Duration® Premium Cool Shingles reflect solar energy, helping decrease the amount of heat transferred to a home’s interior – and the amount of air conditioning needed to keep it comfortable. Duration® Premium Cool Shingles are ENERGY STAR® rated and feature unique lighter colors that have corresponding Owens Corning™ Hip & Ridge Shingles. These shingles also offer our patented SureNail® Technology.

This project was the result of the owner’s desire to install a swimming pool and outdoor living space inspired by tropical resorts they had visited on family vacations. The one element asked for specifically was a large waterfall spilling into the pool. The challenge for the designers was how to achieve the look the owner’s wished without the use of clichéd items such as thatched huts and tiki torches. The designers decided lush full plantings using plants found in the northeast region that met certain design criteria would be the primary way of giving the tropical feel. Boulder outcroppings, irregular stone paving and fire bowls along the back of the pool would complete the look. The property is located in a newer subdivision with homes on both sides and a school to the rear. A walkway connects the neighborhood and the school along one side. The desired privacy would be addressed by the placement of plants and trees around the perimeter in mounded beds. Placing the waterfall to the rear of the pool helped block the view of the school beyond. The township had restrictions on the amount of impervious material allowable on site. The patio was designed to the maximum allowable size with square footage going to where it would be most usable. Planting beds were cut into the patio to decrease unnecessary square footage, divide spaces, and allow for more places to add plants and trees. A rectangular swimming pool was chosen to make it easier to install an automatic pool cover. The pool was designed, with input from the landscape designers, and contracted separately by the owner. The landscape designers chose the location of pool and waterfall so that it was prominently placed to be the focal point of the backyard. The pool includes a curving sunbathing shelf running from end to end, finished in a lighter color to make it more visible, with removable umbrellas for shade and to add to the resort feel. To tie into the boulders used throughout the design, a large boulder was used as a substitute for a diving board. The yard sloped down towards the back of the property which required a large amount of soil to be added and large boulder retaining wall along the back. For the planting design, the designers choose to focus on plants with larger leaves, various leaf colors and textures, and plants with large flowers in bold colors. These plants were then arranged into a loose lush planting scheme mixed with more traditional northeast plants such as pines, grasses, and roses. Unique plants such as hardy bananas were added for their tropical and exotic look. The full planting beds help to nestle in and enclose the living space. Broken flagstone was chosen for the patio and intentionally left irregular at the edges. PA flagstone was avoided and a stone with gold and brown tones was chosen. Boulder outcroppings added to the natural and tropical theme. The fire pit was designed with a large built-in bench to increase the amount of seating. The designers chose a rounded smooth shape and incorporated the same stone as the pool coping for the caps and bench. For entertaining guests the outdoor kitchen was outfitted with a large gas grill, beverage taps, refrigerator, sink and a dedicated lobster cooker. The kitchen was finished with granite countertops and stainless steel cabinets. Two strategically placed fire bowls, along with the low voltage lighting, add additional interest to the space at night. While the designers were faced with many challenges the resulting design incorporated enough elements to achieve the desired look and feel. Using plants appropriate to the northeast that fit the design criteria and carefully choosing hardscaping materials was essential. The owner’s feel they now have their own tropical theme resort right in their Pennsylvania backyard.

Home design - modern home design idea in Los Angeles

Onsite rainwater capture has become an issue of ever-increasing importance in semi-arid California, particularly as we realize the need to conserve water on a ongoing basis. This project employs the use of rainwater infiltration by diverting existing downspouts into a dry creek. Instead of being diverted into the storm drain system and wasted, the water is recharged back into the ground. Soils are able to hold the moisture and plant watering needs decrease. In addition to being functional, rock features such as dry creeks contribute to the aesthetic and create a beautiful contrast to the plant material.

[ Houzz Furniture - Bestier.net ] The on-trend style should extend to all the items in your home, and fit easily into taller, narrower spaces. The bookshelf is designed for a clean, open silhouette, enabling you to show off not only your titles but also decor objects and knickknacks. This piece features a powder-coated steel frame and four laminated wood shelves of decreasing depth, delivering a budget-friendly industrial-inspired look. Adjustable Storage Shelves Our Multifunctional Storage Rack has 5 adjustable shelves, so you can customize the heights of each shelf to meet your different needs. You also can turn it into a chef helper when placing it in your kitchen or make an awesome display rack that fits anywhere - like on top of a table or inside any cabinet! Solid Construction This 5-tier shelving unit is made of a heavy steel frame and MDF boards. It can hold up to 25 pounds per shelf, making it perfect for storing books or clothes in any corner of the room Dimension 23.6" x 11" x 61"

The Craftsman's style inspiration derived from the Gamble House. The fireplace wall was decreased in size for an open-concept spacious grand room. The custom stained cabinetry graciously flows from the kitchen, laundry room, hall, and primary bathroom. Two new hutches were added to the dining room area for extra storage. The sizeable wet island serves as an entertaining hub. We spared no unused space to accommodate the families' needs. Two-tone quartz countertops provide a transitional design. The quartz white countertops serve as a grout-free backsplash.

