Warm wood and cold glass don't always work well together, but here they do. This white oak staircase pairs naturally grained treads with a sleek glass balustrade anchored by bold black metal posts, a combination that feels considered rather than contrived. The wrap-around starting steps ease the entry, softening what could have been a hard geometric statement into something more welcoming. Overhead, a statement lighting installation pulls the eye upward, casting a warm glow that works with the oak rather than against it. Clean lines throughout, nothing excessive. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Warm wood and cold glass don't always work well together, but here they do. This white oak staircase pairs naturally grained treads with a sleek glass balustrade anchored by bold black metal posts, a combination that feels considered rather than contrived. The wrap-around starting steps ease the entry, softening what could have been a hard geometric statement into something more welcoming. Overhead, a statement lighting installation pulls the eye upward, casting a warm glow that works with the oak rather than against it. Clean lines throughout, nothing excessive. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

By removing all of the excess items, we have been able to showcase this space as a vibrant, fun and youthful functional room.
Example of a mid-sized trendy light wood floor bedroom design in Ottawa with green walls

Our clients wanted a modern mountain getaway that would combine their gorgeous mountain surroundings with contemporary finishes. To highlight the stunning cathedral ceilings, we decided to take the natural stone on the fireplace from floor to ceiling. The dark wood mantle adds a break for the eye, and ties in the views of surrounding trees. Our clients wanted a complete facelift for their kitchen, and this started with removing the excess of dark wood on the ceiling, walls, and cabinets. Opening a larger picture window helps in bringing the outdoors in, and contrasting white and black cabinets create a fresh and modern feel. --- Project designed by Montecito interior designer Margarita Bravo. She serves Montecito as well as surrounding areas such as Hope Ranch, Summerland, Santa Barbara, Isla Vista, Mission Canyon, Carpinteria, Goleta, Ojai, Los Olivos, and Solvang. For more about MARGARITA BRAVO, click here: https://www.margaritabravo.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://www.margaritabravo.com/portfolio/colorado-nature-inspired-getaway/

Green River Stone Company's private quarry lies at the bottom of an ancient lake. 50 million years ago, fortuitous conditions combined to preserve fish perfectly. Our technicians remove excess stone using fine hand tools to reveal the pristine fossils in stunning detail. The finished fossil mural is a snapshot in time, a timeless piece of natural art.

Sundance Homes invites you to tour this 2,600-square-foot walkout ranch. As you enter the home take note of the frosted glass track doors, which offer privacy and seclusion to a home office. The kitchen, dining and great room offer an open concept, while still maintaining their own distinct and defining characteristics. From the hardwood floors carried throughout the house, to the GE Monogram stainless steel appliances and quartz countertop island, this home provides the most usable space for family as well as entertaining. A spacious covered deck extends along the entire back of the house with access to the owner’s retreat. This is the place to relax at the end of the day with a stone fireplace, soaker tub, walk-in shower with digital control rain heads, an abundance of closet space and a bonus of its own washer and dryer. The second and third bedrooms include a Jack & Jill bath with individual vanities. Just steps away are the laundry room and mud room, featuring built-in lockers to give little ones a unique space to store their stuff. This home is equipped with energy-efficient, environmentally friendly geothermal HVAC system and radiant floor heating in the 4-car garages. Additionally, the garage floor drains and outside gutters are tied into an underground gutter system, effectively pulling excess water away from the foundation. This home also has a Control 4 Home Operating System with video and audio, providing the homeowner with a true sense of security – while at home and away.

These wonderful clients returned to us for their newest home remodel adventure. Their newly purchased custom built 1970s modern ranch sits in one of the loveliest neighborhoods south of the city but the current conditions of the home were out-dated and not so lovely. Upon entering the front door through the court you were greeted abruptly by a very boring staircase and an excessive number of doors. Just to the left of the double door entry was a large slider and on your right once inside the home was a soldier line up of doors. This made for an uneasy and uninviting entry that guests would quickly forget and our clients would often avoid. We also had our hands full in the kitchen. The existing space included many elements that felt out of place in a modern ranch including a rustic mountain scene backsplash, cherry cabinets with raised panel and detailed profile, and an island so massive you couldn’t pass a drink across the stone. Our design sought to address the functional pain points of the home and transform the overall aesthetic into something that felt like home for our clients. For the entry, we re-worked the front door configuration by switching from the double door to a large single door with side lights. The sliding door next to the main entry door was replaced with a large window to eliminate entry door confusion. In our re-work of the entry staircase, guesta are now greeted into the foyer which features the Coral Pendant by David Trubridge. Guests are drawn into the home by stunning views of the front range via the large floor-to-ceiling glass wall in the living room. To the left, the staircases leading down to the basement and up to the master bedroom received a massive aesthetic upgrade. The rebuilt 2nd-floor staircase has a center spine with wood rise and run appearing to float upwards towards the master suite. A slatted wall of wood separates the two staircases which brings more light into the basement stairwell. Black metal railings add a stunning contrast to the light wood. Other fabulous upgrades to this home included new wide plank flooring throughout the home, which offers both modernity and warmth. The once too-large kitchen island was downsized to create a functional focal point that is still accessible and intimate. The old dark and heavy kitchen cabinetry was replaced with sleek white cabinets, brightening up the space and elevating the aesthetic of the entire room. The kitchen countertops are marble look quartz with dramatic veining that offers an artistic feature behind the range and across all horizontal surfaces in the kitchen. As a final touch, cascading island pendants were installed which emphasize the gorgeous ceiling vault and provide warm feature lighting over the central point of the kitchen. This transformation reintroduces light and simplicity to this gorgeous home, and we are so happy that our clients can reap the benefits of this elegant and functional design for years to come.

Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Residential $120,000 & Over Award Level: Silver Project Description: The goal of the Vaccaro project was to change the existing non-functional landscape into multiple entertainment spaces while working within the tight confines of impervious coverage requirements. The project consisted of removing, redesigning and re-installing existing hardscaping, front and rear, reconfiguring the driveway to accommodate more parking, handling storm water on-site, and increasing the aesthetic appeal of the property. The client was remodeling the home in the theme of a rustic French country estate and in our design we endeavored to adhere to this chosen theme. The existing driveway was a circular driveway located off of the main axis of the front door. Reconfiguring the driveway improved vehicular flow, provided additional parking, and reduced impervious space. By consolidating the parking to the side of the house where the garage is located, we maintained the French theme in encouraging arriving cars to pull up closer to the home's entry. We also worked with the architect in the renovation of the home to position the garage windows so that they were placed in the voids of the arbor we constructed over the parking spaces by the garage. The rustic arbor creates a vertical element and delineates the pedestrian walkway from vehicular traffic. The main walkway spans the front of the home so that it extends down to the parking area to guide visitors to the main entrance. To handle the storm water generated by the driveway, we installed a rain garden, which was placed in the front right side yard. The rain garden area was excavated, the soil in the planting areas was heavily amended with compost, sand, and diatomaceous earth, and mostly native plant material was installed to help absorb excess water. In the bottom-most area of the basin filter fabric was laid to help prevent migration of the stone into the soil and decorative stone was spread to slow the flow of water. Storm water is held until it successfully infiltrates the soil, and the plant material provides a natural habitat that supports butterflies, birds, and beneficial insects. The existing front patio was removed and the size increased to make the space more functional. To increase function and circulation we worked with the architect to create a dining room that extends to the out-of-doors by adding French doors to the front of the home, which open to the new gravel front terrace. The homeowner desired a planting scheme that would create delineation between the front yard and the gravel terrace without blocking the morning sunlight. To achieve this we chose standardized Physocarpus 'Diablo' to compliment the warm cream-colored stucco of the home and provide structure to the patio space. In the rear of the property we removed the existing brick patio and installed a dry-laid quartzite patio that nicely compliments the cream-colored stucco. We redesigned the rear patio space using 45 degree angles to represent the old French design theory of bisecting spaces with diagonals. Utilizing this design theory created more interesting patio spaces and allowed us to soften the sharp angles by planting the negative spaces between the house and patio. Seat walls were also designed and installed to create more seating without sacrificing impervious space. Per the homeowner's wishes, we also designed a separate area in the rear of the yard for a natural boulder fire pit, which is located along the axis of the kitchen window. Half of the ring utilizes boulders for seating for a small gathering while the other half allowed the homeowner's addition of colorful Adirondack chairs to finish the fire circle. Incorporating the French theme throughout, we also designed and installed a small vegetable garden in the side yard so the homeowner could grow her own vegetables and herbs. Photo Credit: Terren Landscapes

Warm wood and cold glass don't always work well together, but here they do. This white oak staircase pairs naturally grained treads with a sleek glass balustrade anchored by bold black metal posts, a combination that feels considered rather than contrived. The wrap-around starting steps ease the entry, softening what could have been a hard geometric statement into something more welcoming. Overhead, a statement lighting installation pulls the eye upward, casting a warm glow that works with the oak rather than against it. Clean lines throughout, nothing excessive. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Caring for aging parents is both a joy and a challenge. The clients wanted to create a more aging-in-place friendly basement area for their mother. The existing kitchenette was more of a glorified bar and did not give her the option of cooking independently, and definitely not stylishly. We re-configured the area so it was all open, with full kitchen capabilities. All appliances were selected to cater to the mother's limited reach, so all functional storage and product usage can be done without raising arms excessively. Special storage solutions include a peg-system for a dish drawer, tiered silverware trays, a slide-up appliance garage, and pivoting pantry storage. The cabinets also give ample display space for her collection of antique glassware. In lieu of an island, we created a solid-surface top for a standard table so food can be prepped while sitting and without damaging the table top. All items reflect the mother's tastes and existing furniture so she can truly feel like this basement is her space, while still being close to her son and daughter-in-law.

