Project Goal: Utilize an unfinished story and a half-space to give each daughter a bedroom on the second floor along with a new full bath. Challenge 1: The sloped ceilings in the area presented a challenge to how we could most cost-effectively add a bathroom within building code limits. Solution 1: We’ve come across this challenge often when trying to fit a bathroom in sloped ceiling spaces and the budget or roof doesn't support adding a dormer. In these cases, we built out what we call a "vanity soffit", a tall soffit spanning from higher on the angled portion down to a comfortable height above the faucet bringing the upper portion of the flat wall forward. Its width typically depends on lighting needs and other considerations in the space. The vanity soffit allows the vanity to drop back to the original wall maintaining floor space and clearances while also providing just enough additional height for a practical mirror. For further flexibility, we typically recommend a pivoting mirror. Challenge 2: Homeowners were told the floor structure was sound to finish for living space. Due to the spans, the first-floor ceiling joists did not meet the requirements to be second-floor floor joists. Solution 2: In order to provide a solid base for the new living space, we consulted our engineer. The existing 2x6 members spanned beyond the distance they could while still structurally supporting the new living space floor. We determined throughout most of the space we needed to add in (“sister”) 2 additional 2x6 joists between the existing joists. This additional work also took place during an unseasonably warm spell in June yet we persevered. So proud of our hard-working team.

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

These customers were from California and had an affinity for the Caribbean…they wanted a pool area that reminded them of their home state, reminded them of the Bahamas, and harmonized with the native Lowcountry natural environment. (Let’s see if an A.I. robot could design that!) It wasn’t a typical customer request, but the couple was happy with the results…and I was happy I was able to pull it off. The spartina salt marsh backdrop is obviously quintessentially “Lowcountry”; I designed the pool area to represent the rocky California coast using colors that represented the various shades of white sand commonly found on the South Carolina coast. What’s more, I added palmetto trees (icons of the SC coast) and two shrubs that are commonly found on both the SC and CA coasts: a sago palm and a yaupon holly. (I wouldn’t have manicured the holly like they did, but to each their own.) I made the pool as clear-blue as possible to represent the seawater of the Bahamas, and I tied everything together using some of the same indigenous coastal grasses that can be seen in the first photo on this page (the one which exemplifies what I think makes the Lowcountry special).

Aesthetic Value: This double helical spiral stair is stained and visible on all sides. The lattice style platform at the top compliments the nautical style of the room, as well as the balcony with ocean view above. Stair Safety: This stair complies fully with spiral stair codes, and has an outside radius of 76”, much wider than a typical spiral, making it feel less confining and comfortable than a traditional spiral staircase. Quality of Workmanship: The stair is made entirely from African mahogany and is finished on all sides. Custom turned balusters were designed to meet the challenge of the tight quickly climbing radius of inside handrail and stringer. Technical Challenge: The stringers were transported fully assembled as one unit. The structure is supported only by the lattice landing at the top and free-standing concentric stringers. Inside volute was designed to nest inside the inner stringer.

Aesthetic Value: This double helical spiral stair is stained and visible on all sides. The lattice style platform at the top compliments the nautical style of the room, as well as the balcony with ocean view above. Stair Safety: This stair complies fully with spiral stair codes, and has an outside radius of 76”, much wider than a typical spiral, making it feel less confining and comfortable than a traditional spiral staircase. Quality of Workmanship: The stair is made entirely from African mahogany and is finished on all sides. Custom turned balusters were designed to meet the challenge of the tight quickly climbing radius of inside handrail and stringer. Technical Challenge: The stringers were transported fully assembled as one unit. The structure is supported only by the lattice landing at the top and free-standing concentric stringers. Inside volute was designed to nest inside the inner stringer.

photo: GIL STOSE
Example of a large transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Charlotte with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Aesthetic Value: This double helical spiral stair is stained and visible on all sides. The lattice style platform at the top compliments the nautical style of the room, as well as the balcony with ocean view above. Stair Safety: This stair complies fully with spiral stair codes, and has an outside radius of 76”, much wider than a typical spiral, making it feel less confining and comfortable than a traditional spiral staircase. Quality of Workmanship: The stair is made entirely from African mahogany and is finished on all sides. Custom turned balusters were designed to meet the challenge of the tight quickly climbing radius of inside handrail and stringer. Technical Challenge: The stringers were transported fully assembled as one unit. The structure is supported only by the lattice landing at the top and free-standing concentric stringers. Inside volute was designed to nest inside the inner stringer.

