Photo of a huge craftsman rock and full sun front yard mulch landscaping in Denver.

Spiral staircase enclosed in hand made steel silo. Photos~Nat Rea
Staircase - farmhouse staircase idea in Other

Fully funcitonal Farm-All alarm clocks serve as art and function. Matthews double fan. Photos~ Nat Rea
Dining room - cottage dining room idea in Other

Permeable pavers are a beautiful driveway option and also environmentally friendly. They reduce water run-off and are a great solution for drainage issues.

Photography by Jim Tetro This house, built in the 1960s, sits southfacing on a terrific wooded lot in Bethesda, Maryland. The owners desire a whole-house renovation which would improve the general building fabric and systems, and extend the sense of living out of doors in all seasons. The original sixties-modern character is preserved and the renovation extends the design forward into a contemporary, modern approach. Connections to and through the site are enhanced through the creation of new larger window and door openings. Screened porches and decks perch above the sloped and wooded site. The new kitchen and bathrooms allow for opportunities to feel out-of -doors while preparing, cooking, dining, and bathing. Smart passive strategies guide the environmental choices for this project, including envelope improvements, updated mechanical systems, and on-site stormwater management.

Example of a trendy kitchen design in San Francisco

Example of a trendy kitchen design in San Francisco

The Currant dining chair takes inspiration from classic mid-century design and showcases the eye-catching vibrant colors found in Greenington’s new Amber bamboo. Modern design with a timeless appeal, and quality crafted in earth friendly solid bamboo, Currant is built to last. Design details include slim tapered legs, and a gracefully curved solid bamboo seat and back providing comfortable support. The simple silhouette and city scale of the chairs work well when space is a premium, and combine to bring beauty, strength, and comfort to your dining room. The popular Currant dining chairs ship fully assembled in your choice of four finishes, solid Amber, Caramelized, Black Walnut or rich Sable. The Currant makes it easy for you to promote sustainability in a lovely, classic, and functional way in your home. Sustainable and environmentally safe, the Amber color is not a stain finish, simply an innovation created using earth friendly heat, steam, and pressure to transform the bamboo into Amber’s deep color. The finished product displays a beautiful grain pattern with continuous color throughout the entire material. Variation in grain and color enrich the natural beauty of bamboo furniture and make each piece unique. Slight differences in bamboo shade colors are signs that the furniture has been crafted from solid bamboo and is considered a benchmark of quality. Discover the expert craftsmanship packed into each piece of Greenington bamboo furniture. Made using an earth friendly, renewable resource harvested from fully sustainable and rapidly growing forests.

Example of a classic kitchen design in San Francisco

Trendy bedroom photo in San Francisco

The Currant dining chair takes inspiration from classic mid-century design and showcases the eye-catching vibrant colors found in Greenington’s new Amber bamboo. Modern design with a timeless appeal, and quality crafted in earth friendly solid bamboo, Currant is built to last. Design details include slim tapered legs, and a gracefully curved solid bamboo seat and back providing comfortable support. The simple silhouette and city scale of the chairs work well when space is a premium, and combine to bring beauty, strength, and comfort to your dining room. The popular Currant dining chairs ship fully assembled in your choice of four finishes, solid Amber, Caramelized, Black Walnut or rich Sable. The Currant makes it easy for you to promote sustainability in a lovely, classic, and functional way in your home. Sustainable and environmentally safe, the Amber color is not a stain finish, simply an innovation created using earth friendly heat, steam, and pressure to transform the bamboo into Amber’s deep color. The finished product displays a beautiful grain pattern with continuous color throughout the entire material. Variation in grain and color enrich the natural beauty of bamboo furniture and make each piece unique. Slight differences in bamboo shade colors are signs that the furniture has been crafted from solid bamboo and is considered a benchmark of quality. Discover the expert craftsmanship packed into each piece of Greenington bamboo furniture. Made using an earth friendly, renewable resource harvested from fully sustainable and rapidly growing forests.

