This beautiful North Vancouver home belongs to a nature-loving and health-conscious couple, Emma and Vince (names changed), their two young children, and their dog, Jasper. When they contacted us about renovating and furnishing their kitchen and family room, we walked in and saw a world of potential waiting to be uncovered. Before: Larkhall Crescent Home: Like many original North Vancouver homes, the interior was definitely dated. We encountered late ‘80s finishes in powder pink and teal green, old carpet, and a kitchen that wasn’t maximized to suit this family’s modern-day lifestyle. However, the size of the rooms offered us a ton of space with which to get creative. Knowing our clients’ love of cooking, need for work spaces (Emma and Vince both work remotely), and growing family, we developed a design concept that would increase usable space, optimize storage, and create intimacy in this large area. As for the style, we were inspired by their European roots, inventing a new and modern take on “Belgian Farmhouse” style. Now, the home is truly one-of-a-kind. After: Warm & Cozy Family Room: Fresh, bright, and comfortable, this living area has been transformed! We started with the fireplace as a focal point, selecting aged brick tiles for added texture and a crisp wood mantle. The taupe-coloured sectional infuses the room with visual warmth and serves the added purpose of separating the family room from the kitchen. Emma and Vince were also keen on using non-toxic materials in their home, and we were happy to oblige. To meet their needs, we sourced natural wood elements and sought out Canadian-made products - that adhere to high health standards - whenever possible. Look closer at the elements of this space, and you will find this stunning, honeycomb-patterned rug in earthy gold, beige, and charcoal tones. It’s plush to the touch and full of visual texture that brings this room’s colour palette together. We sourced these two-tone chairs with caning, petrified wood side table, black sconces, and botanical prints in greyscale from local artist, Heather Johnston. We topped off the space with this dark wood and rattan console that offers storage facing the kitchen and presents an opportunity to display cherished items. The result is a cozy lounging space brimming with comfort and functionality. It’s perfect for enjoying quality family time, or Emma can simply slide the coffee table away to make room for her morning yoga practice. Now, let’s turn around and give some attention to the kitchen. Do you remember what the original kitchen looked like? If not, scroll back up, because the transformation is shocking… Moody & Welcoming Kitchen for Healthy Living: This kitchen looks very different from how it started, right? Though we didn’t touch any walls, the kitchen has almost doubled in usable space! We created a long, extended island with storage, an outlet for small appliances, and seating for comfortable prep, after-school snacking, or mingling among friends. On the other side of the island, the family has even more storage and an integrated dishwasher within easy reach of the sink, perfect for quick clean-up. From this angle, you can also see the expansive custom Shaker cabinetry in white and the integrated double ovens. These facilitate their cooking experience and gave us the opportunity to add an additional surprise… A coffee garage station and more hidden storage! Keeping these items located along the perimeter allows them to be accessed by the family or their guests without someone getting under the cook’s feet. These are the little details that make everyday life easier and more enjoyable. Moving deeper into the kitchen, the seamless induction cooktop topped with a freestanding concealed hood fan commands attention in a soft yet prominent way. The natural wood accent mirrors the fireplace mantle, and the choice of off-black wood-grain cabinets not only continues our black-and-white colour palette but adds a sense of depth and contrast. The corner sink is located to the right and perfectly positioned with a view of their thriving backyard. To invite more of this family’s character into the space, we mixed metals for interest — matte black, dark pewter, and warm brass — and created open shelves in white oak for their plants and decor. You can also glimpse the tumbled edge of the backsplash tile, which echoes the rustic brick of the fireplace. It adds that farmhouse charm while still feeling timeless and sophisticated. Last but not least, we designed this dining banquette in the bay window (with integrated bench storage, of course), where the family can share a meal together, the kids can do homework, or Emma and Vince can work and enjoy a change of scenery from their offices. Like the other spaces in the home, it was designed to be beautiful, multi-functional, and long-lasting. Praise from Our Clients: It is clear that we love this home, but what did our clients have to say? “Lori is a visionary and masters execution to the finest detail all at the same time. When she first met us to know more about who we are and how we live, she could right away envision how we could use the space in our kitchen and living room…The results exceeded our expectations. Lori and her team were also a delight to work with — coordination with all the trades, fast problem-solving, regular updates, professional and friendly attitude of her entire team — made it the dream team. Thank you SHD for making our space so beautiful!” In turn, we are so grateful for this family’s trust, their open communication, and for being wonderful people with whom to work. (So, thank you!)