Bathroom renovations vary widely in scope and budget. You can renovate a small powder room for only a few thousand dollars while a luxury master bathroom may equal the cost of a mid-sized kitchen renovation. With all this to consider, my bathroom clients typically call with a specific issue in mind. Sometimes it’s a dire insurance claim, but mostly, it’s just the everyday frustrations of using an old bathroom. Among my clients, I’ve found four main bathroom problems that drive them to renovate… Read the full article on our website if you’re experiencing problems with your project. Use the QR code or link below! https://mayflowerva.com/bathroom-problems-renovate-or-not/

Bathroom Renovation: How Allreno Simplifies Your Remodel – Save Time and Money When it comes to bathroom renovation, creating a space that’s functional, stylish, and tailored to your needs can feel like a daunting task. But with Allreno, the process becomes streamlined, efficient, and remarkably simple. Whether you’re planning a small update or a full-scale remodel, Allreno’s cutting-edge app and services are designed to help you achieve your dream bathroom with ease. Why Choose Allreno for Your Bathroom Renovation? Allreno stands out in the renovation industry by leveraging advanced artificial intelligence to automate complex processes, cutting down the time and cost typically associated with bathroom remodels. Through our platform, homeowners and professionals alike can design, plan, and execute renovations in a fraction of the time it takes with traditional methods. Our innovative approach focuses on: • Custom Designs: With Allreno, you can visualize your bathroom renovation in real-time, experimenting with layouts, finishes, and fixtures to find the perfect fit. • Cost Efficiency: Our AI technology optimizes material use and labor planning, saving you money without compromising on quality. • Seamless Execution: From selecting a bathroom vanity to finalizing the layout, Allreno simplifies every step of the process. Comparing Allreno to Leading Competitors When exploring bathroom renovation options, it’s important to consider the services and value offered by different providers. Here’s how Allreno stacks up against major players like Home Depot, Houzz, Block Renovation, and Angi.com: • Home Depot: Known for its wide range of DIY and contractor-friendly products, Home Depot offers accessibility but lacks the personalized design and AI-powered planning that Allreno provides. • Houzz: While Houzz excels in inspiration and connecting homeowners with professionals, its platform does not streamline the actual renovation process like Allreno’s app does. • Block Renovation: Specializing in high-quality bathroom remodels, Block offers comprehensive services but often at a premium price. Allreno delivers comparable results with significant cost savings. • Angi.com: Angi connects homeowners with contractors but doesn’t offer the integrated design-to-execution experience that sets Allreno apart. Bathroom Vanity: The Centerpiece of Your Renovation A bathroom vanity is often the focal point of any bathroom design. Choosing the right vanity can elevate the entire look and feel of your space. With Allreno, selecting the perfect bathroom vanity becomes an enjoyable experience. Our app allows you to browse a curated collection of high-quality vanities, customize dimensions, and visualize how they’ll look in your remodeled space. Allreno’s vanities combine style, functionality, and durability, ensuring they not only look great but also stand the test of time. Whether you prefer a modern minimalist design or a classic, timeless aesthetic, Allreno has options to suit every taste. Expert Tips for Bathroom Renovation Renovating a bathroom requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here are some expert tips to keep in mind: 1. Set a Realistic Budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend and allocate funds for unexpected expenses. 2. Plan the Layout: Consider functionality and flow when designing the space. Allreno’s app makes this step easy with AI-generated layouts tailored to your needs. 3. Choose Durable Materials: Bathrooms face moisture and wear, so opt for high-quality, water-resistant materials. 4. Focus on Lighting: Proper lighting enhances both the functionality and ambiance of your bathroom. 5. Hire Professionals: While DIY can be tempting, working with experienced contractors ensures the job is done right. Explore Our Complete Guide to New York Bathroom Remodels For New York homeowners, bathroom renovations come with unique challenges and opportunities. Explore our complete guide to New York bathroom remodels, with expert tips on bathroom renovation and a breakdown of costs to help you plan. From navigating small spaces to complying with building codes, our guide provides all the insights you need for a successful project. Why Allreno is the Future of Bathroom Renovation With Allreno, you’re not just renovating a bathroom—you’re transforming the way renovations are done. Our app eliminates the stress and inefficiency of traditional methods, empowering you to achieve stunning results in less time and with less hassle. Ready to start your bathroom renovation journey? Download the Allreno app today and experience the difference for yourself. Whether it’s finding the perfect bathroom vanity or planning a complete remodel, Allreno is here to make your dream bathroom a reality. Tags: ai design, bathroom renovation, renovation, bathroom design, interior design