Maintaining a pest-free home requires attention throughout the year. Seasonal changes affect pest behavior, and understanding these patterns can save homeowners from costly damage and health hazards. In this guide, we will explore practical strategies for spring pest prevention tips, ensuring your property stays protected through every season. From spotting early signs to implementing proactive measures, these steps empower homeowners to take control before infestations occur. Understanding Seasonal Pest Patterns Pests adapt to changing weather, and knowing their patterns helps prevent infestations effectively. Spring: Awakening Pests Spring signals the end of winter dormancy for many pests. Rodents, ants, and termites start seeking food and warmth. Effective spring pest prevention tips include: ● Cleaning gutters and removing debris ● Sealing cracks and gaps in exterior walls ● Inspecting wood piles and compost areas ● Monitoring early signs of termite activity Pro Tip: Conduct a termite inspection or a professional evaluation to catch infestations early before they spread. Summer: Peak Pest Season Warm temperatures accelerate pest breeding cycles. For a comprehensive summer pest prevention guide: ● Maintain lawns and trim vegetation away from homes ● Check window and door screens for tears ● Store food in sealed containers ● Inspect water sources that attract mosquitoes Do You Know? Mosquitoes can lay eggs in a teaspoon of water. Eliminating stagnant water is crucial to reducing their population. Fall: Preparing for Winter As temperatures drop, pests search for warm indoor spaces. Key actions include: ● Inspecting for winter rodent entry points ● Sealing attic vents, crawl spaces, and foundation gaps ● Cleaning storage areas to minimize hiding spots ● Checking chimney and fireplace openings Quick Fact: Rodents can enter homes through openings as small as ¼ inch. Seasonal Pest Checklist for Homeowners Creating a structured seasonal pest checklist simplifies preventive measures and ensures nothing is overlooked. Season Key Actions Spring Inspect for termites, seal exterior gaps, clean gutters, and check compost Summer Repair screens, trim vegetation, remove standing water, and secure food Fall Seal entry points, inspect attic/crawlspace, clear debris, and prepare storage Winter Monitor indoor activity, keep firewood away from walls, and maintain traps Inspection & Maintenance Tips ● Schedule annual pest inspections by professional Virginia pest control consultation to detect hidden problems ● Keep a log of pest sightings and treatment dates ● Regularly replace weather stripping and caulk cracks Note: Even small preventive steps, when consistently applied, drastically reduce infestations. Common Pests and Their Seasonal Behaviors Understanding how different pests behave each season helps homeowners take timely action to protect their property. ● Ants and Termites: Ants emerge in spring seeking food, while termites become active and can damage wood unnoticed. Early detection is critical. ● Rodents and Mice: Fall and winter increase rodent intrusions. Block all entry points and keep food sealed. ● Mosquitoes and Flies: Summer creates the ideal breeding environment for mosquitoes. Eliminate standing water and use physical barriers like nets. ● Spiders and Other Insects: Seasonal shifts cause spiders to move indoors. Regular vacuuming and decluttering reduce hiding spots. Eco-Friendly Prevention Methods ● Use natural repellents like peppermint oil or diatomaceous earth ● Encourage beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, to reduce pest populations ● Plant pest-deterring plants near home boundaries, like marigolds or lavender Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Adopt an IPM approach by combining physical barriers, monitoring, and environmentally safe treatments. This minimizes chemical use while maintaining a pest-free home. Quote: “Prevention is the most effective form of pest control.” – National Pest Management Association Seasonal Pest Prevention Tools ● Snap traps and humane rodent traps ● Sticky traps for insects ● Outdoor perimeter sprays (eco-friendly) ● Moisture meters to detect early termite or mold problems Pro Tip: Keep tools organized and accessible to act quickly when pest activity is noticed. Planning: Annual Pest Calendar Month Recommended Action March-April Spring pest prevention tips: Inspect, seal, clean gutters June-July Summer pest prevention guide: Screens, standing water, food storage September Seasonal pest checklist: Seal entries, declutter, prep storage November Winter rodent entry points: Monitor indoors, maintain traps Key Takeaways ● Seasonal awareness prevents infestations and property damage ● Consistent inspections and maintenance are essential ● Simple eco-friendly measures can significantly reduce pests ● Use a structured checklist and calendar for effective prevention Conclusion Homeowners who stay proactive and follow spring pest prevention tips, along with year-round monitoring, ensure their properties remain safe and comfortable. Using a summer pest prevention guide, checking winter rodent entry points, and maintaining a seasonal pest checklist ensure your home remains safe and comfortable. Remember to combine inspections, physical barriers, and environmentally friendly methods for the best results. FAQs Q1: How often should I perform a termite inspection? A1: Conduct inspections annually, especially in spring, to detect early signs of termite activity and prevent extensive damage. Q2: Can pests enter my home during winter? A2: Yes, rodents and insects seek warmth and shelter indoors. Sealing entry points and monitoring for activity is crucial. Q3: What is the most effective eco-friendly method for pest prevention? A3: Using natural repellents, encouraging beneficial insects, and eliminating water sources effectively reduces pest populations without chemicals. Ensure your home is ready for every season. Schedule a professional Virginia pest control consultation or a termite inspection in Suffolk, VA, today and stay ahead of potential infestations.

