Mid-sized transitional backyard stone patio photo in San Francisco with no cover

Garden entryway
This is an example of a huge contemporary drought-tolerant and full sun courtyard gravel raised garden bed in San Francisco for summer.

Iron Fence Painting Wicker Park Homeowners Can Trust: A Windy City Painters Case Study Wicker Park is full of architectural character — ornate 1890s greystone two-flats, vintage brick facades, and wrought iron fencing that has framed these streets for well over a century. However, what iron fence painting Wicker Park properties require is not a simple weekend job. Winters here are brutal on metal, and consequently Windy City Painters has spent years perfecting the restoration process that keeps these fences standing strong. In particular, this case study walks through a recent project completed for a classic Wicker Park property. Project Overview The property featured a full wrought iron perimeter fence that had suffered years of freeze-thaw cycling and road salt exposure. Paint had failed across most of the pickets, and oxidation had progressed into active rust at several base rails. Consequently, the homeowners needed more than a fresh coat of paint. They needed a genuine metal restoration, and that is precisely what Windy City Painters delivered. Materials Used Windy City Painters selected products specifically rated for Chicago's climate extremes: Rust-Oleum Professional Rust Inhibitor Primer Sherwin-Williams DTM Acrylic Enamel (two finish coats) 3M rust converter gel for active oxidation zones Wire brushes, angle grinders, and detail brushes for precision work The Process: How Windy City Painters Restores Rusted Iron Every iron fence painting Wicker Park project follows a disciplined, multi-stage process: Preparation. Wire brushing and angle grinding remove all loose, flaking, and compromised material. Rust converter gel is applied directly to active oxidation zones, chemically stabilizing the metal underneath. Repairs. Pitted sections and structurally weak joints are addressed before any coating touches the surface. Notably, skipping this step is the most common reason fence paint fails prematurely. Priming. A full rust-inhibiting primer coat seals every bare metal surface, preventing moisture from reaching the iron beneath. Application. Two finish coats of direct-to-metal enamel are applied by hand for even coverage across pickets, finials, and rail joints. Finishing. A final inspection confirms full coverage, sharp lines, and a smooth, uniform sheen from every angle. Furthermore, this same process protects the ornate details so common on Wicker Park fencing — decorative finials, scrollwork, and gate hardware — without losing the historic character that makes these properties special. Advice for Wicker Park Homeowners Before starting a similar project, homeowners in this neighborhood should keep a few things in mind: Never paint over active rust. Untreated oxidation will continue spreading beneath the new coating, and the paint will fail within a season or two. Always prime bare metal before applying a finish coat. Skipping primer is the single fastest path to peeling. Choose coatings rated for temperature extremes, since Chicago's freeze-thaw cycles are harder on metal than most climates. Inspect ground-contact areas each spring, as base rails typically rust fastest due to snow melt and road salt runoff. Budget for prep time. In fact, most of the labor in a quality iron fence painting Wicker Park project happens before a single coat of paint is applied. Similarly, ask whether the contractor uses rust converter on active oxidation, since skipping this step often shortens the life of the finish considerably. Moreover, historic greystone properties often have decorative ironwork that requires extra care during grinding and priming so the original detailing is preserved rather than sanded away. What to Expect: Timeline and Investment Homeowners often ask how long an iron fence painting Wicker Park project takes from start to finish. In general, prep work — wire brushing, grinding, rust conversion, and repairs — takes up the largest share of the schedule, while primer and enamel application move relatively quickly once the surface is properly stabilized. Cure time between coats also affects the overall timeline, since rushing this stage undermines durability. Consequently, Windy City Painters builds a realistic schedule around weather conditions rather than forcing the job into a tight window. In addition, investment varies based on fence length, the amount of active rust present, and whether ornate detailing requires extra hand-finishing. Homeowners considering this project should request a full on-site walkthrough rather than a rough phone estimate, since rust severity is difficult to judge accurately without seeing the fence in person. Why Wicker Park Homeowners Choose Windy City Painters Windy City Painters has become the trusted painting contractor for Chicago's North Side and Near West Side, and iron fence painting Wicker Park residents request most often reflects that reputation directly. In contrast to quick-fix contractors who paint straight over rust, Windy City Painters treats every project as a full restoration. As a result, clients get a finish that holds up through multiple Chicago winters rather than one. In addition, for related projects, Windy City Painters also offers interior painting, cabinet painting, drywall and plaster repair, and full metal refinishing services for fences, gates, and porches throughout the neighborhood. Ultimately, that range of services is what makes us a true one-stop contractor for Wicker Park homeowners. See more of our work and request a free estimate at www.windypainters.com. Ready to transform your Wicker Park home? Contact Windy City Painters for a free estimate — visit www.windypainters.com today. Proudly serving Wicker Park, West Town, Lincoln Park, Roscoe Village, Lakeview, Ukrainian Village, River North, and all of Chicago.