Trendy exterior home photo in Portland

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

This beautiful colonial in Marion, Massachusetts is even more gorgeous with its new GAF Timberline HD roof! There is more to a roof than shingles – in fact there are several components to a professionally installed GAF Lifetime Roofing System. Here is the anatomy of our Marion homeowner’s roof: GAF Timberline HD Shingles Marion, MAGAF Timberline HD Roof Shingles: A beautiful architectural shingle at an affordable price! This is our most popular roof shingle here at Care Free Homes! Our Marion customer selected the classic color, Charcoal. This high performance shingle features a 130 mph wind rating and highest possible fire rating. Underlayment: A felt/paper product that is installed over the entire roof deck, underlayment provides an additional layer of protection between the roof deck and the roof shingles. Ice Dam and Water Shield: After a brutal winter and unprecedented snow fall, many New England homes suffered damage from ice dams. Ice Dam and Water Shield provides added protection for eves, rakes, valleys as well as flashed areas around vent pipes, chimneys, dormers, and skylights. Whether it’s a winter wonderland or a hurricane, this homeowner will not have to worry about ice dams or driving rain. GAF Timberline HD, Marion, MA Dormers Premium Aluminum Drip Edge: Installed along the rakes, drip edge serves several purposes. It improves the efficiency of water shedding, prevents leaking from a wind-driven rain as well as movement between the deck and fascia boards. Drip edge also keeps pesky insects from infiltrating the space between the roof deck and the fascia boards. With a choice of three colors, white, brown and gray, it provides a finished look for a roof. GAF Pro-Start Eave/Rake Starter Strip: Every story has a beginning and every roof should have a starter strip. Here in New England we’ve got to have our roof be tougher than mother nature. To prevent shingle blow off, an ultra-adhered starter strip properly secures shingles in place during a storm. In contrast, the amateur roofer will often use cut-up shingles as a starter course. This weakened “starter course” lowers the wind resistance of a roof and makes it more susceptible to both wind and water damage. With straighter edges, Dura-Grip adhesive, and outstanding warranties – starter strip will provide beauty, performance and peace of mind. GAF Cobra Ridge Vent: Ridge vents provide necessary airflow to remove excess heat and moisture in an attic. It inhibits the growth of mold and protects the health of the homeowners as well as their stored possessions. A properly vented attic will also protect homes in harsh winter climates from ice damming. Why wait? Contact us today and make your house a Care Free home!

Our clients came to us wanting to create a kitchen that better served their day-to-day, to add a powder room so that guests were not using their primary bathroom, and to give a refresh to their primary bathroom. Our design plan consisted of reimagining the kitchen space, adding a powder room and creating a primary bathroom that delighted our clients. In the kitchen we created more integrated pantry space. We added a large island which allowed the homeowners to maintain seating within the kitchen and utilized the excess circulation space that was there previously. We created more space on either side of the kitchen range for easy back and forth from the sink to the range. To add in the powder room we took space from a third bedroom and tied into the existing plumbing and electrical from the basement. Lastly, we added unique square shaped skylights into the hallway. This completely brightened the hallway and changed the space.

To the manor born… or at least it will feel like it in this elegant yet easygoing French Country home designed by Visbeen Architects with a busy family who wants the best of the past and the present in mind. Drawn from both French and English traditional architecture, this two-story 5,463-square-foot home is a pleasing and timeless blend of two perennially popular styles. Driving up the circular driveway, the home’s front façade impresses with its distinctive details, including a covered porch, iron and stone accents, a roofline with multiple peaks, large windows and its central turret capping two bay windows. The back is no less eye-catching, with a series of large central windows on all three floors overlooking the backyard, two private balconies and both a covered second-floor screen porch and an open-air main-level patio perfect for al fresco entertaining. There’s magic on the inside too. The expansive 2,900-square-foot main level revolves around a welcoming two-story foyer with a grand curved staircase that leads into the rest of the luxurious yet not excessive floor plan. Highlights of the public spaces on the left include a spacious two-story light-filled living room with a wall of windows overlooking the backyard and a fireplace, an adjacent dining room perfect for entertaining with its own deck, and a open-plan kitchen with central island, convenient home management area and walk-in pantry. A nearby screened porch is the perfect place for enjoying outdoors meals bug-free. Private rooms are concentrated on the first-floor’s right side, with a secluded master suite that includes spa-like bath with his and her vanities and a large tub as well as a private balcony, large walk-in closet and secluded nearby study/office. Upstairs, another 1,100 square feet of living space is designed with family living in mind, including two bedrooms, each with private bath and large closet, and a convenient kids study with peaked ceiling overlooking the street. The central circular staircase leads to another 1,800 square-feet in the lower level, with a large family room with kitchen /bar, a guest bedroom suite, a handy exercise area and access to a nearby covered patio. Photographer: Brad Gillette

