This house wraps around two levels of courtyards on one side and looks out over salt marshes to the sound on the other. Its deeply insulated 12” thick walls and roof conserve energy, and heat recovery ventilation ensures a constant cycle of fresh air.

This house wraps around two levels of courtyards on one side and looks out over salt marshes to the sound on the other. Its deeply insulated 12” thick walls and roof conserve energy, and heat recovery ventilation ensures a constant cycle of fresh air.

This house wraps around two levels of courtyards on one side and looks out over salt marshes to the sound on the other. Its deeply insulated 12” thick walls and roof conserve energy, and heat recovery ventilation ensures a constant cycle of fresh air.

Photo: Michaela Dodd © 2015 Houzz
Inspiration for an eclectic bedroom remodel in Austin

Endless Movement presents a vertical column of intertwined red human forms compressed between two tall white structures. The rigid white sides create a narrow channel, framing the figures as they twist, climb, and fold into one another. Individual bodies are visible, yet they merge into a continuous flow, forming a single upward motion. The vivid red color contrasts sharply with the calm, architectural white surfaces, emphasizing the energy and tension within the confined space. The figures appear caught in an ongoing cycle—struggling, rising, and transforming—without a clear beginning or end. This vertical movement suggests persistence and the constant effort of human existence. Despite limitation and pressure from the surrounding structure, the bodies continue to shift and ascend. The sculpture reflects the idea that life is a continuous process of movement, adaptation, and endurance, where individual actions blend into an unending collective rhythm. Bronze, Steel 75 cm x 25 cm x 10 cm

This house wraps around two levels of courtyards on one side and looks out over salt marshes to the sound on the other. Its deeply insulated 12” thick walls and roof conserve energy, and heat recovery ventilation ensures a constant cycle of fresh air.

This is an organic Lime Wash done with a true lime wash product as opposed to a brick mortar or concrete that is often seen on new houses. This product can be applied as a solid coating making the surface completely white, or can be applied and "washed off" in many artistic ways, as seen here. If you hate your brick or just want something unique this is a great option! Photo credit: Jeff Murrey

Example of a mid-sized transitional freestanding desk dark wood floor and brown floor study room design in New York with beige walls and no fireplace

Inspiration for a contemporary outdoor patio shower remodel in New York

Master Bedroom with Red Bed Frame and custom drapery and bedding.
Bedroom - traditional master light wood floor bedroom idea in Charlotte

New England fieldstone wall with battered pier and low voltage light. Stone wall edges driveway entrance to Concord, MA country estate. - ©2015 Brian Hill

Shou sugi ban, weathered mesquite wood and white walls around found throughout this modern home, including in the stairway.
Staircase - modern wooden straight metal railing staircase idea in Austin

Small elegant gray one-story mixed siding gable roof photo in Charleston

Quarry House, a shingled two story house with dark green trim, is pinned to the solid ledge on the sea coast of Connecticut. The narrow house sits under a spine of a roof, running south to north, with the primary living in a ‘head’, at the north end, where the best views are. The circulation of the site and house follows this massing, through two courts, the lower more public, and the upper more private. The lower court is defined by the garage building, and by the south face of the house. From this first court, a well-defined portal leads to an arcade, which, flanking the main wing of the house, pulls one along the second and higher court. The L of the main house and the tool shed define the garden court. Both courts withhold the view. The actual front door is nearly half-way into the house. From there, a short passage brings one to the primary living space where the view unfolds across a syncopated rhythm of windows, first overlooking an intimate tidal inlet and, then, turning west, to the longer view of the Long Island Sound, where a cantilevered deck seems to float over the rock. A clerestory window, hidden in a dormer, brings south light into this room. A final point: the 3400 square foot house, with its deeply insulated 12” thick walls and roofing, runs on a low energy load. An HRV ensures a constant cycle of fresh air even in heating season.