Experience the perfect balance of light, comfort, and efficiency with Krumpers Solar Blinds. Designed for spring and summer living, these two-sided, turn-around blinds provide exceptional UV protection, climate control, and a clear view of the outdoors. Proudly Made in Canada and featured on HGTV’s Vacation House Rules, Krumpers Solar Blinds are lab-tested and proven to deliver up to 41% energy savings. Whether for a modern condo, sunroom, or lakefront cottage, they help maintain a cool, comfortable indoor environment while preserving natural light and outdoor beauty. Available in manual and motorized options, Krumpers Solar Blinds redefine home comfort through innovative design and sustainable performance.

This wide-angle backyard shot highlights a professional residential artificial turf installation in Tucson, Arizona, designed and executed by Az Custom Landscapes LLC. The project demonstrates how to effectively integrate a vibrant, mud-free green space directly alongside a swimming pool area in a desert climate. The high-density, premium synthetic turf is precisely contoured to meet the sweeping, organic curves of an existing concrete pool deck, creating a seamless and flush transition between the lounging area and the water. This layout eliminates the issue of grass clippings, dirt, and mud entering the pool filtration system, ensuring a pristine outdoor entertainment space. Framing the artificial lawn is a low-set masonry block retaining wall with a built-in planter ledger, which separates the grass from the property's privacy wall. Designed to withstand the intense Arizona sun, this UV-resistant and pet-friendly synthetic grass setup offers a drought-tolerant backyard solution that maintains its rich green color year-round without the need for constant watering or mowing.

The tacky climate of the southern home makes life fundamentally more pleasant. To acclimate to the warm climate of the south, these houses are ample and vaporous, with long rooftops and stores of windows and doorways. This plan style is well known for base or gabled housetops with medium to shallow pitches and dormers. It attracts people of any age and lifestyle, from energetic accessories and association with more seasoned families and individuals. This staggering five-room inside and outside space makes orchestrating a two-story home impressively more pleasant. The extravagant principle room has shining nuances, a seating area, a customary bathroom with an alternate shower, her and her closet, and a twofold vanity sink. The colossal sunbathing district is outfitted with current accommodations like a pool, a sun rack, and an open space. The high-level kitchen island, steward's extra room, and devouring bar are equipped in the standard kitchen. Moreover, there is a legitimate parlor region with a great deal of typical light. This floor joins a furnished office room, library, powder room, attire, amassing, and a garage with three parking spaces. This phenomenal house gives a sensible spot for the family to live without any problem.

