Inspiration for a transitional sunroom remodel in Charlotte

The patios are open from the living room, guest bedroom and master bedroom and overlook a gorgeous pool below. Contemporary metal furniture continues the contemporary style from inside and complements the architecture of the building. Two loveseats with granite top tables are the perfect place for lounging in the afternoon. Pillows and an outdoor rug bring interesting textures to the patio. Behind the loveseats is a pub table for dining and entertaining. Off of the Guest Bedroom and Master Bedroom are more private seating areas for a quite morning cup of coffee or a reading in the afternoons. Plants were added to the space for extra privacy and color. Photography by Erika Bierman

Contemporary Clubhouse Bringing the outdoors inside for a bright and colorful indoor playroom perfect for playtime, arts and crafts or schoolwork. Theme: The theme for this inviting and playful space is a creative take on a functional playroom blending the contemporary and functional base of the room with the playful and creative spirit that will engage these lucky children. Focus: The playroom centers on an amazing lofted clubhouse perched against a custom painted pasture and perched on makeshift trees boasting the perfect place for creative adventures or quiet reading and setting the inviting feel for the entire room. The creative and playful feeling is expanded throughout the space with bright green patches of shag carpet invoking the feel of the pasture continuing off the wall and through the room. The space is then flanked with more contemporary and functional elements perfect for children ages 2-12 offering endless hours of play. Storage: This playroom offers storage options on every wall, in every corner and even on the floor. The myWall storage and entertainment unit offers countless storage options and configurations along the main wall with open shelving, hanging buckets, closed shelves and pegs, anything you want to store or hang can find a home. Even the floor under the myWall panel is a custom floordrobe perfect for all those small floor toys or blankets. The pasture wall has a shelving unit cloaked as another tree in the field offering opened and closed cubbies for books or toys. The sink and craft area offers a home to all the kids craft supplies nestled right into the countertop with colorful containers and buckets. Growth: While this playroom provides fun and creative options for children from 2-12 it can adapt and grow with this family as their children grow and their interests or needs change. The myWall system is developed to offer easy and immediate customization with simple adjustments every element of the wall can be moved offering endless possibilities. The full myWall structure can be moved along with the family if necessary. The sink offers steps for the small children but as they grow they can be removed. Safety: The playroom is designed to keep the main space open to allow for creative and safe playtime without obstacles. The myWall system uses a custom locking mechanism to ensure that all elements are securely locked into place not to fall or become loose from wear. Custom cushioned floor rugs offer another level of safety and comfort to the little ones playing on the floor.

The patios are open from the living room, guest bedroom and master bedroom and overlook a gorgeous pool below. Contemporary metal furniture continues the contemporary style from inside and complements the architecture of the building. Two loveseats with granite top tables are the perfect place for lounging in the afternoon. Pillows and an outdoor rug bring interesting textures to the patio. Behind the loveseats is a pub table for dining and entertaining. Off of the Guest Bedroom and Master Bedroom are more private seating areas for a quite morning cup of coffee or a reading in the afternoons. Plants were added to the space for extra privacy and color. Photography by Erika Bierman

Pivot Gate extends the architecture of the home and conceals the side utility yard . photo by Jeffery Edward Tryon
Design ideas for a small mid-century modern partial sun backyard mulch and metal fence landscaping in Philadelphia for summer.