Witch Hazel: A Shrub That Teaches Patience in the Garden Witch hazel is a reminder that some of the most rewarding garden plants operate on a different timetable. Unlike shrubs that demand attention with bold flowers or fast growth, witch hazel reveals its value slowly and intentionally. Its most striking feature often appears when gardeners least expect it, with delicate, ribbon-like blooms emerging in late winter while much of the landscape still rests. This timing alone sets witch hazel apart. Winter-blooming shrubs change the way gardeners experience their landscapes, encouraging observation during a season that is often overlooked. Planted near windows, paths, or entryways, witch hazel offers moments of surprise and quiet beauty when color is scarce. Its subtle fragrance and fine-textured flowers add depth without overwhelming the surrounding environment. Beyond bloom, witch hazel contributes structure and balance to the garden year-round. Its branching form develops naturally into an open, graceful shape that rarely requires pruning. During the growing season, its foliage blends effortlessly with perennials, groundcovers, and woodland plants, creating cohesion rather than competition. In autumn, the leaves shift to soft golden tones, easing the transition into dormancy. Witch hazel also supports a slower, more sustainable approach to gardening. Once established, it asks very little in return, adapting well to its surroundings and thriving without constant inputs. Its fallen leaves enrich the soil, reinforcing natural cycles that benefit neighboring plants. In a garden culture often driven by instant results, witch hazel stands as a counterpoint. It rewards patience, invites reflection, and becomes more meaningful with time. For gardeners willing to embrace its rhythm, witch hazel offers not just seasonal interest, but a deeper connection to the quiet moments that make gardening truly fulfilling. https://www.onlineplantnursery.com/products/witch-hazel https://treenurseryco.com/witch-hazel-shrub https://www.wholesalenurseryco.com/products/witch-hazel https://www.tennesseewholesalenursery.com/products/witch-hazel https://www.tnnursery.net/products/witch-hazel

Staircase - modern staircase idea in Edmonton

Winter is always tough on your home. This past winter was no picnic with the snow and cold. By the time spring (really) arrives, your chimney has put up with months of freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and the constant freeze-thaw cycle that quietly does damage you can't always see from the outside. That's why a spring chimney inspection isn't just a good idea, it’s essential to have your chimney checked before storm season begins. Here’s why: Water Is Your Chimney's Worst Enemy Here's something that most homeowners don’t know: chimney leaks cause more damage to masonry chimneys than fire does. Think about that a moment. While everyone worries about creosote and chimney fires — and rightfully so — water is silently doing just as much, if not more, damage. Unlike the rest of your home, which is sheltered by your roof and eaves, your chimney stands fully exposed above the roofline. It takes on rain, wind, snow, and every freeze-thaw cycle winter throws at it, all while absorbing moisture into its porous masonry materials. That water expands and contracts, causing cracks, structural stress, and integrity loss that accumulates over time. The worst part? Chimney leaks are often subtle and slow-moving. By the time you notice water damage inside your home, the problem has usually become more serious, and expensive. What a Spring Inspection Actually Catches A professional spring chimney inspection, such as Superior Chimney’s, goes well beyond a quick visual check. A CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep technician will evaluate your entire system — inside and out — looking for the most common sources of chimney leaks and damage, including cracked chimney crowns, deteriorated brick and mortar joints, damaged or missing chimney caps, faulty chimney flashing and roof leaks, chimney slab gaps, and flue gas condensation from improperly sized chimney liners. Any one of these issues left without a proper inspection, heads into spring storm season is an open invitation for water damage. And as Superior Chimney has discussed, masonry water damage is a progressive problem — the longer it goes unrepaired, the costlier the fix becomes. What You Can Do Right Now The good news is that most chimney water damage is preventable. The key steps are: • have a professional-grade chimney cap installed if you don't already have one • repair or replace a damaged chimney crown • address any deteriorated brick and mortar • fix leaky flashing and • consider having your chimney professionally waterproofed. Waterproofing alone can save you significantly on future repair costs. What’s Next? Superior Chimney always includes a free 14-Point Certified Written Inspection with photo documentation via email with every chimney sweep. This helps you to know exactly what condition your chimney is in and what, if anything, needs attention. Don't wait, have your chimney checked before storm season begins to reveal a problem that's been building all winter. Schedule your inspection today at 877-244-6349.

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