North Seattle Complete Design-Build Deck with Underdeck DrySpace Project Project Overview In North Seattle, M3Decks & Outdoor Living completed a comprehensive design-build project, transforming a residential backyard into a multi-functional outdoor living space. The project featured a modern elevated deck with an innovative underdeck DrySpace system, seamlessly blending practicality with aesthetic appeal to suit the Pacific Northwest climate. Scope of Work Design Phase: Created a custom design for an elevated deck, prioritizing open space for entertaining and a sheltered underdeck area. The design incorporated sleek railings and a natural aesthetic to complement the surrounding greenery. Construction: Built the elevated deck using TimberTech composite decking and Fortress Steel Framing for durability. Installed a TimberTech DrySpace system beneath the deck to create a dry, usable space for additional outdoor living or storage. Staircase and Lighting: Constructed a sturdy staircase with inset lighting on each step, ensuring safety and adding a warm ambiance for evening use. The staircase featured modern black railings to match the deck’s design. Landscaping Integration: Worked with the existing landscape, preserving mature trees and adding native plants like hydrangeas to enhance the natural setting and create a cohesive outdoor environment. Key Features Elevated Deck: Spacious TimberTech composite deck with sleek black railings, designed for entertaining and enjoying the scenic views of North Seattle’s greenery. Underdeck DrySpace: TimberTech DrySpace system installed to provide a weatherproof area beneath the deck, perfect for additional seating, storage, or future outdoor amenities. Inset Lighting: Energy-efficient lighting integrated into the staircase and deck perimeter, enhancing safety and creating an inviting atmosphere for nighttime use. Biophilic Design: Incorporated native plants and preserved existing trees to create a seamless connection with the natural surroundings, enhancing the outdoor experience. Outcome The North Seattle design-build project delivered a stunning and functional outdoor space that elevated the homeowners’ lifestyle. The elevated deck provides a perfect spot for entertaining, while the DrySpace system ensures the underdeck area remains dry and usable year-round, even in Seattle’s rainy climate. The modern design, combined with practical features like inset lighting and durable materials, resulted in a low-maintenance, high-value addition to the property that the homeowners can enjoy for years to come. Location North Seattle, WA Project Type Residential Design-Build with Underdeck System

Here chives are thriving in the raised bed. Easy to grow and useful for making herbal vinegars and for use in cooking when an onion flavor is needed. Choose an area in full sun to part shade. Chives prefer rich soil and will tolerate either moist or dry conditions. Can be divided. Easily reseeds. Photo by Julia Stewart Acer Landcape Services

A beautiful wine cellar using all angles of the space available under the stairs. The squared glass door follows the ceiling lines taking the eyes to the square arch focal point at the end of the room. The Scalloped racks surrounding the picture opening were designed for magnums. A white wine cooler sits below the stone counter top. Rope lighting illuminates the high reveal wine bottle display angles around the room. The cellar racking and lighting wraps around under the staircase and includes solid diamond bins for various bottle sizes. Solid wine case storage runs along both sides of the room and a boxed wood louver covers the the climate control system located above the door. Photo taken by Inviniti Cellar Design taken by Inviniti Cellar Design

Experience the perfect balance of light, comfort, and efficiency with Krumpers Solar Blinds. Designed for spring and summer living, these two-sided, turn-around blinds provide exceptional UV protection, climate control, and a clear view of the outdoors. Proudly Made in Canada and featured on HGTV’s Vacation House Rules, Krumpers Solar Blinds are lab-tested and proven to deliver up to 41% energy savings. Whether for a modern condo, sunroom, or lakefront cottage, they help maintain a cool, comfortable indoor environment while preserving natural light and outdoor beauty. Available in manual and motorized options, Krumpers Solar Blinds redefine home comfort through innovative design and sustainable performance.

At an elevation of 8750' and winter design temperature of -16 degrees F, the historic mountain mining town of Telluride, Colorado can be cold! Beyond Efficiency was brought on board for its cold-climate expertise and provided buiding envelope advising and detailing, mechanical engineering, and guidance in surpassing Telluride's energy efficiency requirements for the new single-family home. The project was completed in the fall of 2016. Our detailed plan review of preliminary building envelope details services identified thermal bridging issues at basement wall intersections with the slab and raised floor. Simple modifications significantly reduced heat loss and improved constructability. We also advised on the above-ground framed wall assemby, which resulted in a 2x6 wood-framed wall insulated with dense-pack cellulose, ZIP System sheathing (which doubles as the airtight weather-resistant barrier (WRB)), 2" continuous rigid mineral wool insulation, 1x4 furring, and fiber cement lap siding. The wall assembly reduces heat loss 20% compared to Telluride's minimum requirement, and the R-52 roof assembly is 35% better than code. Alpen high-solar gain fiberglass windows, which include a low-E film suspended between the two panes of glass, reduce window-related heat losses by 50% compared to code and round out the high-performance envelope package. The final mechanical system design includes heat-recovery ventilation and in-floor radiant hydronic heating provided from a 95% AFUE high-efficiency condensing gas boiler. Utility bills from the first year of occupancy demonstrate the project's highly efficient design: the household's total site energy is about 20% less than that of the average Colorado residence, an impressive feat given that Telluride is in a significantly more extreme climate zone than a majority of Colorado's population. Photo credit: Arkin Tilt Architects

