An old client and inveterate wine collector had purchased a new home and had asked MH Akers Custom Homes to transform an oversized upstairs closet into a wine cellar. He was looking for perfect wine storage conditions and functionality as well as a little jewel box of a space. We created, together with the client, a rough sketch of the layout and specifications then stripped the walls and ceiling of their drywall and the floor of its carpet and subfloor. A vapor barrier was installed on the warm sides of the walls, floor, and ceiling then polyurethane to seal cracks and finally blown cellulose insulation. Grand_Wine_CellarFaced with an isolated second floor space, we didn’t have the luxury of access to the outside for placement of the cooling condenser unit. Working with our HVAC contractor and WineGuardian wine specialists, we chose a package unit to be placed in the attic above the wine storage room. In order to manage the ventilation of the unit itself, we ducted in from the shaded eaves of the home condenser intake air. Condenser exhaust air was ducted out of the attic through an existing large gable louver. A humidifier was added to the unit in order to optimize storage conditions, and a remote sensor was placed inside the storage space, while a thermo/humidistat was located in the hallway outside to allow easy monitoring and adjusting of the readings and settings…55 degrees Fahrenheit and 70% relative humidity last time I looked. Storage cabinet design and selection of materials were finalized. We had vacillated between old growth heart pine and clear, all-heart redwood but chose the redwood in the end. We wanted to allow water vapor transmission all the way between the room itself and the warm-side barrier, so we clad walls and ceilings with unsealed 3/4” beaded tongue and groove redwood rather than glued up materials which might create an unwanted intermediate vapor barrier. The entire conditioned wine storage space actually consists of the principal room plus a bulk storage area behind. In order to access the bulk storage area we fashioned the center section of the U-shaped cabinetry into an access door. Approximately 800 pounds loaded with wine, this seven foot high by five feet wide section pivots on two Igus slewing rings with the additional support of two heavy-duty rigid casters . . . a minor feat of engineering and completely imperceptible. We made double sure that the new stone floor was dead flat level and that the structural support under the bearing points was completely solid. Steel library ladder, grape-cluster adorned chandelier, and nifty LED accent lighting completed the effect. A most satisfying project and a testament to the collaboration between client, builder, cabinetmaker, and sundry other tradesmen. A wine cellar de grand luxe and a little gem of a space. Let us help you create your very own special place.

This small rough Chinese Slate floor in the kitchen of a house in the village of Cheadle near Stockport in Greater Manchester had not had any sealer put on it for many years and was very grubby (dishevelled as described by the customer) looking even after the customer had tried to clean it. Sealers do take a lot of punishment, especially in a high traffic area such as a small kitchen and will wear off over time and once this happens the floor will start to lose its appearance as dirt becomes ingrained in the stone and it can no longer be cleaned effectively. As we have to apply a liberal amount of water with this sort of work, the first step was to remove the Kicker boards at the bottom of the Kitchen units and silicone the Kitchen units that were fixed; this stops water seeping in and blowing the MDF allowing us to concentrate on cleaning the Slate without causing any damage. I started the cleaning process by applying a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean to get rid of the built up dirt and any remaining sealer, leaving it to soak into the Slate before scrubbing the floor with a black scrub pad fitted to buffing machine running at slow speed. Tile Doctor Pro-Clean is a strong alkaline cleaner/stripper that is safe to use on natural stone, we do have stronger products available if required but in this case a strong dilution of Pro-Clean was sufficient to tackle any remaining sealer. This process gave the Slate and grout lines a good deep clean and after rinsing the floor with water which was then extracted using a wet vacuum I repeated the process on stubborn areas until satisfied the floor was as clean and free of old sealer. Last stage of the cleaning process was to give the floor a final rinse and then get it as dry as possible using the wet vacuum to soak up the moisture. The floor was quite small so I was able to leave the floor to dry off over lunch time and then on my return managed to get it fully dry with a little heat from a heat gun. The customer wanted a mat finish so once dry I applied Tile Doctor Colour Grow sealer which impregnates into the pores of the natural stone protecting it from within and enhancing the natural colours of the Slate at the same time. For general cleaning of Sealed stone floors, we recommend the use of a PH Neutral Cleaner as anything with a strong PH will degrade the life of the sealer over time. Steve Keary Greater Manchester Tile Doctor

With large glass openings, effective sunlight diffusing or blocking covers go a long way. Sets of room darkening roller shades enable you to manage daylight and privacy effortlessly, even by covering only half of the windows if you so choose. With bold shade choices available as well as sheer and light aesthetics, you can complement or contrast any color scheme. Call Master Blinds at 877-708-5883 to schedule an appointment. We offer all the information and guidance you need with a free in-person consultation with no obligation!

