This white bathroom has a white and grey tile floor and a white freestanding bathtub. A mini chandelier hangs on the ceiling, and silver and gold metal accents run throughout.

Matthew Niemann Photography
Inspiration for a transitional kitchen remodel in Austin

Rolling Shutters are the ultimate solution when you want to protect what’s behind your windows and doors. With Rolling Shutters, enjoy peace of mind knowing that your home has a sturdy layer of hurricane protection and storm protection. Rolling shutters shield against wind-blown debris, sand blasting and water penetration. Strong, secure, and durable, our Rolling Hurricane Shutters are proven to reduce energy and maintenance costs while making your home more comfortable to live in. Hurricane Shutters Hurricane Shutters are the premier protection against snow and ice storms, driving rain, high winds, and flying debris. We have huge selection of Hurricane Protection products for all types of applications. We specialize in new construction, retrofit projects and custom applications designed around more complex installations. Hurricane Shutters protect your windows and doors from water penetration and breakage during hurricanes and Nor’easters bringing you comfort and protection. Even when you are not physically at the location of the storm, rolling shutters can offer you peace of mind. Homes and businesses not equipped with rolling shutters may experience glass breakage and door failures during high winds. Ultimately, those openings in the structure’s envelope can cause complete devastation to the home or business. Once the air pressure enters a building, no matter the type of construction, the likelihood of other windows and doors failing rises. If the pressure grows beyond a certain point, walls and and roof components begin to fail. Security Shutters Security Shutters are one of the best ways to discourage intruders from attempting to enter your home or business. This deterrent measure is just where rolling shutters start. While in the down position, rolling shutters can be locked in place by a motor, a gear, a keyed switch or by a separate locking device. Rolling Shutters have been used as security shutters all over the world for decades with incredible success. Sometimes labeled as metal shutters and metal security shutters, they all have subtle differences, and the differences can’t be seen with the rolling shutter in the down position. Security Shutters typically have end-retention pins that lock into the guide rails from the top. These pins are located throughout the entire curtain and are protected from manipulation while the curtain is in the close position. Storm Shutters Storm Shutters are the broad category of Storm Protection products. Of course, they come in all types of sizes, features and functionality. We have a full line of rolling shutters, hinged storm shutters and storm panels for you to to explore on our website or we would love for you to swing by one of our showrooms to see live demo models. Storm Shutters are specifically engineered and designed for high hinds, flying debris protection and ultimately given a rating for Hurricane Protection. A little known fact: The most damaging type of wind value is not the force of the wind blowing directly on your home. This force is called positive pressure, and typically, many believe this is the strongest force against their home or business. Believe it or not, the negative pressure, or, the air passing by your windows and doors, has far greater power. Many low-grade storm shutters and hurricane protection products fail under this pressure. Solar Shutters Solar Shutters have a double wall construction and filled with a specialized polyurethane foam designed to increase R-factor and deflect solar penetration. Many rolling shutters can perform this function, but not all are created equal. The energy efficiency of exterior rolling shutters is up to 95% more effective than interior solar shades. Solar Shutters have many unique and positive “side effects” from their dense foam-filled curtain profile. Many homeowners have taken advantage of energy savings by using these types of rolling shutters in both the summer and winter seasons. Reducing heating and air conditioning expenses throughout the entire year is not always our first thought, but many home and business owners have expressed massive savings. Not only do they block up to 90% of heat gain and loss, they also provide incredible noise control opportunities. Privacy Shutters Privacy Shutters are a great way to close of areas of your home or business from others. Some rolling shutters are equipped with perforations allowing ambient light to pass through when needed. Privacy Shutters have many uses and are creatively used throughout the world in homes and businesses for all kinds of reasons. Close off food preparation areas, work shops, stock rooms, gun safes, closets, liquor cabinets and bars. Some business owners use rolling shutters to close off the outside world after working hours, to protect the last few employees as they finish money counts, paperwork, and prepare bank deposits. If you have any questions or need additional information, our Product Specialists are available 800-522-1599

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.

Eat-in kitchen - contemporary medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen idea in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, an island and white countertops

View of first floor office work space. To control costs, client opted for non-custom desks. Customized desk dividers made all of the space entirely functional, but with an added touch of style.

The definition of modern & clean luxury...in closet form.
Mid-sized gender-neutral carpeted and beige floor dressing room photo in Los Angeles with dark wood cabinets

Example of a large beach style medium tone wood floor and brown floor great room design with white walls and no fireplace

A garage addition in the Aspen Employee Housing neighborhood known as the North Forty. A remodel of the existing home, with the garage addition, on a budget to comply with strict neighborhood affordable housing guidelines. The garage was limited in square footage and with lot setbacks.