Jennifer and Dan have lived in their Deer Park Illinois home for 15 years, slowly making minor fixes like painting and decorating; but they had a new plan for their kitchen the entire time. An awkwardly placed garage door, and an island cooktop with a terrible downdraft made a full-scale kitchen remodel an absolute must. Jennifer had many ideas in mind and wanted to work with a company that could provide high-end work, while partnering with a designer that would tailor the kitchen to her ideas. She was intrigued by the phrase “Common Sense Remodeling” in Advance Design’s feature she discovered while perusing an issue of the community’s Quintessential Barrington Magazine. Doing further research on the company’s website, as she looked through project profiles and read about Advance Design’s “Common Sense Remodeling” philosophy, she promptly scheduled an appointment to see if the people and ideas she read about were truly who they said they were. The more she read, the more she knew that the “Common Sense” approach to remodeling they described was exactly the type of company she was looking for. The partnership was sealed after an initial consultation with Owner Todd Jurs and Project Designer Michelle Lecinski. They displayed a combination of friendliness, professionalism and respect that was unmatched by any of the other companies Jennifer talked to. She knew that with Advance Design, she would be able to retain the vision that she had in mind with high-quality craftsmanship. “I reached out to Advance Design because of the ‘Common Sense Remodeling’ tagline,” Jennifer said. “That’s what lingered for me”. “Advance Design was the most respectful- of the house and of my design ideas, and the most professional of the handful of companies that looked at my project”. Soon after the meeting Jennifer began working with Michelle on the project design. They quickly developed chemistry. Jennifer loved how Michelle researched and located every detail that Jennifer wanted for the kitchen. Between the two of them, every concept and idea was worked through and perfected. “Jennifer had definite ideas about what she wanted the new kitchen to look like, she just didn’t know how to bring it all together. We worked together really well to make her ideas into the practical reality necessary for a well-functioning kitchen, with the look and feel that she had envisioned”, says Michelle. “Michelle was wonderful in using the CAD system she would show me new drawings every time we changed the layout while working through the design,” Jennifer said. “She was a really wonderful partner in execution, she made sure everything happened quickly and easily.” The finished design drew out elements of Jennifer’s style and personality. The pair call the look “sophisticated farmhouse” to describe the kitchen renovation to family and friends. The result was a beautifully crafted, authentic-feeling space that satisfied Jennifer’s dreams 15 years in the making. The whole project consisted of a kitchen remodel, mudroom upgrade with powder room, and garage entry relocation. “The projects I personally like the best, are the ones that put the client’s dreams on display,” Project Designer Michelle said. “And this is one of those projects.” The main focal point of the kitchen is custom zinc and brass ventilation hood with a vintage sheen, which was hand made to order by a small company in Indiana named Vogler Metalworking. “It’s like sculpture, a true work of art”, says Jennifer. Your eye is immediately drawn towards this elegant yet practical hood that eliminated the home’s downdraft problem and added a striking conversation piece at the same time. The carpenters had to use special gloves when transporting and installing it, so they didn’t smudge it with fingerprints. The beautiful hood centers proudly over the stunning black enamel and brass LaCornue Range. “I had a friend who had a LaCornue range and after learning how easy it was to cook perfect meals, I was convinced I wanted to have one”, says Jennifer. This unique, breathtaking combination anchors the entire kitchen and is apparent immediately as you walk into the great room the surrounds the space. DuraSupreme Crestwood cabinets with a Kendall Panel add function and sophistication. A custom gray paint color paired with a storm blue was developed so that the new kitchen looked like it belonged to the existing space. Unlacquered brass faucets and hardware were important to Jennifer because she wanted the living finishes to age over time. Remarkable brass diamond mesh cabinet door inserts imported from the UK continue to add this one-of-a-kind kitchen