This 1950's kitchen hindered our client's cooking and bi-weekly entertaining and was inconsistent with the home's mid-century architecture. Additional key goals were to improve function for cooking and entertaining 6 to 12 people on a regular basis. Originally with only two entry points to the kitchen (from the entry/foyer and from the dining room) the kitchen wasn’t very open to the remainder of the home, or the living room at all. The door to the carport was never used and created a conflict with seating in the breakfast area. The new plans created larger openings to both rooms, and a third entry point directly into the living room. The “peninsula” manages the sight line between the kitchen and a large, brick fireplace while still creating an “island” effect in the kitchen and allowing seating on both sides. The television was also a “must have” utilizing it to watch cooking shows while prepping food, for news while getting ready for the day, and for background when entertaining. Meticulously designed cabinets provide ample storage and ergonomically friendly appliance placement. Cabinets were previously laid out into two L-shaped spaces. On the “top” was the cooking area with a narrow pantry (read: scarce storage) and a water heater in the corner. On the “bottom” was a single 36” refrigerator/freezer, and sink. A peninsula separated the kitchen and breakfast room, truncating the entire space. We have now a clearly defined cool storage space spanning 60” width (over 150% more storage) and have separated the ovens and cooking surface to spread out prep/clean zones. True pantry storage was added, and a massive “peninsula” keeps seating for up to 6 comfortably, while still expanding the kitchen and gaining storage. The newly designed, oversized peninsula provides plentiful space for prepping and entertaining. Walnut paneling wraps the room making the kitchen a stunning showpiece.

When a new widow decided to move, she found a near perfect house to downsize to in Rossmoor, a gated community in Walnut Creek. A well-executed renovation helped to make it home—one that reminded her of her previous home in Berkeley, but smaller and easier to manage. Luckily, the original layout of the house worked for the client, so for the most part, she only needed to update the look and feel of the rooms. The house was remodeled with new White Oak hardwood flooring, new windows with white wood shutters, and new doors and hardware throughout. Every room also received a fresh coat of paint. As a very talented painter, the client mixed her own custom colors, which Gayler Design Build gladly applied for her. The kitchen was designed with custom southwest cherry Precision Cabinets, Lemurian Blue Quartzite countertops, and a Venetian Classic Tuscan Slate tile backsplash. The Sub-Zero refrigerator was disguised using custom cabinet appliance panels, effectively integrating it with the cabinetry wall for a unified look. Other stainless steel appliances included a Wolf rangetop, range hood, oven and microwave.

Traditional Electric Fireplace TV Console Lynbrook by Dimplex. This design is as solid as the materials used to bring it to life. The cabinetry, made of hardwood solids and cinnamon finish ash veneers, is enhanced by an authentic slate inlay that adds a note of earthy authenticity, topped off with antique brass hardware. The Lynbrook surrounds the all new, dazzling Multi-Fire XD™ Electric Firebox including ComfortSaver™ heating system and gWave™ gesture recognition technology. Open storage of the media console is ideal for electronics and includes cord management. Features: Available with different 25" fireboxes: ReaLogs or Acrylic Ice Multi-Fire XD™ Flame Effect - vivid flames that are brighter and more lifelike Choose from a variety of brilliant color themes or cycle through a range of colors using the custom mode, freezing on the hue of your choice Accent the flames with custom base colors from warm red to gas blue Safe ceramic heat, plus 11% energy savings, warms up to 1,000 sq. ft. Electronic thermostat maintains room temperature within 1°F for perfect comfort and increased energy efficiency On-screen display shows temperature and feature settings at a glance Multi-function Remote (on/off; adjust temperature, colors of base and flame, brightness; sleep mode) Operates with flame only or flame and heat No emissions, 100% efficient and economical to operate Dimensions: TV Console Fireplace: W60" x D19" x H34"

Darken media rooms, bedrooms & more! Block light from entering through your window with our sleek and effective room darkening shades. These blackout shades are the perfect solution for privacy and a better night’s sleep. Easily darken any room from your home theater to the master bedroom in your high-rise condo. You won’t find a better solution to control those hard-to-fix glares around the house. Best of all, our room darkening shades provide a clean, polished look and timeless appeal while managing sun control needs.