At the present level of development of the concept of "quality" is considered as a complex component, which includes the quality of the final product, the quality of management, quality of deliveries or work, the quality of life of people (employees) and society as a whole. Quality management is coordinated and interconnected management activities, which was built in such a way as to ensure safe and smooth operation of the organization. Organization Management, with regard to quality means that all activity is subject to the objectives set for quality, and to achieve these goals, the organization has developed a system of plans, have the necessary resources, carried out actions to achieve their goals. Quality management - a very important element for any business. After all, quality is one of the criteria of the high popularity of a brand among consumers. Besides good quality will save the company from warranty repairs, lawsuits, etc. Quality management includes four basic components: • quality control; • quality assurance; • quality planning; • quality improvement. There are 8 basic principles of quality management system: • The principle of orientation to the user. Product success primarily depends on how the user takes it. Moreover, this principle directs the company to study the needs of its customers. • The principle of leadership or leadership role. Quality management in the first place depends directly on the company's management, which should by their actions show his concern for the produced goods, on its quality. • The principle of staff involvement. From more - in less. If the head of the company must set an example in their interest in the quality of products, the company and each employee must also work to improve the quality of products and must want to improve it. • The principle of the process approach. Based on the division of the company to suppliers and consumers. Suppliers - material security that comes into the company, and which must comply with certain quality. Consumers - the product, which is depending on the materials, must be of good quality. Because this is a direct product of your company. • The principle of the system approach. It combines two previously identified types of organization in the common system. Moreover, he claims that this system should be a common goal, and general management. • The principle of continuous improvement. Or to put it in simple words - "There is no limit to perfection." The principle involves constant monitoring of the quality of products in order to improve it. • The principle of decision-making based on facts. It implies that all decisions will be taken by research, scientific evidence, public opinion polls, and not on an intuitive level head. • Mutually beneficial supplier relationships. It's simple - the supplier delivers you high-quality materials and receives respective payment. The lower the quality of the goods, the less the cost. • It is believed that the introduction of these 8 principles in any company will improve the quality of its products and the improvement of the production process. That, in turn, affect the overall good of the company success. About Author: Anna Lynch is a freelance writer at http://online-check-in.org/, who creates papers about business and marketing. She has a long practice and great experience in the sphere of economics and now is able to help young people.

painted black stripes
Minimalist bedroom photo in Orange County

Claw-foot bathtub - mid-sized traditional master black and white tile and white tile mosaic tile floor and multicolored floor claw-foot bathtub idea in Charlotte with white cabinets, gray walls, a one-piece toilet, a vessel sink, marble countertops and recessed-panel cabinets