renovation; giving it a “you won’t see this everywhere” quality. The use of old railcar flooring for the coffee bar countertop and reclaimed oak for the open shelving gives an authenticity to the space uncommon in kitchens today. Jennifer and Michelle fell in love with the Limestone Grey Stone while they were investigating unique island countertop ideas. They liked the fact that the limestone as a living finish will age and change over time. Calcutta Miel Quartz countertops made for an excellent pairing around the perimeter, as it’s durable and perfect for cooking preparations. A textured white subway tile backsplash that runs to the ceiling keeps your eye moving towards the open shelving, and to the main focal point of the stunning range hood combination. “The kitchen functions beautifully, and it’s gorgeous,” beams Jennifer as she gestures with both hands while smiling ear to ear. “The most important thing was I wanted a kitchen that had a wonderful flow, cooked beautiful meals and was a great gathering place for family and friends, and this space does that perfectly! Beauty wise, it turned out exactly how I had envisioned. I felt the function part was the hardest part, and that was nailed”! Relocating the garage entry to the new mudroom was a huge priority and has finally separated the family’s arriving home functions from their kitchen. Now coats and shoes and bags have their own area for dropping once members arrive home. Matching gray DuraSupreme cabinetry helped create gorgeous, purposeful lockers for the family. A reclaimed vintage sink and custom wall paper were added to the tiny powder room to beautify the once previously only functional space. Advance Design was even able to create a custom space for their dog to sleep while the family is away. “It was unbelievable that a project of this size was completed in such a short time, and I think that’s because of the large amount of planning and preparation that went into it,” Jennifer marveled, “When we started, we were ready, and everything was prepared”. When it came to execution, Project Manager Justin Davis and his crew were quick, accessible, and organized. Projects like this kitchen are typically completed in as little as 8-10 weeks. Jennifer’s kitchen however despite the relocation of some challenging HVAC in a soffit and moving of an exterior door was completed remarkably fast in part because the team was working with an existing tile floor that ran throughout the first floor that the client really loved. “You get to know these people really well because they’re living in your house while you’re living in your house. They were so fast and really good, it didn’t take as long as even planned” reported Jennifer. “I would text Justin and he always responded almost immediately. I got to know all the guys who were working in our house and they were all wonderful people”. Details in a customized kitchen like this one require skill and care from the people who install it. “All the guys on the job were skilled at what the did. I wanted small details like little feet to look like furniture, that is where their carpentry skill came in to make these all perfect”, said Jennifer. “The tile guys were wonderful. They even let me determine how I wanted the texture with the grout to appear for a salt and pepper look; now that is a very skilled trade person making it custom”. In Jennifer’s interview, she continued to reference Advance Design’s “Common Sense Remodeling”, so I took a minute to ask her exactly what that phrase meant to her and how it played out in her experience with her project and the Advance Design team. Here is what she said: “I was intrigued about Common Sense Remodeling and in my head that there would be clear costs and prices, great communication between the design team, the execution team and me”, said Jennifer. They did deliver on that, it was so clear about the cost breakdown, what I could expect from everyone who came to my house, and everything that we had ordered. That to me is the Common Sense”! It’s great to see a client take literally our assertion that a well-planned remodeling project is simply “Common Sense”! She anticipated each step of the way would be clear, concise, and predictable, all the while protecting the outcome due to the careful upfront planning. “Advance Design delivered on their ‘Common Sense Remodeling’ promise,” Jennifer said. “From the design team, to the execution team - everything was straight forward like I imagined. The project turned out exactly how I envisioned, I enjoyed this process and absolutely would recommend Advance Design Studio to anyone.”

