Watery Bliss!
Large elegant master dark wood floor bedroom photo in New York with gray walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

After an unfortunate flood, this bathroom was ripped out taken down to the studs, giving us a completely blank slate to work with. To maximize this fairly compact guest bathroom, we added horizontal shiplap paneling to the walls to expand the space visually. The front of the tub was also wrapped in shiplap for added continuity. Hex tile flooring provides pattern and movement against the white painted shiplap walls. And the soft gray rectangular wall tile in the shower repeats the horizontal effect, all in effort of creating the look of a larger space. Photography by Amy Bartlam

This article is posted here with the consent of the author. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, view, or opinion of Crestron Electronics, Inc., or of any of its employees. Crestron Electronics is not responsible for, and does not verify the accuracy of, any of the information contained in this article. By Jeff Singer The “smart” revolution began several years ago with smartphones (a.k.a phones) and has extended in recent years to thermostats, doorbells, alarm systems, and kitchen appliances. Smart devices are so ubiquitous that the term “smart” is overused to the point that it is almost meaningless. Companies are eager to jump on the bandwagon and claim their products are “smart,” and consumers proudly claim they have a smart home because they have lighting control. Misconceptions about smart homes are prevalent and create confusion in the marketplace. This can have deleterious effects on businesses and underserve consumers. Here are seven of the most popular misconceptions about smart homes: 1. Apps are smart Apps are convenient and easy to use. Yes, it seems there’s an app for everything. People expect to be able to download an app and do just about anything. App developers and many companies do not disavow consumers of this myth. On the contrary, they promote this idea with carefully worded descriptions. The promise of having the world at your fingertips for $1.99 is very enticing. Although it sounds too good to be true, it is also too good to pass up for many people. This leads to undervaluing home control and disappointment when the apps don’t work, which undermines confidence in our industry. The fact is that apps are not smart. They do not control anything. They must connect to and communicate with a control system or cloud service that processes, prioritizes, and executes commands. That’s the real magic and what most people do not understand. 2. Smart devices work together With so many smart appliances and devices on the market today, it’s understandable that the average consumer might think that they actually communicate and work together. This is simply not the case. Smart devices are not that smart. They are designed and manufactured by different, often competing, companies. There are no national or industry standards governing these products. Even if they all operate using Wi-Fi® communications, that doesn’t mean they work together. Some companies promote a home control platform, which unites different devices from different companies – in theory. The platform is yet another third-party software totally dependent on other companies developing APIs and writing control modules for their hardware to run on that piece of software. The devices are not independently compatible. Also, when updates are made to either the hardware or the software, functionality may be affected for some period. That’s a nice way of saying the device or system won’t work and there’s no way of knowing for how long. 3. It’s a DIY project Which brings us to the next myth, which is that the average person can do it themselves. Unless you are a skilled professional, I would not advise taking on a smart home project. You want to make a light turn on and off with your Alexa® or Google Assistant™ virtual assistant software, go for it. A smart home takes much more planning and expertise. I have no problem changing a light bulb or hanging a light fixture in my dining room; however, I am not going to rewire my house. I may change the flush valve in my toilet, but I’m not going to replace the pipes in my house. You get it. Integrating devices and systems, establishing different zones, creating scenes, designing the UI with a balance between control, feedback, and simplicity – all takes experience and skill. 4. Need a programmer to make changes Early adopters may have experienced the pain of trying to make a simple change or update to their home control system. Years ago, if the cable provider changed the channel line-up, the homeowner would have to call the dealer or programmer to make an appointment for them to come out to the house to reprogram the system. The system wouldn’t work as expected until it was updated, which often took several days and beaucoup bucks. Not anymore. Technology has evolved so now it’s easy for system owners to change favorite channels, create scenes, rename buttons, update images, and more. While a professional is needed for the initial installation and setup, the system is easy to manage once it’s up and running. This makes life so much easier for both dealer and customer. 5. Tech becomes obsolete quickly Similar to updating the UI, updating firmware or hardware used to be a stressful process. A smart home should be intelligent enough to update itself. Apps don’t become obsolete. Updates are constantly pushed out from the cloud, making them better all the time. The same is true for a good smart home system. New features, functions, and device support gets added in the background consistently, so the system you installed (or purchased) yesterday gets better over time. Swapping out decorative elements, such as keypads, dimmers, and touch screens is also seamless. When a new device is added, all the settings are pulled down from the cloud and it just works. No system interruptions. No sunk costs. No imposing house calls. No surprise bills. 6. Lighting control saves energy and money Lighting control is one of the most popular smart systems, but it takes more than just one system to make a home smart. On the surface, it makes sense that if you dim the lights ten percent, then you save ten percent of energy costs. If the shades are raised during the day to take advantage of sunlight so the lights don’t need to be on (or at least not 100%), but that causes the room temperature to rise a few degrees, which triggers the air conditioner to run longer and more often, was energy usage (or cost) reduced? A smart home integrates all the various systems and technology to optimize comfort, convenience, safety, and sometimes energy. 7. Home technology is easy to hack Security is at the forefront of people’s minds these days. Personal identities are stolen; email accounts hacked; private photos publicized; and more. A smart home must outsmart those who don’t respect privacy. Crestron control systems adhere to the strictest security standards. The same Crestron control system that goes into a home is also installed in secure government and military facilities, global banking institutions, hospitals, and other mission critical applications. When installed correctly by a trained professional, a Crestron smart home is the gold standard for security, comfort, and convenience.