The original shower was only 3x3 feet and was lacking accessibility and brightness. Mostly empty, the over-sized linen closet was unnecessary. So, how to make the shower larger without disrupting too much of the surrounding space? Simple solution, decrease the size of the closet and steal that space for the shower. Photos: Interior Dimensions and Design, LLC

This bright and light kitchen project required us extending the kitchen into the dinette area and removing a window to get a better flow. Luckily there were 3 large windows, so we decided removing one wouldn't significantly decrease the amount of natural light. It was a good trade for form and function. We were able to increase the work surfaces to create a much more useable kitchen that fit all the necessities and even had room for extra. We added pull outs and functional accessories to make it an easy to use space. We supplemented the natural light with a solar tube and plenty of installed light with 2 sizes of adjustable output and temperature LED ceiling cans for layers of light.

This bright and light kitchen project required us extending the kitchen into the dinette area and removing a window to get a better flow. Luckily there were 3 large windows, so we decided removing one wouldn't significantly decrease the amount of natural light. It was a good trade for form and function. We were able to increase the work surfaces to create a much more useable kitchen that fit all the necessities and even had room for extra. We added pull outs and functional accessories to make it an easy to use space. We supplemented the natural light with a solar tube and plenty of installed light with 2 sizes of adjustable output and temperature LED ceiling cans for layers of light.

Matching counterop and backsplash adds a sleek modern look to the space. Keeping minimal changes in materials can help to decrease the visual stimulation.

This bright and light kitchen project required us extending the kitchen into the dinette area and removing a window to get a better flow. Luckily there were 3 large windows, so we decided removing one wouldn't significantly decrease the amount of natural light. It was a good trade for form and function. The refrigerator and pantry cabinets now occupy the previous dinette & 3rd window space. We were able to increase the work surfaces to create a much more useable kitchen that fit all the necessities and even had room for extra. We added pull outs and functional accessories to make it an easy to use space. We supplemented the natural light with a solar tube and plenty of installed light with 2 sizes of adjustable output and temperature LED ceiling cans for layers of light.

If you’re looking for flooring that will last a lifetime, the Hampton Series is an excellent choice for your home. This product is known for its elegance, quality, and durability. The exclusive Six Side Seal© helps prevent moisture that can lead to cupping, warping, and seasonal cracking. It also has antimicrobial properties that can decrease allergens in your home. All Hampton Series ¾-inch solid hardwood flooring comes prefinished for your convenience. Each plank features square edges to evoke the appearance of a site-finished floor. This product is available in a variety of colors that blend well with any interior design. Whatever color you choose, you’re sure to appreciate the authentic beauty and lasting strength of this series.

Andy Sofa by Ligne Roset | Soft Square In 1962, when he reinterpreted Florence Knoll's sofa 1954, he softened the curves and decreased the amount of quilting. He also eliminated the metal frame, which had emphasized the whole base perimeter, while keeping only the four feet. In short, he designed a new sofa--one that's domestic, sensual, and refined. With a final elegant touch, he traces the chrome-plated steel feet inside the armrests, both at the front and the back. An elegant result, whether viewed from the front or the back, this integration of the feet inside the armrests calls for stitching and upholstering of the highest quality to complete the presentation. softsquare.com