Proposed Renders
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary gray one-story concrete exterior home remodel in Sunshine Coast with a metal roof

By Design I WANT THAT Wednesday feature of the week . . .ATTENTION ALL WINE LOVERS! One of the features that I find on most of my custom home clients "I WANT THAT" list is a wine cellar. Whether you're a collector or just like to keep a few nice bottles around for a special occasion, there's a wine cellar solution to fit any style or budget. Here are some of my favs . . .

This large basement wine cellar is conveniently located behind the entertainment room bar. The lighting is on dimmers that can be adjusted for mood lighting or inventory lighting. The glass door welcomes visitors into the custom wine cellar that was designed to house over 1700 bottles of all sizes. The climate controlled room, individual bottle bins, open bottle bins, and wine case storage gives the homeowner the flexibility needed to store their collection of wines. The two custom lit arches were highlighted with beautiful accent tiles that draws attention deep into the elegant wine cellar. Photos taken by Inviniti Cellar Design

In the realm of high-end residential design, few spaces hold as much personal significance as the master bedroom. Antonovich Group has mastered the art of transforming these intimate spaces into luxurious sanctuaries that perfectly balance opulent aesthetics with ultimate comfort, setting new standards for sophisticated bedroom environments. Defining Luxury in Bedroom Interior Design Dubai The evolution of bedroom interior design Dubai has reached unprecedented heights under Antonovich Group's expert guidance. Their approach goes far beyond traditional luxury, creating spaces that serve as personal retreats where every detail contributes to an atmosphere of refined elegance and tranquil sophistication. Each bedroom project begins with understanding the client's lifestyle and personal preferences, then translating these insights into cohesive design narratives. Rich textures, carefully curated color palettes, and bespoke furnishings come together to create environments that feel both grand and intimately personal. The integration of premium materials—from hand-selected marbles to custom millwork—ensures that every surface reflects the highest standards of craftsmanship. The Art of Modern Bedroom Design Dubai Antonovich Group's modern bedroom design Dubai projects showcase how contemporary aesthetics can enhance rather than compromise luxury and comfort. Their modern approach embraces clean lines, sophisticated neutral palettes, and innovative spatial arrangements while maintaining the warmth and intimacy essential to bedroom environments. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame carefully designed views, while strategic lighting creates multiple moods throughout the day and evening. Built-in storage solutions maintain the clean aesthetic while providing practical functionality, and integrated technology systems allow for seamless control of lighting, climate, and entertainment without compromising the room's serene atmosphere. The modern bedroom design philosophy extends to the selection of furnishings, where streamlined silhouettes and exceptional materials create focal points that feel both contemporary and timeless. Custom headboards become sculptural elements, while carefully chosen accent pieces add personality without cluttering the peaceful environment. Comprehensive Fitout Excellence The fitout process represents where Antonovich Group's attention to detail truly shines. Every element, from custom closet systems to integrated lighting solutions, is designed and installed with precision that reflects their commitment to perfection. The result is bedrooms that function as seamlessly as they inspire, with every practical need anticipated and elegantly addressed. Their fitout approach includes sophisticated climate control systems that maintain optimal comfort year-round, advanced acoustic treatments that ensure peaceful rest, and integrated technology that enhances convenience without intruding on the room's aesthetic harmony. Custom storage solutions maximize space efficiency while maintaining the clean lines essential to luxury design. Beyond the Bedroom: Creating Complete Suites Antonovich Group's bedroom projects often encompass entire master suite environments, including luxurious en-suite bathrooms, private sitting areas, and walk-in closets that rival high-end boutiques. These connected spaces flow seamlessly together, creating comprehensive private retreats that serve multiple functions while maintaining design cohesion. The integration of wellness elements—from spa-inspired bathroom features to meditation corners—reflects their understanding that modern luxury bedrooms must support both physical comfort and mental well-being. Each suite becomes a complete lifestyle environment designed to refresh and restore. Timeless Luxury with Contemporary Relevance What sets Antonovich Group apart in the competitive luxury design market is their ability to create bedrooms that feel both timelessly elegant and completely contemporary. Their designs avoid fleeting trends in favor of sophisticated approaches that will remain beautiful and relevant for years to come. The careful balance of classic luxury elements with modern functionality ensures that these bedrooms serve as both stunning showcases of design excellence and deeply comfortable personal spaces where clients can truly relax and recharge.