We love a good bathroom success story! The original state of this bathroom had good, modern bones, but needed new finishes. Without changing the great layout it already had, we managed to give this space a brand new look! The main goal of the space was to replace the orange hues with more updated tones, resulting in a more balanced look (there is no denying the orange needed to go!). So, before we dig into the new space, take a look at how it was before: Cabinets Replacing the door and drawer fronts was a major step to creating a new look to the space. We replaced the orange stained door and drawer fronts with new ones having a grey painted finish. This instantly brightened up the space! It’s amazing what a new color can do to a room. Countertop We love using quartz in bathroom spaces, and all spaces really! But especially in bathrooms because of its non-porous qualities which means it can handle splashes of water like no other. This is why we have it as the countertop on the vanity, the tub deck, and also tub surround. There is no denying the finish of this quartz is what makes this space pop. This is a 3cm Caesarstone in a finish of Calcutta Nuvo. It has lovely marble-like markings and we love the effect it has on the tub surround. Although this space did not include any major renovation, we still achieved a space with a major new look. Don’t underestimate the power of new finishes!

Kim Roberts, owner of Staging Beautifully, has a passion for creating beautiful spaces. From home staging to redecorating, Kim’s relaxed and friendly approach make even the most challenging project fun and enjoyable. For those interested in refreshing their space, Staging Beautifully can assist a homeowner in decorating their home with the items they already own and love. Like staging, redesign may include color selection, rearranging furniture, hanging art and placing accessories. It is a cost effective design alternative which will give your home a facelift without the cost of an Interior Designer. Utilizing your furnishings and treasures, we will shop your home to find new and creative ways to display your family’s possessions. This will result in a complete interior transformation which will reflect your personality, style, comfort and functionality to your living space without having to buy anything. Looking to sell your home, consider home staging to target a higher selling price. Home Staging aims to de-personalize your home and make it appealing to virtually all prospective buyers. The way you live in your home and the way you market your home are two very different things. Your home is competing with every other home on the market. A home that looks like it needs work or isn't move-in ready prompts buyers to low-ball their offers, or eliminate your home from consideration all together. Those homes that are staged to reflect current trends attract and appeal to more buyers, resulting in more offers, faster sales, and higher sale prices. Sometimes, an agent may even recommend your price be increased once your home is staged! A well-staged home can even start a bidding war with multiple offers!

“Compelling.” That’s how one of our judges characterized this stair, which manages to embody both reassuring solidity and airy weightlessness. Architect Mahdad Saniee specified beefy maple treads—each laminated from two boards, to resist twisting and cupping—and supported them at the wall with hidden steel hangers. “We wanted to make them look like they are floating,” he says, “so they sit away from the wall by about half an inch.” The stainless steel rods that seem to pierce the treads’ opposite ends are, in fact, joined by threaded couplings hidden within the thickness of the wood. The result is an assembly whose stiffness underfoot defies expectation, Saniee says. “It feels very solid, much more solid than average stairs.” With the rods working in tension from above and compression below, “it’s very hard for those pieces of wood to move.” The interplay of wood and steel makes abstract reference to a Steinway concert grand, Saniee notes. “It’s taking elements of a piano and playing with them.” A gently curved soffit in the ceiling reinforces the visual rhyme. The jury admired the effect but was equally impressed with the technical acumen required to achieve it. “The rhythm established by the vertical rods sets up a rigorous discipline that works with the intricacies of stair dimensions,” observed one judge. “That’s really hard to do.”