This is a typical fire place installation using a power relocation kit to keep it up to code. This installation is $199+ parts
Living room - contemporary living room idea in Austin

Typical application scenarios Student housing: standardized layouts, fast installation, easy replacement Long-term rental apartments: phased delivery and storage-friendly logistics Hotels and serviced apartments: clean, modern designs with efficient installation Export-ready flat-pack packaging A professional flat-pack system for overseas projects typically includes: Strong export cartons Corner protectors and edge protection Foam or honeycomb paper padding for panels Hardware packed separately in labeled bags Clear assembly instructions (printed or digital via QR code) This packaging approach helps protect products during long-distance shipping and simplifies on-site handling.

A friend noticed a damp, musty smell coming from her living room fireplace the week after a February thaw. When she called a masonry technician from Superior Chimney, to take a look, and found that water had been working its way behind the bricks for years. What started as a small crack now meant her chimney needed structural repairs before she could safely use it again. Chimney repairs are any work done to restore the structural and weatherproof condition of a chimney. This can include mortar joint repair, brick replacement, crown repair, flue repair, and cap or flashing replacement. Most Chicagoland homeowners discover the need for chimney repairs often times after winter, when the freeze and thaw cycles have already done its damage. Uncovering the symptoms early is the best way to keep chimney repairs down. Let’s discuss how that can be done. Why Chicagoland Weather Is Especially Hard on Chimneys Chicagoland has some of the most polarized weather. One day it’s a blizzard and the next week hot, humid and 100 degrees. That swing in weather conditions and temperatures are the real reasons why chimney repairs are needed. When moisture from humid and rainy days’ soak into brick and mortar and then freezes, it expands. As it begins to thaw, the materials contract. Repeat that cycle dozens of times in a single Illinois winter and even solid masonry in the chimney starts to crack, spall, and separate from the joints holding it together. This is called the freeze thaw cycle. We’ve talked about it many times over the years, and it continues to be the single biggest reason homes need chimney repairs more often than homes in milder climates. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), the leading nonprofit certifying body for chimney professionals in the United States, notes that water intrusion is one of the most damaging and most preventable problems. If the problem is left to mature, it affects more than the appearance. It compromises the structure itself. What Do Chimney Repairs Involve? Not every chimney problem requires the same fix. Chimney repairs generally fall into a few categories. Understanding the difference, helps homeowners have a more informed conversation with the expert technician. Mortar joint repair or tuckpointing. This involves removing deteriorated mortar between bricks and replacing it with fresh mortar, matched to the original color and texture as closely as possible. Brick replacement. When individual bricks have spalled, meaning the face has cracked or popped off from trapped moisture, those bricks are removed and replaced. Crown and cap repair. The crown is the concrete slab at the very top of the chimney. Cracks both big and small let water directly into the chimney flue. Chimney crown repair is often one of the most urgent forms of chimney repairs. Flashing repair. Flashing is the barrier where the chimney meets the roofline. Loose, damaged or poorly installed flashing is a common source for water leaks. The roof gets the blame as it is the largest piece that covers the house. However, it certainly can be the overlooked chimney. Flue and liner repair. Cracked flue tiles or damaged liners affect how safely a chimney vents smoke and combustion gases. When to Know a Chimney Needs Repair Most chimney damage shows up as small, easy to dismiss way. Let’s take a look at the following list. Be sure to print this out and keep it handy so if/when something