Modular Design(What’s Included) This iterm includes 3 parts Projection TV: LTV-3500 Motorized Rollable Screen Smart Cabinet Express delivery in 5 boxes. Modular and segmented design allows you to enter any ordinary elevator even in an apartment ,Supports on-site DIY installation and light customization needs. Cinematic 3D Display With a pair of active shutter DLP link 3D glasses, AWOL VISION steps you into a whole new world, you can pop in a 3D Blu-ray for immersive 3-dimensional films at home. MEMC Technology Featuring MEMC Technology, AWOL Vision delivers smooth content and transitions. Fast-moving images are clear which is ideal for watching sports and action movies. See your favorite team win in stunning 4K. Game Mode Switch to the Game Mode and experience AWOL VISION’s lowest-ever time lag of 30ms with 4K and 17ms with 1080P resolution, ensuring that all your gaming action is real-time. Safe for your eyes, incredible for all senses. Play all day without worry. Smart and Upgradable The firmware updating over the air keeps your TV never outdated

FREE LOT EVALUATION & FAST PRICING Building your dream home can quickly become overwhelming and expensive — but not with SEDA New Homes. With over four decades of experience, we simplify the process by combining personalized design with the value of production home pricing, delivering the home you’ve always envisioned — without the stress. Choose from over 30 expertly designed floor plans between 2,051 sq. ft. - 4,097 sq. ft. with a wide range of affordable upgrades to suit your lifestyle. Our in-house team of professionals eliminates the need for outside architects and engineers, saving you both time and money while maintaining the highest standards of quality. From the initial site assessment to the final inspection, our proven process, skilled craftsmanship, and exceptional customer service ensure every detail is handled with care. With SEDA, your home is built efficiently, beautifully, and on schedule — so your move-in day is exactly as you imagined.

Modular Design(What’s Included) This iterm includes 3 parts Projection TV: LTV-3500 Motorized Rollable Screen Smart Cabinet Express delivery in 5 boxes. Modular and segmented design allows you to enter any ordinary elevator even in an apartment ,Supports on-site DIY installation and light customization needs. Cinematic 3D Display With a pair of active shutter DLP link 3D glasses, AWOL VISION steps you into a whole new world, you can pop in a 3D Blu-ray for immersive 3-dimensional films at home. MEMC Technology Featuring MEMC Technology, AWOL Vision delivers smooth content and transitions. Fast-moving images are clear which is ideal for watching sports and action movies. See your favorite team win in stunning 4K. Game Mode Switch to the Game Mode and experience AWOL VISION’s lowest-ever time lag of 30ms with 4K and 17ms with 1080P resolution, ensuring that all your gaming action is real-time. Safe for your eyes, incredible for all senses. Play all day without worry. Smart and Upgradable The firmware updating over the air keeps your TV never outdated

This fast pace second level addition in Lakeview has received a lot of attention in this quite neighborhood by neighbors and house visitors. Ana Borden designed the second level addition on this previous one story residence and drew from her experience completing complicated multi-million dollar institutional projects. The overall project, including designing the second level addition included tieing into the existing conditions in order to preserve the remaining exterior lot for a new pool. The Architect constructed a three dimensional model in Revit to convey to the Clients the design intent while adhering to all required building codes. The challenge also included providing roof slopes within the allowable existing chimney distances, stair clearances, desired room sizes and working with the structural engineer to design connections and structural member sizes to fit the constraints listed above. Also, extensive coordination was required for the second addition, including supports designed by the structural engineer in conjunction with the existing pre and post tensioned slab. The Architect’s intent was also to create a seamless addition that appears to have been part of the existing residence while not impacting the remaining lot. Overall, the final construction fulfilled the Client’s goals of adding a bedroom and bathroom as well as additional storage space within their time frame and, of course, budget. Smart Media