HUNTER DOUGLAS DESIGNER ROLLER SHADES Designer fabrics keep harmful UV rays at bay Hunter Douglas Designer Roller Shades combine the ease and simplicity of a roller shade with hundreds of fabric choices—sheers to opaques, and floral patterns to traditional solid colors. Headrail Option UPGRADE YOUR LOOK Choose to upgrade to a variety of top treatments that conceal the fabric roll and clutch for a clean, attractive look. Complement or match your shade with a separate fabric for the top. Bottom Treatment DESIGN FLEXIBILITY Create a finished look with a wide choice of bottom treatment options. UV Protection SUNSCREEN FOR YOUR VALUABLES Protect your furniture, flooring and artwork from fading with at least 75% protection from harmful UV rays. Platinum™ Technology CONTROL FROM YOUR PHONE OR TABLET Controlling your window treatments with a mobile device means you can set your blinds to movie mode, work mode, or 8 a.m. mode with the touch of a button, without leaving your seat. It’s effortless, fun and smart—with perfectly smooth operation. Lifetime Guarantee FOR LIFE Hunter Douglas products are designed and custom-assembled in the U.S. with the highest level of quality. But just in case, every window treatment from Hunter Douglas is covered by our lifetime limited guarantee. Read the Hunter Douglas Warranty to learn more. Hunter Douglas Designer Roller Shades with Cordless System Hunter Douglas Designer Roller Shades with Cordless System Fabric: Fiji Blackout Color: Balina Sands Operating Systems: Cordless System Room: Child's Room, Children's Room Room Styles: Casual, Contemporary Available from Accent Window Fashions LLC Hunter Douglas Showcase Priority Dealer Hunter Douglas Certified Installer Hunter Douglas Certified Professional Dealer #Hunter_Douglas #Designer_Roller_Shades #Casual #Contemporary #Kids #Childrens_Rooms #Childrens_Bedrooms #Kids_Rooms #Kids_Bedrooms #Window_Treatments #HunterDouglas #Accent_Window_Fashions Copyright 2001-2014 Hunter Douglas, Inc. All rights reserved.

Phillip Crocker Photography This cozy family room is adjacent to the kitchen and also separated from the kitchen by a 9' wide set of three stairs. Custom millwork designed by McCabe Design & Interiors sets the stage for an inviting and relaxing space. The sectional was sourced from Lee Industries with sunbrella fabric for a lifetime of use. The cozy round chair provides a perfect reading spot. The same leathered black granite was used for the built-ins as was sourced for the kitchen providing continuity and cohesiveness. The mantle legs were sourced through the millwork to ensure the same spray finish as the adjoining millwork and cabinets. Design features included redesigning the space to enlargen the family room, new doors, windows and blinds, custom millwork design, lighting design, as well as the selection of all materials, furnishings and accessories for this Endlessly Elegant Family Room.

My October early morning view from the kitchen window.
Design ideas for a rustic landscaping in Charlotte.

This Houston kitchen remodel turned an outdated bachelor pad into a contemporary dream fit for newlyweds. The client wanted a contemporary, somewhat commercial look, but also something homey with a comfy, family feel. And they couldn't go too contemporary, since the style of the home is so traditional. The clean, contemporary, white-black-and-grey color scheme is just the beginning of this transformation from the previous kitchen, The revamped 20-by-15-foot kitchen and adjoining dining area also features new stainless steel appliances by Maytag, lighting and furnishings by Restoration Hardware and countertops in white Carrara marble and Absolute Black honed granite. The paneled oak cabinets are now painted a crisp, bright white and finished off with polished nickel pulls. The center island is now a cool grey a few shades darker than the warm grey on the walls. On top of the grey on the new sheetrock, previously covered in a camel-colored textured paint, is Sherwin Williams' Faux Impressions sparkly "Striae Quartz Stone." Ho-hum 12-inch ceramic floor tiles with a western motif border have been replaced with grey tile "planks" resembling distressed wood. An oak-paneled flush-mount light fixture has given way to recessed lights and barn pendant lamps in oil rubbed bronze from Restoration Hardware. And the section housing clunky upper and lower banks of cabinets between the kitchen an dining area now has a sleek counter-turned-table with custom-milled legs. At first, the client wanted to open up that section altogether, but then realized they needed more counter space. The table - a continuation of the granite countertop - was the perfect solution. Plus, it offered space for extra seating. The black, high-back and low-back bar stools are also from Restoration Hardware - as is the new round chandelier and the dining table over which it hangs. Outdoor Homescapes of Houston also took out a wall between the kitchen and living room and remodeled the adjoining living room as well. A decorative cedar beam stained Minwax Jacobean now spans the ceiling where the wall once stood. The oak paneling and stairway railings in the living room, meanwhile, also got a coat of white paint and new window treatments and light fixtures from Restoration Hardware. Staining the top handrailing with the same Jacobean dark stain, however, boosted the new contemporary look even more. The outdoor living space also got a revamp, with a new patio ceiling also stained Jacobean and new outdoor furniture and outdoor area rug from Restoration Hardware. The furniture is from the Klismos collection, in weathered zinc, with Sunbrella fabric in the color "Smoke."