Stuart Wade, Envision Virtual Tours Envision Virtual Tours and High Resolution Photography is your best choice to find just what you are looking for in the Ellijay, Ga. area .Ellijay, Georgia, known as the “Apple Capital” of Georgia, is located between the Ellijay and Cartecay Rivers where they join to make the Coosawattee River and is the county seat of Gilmer County, Georgia. The origin of the city’s name is not certain but thought to be the English derivative of an Indian word(s) meaning “many waters”, “place of green things” or “new ground”. Some histories say it may have been named for an Indian chief. Inhabited for countless years by the Cherokee people indigenous to the North Georgia, the area was first mentioned as a village and trade center before the onslaught of white settlers inhabited the region. During the 1830’s both white settlers and Indians occupied Ellijay. During the original land lottery in 1832, Martin Scalf acquired the 160 acre lot where the town now stands. In 1833, Clemonds Quinland bought 10 acres from Scalf, retained one acre for himself and donated the rest of the purchase to the County. A plan for twenty town lots, streets and a public square was created and the streets were oriented to allow maximum sunlight exposure to the buildings. Proceeds from lot sales were used to build a jail and courthouse and pay other city expenses. During this same year, Gilmer County was appropriated $800.00 from the State to build a school, and a three-acre lot was donated for the city cemetery. On December 29, l834, Ellijay was incorporated and designated as the County seat of Gilmer County. By 1837, the town had twenty dwellings, three stores and one attorney. Most of these early buildings were of log construction. Many roads led to Ellijay by 1849. The population had grown to 150 by 1850 and the town at five stores. Some wood-frame buildings were being constructed at this time and in 1854, a new courthouse was built in the center of the square, replacing the earlier building. The County’s first newspaper was the Ellijay Courier, started in 1875, and during this time period, Ellijay was a stop on the stagecoach line. The railroad bridge over the Cartecay River was completed in 1884 and the town now had rail service. With the arrival of the railroad and subsequent tracks to White Path, Ellijay began to grow much faster. Many hotels were constructed and land was donated for a depot east of town. More industries, such as a cheese factory and the Shippen Brothers Lumber Mill, located in Ellijay. By 1898, the city had expanded its limits in every direction and now included the depot. By 1900, all the buildings on the town square were brick. This included the recently completed Hyatt Hotel. Most of the other buildings in town were still of log construction, but new wood-frame buildings were being built. The Shippen Brothers Lumber Company production was expanding and exporting their lumber to Europe. Within the next few decades, this company grew to be one of the largest employers in Ellijay, often with five to six million feet of lumber in the yard at one time. The population of Ellijay grew to 659 by 1910, and began to acquire many new modern conveniences such as electric lights and power, a telephone company and many new businesses. Then in 1912, a fire ravaged the city, destroying 23 buildings. As a result, many new buildings were constructed under new and stricter fire and safety guidelines. The population, however, decreased slightly at this time to 632 in 1920. During the 1920’s the town’s population began to grow again and, by this time, apples were being shipped out of the county and new storage facilities were built. Chickens were also shipped to markets outside of Ellijay and Gilmer County. From the mid 1930’s to 1950, Ellijay received much assistance from the Federal WPA Programs. The old courthouse was removed from the center of town square and the Hyatt Hotel was remodeled to be the new courthouse. A park was created on the site of the old courthouse and the streets around the square were paved. A new street was built at this time entering town from the northeast. Other new roads, bridges, sidewalks and gutters were constructed to improve the city. A school and gymnasium were also built and other structures improved. This growth began to impact the city’s infrastructure and in the l950’s and l960’s, a period of upgrading water systems, roads, and power supplies began. New low-rent housing appeared in l960 and a new hospital was built in l957. Georgia Highway 5 was widened in l962, new buildings around the square replaced old ones and some were remodeled. In 1974, the hospital was enlarged. Currently, Ellijay attracts tourists who love the small-town feel and friendly atmosphere. Hotels and restaurants, unique shops, antiques and art galleries lend their charms to those who visit. A new courthouse constructed to resemble the old one, new streetscaping, family-oriented downtown events and the beautification of the square have stepped up the social and economic activity and have made Ellijay a popular destination.

Intus Windows: Arcade, triple pane windows, STC40/OITC35 The low solar heat gain coefficient of Intus' Eforte glazing, combined with the low U-values, and reduced heating and cooling significantly decrease energy costs for this public charter school. According to the general contractor, MCN Build,, the cost of the Intus system was 30% less than the alternative aluminum double-pane system. Intus' solutions saved the builder on material costs, and more importantly, as much as $300,000.00 dollars and 49,000.00 estimated saving in energy consumption a year for Capital City Public Charter school!

The customer wanted a beautiful Japanese Maple in front of their office window. They had fond memories of a tree at their old house and wanted the same look. Using large boulders we decreased the slope to prevent major run off. Small grasses soften up the hard stone edge and in a few years the evergreens will grow and fill out. We typically don't like to cram plants together that have to later be removed to make space. Give them the adequate space they need and weed around it. Another solution is to add short lived plants around those that grow slowly.

Large elegant exterior home photo in New York

Alan Barley, AIA This soft hill country contemporary family home is nestled in a surrounding live oak sanctuary in Spicewood, Texas. A screened-in porch creates a relaxing and welcoming environment while the large windows flood the house with natural lighting. The large overhangs keep the hot Texas heat at bay. Energy efficient appliances and site specific open house plan allows for a spacious home while taking advantage of the prevailing breezes which decreases energy consumption. screened in porch, austin luxury home, austin custom home, barleypfeiffer architecture, barleypfeiffer, wood floors, sustainable design, soft hill contemporary, sleek design, pro work, modern, low voc paint, live oaks sanctuary, live oaks, interiors and consulting, house ideas, home planning, 5 star energy, hill country, high performance homes, green building, fun design, 5 star applance, find a pro, family home, elegance, efficient, custom-made, comprehensive sustainable architects, barley & pfeiffer architects,