Like many projects, this one started with a simple wish from a client: turn an unused butler’s pantry between the dining room and kitchen into a fully functioning, climate-controlled wine room for his extensive collection of valuable vintages. But like many projects, the wine room is connected to the dining room which is connected to the sitting room which is connected to the entry. When you touch one room, it only makes sense to reinvigorate them all. We overhauled the entire ground floor of this lovely home. For the wine room, I worked with Vintage Cellars in Southern California to create custom wine storage embedded with LED lighting to spotlight very special bottles. The walls are in a burgundy tone and the floors are porcelain tiles that look as if they came from an old wine cave in Tuscany. A bubble light chandelier alludes to sparkling varietals. But as mentioned, the rest of the house came along for the ride. Since we were adding a climate-controlled wine room, the brief was to turn the rest of the house into a space that would rival any hot-spot winery in Napa. After choosing new flooring and a new hue for the walls, the entry became a destination in itself with a huge concave metal mirror and custom bench. We knocked out a half wall that awkwardly separated the sitting room from the dining room so that after-dinner drinks could flow to the fireplace surrounded by stainless steel pebbles; and we outfitted the dining room with a new chandelier. We chose all new furniture for all spaces. The kitchen received the least amount of work but ended up being completely transformed anyhow. At first our plan was to tear everything out, but we soon realized that the cabinetry was in good shape and only needed the dated honey pine color painted over with a cream white. We also played with the idea of changing the counter tops, but once the cabinetry changed color, the granite stood out beautifully. The final change was the removal of a pot rack over the island in favor of design-forward iron pendants. Photo by: Genia Barnes

Designing an object was accompanied by certain difficulties. The owners bought a plot on which there was already a house. Its quality and appearance did not suit customers in any way. Moreover, the construction of a house from scratch was not even discussed, so the architects Vitaly Dorokhov and Tatyana Dmitrenko had to take the existing skeleton as a basis. During the reconstruction, the protruding glass volume was demolished, some structural elements of the facade were simplified. The number of storeys was increased and the height of the roof was increased. As a result, the building took the form of a real English home, as customers wanted. The planning decision was dictated by the terms of reference. And the number of people living in the house. Therefore, in terms of the house acquired 400 m \ 2 extra. The entire engineering structure and heating system were completely redone. Heating of the house comes from wells and the Ecokolt system. The climate system of the house itself is integrated into the relay control system that constantly maintains the climate and humidity in the house.

A beautiful custom wine cellar is climate controlled and built within a glass room adjacent to the living room and kitchen. This eye catching wine cellar allows the home owner easy access to the 423 bottles which can be stored in the diamond bins, individual bottle bins, or metal racking on the side walls. The focal point is the lit arch which was designed to display special art. Stemware is stored on either side of the arch. Kathy at Inviniti Cellar Design

This modern walkway was inspired by our Victorien pavers! This interlocking concrete paver possessing strength and durability, brings a fresh new-look to it’s traditional landscape brick predecessor. Pairing it with other 60 mm pavers, it can be used as a decorative banding. Great for patios, walkways, driveways and decorative bandings, this vehicular & pedestrian friendly pavement is also de-icing salt resistant, withstands harsh climates and comes with a transferable lifetime warranty! Learn more about it here: https://www.techo-bloc.com/shop/pavers/victorien/