This fast pace second level addition in Lakeview has received a lot of attention in this quite neighborhood by neighbors and house visitors. Ana Borden designed the second level addition on this previous one story residence and drew from her experience completing complicated multi-million dollar institutional projects. The overall project, including designing the second level addition included tieing into the existing conditions in order to preserve the remaining exterior lot for a new pool. The Architect constructed a three dimensional model in Revit to convey to the Clients the design intent while adhering to all required building codes. The challenge also included providing roof slopes within the allowable existing chimney distances, stair clearances, desired room sizes and working with the structural engineer to design connections and structural member sizes to fit the constraints listed above. Also, extensive coordination was required for the second addition, including supports designed by the structural engineer in conjunction with the existing pre and post tensioned slab. The Architect’s intent was also to create a seamless addition that appears to have been part of the existing residence while not impacting the remaining lot. Overall, the final construction fulfilled the Client’s goals of adding a bedroom and bathroom as well as additional storage space within their time frame and, of course, budget. Smart Media

Modular Design(What’s Included) This iterm includes 3 parts Projection TV: LTV-3500 Motorized Rollable Screen Smart Cabinet Express delivery in 5 boxes. Modular and segmented design allows you to enter any ordinary elevator even in an apartment ,Supports on-site DIY installation and light customization needs. Cinematic 3D Display With a pair of active shutter DLP link 3D glasses, AWOL VISION steps you into a whole new world, you can pop in a 3D Blu-ray for immersive 3-dimensional films at home. MEMC Technology Featuring MEMC Technology, AWOL Vision delivers smooth content and transitions. Fast-moving images are clear which is ideal for watching sports and action movies. See your favorite team win in stunning 4K. Game Mode Switch to the Game Mode and experience AWOL VISION’s lowest-ever time lag of 30ms with 4K and 17ms with 1080P resolution, ensuring that all your gaming action is real-time. Safe for your eyes, incredible for all senses. Play all day without worry. Smart and Upgradable The firmware updating over the air keeps your TV never outdated

FREE LOT EVALUATION & FAST PRICING Building your dream home can quickly become overwhelming and expensive — but not with SEDA New Homes. With over four decades of experience, we simplify the process by combining personalized design with the value of production home pricing, delivering the home you’ve always envisioned — without the stress. Choose from over 30 expertly designed floor plans between 2,051 sq. ft. - 4,097 sq. ft. with a wide range of affordable upgrades to suit your lifestyle. Our in-house team of professionals eliminates the need for outside architects and engineers, saving you both time and money while maintaining the highest standards of quality. From the initial site assessment to the final inspection, our proven process, skilled craftsmanship, and exceptional customer service ensure every detail is handled with care. With SEDA, your home is built efficiently, beautifully, and on schedule — so your move-in day is exactly as you imagined.

Modular Design(What’s Included) This iterm includes 3 parts Projection TV: LTV-3500 Motorized Rollable Screen Smart Cabinet Express delivery in 5 boxes. Modular and segmented design allows you to enter any ordinary elevator even in an apartment ,Supports on-site DIY installation and light customization needs. Cinematic 3D Display With a pair of active shutter DLP link 3D glasses, AWOL VISION steps you into a whole new world, you can pop in a 3D Blu-ray for immersive 3-dimensional films at home. MEMC Technology Featuring MEMC Technology, AWOL Vision delivers smooth content and transitions. Fast-moving images are clear which is ideal for watching sports and action movies. See your favorite team win in stunning 4K. Game Mode Switch to the Game Mode and experience AWOL VISION’s lowest-ever time lag of 30ms with 4K and 17ms with 1080P resolution, ensuring that all your gaming action is real-time. Safe for your eyes, incredible for all senses. Play all day without worry. Smart and Upgradable The firmware updating over the air keeps your TV never outdated

Modular Design(What’s Included) This iterm includes 3 parts Projection TV: LTV-3500 Motorized Rollable Screen Smart Cabinet Express delivery in 5 boxes. Modular and segmented design allows you to enter any ordinary elevator even in an apartment ,Supports on-site DIY installation and light customization needs. Cinematic 3D Display With a pair of active shutter DLP link 3D glasses, AWOL VISION steps you into a whole new world, you can pop in a 3D Blu-ray for immersive 3-dimensional films at home. MEMC Technology Featuring MEMC Technology, AWOL Vision delivers smooth content and transitions. Fast-moving images are clear which is ideal for watching sports and action movies. See your favorite team win in stunning 4K. Game Mode Switch to the Game Mode and experience AWOL VISION’s lowest-ever time lag of 30ms with 4K and 17ms with 1080P resolution, ensuring that all your gaming action is real-time. Safe for your eyes, incredible for all senses. Play all day without worry. Smart and Upgradable The firmware updating over the air keeps your TV never outdated