Our clients wanted a modern mountain getaway that would combine their gorgeous mountain surroundings with contemporary finishes. To highlight the stunning cathedral ceilings, we decided to take the natural stone on the fireplace from floor to ceiling. The dark wood mantle adds a break for the eye, and ties in the views of surrounding trees. Our clients wanted a complete facelift for their kitchen, and this started with removing the excess of dark wood on the ceiling, walls, and cabinets. Opening a larger picture window helps in bringing the outdoors in, and contrasting white and black cabinets create a fresh and modern feel. --- Project designed by Montecito interior designer Margarita Bravo. She serves Montecito as well as surrounding areas such as Hope Ranch, Summerland, Santa Barbara, Isla Vista, Mission Canyon, Carpinteria, Goleta, Ojai, Los Olivos, and Solvang. --- For more about MARGARITA BRAVO, click here: https://www.margaritabravo.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://www.margaritabravo.com/portfolio/colorado-nature-inspired-getaway/

Dry creek bed harvests excess rainwater overflow from the rainwater tanks.
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary drought-tolerant and full sun backyard mulch garden path in San Diego for spring.

I was contacted recently by a client in East Grinstead, who asked me to restore a large area of damaged Quarry tiles in his house. East Grinstead actually dates back to the 14th century and is a town known for its many interesting houses and historic buildings. Hard-wearing Quarry tiles are most often used in high traffic areas, such as reception areas and hallways, although they are also commonly used for patio areas and porches. In these busy areas, the tiles can get dirty quickly, and this can lead to damage over time if they are not regularly tended to. In this case, the damage to the tiles had actually been caused by regular flooding over a period of several years. The damage was so extreme that I advised my client that the only means of total restoration was re-tiling. However, my client informed me that the property was currently on the market for sale and this wasn’t an option. Instead, he settled on a deep clean and seal which, while not a complete restoration, would still significantly improve the condition of the tiled floor. My first day of work was spent moving a significant amount of large furniture out of the room and into the garden. Once the area was completely clear, I was able to apply a layer of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean, using a stiff deck brush to really work it into the damaged stone. Pro-Clean helped to lift out a huge amount of the muck and ingrained dirt revealing, unfortunately, yet more damage beneath. Once I had finished for the day, my client opened the windows to allow the warm sunshine to dry up any remaining moisture. This was important, as any excess moisture left on the floor may have affected the performance of the sealer when I returned to complete the sealing. I allowed the floor a two-day drying period, during which time my client decided to colour some of the tiles with red doorstep paint. He counted up to two thousand tiles before giving up! When I returned after 48 hours, I set about sealing the floor using Tile Doctor Seal & Go, which provided the eye-catching gloss finish and durable protection the client wanted whilst the house was still on the market. As it was another warm day, the homeowners went out cycling around the Ashdown forest, leaving me to complete the sealing carefully and without distraction. When they returned a few hours later, they were amazed by the results! Although a complete re-tiling was not possible under the circumstances, both myself and my clients were extremely pleased with how great the Quarry tiles were now looking, especially after such significant water damage.

Sundance Homes invites you to tour this 2,600-square-foot walkout ranch. As you enter the home take note of the frosted glass track doors, which offer privacy and seclusion to a home office. The kitchen, dining and great room offer an open concept, while still maintaining their own distinct and defining characteristics. From the hardwood floors carried throughout the house, to the GE Monogram stainless steel appliances and quartz countertop island, this home provides the most usable space for family as well as entertaining. A spacious covered deck extends along the entire back of the house with access to the owner’s retreat. This is the place to relax at the end of the day with a stone fireplace, soaker tub, walk-in shower with digital control rain heads, an abundance of closet space and a bonus of its own washer and dryer. The second and third bedrooms include a Jack & Jill bath with individual vanities. Just steps away are the laundry room and mud room, featuring built-in lockers to give little ones a unique space to store their stuff. This home is equipped with energy-efficient, environmentally friendly geothermal HVAC system and radiant floor heating in the 4-car garages. Additionally, the garage floor drains and outside gutters are tied into an underground gutter system, effectively pulling excess water away from the foundation. This home also has a Control 4 Home Operating System with video and audio, providing the homeowner with a true sense of security – while at home and away.