happens, you know what to look for. • Water stains near the fireplace or on the ceiling • A brownish stain on the wall around your fireplace, or a stain on the ceiling near an exterior chimney. This means water is getting in somewhere it should not. • Crumbling or missing mortar • If you can see gaps between bricks, or mortar that flakes off when you touch it • A leaning or visibly shifting chimney • A chimney that appears to pull away from the house, even slightly, could indicate a structural issue • White staining on the brick (efflorescence) • Chalky white residue left behind as water evaporates out of the masonry. It is a visible sign that moisture is moving through brick • Rusted damper or firebox components • Metal parts inside a fireplace that are rusting are a strong indicator that moisture is present • Debris in the fireplace • Small chunks of brick, mortar, or tile landing in the firebox What are the Various Types of Chimney Repair? This is a compiled list of chimney repairs so you can be aware of what to look for. If you have any questions, contact us directly at 877-244-6349. Homeowners who schedule chimney repairs at the first sign of trouble typically spend far less than those who wait until water damage reaches the interior of the home. This is a great reason to contact Superior Chimney at 877-244-6349. Why an Annual Inspection Matters More Than People Think The CSIA and the National Fire Protection Association both recommend that chimneys, fireplaces, and vents be inspected at least once a year, whether or not the fireplace gets used. This recommendation exists because damage does not take a break just because a chimney sits without any use. According to data stated by the CSIA, chimney related fires still contribute to tens of thousands of residential fires across the United States each year, and a large share of those incidents can be traced back to deferred maintenance. An annual chimney inspection is what catches the small mortar crack or the hairline crown crack before it turns into a repair bill. Hiring the Right Company for Chimney Repairs Not every company who offers chimney repair work has the certified training to diagnose a problem correctly. CSIA certification is the most widely recognized credential in the industry, and it requires technicians to study chimney physics, venting systems, and fire codes. After the studies, the new technician needs to pass an exam and agree to a professional code of ethics. When you call, be sure to ask: Are your technicians CSIA certified, and can I verify that certification? Will you show me photos or video of the damage before starting work? Does the estimate distinguish between cosmetic repair and structural repair? At Superior Chimney, we welcome these and other of your questions. How Chimney Repairs Affect Insurance and Resale A chimney in poor condition can complicate a home sale or an insurance claim. Home inspectors routinely report on visible mortar loss, leaning chimneys, or missing chimney caps. Some insurers will request proof of repair before renewing a policy on an older home. Addressing chimney repairs proactively protects more than curb appeal. It protects the sale timeline and the claims history associated to the property. Frequently Asked Questions How often should a Chicago area chimney be inspected? At least once a year, per CSIA and NFPA guidance, regardless of how often the fireplace is used. Can chimney repairs be done in winter? Some interior repairs can happen in cold weather, but most masonry repair requires temperatures consistently above freezing. Spring and fall are the most common repair times in the Chicago area. Is tuckpointing the same thing as chimney repair? Tuckpointing is one type of chimney repair, focused on replacing deteriorated mortar joints. Does homeowners insurance cover chimney repairs? It depends. Sudden damage from a storm may be covered, while gradual deterioration from lack of maintenance typically is not. So Finally… Taking care of your home includes a chimney. Just because you don’t see it every day, doesn’t mean things aren’t happening. Be sure to get a chimney inspection done once per year by a certified and credible company such as Superior Chimney to take care of the issues. Contact us today by calling 877-244-6349.