Emily Minton Redfield
Inspiration for a mid-sized farmhouse enclosed medium tone wood floor and brown floor family room remodel in Denver with white walls, no fireplace and no tv

Eco friendly and GREENGUARD certified cabinetry made from Executive Cabinetry. Executive Cabinetry provides the healthiest cabinets for your kitchen, bath, and any other room in your home.

Cynthia Lynn Photography
Example of a trendy bedroom design in Chicago with gray walls

Photography: Travis Rhoads Photography
Example of a small trendy backyard deck design in San Francisco with a fire pit

Our client's goal for this project was a more functional kitchen for cooking with the family as well as an open space for entertaining friends and family. They further had a very specific vision for an old world feel while trying to be budget and environmentally conscious. Upper cabinets with glass fronts add visual interest, provide useful storage and create the perception of a higher ceiling. We crafted the arched stonework around the cook-top that created a focal point and disguises the built in vent hood. The finishing on the cabinets was customized to match the antique furniture the client had. Looking across the kitchen, the dated fireplace needed an update to match an Old World feel. We accomplished this by installing stonework similar to that around the cook-top area. We also added crown molding in the living room to flow with the kitchen, all while remaining budget conscious. This was also a very environmentally conscious project superbly fitting the client's request and matching our company’s values: • 75% of the cabinets are original or resized from original cabinets. • The center island remained and had cabinets refinished and a new countertop installed. • All lighting including task lights, under cabinet lights and recessed lights are LED. • All Energy Star appliances. • Brick and stonework around cook-top is from salvaged brick and stone. • Cedar beam above the arch is salvaged from a past project and stained to fit the kitchen’s decor. • Existing wood floors were refinished and hand scraped to give a more Old World look. With this project we were particularly pleased to work within the constraints of budget, environmentally conscious requirements, and building a beautiful Old Word kitchen that perfectly match our client's desires.

The simple and uncluttered design of the Currant Writing Desk showcases the eye-catching vibrant colors found in Greenington’s Amber bamboo. Quality crafted in solid bamboo, and beautifully finished on all four sides, the Currant writing desk is built to last. Accentuating Currant’s modern profile, the desk’s design details include softly rounded corners, and dramatic splayed legs which elegantly taper towards the floor. The Currant’s clean and functional design provides a wide workspace with three generous storage drawers which span the width of the desk. Sustainable and environmentally safe, the Amber color is not a stain finish, simply an innovation created using earth friendly heat, steam, and pressure to transform the bamboo into Amber’s deep color. The finished product displays a beautiful grain pattern with continuous color throughout the entire material. Variation in grain and color enrich the natural beauty of bamboo furniture and make each piece unique. Slight differences in bamboo shade colors are signs that the furniture has been crafted from solid bamboo and is considered a benchmark of quality. Discover the expert craftsmanship packed into each piece of Greenington bamboo furniture. Made using an earth friendly, renewable resource harvested from fully sustainable and rapidly growing forests.

The simple and uncluttered design of the Currant Writing Desk showcases the eye-catching vibrant colors found in Greenington’s Amber bamboo. Quality crafted in solid bamboo, and beautifully finished on all four sides, the Currant writing desk is built to last. Accentuating Currant’s modern profile, the desk’s design details include softly rounded corners, and dramatic splayed legs which elegantly taper towards the floor. The Currant’s clean and functional design provides a wide workspace with three generous storage drawers which span the width of the desk. Sustainable and environmentally safe, the Amber color is not a stain finish, simply an innovation created using earth friendly heat, steam, and pressure to transform the bamboo into Amber’s deep color. The finished product displays a beautiful grain pattern with continuous color throughout the entire material. Variation in grain and color enrich the natural beauty of bamboo furniture and make each piece unique. Slight differences in bamboo shade colors are signs that the furniture has been crafted from solid bamboo and is considered a benchmark of quality. Discover the expert craftsmanship packed into each piece of Greenington bamboo furniture. Made using an earth friendly, renewable resource harvested from fully sustainable and rapidly growing forests.