Kim Roberts, owner of Staging Beautifully, has a passion for creating beautiful spaces. From home staging to redecorating, Kim’s relaxed and friendly approach make even the most challenging project fun and enjoyable. For those interested in refreshing their space, Staging Beautifully can assist a homeowner in decorating their home with the items they already own and love. Like staging, redesign may include color selection, rearranging furniture, hanging art and placing accessories. It is a cost effective design alternative which will give your home a facelift without the cost of an Interior Designer. Utilizing your furnishings and treasures, we will shop your home to find new and creative ways to display your family’s possessions. This will result in a complete interior transformation which will reflect your personality, style, comfort and functionality to your living space without having to buy anything. Looking to sell your home, consider home staging to target a higher selling price. Home Staging aims to de-personalize your home and make it appealing to virtually all prospective buyers. The way you live in your home and the way you market your home are two very different things. Your home is competing with every other home on the market. A home that looks like it needs work or isn't move-in ready prompts buyers to low-ball their offers, or eliminate your home from consideration all together. Those homes that are staged to reflect current trends attract and appeal to more buyers, resulting in more offers, faster sales, and higher sale prices. Sometimes, an agent may even recommend your price be increased once your home is staged! A well-staged home can even start a bidding war with multiple offers!

Kim Roberts, owner of Staging Beautifully, has a passion for creating beautiful spaces. From home staging to redecorating, Kim’s relaxed and friendly approach make even the most challenging project fun and enjoyable. For those interested in refreshing their space, Staging Beautifully can assist a homeowner in decorating their home with the items they already own and love. Like staging, redesign may include color selection, rearranging furniture, hanging art and placing accessories. It is a cost effective design alternative which will give your home a facelift without the cost of an Interior Designer. Utilizing your furnishings and treasures, we will shop your home to find new and creative ways to display your family’s possessions. This will result in a complete interior transformation which will reflect your personality, style, comfort and functionality to your living space without having to buy anything. Looking to sell your home, consider home staging to target a higher selling price. Home Staging aims to de-personalize your home and make it appealing to virtually all prospective buyers. The way you live in your home and the way you market your home are two very different things. Your home is competing with every other home on the market. A home that looks like it needs work or isn't move-in ready prompts buyers to low-ball their offers, or eliminate your home from consideration all together. Those homes that are staged to reflect current trends attract and appeal to more buyers, resulting in more offers, faster sales, and higher sale prices. Sometimes, an agent may even recommend your price be increased once your home is staged! A well-staged home can even start a bidding war with multiple offers!

Elite Landscaping's construction management team designed and built this high-end pool house and outdoor kitchen. Customized for luxury poolside living, a beautiful paver pathway leads down to an outdoor seating area that beckons, "come sit down and stay awhile." The outdoor dining area features a massive triple waterfall as its backdrop, which creates the sound and effect of sitting beside a rolling stream. The uniquely shaped outdoor kitchen features a sink, storage area, and ample counter space. Equipped with high-end outdoor appliances such as a stainless steel grill and refrigerator, there is plenty of room for cooking and storing everyone's favorite foods - from gourmet meals to convenient snacks. The pergola next to the outdoor kitchen offers a comfortable shady retreat on hot, sunny days.