To meet electrical code, we are required to add an outlet in the island. This is typically how we do it. Its functional and out of the way.
Mid-sized elegant l-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Boston with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz countertops, multicolored backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

London apartments typically have several entrances, depending on the building's layout and size. The main entrance is usually located on the street level and leads into the foyer or lobby area. This entrance is typically secured with a lock or access control system to ensure the safety and security of residents. Some apartments may also have a secondary entrance, which is usually located on a different level or at the rear of the building. This entrance may be used as an emergency exit or for deliveries and maintenance services. Residents may also have access to a separate entrance for parking, which is often located in an underground garage or in a separate building nearby. This entrance is typically controlled by a security gate or barrier, which requires a key card or code to access. Overall, the entrances to London apartments are designed to provide convenient access for residents while maintaining a high level of security and safety. Whether you are a long-term resident or a visitor, you can expect to find a well-maintained and secure entrance that meets your needs.

Product Code: S606, Characterized by straightforward lines that are typical in any style and design of contemporary furniture, the S606 contemporary leather bed gives your bedroom an alluring appeal. Curvilinear lines are seen on the bed frame that features tufting in leather. The two tufted square cushions replaced the normal design of headboard. Platform in appearance, double, queen and king size available. other colors are options!

Product Code: Platinum Legno bedroom set, New Silver Birch finish to mark the unique, highly contemporary design of this bedroom PLATINUM. Modern lines combined with Art Deco’ details. Beveled mirror and wave shaped handles give a typical Made in Italy look to this bedroom. Wood diamond shaped headboard with LED light insert. Padded headboard “DROP” with vertical central Swarovski insert, side courtesy lights and lateral glass shelves. The bed ring has shaped side rails with chromed skirt and is made functional by an optional storage kit with lift mechanism.

Create sufficient headroom. For most codes, 7-ft. 6-in. finished ceilings are the minimum. If that’s not what you have, you must either raise the house or lower the basement floor. Either approach is a big undertaking. Lowering the floor typically involves supporting the house, removing an existing slab, excavating, and augmenting or replacing all or part of the foundation and drainage system. Raising a house is a big project, too, but, in general, it’s the better strategy because it creates more height for windows, and thus allows more natural light to enter the space. If you also must replace a failing foundation (which requires supporting the house), then your choice is even clearer: Up she goes

KC Architects, led by licensed architect Katarzyna Cimoch, specializes in residential architectural services throughout Chicago. As a Polish architect Chicago firm, we bring unique European design sensibility combined with deep understanding of local building codes and neighborhood character. Our comprehensive services include custom home design, renovations, additions, and space planning. What sets our Polish architect Chicago practice apart is our attention to detail and commitment to creating spaces that reflect your lifestyle and values. We handle everything from initial concept through construction supervision, ensuring your vision becomes reality. FAQ: What services do you offer? We provide complete architectural services including design, permitting, and construction oversight. How long does the design process take? Timeline varies by project scope, typically 6-12 weeks for initial design. Do you handle permits? Yes, we manage all permitting and approval processes. What's your design philosophy? We blend functionality with aesthetic appeal, respecting neighborhood context. Do you work on historic homes? Yes, we have extensive experience with historic renovations and additions. What areas do you serve? We serve Chicago and surrounding suburbs. How do you charge for services? Our fees are based on project scope and complexity. Do you provide 3D renderings? Yes, we use advanced visualization tools for all projects. Can you work with my contractor? Absolutely, we collaborate with qualified contractors throughout the process. What makes your firm unique? Our Polish heritage brings European design sensibility to Chicago architecture.

Inspiration for a transitional white tile and mosaic tile mosaic tile floor and white floor alcove bathtub remodel in Toronto with dark wood cabinets, an undermount sink, white countertops and flat-panel cabinets