[Our Clients] We were so excited to help these new homeowners re-envision their split-level diamond in the rough. There was so much potential in those walls, and we couldn’t wait to delve in and start transforming spaces. Our primary goal was to re-imagine the main level of the home and create an open flow between the space. So, we started by converting the existing single car garage into their living room (complete with a new fireplace) and opening up the kitchen to the rest of the level. [Kitchen] The original kitchen had been on the small side and cut-off from the rest of the home, but after we removed the coat closet, this kitchen opened up beautifully. Our plan was to create an open and light filled kitchen with a design that translated well to the other spaces in this home, and a layout that offered plenty of space for multiple cooks. We utilized clean white cabinets around the perimeter of the kitchen and popped the island with a spunky shade of blue. To add a real element of fun, we jazzed it up with the colorful escher tile at the backsplash and brought in accents of brass in the hardware and light fixtures to tie it all together. Through out this home we brought in warm wood accents and the kitchen was no exception, with its custom floating shelves and graceful waterfall butcher block counter at the island. [Dining Room] The dining room had once been the home’s living room, but we had other plans in mind. With its dramatic vaulted ceiling and new custom steel railing, this room was just screaming for a dramatic light fixture and a large table to welcome one-and-all. [Living Room] We converted the original garage into a lovely little living room with a cozy fireplace. There is plenty of new storage in this space (that ties in with the kitchen finishes), but the real gem is the reading nook with two of the most comfortable armchairs you’ve ever sat in. [Master Suite] This home didn’t originally have a master suite, so we decided to convert one of the bedrooms and create a charming suite that you’d never want to leave. The master bathroom aesthetic quickly became all about the textures. With a sultry black hex on the floor and a dimensional geometric tile on the walls we set the stage for a calm space. The warm walnut vanity and touches of brass cozy up the space and relate with the feel of the rest of the home. We continued the warm wood touches into the master bedroom, but went for a rich accent wall that elevated the sophistication level and sets this space apart. [Hall Bathroom] The floor tile in this bathroom still makes our hearts skip a beat. We designed the rest of the space to be a clean and bright white, and really let the lovely blue of the floor tile pop. The walnut vanity cabinet (complete with hairpin legs) adds a lovely level of warmth to this bathroom, and the black and brass accents add the sophisticated touch we were looking for. [Office] We loved the original built-ins in this space, and knew they needed to always be a part of this house, but these 60-year-old beauties definitely needed a little help. We cleaned up the cabinets and brass hardware, switched out the formica counter for a new quartz top, and painted wall a cheery accent color to liven it up a bit. And voila! We have an office that is the envy of the neighborhood.