The owners wanted to take advantage of their views, add more natural light, increase storage, and have the kitchen function more efficiently. From dark and feeling closed-in, it was transformed to open, inviting and a place they enjoy every day. All the wall cabinets were removed and a bank of three tall windows were added for more light and ventilation. After a new layout was designed, materials and finishes were selected. The first thing that is noticed when you walk into the room is the wall behind the range. The large expanse is very unique, like a work of natural art. When viewed it can look like waves or patches of clouds. The wall is a full slab of Dekton. The color is inspired by the industrial look of oxidized steel, with shades of grey, brown and black with metallic effects. Mixed woods and stains were used for the cabinets. Storage was maximized, each drawer and cabinet have a function. The island is a perfect landing spot for groceries, meal prep or a buffet. Floating shelves add and open look. The elegant banquette was custom built for the space. It has a slanted back for comfort and with styled legs it keeps it airy and light. The “L” shape optimizes the space and created a natural conversation spot and view of the water. The kitchen has French doors that access an expansive deck, perfect for entertaining. The space was designed for this active couple making it a place to entertain and live everyday with joy.

After an unfortunate flood, this bathroom was ripped out taken down to the studs, giving us a completely blank slate to work with. To maximize this fairly compact guest bathroom, we added horizontal shiplap paneling to the walls to expand the space visually. The front of the tub was also wrapped in shiplap for added continuity. Hex tile flooring provides pattern and movement against the white painted shiplap walls. And the soft gray rectangular wall tile in the shower repeats the horizontal effect, all in effort of creating the look of a larger space. Photography by Amy Bartlam

Photo: Alexandra Crafton © 2016 Houzz
Example of an eclectic dining room design in Portland

Photography: Dustin Halleck
Powder room - transitional powder room idea in Chicago

After an unfortunate flood, this bathroom was ripped out taken down to the studs, giving us a completely blank slate to work with. To maximize this fairly compact guest bathroom, we added horizontal shiplap paneling to the walls to expand the space visually. The front of the tub was also wrapped in shiplap for added continuity. Hex tile flooring provides pattern and movement against the white painted shiplap walls. And the soft gray rectangular wall tile in the shower repeats the horizontal effect, all in effort of creating the look of a larger space. Photography by Amy Bartlam

Two islands are styled identically, but have totally different functions. One island is strictly for food prep and cooking, the second serves as a homework station as well as an entertainment center. The Sub-Zero wine storage and beverage refrigerator are easily accessible and deep drawer cabinets hold additional libations. Details such as the dark cocoa bean accents, leg turning style, and leaded mirrors unify the large space. The light “cloud” allows a continuous view of the entire room.

Watery Bliss!
Example of a large classic master dark wood floor bedroom design in New York with gray walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

Cabinetry by Urban Effects- Perimeter is in "Woodgate" and the Island is painted in "Cloud White". Stainless appliances are complimented by Antique Silver cabinet hardware by Jeffrey Alexander. Soapstone counters on the island with a rustic live edge. Cambria's Ella countertops on the perimeter in a matte finish. Photo by Dave Clark Real Estate Photography

Impulse is a dynamic LED chandelier design with a striking contemporary shape. Petite stems radiate from the spherical body while miniature acrylic ornaments of light glow at its tips. An array of chic finish options in Polished Chrome, Polished Gold or Cloud intensifies its stunning effect.