Eric Roth
Inspiration for a cottage kitchen remodel in Boston

Office Workstations and Cubicles: The Unsung Heroes of Efficient Team Environments In today's fast-paced business world, the hum of productivity is the sweetest sound an office can produce. But what fuels this symphony of efficiency? While leadership and strategy are crucial, the physical environment in which a team operates plays a role that is just as vital. The debate between open-plan offices and traditional cubicles has raged for years, yet the truth is that a well-designed space incorporating both office workstations cubicles can be the key to unlocking a team's full potential. This isn't just about furniture; it's about creating a habitat for success. The Evolution of the Workspace: Beyond the Beige Box Gone are the days of monotonous rows of identical, soul-crushing cubicles. Modern office design has embraced a more nuanced understanding of worker needs. The contemporary workstation is a far cry from its predecessors, offering flexibility, ergonomic support, and a nod to aesthetic appeal. This evolution recognizes that a one-size-fits-all approach stifles creativity and productivity. Fostering Focus in a Sea of Collaboration While collaboration is a cornerstone of modern business, the need for individual, focused work remains paramount. This is where the modern cubicle shines. It provides a sanctuary from the constant distractions of a completely open office, allowing employees to delve deep into tasks that require concentration. This dedicated space minimizes interruptions, leading to higher quality work and reduced stress levels. The Power of Personalization and Ownership Giving employees a degree of control over their immediate environment can have a profound impact on morale and engagement. Modern workstations and cubicles that allow for personalization be it through adjustable shelving, pinboards for personal items, or even the choice of chair foster a sense of ownership. This small act of empowerment can translate into a greater sense of belonging and commitment to the organization. Ergonomics: The Foundation of Employee Well-being and Productivity A comfortable employee is a productive employee. Ergonomics is not a luxury; it's a fundamental necessity in any office environment. Poorly designed workstations can lead to a host of musculoskeletal issues, from back pain to carpal tunnel syndrome, resulting in increased absenteeism and decreased efficiency. Investing in ergonomic chairs, adjustable-height desks, and properly positioned monitors is an investment in the long-term health and performance of your team. Designing for Synergy: The Strategic office layout design The arrangement of workstations and cubicles is as important as the furniture itself. A strategic office layout design can facilitate seamless communication and collaboration while still providing pockets of privacy for focused work. This involves creating "neighborhoods" for different teams, placing collaborative zones in central, easily accessible areas, and ensuring that high-traffic pathways don't cut through quiet work zones. Breaking Down Barriers with Hybrid Designs The most effective office environments often feature a hybrid approach. This might involve clusters of cubicles for focused work, interspersed with open, collaborative "huddle spaces" equipped with whiteboards and comfortable seating. This variety allows employees to choose the environment that best suits the task at hand, offering the best of both worlds. The Role of Acoustics in a Thriving Workplace Noise is one of the biggest complaints in open-plan offices. Well-designed cubicles with sound-dampening panels can significantly mitigate this issue. Furthermore, incorporating acoustic solutions throughout the office, such as sound-absorbing materials on walls and ceilings, can create a more pleasant and productive auditory environment for everyone. Integrating Technology for a Seamless Workflow In the digital age, technology is the lifeblood of any business. Modern office workstations are designed with this in mind, featuring integrated power and data ports, cable management systems, and ample space for multiple monitors. This seamless integration of technology ensures that employees have the tools they need to work efficiently and without frustration. Choosing the Right Partner for Your Office Environment The task of outfitting an office can be daunting. Partnering with a knowledgeable and reputable Meet&Co commercial furniture supplier is crucial to creating an environment that is both functional and inspiring. A good supplier will not only offer a wide range of high-quality products but will also provide expert advice on space planning and ergonomic best practices, ensuring that your investment yields the best possible return. The Future of the Office: Flexibility and Adaptability The world of work is constantly evolving, and office design must evolve with it. The future lies in creating flexible and adaptable spaces that can be easily reconfigured to meet the changing needs of a business. Modular furniture and movable partitions are key components of this future-proof approach, allowing organizations to scale and adapt without the need for costly and disruptive renovations. Conclusion: A Strategic Investment in Your Greatest Asset Ultimately, the design of your office is a direct reflection of your company's culture and values. By investing in high-quality, ergonomic, and well-designed office workstations and cubicles, you are sending a clear message to your employees: their well-being and productivity matter. This strategic investment in your physical workspace is, in fact, an investment in your most valuable asset your people. The result is a more engaged, efficient, and innovative team, ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

Windmiller Design & Development ****Please click on image for additional details****
Example of a transitional living room design in Cedar Rapids

Running your own restaurant is not an easy job. Apart from all the marketing, sales and payroll for your employees there is also one other detail most of us miss. Beautifying a space is every important no matter whether it is in interior form or even an exterior. Whether you are planning to this to your home or commercial space. Be the chance everyone is looking forward to experience. It is important that you look into the different ways you can do so. But if you are thinking that the total package is expensive, then you are quite wrong. This is why we brought you some budget friendly ideas to try. What are the colors you can choose? Colors are what make the different moods in people and it is essential to know which type of colors creates the different moods. For an example, bright and jarring colors can create the dramatic and energetic feeling when soft colors can be relaxing and soothing. Once you can recognize which type of mood you want to set, choosing colors will not be that hard and you don’t have to be a pro in it. Painting is one of the most easiest and cost effective thing we can do to make an old place look new and elegant. Have outdoor space? If you are running a restaurant with outdoor space, then you are really lucky. Because it gives you room to have outdoor functions, events, more space to place your tables for customers and let them enjoy the outdoor dining style. So, make the most out of this space. If you can do a bit of landscaping and beautifying of the exterior most probably the curb appeal of the surrounding will increase and your customers would love the style you have developed. Make sure the environment outdoors is safe of falling trees and other features. Check for the correct commercial outdoor furniture you need to buy according to the available space and how much seats you want. Cleanliness should be preserved Make sure that every day you clean and organize the whole space. Also before you open doors of your restaurant, check for all the dusty nooks and counters that needs cleaning. You can check for some cleaning services in your city or even have a separate cleaning staff for your restaurant. Not only that but also your bathrooms need to be perfectly clean. This can indicate how good the rest of your space is. Choose the correct lighting Again like colors, lights too help you to set the mood of your restaurants. If your restaurant is for romantic dining then, using candlelight and chandeliers would be ideal. For a place where you want to fun and playfulness, then different color lights would be great. Also, don’t forget to make the most out of the natural light.