OVERVIEW Set into a mature Boston area neighborhood, this sophisticated 2900SF home offers efficient use of space, expression through form, and myriad of green features. MULTI-GENERATIONAL LIVING Designed to accommodate three family generations, paired living spaces on the first and second levels are architecturally expressed on the facade by window systems that wrap the front corners of the house. Included are two kitchens, two living areas, an office for two, and two master suites. CURB APPEAL The home includes both modern form and materials, using durable cedar and through-colored fiber cement siding, permeable parking with an electric charging station, and an acrylic overhang to shelter foot traffic from rain. FEATURE STAIR An open stair with resin treads and glass rails winds from the basement to the third floor, channeling natural light through all the home’s levels. LEVEL ONE The first floor kitchen opens to the living and dining space, offering a grand piano and wall of south facing glass. A master suite and private ‘home office for two’ complete the level. LEVEL TWO The second floor includes another open concept living, dining, and kitchen space, with kitchen sink views over the green roof. A full bath, bedroom and reading nook are perfect for the children. LEVEL THREE The third floor provides the second master suite, with separate sink and wardrobe area, plus a private roofdeck. ENERGY The super insulated home features air-tight construction, continuous exterior insulation, and triple-glazed windows. The walls and basement feature foam-free cavity & exterior insulation. On the rooftop, a solar electric system helps offset energy consumption. WATER Cisterns capture stormwater and connect to a drip irrigation system. Inside the home, consumption is limited with high efficiency fixtures and appliances. TEAM Architecture & Mechanical Design – ZeroEnergy Design Contractor – Aedi Construction Photos – Eric Roth Photography

The new patio offers more entertaining space than the deck alone. Different "rooms" were created, while still making the patio read as one continuous space. Westhauser Photography

The cooking wall from a complete Yorba Linda kitchen remodel. Coastline Builders Group's cabinet shop built the sculpted hood surround and the glass-front corner cabinets flanking it, and our stone fabricator ran the quartzite backsplash full height behind the range so the slab veining reads as one continuous panel. Unlacquered brass hardware and Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige cabinetry carry the palette through. Full-height slab work rewards planning — outlet placement, hood venting, and seam location all have to be resolved before the stone is cut.

Brambledown is one of our most technically challenging and aesthetically pleasing projects in 2009. The story of the staircase and its inspiration, and how we created a complex design from a photo can be found at our Blog. http://www.kevalastairs.com/brambledown-the-story/ The technical details of this superb marriage of engineering and craftsmanship are outlined below. This stunning design is a composition of two bespoke helical staircases with an art deco style wrought iron balustrade, oak treads and a continuous walnut handrail... To read more visit http://www.kevalastairs.com/projects/brambledown/ Dana Maria Saw

These Hanover, MA clients came to Renovisions as they wanted a local design-build company to rework and expand their small and outdated 1980’s colonial kitchen. We collaborated and created an expanded 12’x15’ addition space to accommodate a newly designed kitchen which is now 21’x15’. Before we began with the construction process, proper structural engineering presented a challenge as the property was built on ledge. As expected, we determined that several concrete supports were necessary and needed to be built to support the expanded structure. Our plan included both creative aesthetic and functional layout modifications to transform this ordinary kitchen into a spacious, well-lit, highly functional, stylish and welcoming space to cook, gather and entertain. The bump-out allowed for more functional cabinetry and a dining table which before was placed in a corner of the previous cramped kitchen. Now, there is a wide open space from the adjacent living room and a clear path to a 5’ French door opening to the pool deck. The homeowners also elected for us to extend a new roof over their existing deck creating a nice shaded space to entertain guests. The island, which serves as the central gathering spot. is eye catching with contrasting dark cocoa colored cabinets and stunning natural looking Cambria quartz countertops. Large, easily accessible deep drawers provide much needed storage for pots, pans and lids as well as expansive countertop space for everyday prep and family get-togethers. Overall, the clients were thrilled with their Renovision and cannot wait to throw a party to show off their stunning kitchen. “There is not a single choice we aren’t happy with; it is so us! I love all of the storage and I have a feeling we are going to do a lot of entertaining this summer.” “Dear Cathy and Ed, We are abundantly grateful for the entire Renovisions Team that have provided us with a beautiful kitchen and porch to enjoy. We will continue to make family memories for many years to come with this new addition. From the first time we met with you at the showroom, we were confident that high quality workmanship would go into our new construction. Mike, Brad, and Tom were very trustworthy and worked very hard every day they were on the job site. They were very flexible and always put the homeowners safety first. They even offered a bit of comic relief! Every night the site was cleaned meticulously, never leaving tools or sharp edges of any sort in the open space. We were also very pleased with the help offered when designing and choosing cabinets, tile and other finishes. Liz was always very helpful and patient to answer questions when we came by the showroom. We are extremely pleased with all the choices and on a daily basis we enjoy the warmth and amazing space it provides. We recently hosted a retirement party for 70 people and it never felt crowed! We relax under the covered porch in the morning for coffee, the afternoon for lunch and to watch the grandkids in the pool. And of course in the evening while we read or catch up on emails. It is an amazing space! Thank you all again, for your hard work and passion for your craftsmanship. We will be in touch soon to set up a date for you all to drop by to see the finishing touches and to enjoy refreshments.” - Paul & Beth H. (Hanover)

