and they are usually affordable. They are usually found in houses. Slope roofs: A sloping roof has a steep incline. They can be made of clay tiles, cement tiles, or a combination of materials. They can withstand heavy winds. Steel roofs: Steel roofs are available in different sizes. The size is dependent on the amount of space you need to be covered. The larger the size, the more you pay for the roof. Steel roofs are also easy to repair. They are very simple to put together and take apart. They have an open structure and they don't require any kind of insulation. A steel roof doesn't require much maintenance either. The main issue with steel roofs is that they can get too hot in certain weather conditions. 4. How is it different from the conventional roofing system? You can buy a steel roof for many reasons. It is easier to install than a conventional roof and it is also less expensive to install. It's a durable roof that lasts for years. It requires less maintenance than conventional roofs and is easy to repair. 5. GM Systems Inc. Roofing material GM Systems Inc.. is used to protect building materials and it keeps the rain away. Steel roofs are made of metal and aluminum. They are lightweight and durable. They can withstand wind and rain. They don't rust. Steel roofs can be bought in many colors. They can also be designed according to your taste. Steel roofs are known to be one of the best roofing systems. 6. The installation process of the new roof system The installation process of the new roof system is simple. It is the best way to ensure that your roof lasts for a long time. You should hire the best roof installation company to install the new roof system. Steel roofs are the best for you if you want to protect your house from the elements. They will also protect your house from moisture and snow. These roofs can last a lifetime. It is recommended to buy steel roofs because they can withstand extreme weather conditions. 7. What are the benefits of the new roof system from GM Systems Inc.? The benefits of the new roof system from GM Systems Inc. include being able to install the new roof easily. You can just call them and ask for a quote. You will get a price estimate immediately. There is no need to pay for an installation person first. It's time-consuming, and you may have to wait around for them. You will not have to go through the hassle of having to hire a different contractor for the roof repair. If you are not sure about your options, then you can always call the company. They will provide you with the right information. It is also easy to find the new roof system. It is located in the roofing section.