Make the Most Out of Your Income Property or Business The employees that we engage are always qualified, licensed and certified and possess CCQ cards. Renovation Q.C. always provides a guarantee based on specific services. The Owner of the company and President has over 10 years of experience as a highly qualified project manager. He personally oversees every project himself, professionally and efficiently managing employees and subcontractors, planning, designing and architectural plans, materials and your budget with pain staking detail. At Renovation Q.C., we understand that in addition to your budget, time is of importance and our project management, scheduling and cost-estimating will give you the right tools to complete your projects seamlessly. Commercial construction must provide value and purpose without breaking your budget. Let us show you what our experience and knowledge has to offer you. Construction Services for Commercial Properties We specialize in commercial renovation and construction, where there is an intricate difference between commercial and residential projects. With shared walls, building codes, accessibility and material choices, all require a specialized approach during new construction or remodeling with offices requiring lighting and flooring that must meet the demands of heavy use. We provide interior and exterior painting, drywall services, metal and steel framing, commercial kitchen upgrades and remodeling, bathroom remodeling, additions and or modifications. We provide remodeling services for a Commercial Buildings in: Multi-Unit Structures, Duplexes and Triplexes Apartment Complexes, Condominiums and Townhouses Shopping Malls, Hotels, Restaurants and Spas Commercial Buildings, Office Spaces, Storefronts, and Industrial Projects

Make the Most Out of Your Income Property or Business The employees that we engage are always qualified, licensed and certified and possess CCQ cards. Renovation Q.C. always provides a guarantee based on specific services. The Owner of the company and President has over 10 years of experience as a highly qualified project manager. He personally oversees every project himself, professionally and efficiently managing employees and subcontractors, planning, designing and architectural plans, materials and your budget with pain staking detail. At Renovation Q.C., we understand that in addition to your budget, time is of importance and our project management, scheduling and cost-estimating will give you the right tools to complete your projects seamlessly. Commercial construction must provide value and purpose without breaking your budget. Let us show you what our experience and knowledge has to offer you. Construction Services for Commercial Properties We specialize in commercial renovation and construction, where there is an intricate difference between commercial and residential projects. With shared walls, building codes, accessibility and material choices, all require a specialized approach during new construction or remodeling with offices requiring lighting and flooring that must meet the demands of heavy use. We provide interior and exterior painting, drywall services, metal and steel framing, commercial kitchen upgrades and remodeling, bathroom remodeling, additions and or modifications. We provide remodeling services for a Commercial Buildings in: Multi-Unit Structures, Duplexes and Triplexes Apartment Complexes, Condominiums and Townhouses Shopping Malls, Hotels, Restaurants and Spas Commercial Buildings, Office Spaces, Storefronts, and Industrial Projects

The Art of Wholesale Artificial Grass Potted Plants The demand is skyrocketing. A recent report shows a staggering 35% increase in the wholesale market for artificial potted plants in the last two years. How did we get here? DIY enthusiasts and retail designers alike are gravitating toward artificial options like never before. For instance, a pop-up shop in Austin showcased Longjin Craft’s artificial pampas grass, achieving record sales within the first week. Just imagine the impact such products can have on urban spaces where natural greenery struggles to thrive. Quality varies significantly. Some manufacturers cut corners, using inferior materials that fade or crumble within months. In stark contrast, premium brands such as Longjin Craft utilize advanced UV-resistant technology, ensuring durability and vibrant colors. The weight of high-quality polymer can feel surprising when comparing. Light as a feather? Not exactly. Some high-end options weigh substantially more, signifying their robust build. Trends and Innovations in the Market What’s trending? Sustainability, of course! Buyers are more eco-conscious. Reports indicate over 50% of consumers prefer brands that highlight their sustainability practices. Enter the world of recyclable artificial plants. Brands are innovating, shifting materials from merely synthetic to environmentally friendly composites. How can you not be impressed by this shift? The future looks greener—ironically speaking. Retailers are embracing unique selling propositions to set their brands apart. Take, for example, customizable potted plant arrangements. Imagine a landscape designer creating a bespoke setup featuring various plant species, with artificial variants like those from Longjin Craft fitting seamlessly into the surroundings. It’s a game-changer, keeping costs down while making spaces visually stunning. Practical Applications in Design Interior design is evolving. From coffee shops to luxury hotels, artificial potted grass is popping up everywhere. One case study revealed that a Southern California cafe increased customer dwell time by 25% after introducing strategically placed artificial plants. Imagine sipping your latte surrounded by lush greenery—all without the maintenance headaches. Commercial settings also benefit massively. Large office complexes are opting for artificial potted plants to create inviting environments. The rationale? Reduces maintenance costs and boosts employee morale. Can you believe a single office could save thousands annually by replacing natural greenery with artificial options? Longjin Craft has increasingly become a go-to choice for these installations, thanks to their reputation for striking aesthetics and quality.