A Carmel, California homeowner is enjoying a two-tone kitchen with a rustic farmhouse feel and slight but undeniable industrial vibe. This kitchen was created with Urban Effects Cabinetry’s Pioneer door style in HDF (high density fiberboard). The perimeter cabinet color is Woodgate. The island cabinet color is Cloud White. Handmade subway tile, commercial grade appliances—and let's not forget the stunning ceiling—work together to create an incredible transformation. Also included in this project album are “before” photos, which are always fun to see! A kitchen project like this doesn't come together without a lot of hard work: kudos to Jillian Clark, the designer. She is on staff with Kitchen Studio of Monterey Peninsula, Inc, an Urban Effects Cabinetry dealer in Seaside, California. Remodel Services were provided by Across the Pond Construction, Inc. and photography was by Dave Clark. #fullaccess #design #kitchen #urbaneffectscabinetry

This breathtaking whole-home renovation is a masterclass in balancing raw, natural materials with refined coastal elegance. Reclaimed wood, fieldstone, linen, cane, and soft blue hues weave a cohesive story from the soaring great room all the way up to the nursery — creating a home that feels both grounded in the land and kissed by the sea. Great Room The emotional heart of the home is a spectacular great room anchored by a floor-to-ceiling fieldstone fireplace with a hand-hewn reclaimed wood beam mantel and a herringbone brick firebox. Flanking the fireplace are generous built-in white shelving units with linen-backed interiors, beautifully styled with blue-and-white chinoiserie, ceramic vessels, and coastal curiosities. Overhead, a dramatic cathedral ceiling with exposed reclaimed wood trusses in a king-post configuration draws the eye upward and gives the space an almost barn-like grandeur — softened immediately by the warmth of crisp white walls and abundant natural light pouring in through a wall of French doors. Those doors open to a deck overlooking mature woodland, blurring the boundary between inside and out. The furnishings strike a balance that feels lived-in and luxurious at once. Two generous cream linen sofas face each other across a soft blue-gray upholstered square ottoman, while a pair of cognac saddle-leather swivel chairs add warmth and contrast. A stone pedestal side table, a rattan tray, and an oversized abstract seascape canvas above the mantel complete a room that is effortlessly inviting. Kitchen & Dining The open-plan kitchen and dining space flows seamlessly from the great room, united by the same reclaimed beam ceiling and wide-plank light oak hardwood floors. The kitchen itself is a dream: custom white inset cabinetry with brushed nickel hardware surrounds a showstopping island with a pale blue-gray painted base and a warm natural butcher block top — a choice that brings organic texture and approachability to an otherwise polished space. A handmade zellige-style light blue brick backsplash adds subtle artisanal character behind a professional-grade six-burner gas range framed by a tailored white custom range hood. Open glass shelves nearby display a curated collection of blue-and-white chinoiserie vases, adding personality and a collected feel. Clear glass-and-nickel pendant lanterns hang over the island, while a stunning crystal rod linear chandelier marks the dining area — a glamorous counterpoint to all the rustic texture in the room. Cane-back counter stools and a matching set of cane dining chairs in white keep the palette light, fresh, and connected to the home's coastal character. A stone arch passageway between the kitchen and adjacent rooms adds architectural drama and reinforces the home's commitment to natural materiality. Staircase & Entry The staircase is a design moment in its own right. A classic woven runner in gray with a crisp navy border brings pattern and polish to the oak treads, while a built-in window seat with a navy cushion at the landing creates a charming reading nook. A nautical-inspired abstract canvas on the entry wall sets the tonal palette for the upper level. Primary Bedroom Upstairs, the primary bedroom is a soft, serene retreat wrapped in a soothing dusty blue — walls and ceiling painted the same tranquil tone for an enveloping, cocoon-like effect. A white linen platform bed with an upholstered headboard sits beneath a wide horizontal panoramic cloud painting in a warm wood frame, evoking an open sky. The nightstands — in a soft white with brass ring pulls — are paired with ribbed ceramic table lamps that echo the room's quiet coastal sensibility. Blue-and-white gingham curtains on a brass rod, a soft white textured carpet, a cream leather recliner, and a slim brass reading floor lamp round out a room that feels simultaneously fresh and deeply restful. Blue embroidered bedding and a striped bolster pillow tie the whole palette together with gentle precision. Nursery A thoughtfully designed nursery shares the upper level's soft blue palette, with a classic white Jenny Lind spindle crib, a natural wood book rack, a wicker whale toy basket, and a gold circular mirror creating a space that is sweet without being saccharine. The same cloud painting above the bed and the soft blue walls create a dreamy, sky-like atmosphere perfectly suited for a young child.

Designer: Katelyn Gilmour Photographer: Nathan Lewis A cost effective semi-custom cabinetry in a slab door style and cloud-like hue were meticulously designed to fit within the existing space and complete the new peninsula and bar. The subtle light gray upper cabinets add a level of interest without being too high-contrast. The existing beams were then painted to complement the modern palette. Vitreous glass subway tile in oceanic colors bring the entire palette together and give this modern space the visual interest that the clients desired.

A simple gravel path through a bark mulch planter bed is a easy and cost effective way to provide access to different areas.
This is an example of a large rustic landscaping in Other.

Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com Project Entry: Pembrooke Estate Rain Garden 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Sustainable Landscape &60,000-$120,000 Award Level: Silver Project Description: The client contracted our company to solve multiple existing drainage problems. In a heavy rain event the existing French drain system would overflow, causing water to pool in the driveway. After investigating the system we found that the capacity of the French drain was undersized for the amount of storm water from the large rain events received in recent years. As a result of our findings and at the request of the homeowner, we designed a storm water management system to capture all storm water from the structures on the property and regenerate the underground aquifers for the volume of a 5.8” rainstorm. In addition to the new drain system, the homeowners wanted a rain garden to provide a backdrop for an existing formal garden, provide a habitat for wildlife, and provide screening from an adjacent neighbor. Throughout the design process many challenges were presented, including an existing gas line, which ran directly through the area that best suited the bioswale. The existence of the gas line caused us to alter the shape and depth of the bioswale in some areas. We also inspected the existing downspouts to make sure there were no obstructions that would impede the system’s efficiency, and then conducted a test pit dig to make sure we had sufficient percolation rates for disposal of storm water. To effectively capture the storm water runoff, the existing downspouts were piped from the main house and the large detached garage to a large catch basin located at the low point in the driveway. The driveway catch basin contains two outlet pipes at different elevations within the basin allowing water from smaller rain events to enter the bioswale and rain garden area to percolate into the soil before excess water overflows into a sediment trap which filters out any debris and is then piped to an underground StormTech® pit to slowly percolate into the ground. The other outlet pipe in the driveway catch basin is used for larger storm water events, taking the water directly to the StormTech® pit. Accepting and slowing the velocity of the storm water, mitigation of erosion, and filtering out pollutants contained in the “first flush” of rainfall are the primary functions of the bioswale and rain garden. Planting these areas with mostly native plant species helps carry out these functions while attracting and providing shelter for wildlife. The ‘Niobe’ weeping willow is the centerpiece of the rain garden, connecting with the axis of the existing formal garden. To screen the neighboring property we chose Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Pendula’ for its graceful evergreen habit and tolerance of wet sites. ‘Ivory Halo’ dogwood and Panicum ‘Cloud Nine’ were used for screening as well as winter interest. To provide deciduous structure to the garden Taxodium distichum and Magnolia virginiana were used in conjunction with witch hazel. Mostly native wetland perennials were used due to their tolerance of wet conditions and occasional drought. The area above the StormTech® pit provides space for the client’s family to relax. The rain garden and bioswale provide screening, storm water management, a habitat for wildlife, and plants that enhance the adjacent formal garden. Photo Credit: Terren Landscapes

info@wrwoodworking.com Walnut Edge Grain Bar Top
Large trendy kitchen photo in Austin

- PLANER TABLE. https://cassoni.com/Italian-Planer-Table-Glass-Top Italian Planer Table with high-end base in titanium, graphite or black embossed lacquered steel or Brushed Bronze. The top of this luxury table is 5/8” thick and comes in clear, extra clear, extra clear glass with reversed beveled edges, bronze mirrored or fumé mirrored glass finish. The glass top is 1/2” thick on 71”5/8x35”3/8 and 78”3/4x41”3/4 versions. This sophisticated Italian table has its top laid on the base. Marks-free mirrored surface can be compared to a regular glass top. Small scratches and marks caused by the daily use can be enhanced by the effect of the light reflected and cannot be considered as defects or manufacturing flaws. The refined base of this luxury Italian furniture piece is unique, standing out in any elegant dining room area. Made in Italy. - BELINDA CHAIR. https://cassoni.com/Designer-Belinda-Chair-Made-In-Italy High-end Italian Belinda chair with frame in high-end natural ash wood (frN), Canaletto walnut stained ash wood (frNC), burned oak stained ash wood (frRB) or open pore matt white (fr71) or black (fr73) ash wood. The seat and back of this luxury designer upholstered chair can be in Fabric, Synthetic Nubuck, Micro Nubuck, Synthetic Leather or Soft Leather. The cover is not removable. With a super Contemporary style, this elegant Italian Furniture piece is very comfortable, perfect for sophisticated Interior Design projects. Made in Italy. - CLOUD SUSPENSION LAMP. https://cassoni.com/Contemporary-Italian-Designer-Cloud-Suspension-Lamp-01 Cloud is a luxury Italian designer suspension lamp and table lamp with a satin-nickel base and lampshade/s in Iride glass or smoked grey glass. Suspension lamp compositions with 6 or 12 lampshades are available, in which each pendant can be placed in different positions within the cable length (78”3/4 max.). The perfect Contemporary Italian piece of furniture to match with any room with trendy essence. Made in Italy. - FIFTY BOOKCASE. https://cassoni.com/Contemporary-Italian-fifty-bookcase-01 Fifty is a luxury Italian designer modular wall bookcase in white or graphite lacquered embossed wood. This high-end Contemporary Italian collection provides joints for upside-down hooking. Made in Italy.