Taking on this pre-war building renovation was the ultimate design challenge. We combined two units into one massive home. By moving the dining table into the great room, we were able to double the size of the kitchen, allowing for a large island in the center of the space. The wolf range topped with a custom hood was on the utilitary side of the kitchen, next the the shaws sink and House of Rohl faucet. The Calacatta Paonazzo marble from Artistic tile in a honed finished continued from the counters to the backsplash and floating shelf, serving the wow factor this light kitchen deserved. On the opposite wall, floor to ceiling custom cabinetry housed a coffee station and ample storage. There’s even a reading nook window seat, perfect for morning coffee. The two glass blown pendants from Gabriel Scott float on top of the island while the Hudson Valley sconces illuminate the marble shelf. Lead designer, Stevi Fourouli added the final touch by painting lime-wash on the walls to accentuate the old-world feeling of this building.

Napa Cabin | Napa Valley, CA Nestled in the heart of Napa Valley, this contemporary retreat showcases a thoughtful architectural lighting design featuring Belfer's WS7215 WedgeLens LED Wall Sconces in a Black Powder Coat finish. Designed to complement the home's exposed timber beams, natural stone, and steel detailing, the lighting creates a warm, inviting atmosphere while remaining visually unobtrusive. Selected for their slim profile and glare-free performance, the WS7215 sconces provide soft, even illumination that enhances the texture of wood-paneled walls and architectural surfaces. Throughout the main living spaces, the fixtures deliver continuous ambient lighting, while in the loft and bedroom areas they offer comfortable reading light without harsh glare. Integrated 2700 LEDs with smooth 0-10V dimming allow the lighting to transition effortlessly from bright daytime functionality to a cozy evening ambiance. The result is a refined lighting scheme that quietly enhances the cabin's modern-rustic aesthetic, balancing architectural precision with warmth and comfort. Project Team - Architect: Wade Design Architects - Construction: Earthtone Construction - Interior Design: Jennifer Robin Interiors. Featured Product - Belfer WS7215 WedgeLens LED Wall Sconce - Black Powder Coat. https://belfer.com/napa-cabin/ https://wade-design.com/private-homes/napa-cabin/

