Laminate Flooring- Also known as floating wood tile is a relative newcomer to household flooring. Composed of a synthetic material that stimulates a wood (or sometimes stone) appearance, which is then laminated. PROS: Extremely simple installation, some laminate tiles have a T&G (tongue and groove) system, which locks into place and eliminates the need for adhesive. Stain resistant, easy to relapse, easy to clean, very hygienic. CONS: Hard underfoot, synthetic is not genuine wood and as such it cannot be sanded or refinished. Can also be very slippery when wet (though slip resistant layers are available) shows scuff marks. Cost ** Installation Difficulty ** Durability ** Cleaning Difficulty ***

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

Photos by Christopher Sturman
Example of a classic medium tone wood floor and brown floor bedroom design in New York with white walls

Located on farmland in McLean, Virginia, the American Farmhouse balances the expected comforts of a new home with the bucolic beauty of an old farmhouse. The final site plan still has evidence showing parallel courses of the barn’s destiny. The house mass is broken and lowered so that the home can remain secondary to the monolithic barn structure. Earthy and elemental materials are selected for the home that reference the barn without directly mimicking it. Wooden members found inside the barn and from other barns bridge ceilings and are used in floors along with rustic slate adding to a sense of simplicity to the farmhouse design. The age and patina of the barn is reflected in the house’s textural use of board and batten and field stone layered similar to stone foundations. The original development plan was to demolish the existing barn and construct three suburban homes. Part of an endangered breed, as one of the few remaining barns in the area, it was originally viewed as a challenge in a luxury home construction with several difficulties posed to the impending project: it would be expensive to renovate, vulnerable to demolition, and threatened by urban sprawl. However, instead of trying to alter or destroy the barn, the structure was fully embraced into the traditional architecture project as a centerpiece and was used as the inspiration for the home. The new house was sited parallel to the barn so that views to the barn gable were accessible.

These huge, arch top windows pose difficulties for window treatment design and installation. Hunter Douglas Silhouette® shadings provide soft, diffuse light and privacy, while the stationary side panels on short rods quietly add color and elegance to this living room.

This project, sitting on a little more than 3.5 acres on Rivercrest was completed in 3 years with a total square footage of more than 26,000 square feet. Typically modern homes are smaller. At a certain size, usually around 4,000 square feet, the difficulty with modern or contemporary architecture becomes scale, and the minimalist idea gets lost. Whenever you get to this scale of house at over 26,000 square feet, this problem adds a layer of complexity. Connie Anderson Photography

Inspiration for a transitional nursery remodel in Philadelphia

Merillat Cabinetry
Inspiration for a craftsman laundry room remodel in St Louis

Backyard redo
Patio - transitional patio idea in DC Metro

The beautiful redwood front porch with a lighted hidden trim detail on the step provide a welcoming entryway to the home. Golden Visions Design Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Large, ganged picture windows added to the degree of difficulty for this Blaine, MN, insurance claim project.
Large craftsman gray three-story mixed siding gable roof idea in Minneapolis with a shingle roof

This is a custom patio home in the beautiful Summer Hill neighborhood. The clients had difficulty determining the best layout for living room due to the fireplace and entertainment center being in separate areas and I was called in to do space planning, blind/furniture/furnishing/custom built-ins for multiple rooms. All photographs are done by talented Tim Carter, Real Estate Photographer

This project, sitting on a little more than 3.5 acres on Rivercrest was completed in 3 years with a total square footage of more than 26,000 square feet. Typically modern homes are smaller. At a certain size, usually around 4,000 square feet, the difficulty with modern or contemporary architecture becomes scale, and the minimalist idea gets lost. Whenever you get to this scale of house at over 26,000 square feet, this problem adds a layer of complexity. Connie Anderson Photography

This project, sitting on a little more than 3.5 acres on Rivercrest was completed in 3 years with a total square footage of more than 26,000 square feet. Typically modern homes are smaller. At a certain size, usually around 4,000 square feet, the difficulty with modern or contemporary architecture becomes scale, and the minimalist idea gets lost. Whenever you get to this scale of house at over 26,000 square feet, this problem adds a layer of complexity. Connie Anderson Photography

This project, sitting on a little more than 3.5 acres on Rivercrest was completed in 3 years with a total square footage of more than 26,000 square feet. Typically modern homes are smaller. At a certain size, usually around 4,000 square feet, the difficulty with modern or contemporary architecture becomes scale, and the minimalist idea gets lost. Whenever you get to this scale of house at over 26,000 square feet, this problem adds a layer of complexity. Connie Anderson Photography

What to know about biting dust mites? Do dust mites bite? Many people think that they are allergic to dust when actually they have an allergy to biting dust mites. These microscopic bugs are some of the most common allergy and asthma triggers around the world. But dust mites do not bite, even they can cause allergic reactions and skin rashes. Dust mites are usually found on mattress and their presence is one of the reasons why you may have difficulty sleeping.

Eclectic kitchen photo in Boston

The clients were having difficulty melding both of their design styles, so they asked Mussman Design to assist them. While Greg is more contemporary, Seleda is more traditional in her design aesthetic. This space reflects a nod to both clients particular wishes. Photo: Stan Mussman

This project, sitting on a little more than 3.5 acres on Rivercrest was completed in 3 years with a total square footage of more than 26,000 square feet. Typically modern homes are smaller. At a certain size, usually around 4,000 square feet, the difficulty with modern or contemporary architecture becomes scale, and the minimalist idea gets lost. Whenever you get to this scale of house at over 26,000 square feet, this problem adds a layer of complexity. Connie Anderson Photography