The kitchen may be the heart of a home, but the dining room is where the family gathers to enjoy special occasions, create and pass on traditions, and savour each other’s company free from distractions. The family behind this particular dining room enjoys doing just that. When they are not traveling the world, Matthew and Anna (names changed) love to cook meals at home with their teenage daughter, entertain family and friends, and live amongst their cherished travel souvenirs and heirlooms. Their dining room, however, was far from the perfect backdrop for these experiences. Before: Dining Room: When Matthew and Anna contacted us, they imagined a space that would comfortably seat 8 to 10 people and incorporate their beautiful inherited dining table and sideboard in a fresh, modern way. Above all, they wanted a dining room that they would feel proud to share. They worked with us to design, lightly renovate, and furnish their dining room and adjacent living space. Now, the room is nothing short of inviting and elevated. Classic Yet Contemporary Dining Room: Viewed from the living area, the dining room is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Matthew and Anna wanted dark blue for the walls, and we couldn’t have been happier to find the perfect shade for them. By leaning darker, this rich blue creates the perception of depth, making the room feel enticing, comfortable and secluded. The previous built-ins were underwhelming and lacked function, so we designed wider, taller, double sided cabinets that integrated the existing bulk-head, and then accessorized the shelves with the family’s travel finds, books, and decor. Topping these units with brass art lights not only blends contemporary and traditional styles, it also draws attention to the dining table’s modern show-stopping chandelier. You can’t miss it. Inside the dining room, the effect is equally impressive: enveloping yet spacious, warm yet cool, classic yet contemporary. We incorporated their heirloom pieces seamlessly into the design thanks to the 1:2 ratio. For every traditional piece, we introduced two more modern or contemporary pieces — clean lines, subtle curves, and lustrous brass hardware. The result is a collected yet updated look. In any room with dark walls, lighting is of the utmost importance. We placed a mirror adjacent to the window to reflect natural light throughout the room, and we kept the trim and ceiling white for brightness. To provide maximum versatility, we provided multiple light sources that can be adjusted to create different levels of light to suit any mood or occasion. These include: pot lights and a chandelier on dimmers, a sculptural trilight lamp on the sideboard, and art lights on the bookcases and above important art pieces. The built-ins have another surprise waiting inside this special dining room: Double-sided built-ins: dining room shelving and living room shelving. Rather than keep them white like we did in the living room, we painted the back wall of the book cases the same dark blue as the walls in the rest of the room. This reduces the contrast with the surrounding walls and emphasizes the white outline of the cabinets. We also love the dark blue walls’ role as a beautiful backdrop for this family’s treasures. The brass accessories and hand-painted vases and bowls feel like part of the experience. Of course, what is beauty without function? It may not look like it, but the base storage is only accessible from the dining room side. The units include deep cabinets for storing serving ware, as well as another delightful surprise: silverware drawers lined in luxurious navy velvet! Lastly, we designed this beautiful nook for their heirloom sideboard. From afar, the wall looks as if it has texture and perhaps a touch of shine. Up close, you will notice that it is actually navy blue wallpaper with tiny golden dots. This unique touch accentuates the brass in the room touches throughout the space.. The room feels curated, contemporary, and full of character. Words of Praise: Anna and Matthew were thrilled with their new dining room and with the design process itself, which is always the highest compliment. They said: “Working with Lori and her team at Simply Home Decorating was a great experience. The design they came up with was both beautiful and practical for our family. Renovations can be stressful but working with Simply Home made the process much more pleasant. “Simply Home's project management and their longstanding relationships with reliable trades meant we could relax, knowing that everything was taken care of. If an issue arose, the entire Simply Home team was quick to address it. They were excellent at communicating with us—we never felt like we didn't know what was going on. We would highly recommend working with Simply Home Decorating.” Thank you, Matthew and Anna! We are honoured to have been part of your journey and wish your family many happy memories in these new spaces. Now, is it your turn? Are you ready to uncover the hidden potential in your home? If so, contact us here to start the conversation or download my guide Uncovering the Hidden Potential in Your Home below to learn more about what we can do for you.

Remodeled dining room with beige walls, crown molding, baseboards and chairrail, hardwood floors and custom radiator covers. Photos by Alicia's Art, LLC RUDLOFF Custom Builders, is a residential construction company that connects with clients early in the design phase to ensure every detail of your project is captured just as you imagined. RUDLOFF Custom Builders will create the project of your dreams that is executed by on-site project managers and skilled craftsman, while creating lifetime client relationships that are build on trust and integrity. We are a full service, certified remodeling company that covers all of the Philadelphia suburban area including West Chester, Gladwynne, Malvern, Wayne, Haverford and more. As a 6 time Best of Houzz winner, we look forward to working with you n your next project.