It's known as the PISA/TIMSS voyaging convoy. Every time worldwide tests results are discharged with association tables indicating champs and failures a gaggle of scientists, scholastics and grouped kindred explorers plummet on the most astounding performing nation or instruction framework to break down and write about "world's best practice". The objective continues evolving One issue with thusly of deduction is that nobody framework reliably beats the rest. In light of the 1995 and 1999 TIMSS (Trends in International Math and Science Study) results, Asian instruction frameworks in Singapore, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan overwhelmed. Accordingly, the emphasis was immovably on recognizing the reasons the Asian tigers were performing so well. In the PISA (Program for International Student Assessment) 2000 results, Finland positioned first in education, fourth in arithmetic and third in science. Finland became the overwhelming focus and specialists and scholastics ran to Helsinki to find the reasons Finnish understudies performed at or close to the highest point of the table. By 2012, at the end of the day, an alternate training framework turned into the focal point of consideration. Finland descended the PISA rankings as another champ, Shanghai, rose as first in arithmetic, science and perusing. Apples aren't being contrasted with apples A second issue when making correlations is that the spots we've recognized as examples of overcoming adversity are distinctive to Australia. City-states like Singapore and instruction frameworks in profoundly performing spots like Hong Kong and Shanghai have remarkable qualities that separate them from nations like Australia, England and the USA. Contrasts in topography, the quantities of understudies and schools, the understudy cosmetics (as far as dialect, society and financial profile) and how schools, including educational modules and appraisal, are organized and oversaw significantly affect results. Singapore, when contrasted with Australia, is little topographically, more homogenous as far as dialect and culture and utilizes instructive practices that have long been out of support in Australia. These incorporate gushing kids in view of their abilities, and high-chance, focused tests and examinations. As noted in a paper titled How not to prevail upon PISA information: an unexpected examination, there are additionally social components clarifying solid execution that are troublesome, if not unimaginable, to exchange starting with one instruction framework then onto the next. Evident cases incorporate the effect of Confucian qualities and morals that stretch appreciation for power (particularly instructors), the conviction that achievement is conceivable with inspiration, fixation and diligent work, and the thought that training is focal if one is to accomplish a superior life. Confounding circumstances and end results Befuddling what has driven these nations to achievement speaks to the third trouble in expecting that what seems to prompt accomplishment in one nation can without much of a stretch be exchanged to another. To expect that everything we need to do in Australia to enhance test outcomes is to lessen the impact of the Australian Education Union, while being appealing to some, is both undemocratic and blameworthy of accepting circumstances and end results. There are a few advantages of abroad correlations PISA and TIMSS tests have been held for a long time. Thus, there is a decent arrangement of examination recognizing the attributes of more grounded performing instruction frameworks from which states and domains can learn. The early ethnographic work recording Japanese and American classes nitty gritty in Harvard distribution The Teaching Gap uncovers how the lessons in Asian classrooms are more unequivocal, obviously organized and sound and there is a desire that all understudies, with the essential offer and applications, some assistance with canning succeed. A later distribution by the Grattan Institute, Catching up: gaining from the best educational systems in East Asia, likewise distinguishes imperative lessons from fruitful Asian instruction frameworks. Positive variables incorporate giving instructors more opportunity to work cooperatively and to tutor each other, guaranteeing that educator training, course readings and the educational modules are commonly steady and concentrate on enhancing classroom rehearse. It ought to additionally be noticed that while Australian understudies don't perform in the top level in PISA and TIMSS tests, there is some reason for festivity. Understudies in the Australian Capital Territory perform well over the Australian normal and frequently coordinate the execution of top-performing abroad instruction frameworks. As far as lifting the execution of understudies from distraught foundations it is additionally critical to take note of that Catholic schools, in light of an investigation of the 2009 PISA results completed by the Australian Council for Educational Research, accomplish a value rating surpassing that of Finland. About the Author: Amy Parker writes too many academic papers for people who have troubles with it. She always gives needed advices, shows the examples of the papers and helps with writing at http://papersnetwork.net

aking on this pre-war building renovation was the ultimate design challenge. We combined two units into one massive home. By moving the dining table into the great room, we were able to double the size of the kitchen, allowing for a large island in the center of the space. The wolf range topped with a custom hood was on the utilitary side of the kitchen, next the the shaws sink and House of Rohl faucet. The Calacatta Paonazzo marble from Artistic tile in a honed finished continued from the counters to the backsplash and floating shelf, serving the wow factor this light kitchen deserved. On the opposite wall, floor to ceiling custom cabinetry housed a coffee station and ample storage. There’s even a reading nook window seat, perfect for morning coffee. The two glass blown pendants from Gabriel Scott float on top of the island while the Hudson Valley sconces illuminate the marble shelf.