Martin and I have a great approach to our remodel work. Nothing is too much for us to handle and everything has a solution. We tend to focus on sustainable solutions and state of the art smart technology. My work includes but is not limited to the design, planning, project management of entertainment projects, restaurants, Mansions, High Rise Complexes, and multi-use projects. We have the experience to provide cost-effective solutions and innovative exciting fresh new ideas. In addition, we bring a professional commitment to being on time and within the budget. Freshing change, as most contractors will only give allowances and I like to give hard costs. I design and manufacture about 70% of the furnishing shown in my projects. The rest I buy from really great brands. I post various pieces on my furniture site however, call me when you want to go over an idea and I can give you a price on it. Photography by Angelo Costa 310 985 5509

Our client in Fraserburgh wanted a classic Shaker kitchen with a refined, timeless feel, paired with the practicality and performance of modern appliances. We were responsible for the full project, from design through to installation, managing all trades on-site to deliver a smooth process. We designed the space using the Mackintosh Painted Timber Shaker range in Sandstone, a warm, neutral shade that brings softness and versatility to the room. The traditional detailing of the Shaker cabinetry is balanced with clean lines and subtle tones, creating a kitchen that feels both elegant and homely. The work surfaces are finished in Dekton Morpheus, offering a sleek, marble-effect look with exceptional durability and easy maintenance. The kitchen is fully equipped with NEFF appliances, including a single oven with Slide & Hide® door, a combi microwave, an induction hob, an integrated extractor, and a built-in dishwasher, ensuring seamless integration of style and function. To complete the space, we added Sensio lighting for layered illumination and a Blanco 1½ bowl under-mounted sink in Tartufo. This sink is paired with a Quooker Flex tap in Stainless Steel, which provides instant boiling water with a pull-out hose. We also supplied and installed Quickstep LVT flooring, which has a durable, low-maintenance finish that beautifully ties the whole space together. Feeling inspired by this Shaker kitchen? Arrange an appointment with our design experts to get started on your kitchen.

Buju Architects was instructed to design 6 new holiday homes in the coastal village of Rhosneigr. Now four years later, construction nears completion. Consisting of a combination of 3 townhouses and 3 detached houses, each home is designed carefully to maximise sea views and sit comfortably in context. With just a short walk to the beachfront, it was quickly established early on that we wanted to take full advantage of these stunning coastal views. To achieve this, we decided to flip the floor layouts around and created an “upside-down home”. By positioning all of the bedrooms at ground level and the living spaces to the top floor meant that the amazing views could be fully appreciated from the high vaulted living spaces throughout the day. These views are also maximised by utilising large feature glazed gables each with their own spacious balconies. The feature gable on the detached houses were also carefully designed and specifically orientated at a 45-degree angle towards these views for maximum effect. A similar palette of materials was used as those of surrounding buildings and a strong design theme was created across the site. Local stone, cedar cladding and white render clad these fantastic properties. The density of development was carefully considered to allow enough space for access and amenity, whilst respecting local residents. Services: Buju Architects were appointed for RIBA Stages 1-6 as Architect and Principal Designer. From developing the concept design, through planning, tender and construction. Buju Architects coordinated the design process and managed correspondence with the local Council. “..Buju Architects produced three alternative schemes and once the preferred scheme had been chosen they very quickly produced several visualisation models which proved extremely helpful in view of the gradient and context of this development. Modelling at this early stage is often not provided and with a difficult site such as this can be vital in obtaining the correct interaction between buildings.” – Rockview Developments

Kim Roberts, owner of Staging Beautifully, has a passion for creating beautiful spaces. From home staging to redecorating, Kim’s relaxed and friendly approach make even the most challenging project fun and enjoyable. For those interested in refreshing their space, Staging Beautifully can assist a homeowner in decorating their home with the items they already own and love. Like staging, redesign may include color selection, rearranging furniture, hanging art and placing accessories. It is a cost effective design alternative which will give your home a facelift without the cost of an Interior Designer. Utilizing your furnishings and treasures, we will shop your home to find new and creative ways to display your family’s possessions. This will result in a complete interior transformation which will reflect your personality, style, comfort and functionality to your living space without having to buy anything. Looking to sell your home, consider home staging to target a higher selling price. Home Staging aims to de-personalize your home and make it appealing to virtually all prospective buyers. The way you live in your home and the way you market your home are two very different things. Your home is competing with every other home on the market. A home that looks like it needs work or isn't move-in ready prompts buyers to low-ball their offers, or eliminate your home from consideration all together. Those homes that are staged to reflect current trends attract and appeal to more buyers, resulting in more offers, faster sales, and higher sale prices. Sometimes, an agent may even recommend your price be increased once your home is staged! A well-staged home can even start a bidding war with multiple offers!