Modular Design(What’s Included) This iterm includes 3 parts Projection TV: LTV-3500 Motorized Rollable Screen Smart Cabinet Express delivery in 5 boxes. Modular and segmented design allows you to enter any ordinary elevator even in an apartment ,Supports on-site DIY installation and light customization needs. Cinematic 3D Display With a pair of active shutter DLP link 3D glasses, AWOL VISION steps you into a whole new world, you can pop in a 3D Blu-ray for immersive 3-dimensional films at home. MEMC Technology Featuring MEMC Technology, AWOL Vision delivers smooth content and transitions. Fast-moving images are clear which is ideal for watching sports and action movies. See your favorite team win in stunning 4K. Game Mode Switch to the Game Mode and experience AWOL VISION’s lowest-ever time lag of 30ms with 4K and 17ms with 1080P resolution, ensuring that all your gaming action is real-time. Safe for your eyes, incredible for all senses. Play all day without worry. Smart and Upgradable The firmware updating over the air keeps your TV never outdated

Modular Design(What’s Included) This iterm includes 3 parts Projection TV: LTV-3500 Motorized Rollable Screen Smart Cabinet Express delivery in 5 boxes. Modular and segmented design allows you to enter any ordinary elevator even in an apartment ,Supports on-site DIY installation and light customization needs. Cinematic 3D Display With a pair of active shutter DLP link 3D glasses, AWOL VISION steps you into a whole new world, you can pop in a 3D Blu-ray for immersive 3-dimensional films at home. MEMC Technology Featuring MEMC Technology, AWOL Vision delivers smooth content and transitions. Fast-moving images are clear which is ideal for watching sports and action movies. See your favorite team win in stunning 4K. Game Mode Switch to the Game Mode and experience AWOL VISION’s lowest-ever time lag of 30ms with 4K and 17ms with 1080P resolution, ensuring that all your gaming action is real-time. Safe for your eyes, incredible for all senses. Play all day without worry. Smart and Upgradable The firmware updating over the air keeps your TV never outdated

Travel is more than just the act of going from one place to another; it’s an exploration of new perspectives, cultures, and experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or a first-time adventurer, the journey holds the power to change you in unexpected ways. Exoticca Helps a lot to Travel. 1. Embrace the Journey, Not Just the Destination Too often, we focus on reaching the destination, ticking off items on our travel bucket list. But some of the most memorable moments in travel happen when we slow down and engage with the world around us. Take time to walk through a bustling market, share a meal with a local family, or simply sit on a beach at sunset. These moments allow us to experience the true essence of a place beyond its landmarks. 2. Travel with Purpose In today’s fast-paced world, many travelers are seeking deeper, more meaningful experiences. Whether it’s volunteering in a foreign country, participating in eco-tourism, or learning a new skill, travel can be a gateway to personal growth. Traveling with purpose adds value to your journey and ensures that it impacts not only you but the places you visit. Volunteering in a community, helping preserve nature, or supporting local artisans can leave you with a sense of accomplishment and connection to the world. 3. The Magic of Cultural Immersion One of the best ways to travel is to truly immerse yourself in the culture of the place you’re visiting. Skip the tourist traps and spend time in local neighborhoods. Try the street food, learn a few words in the local language, and embrace local traditions. The more you engage with the culture, the richer your experience will be. This immersion leads to a greater understanding and respect for different ways of life, fostering deeper connections between people across the globe. 4. Sustainable Travel: A Responsibility for the Future As travelers, we must recognize the impact our journeys can have on the environment. Sustainable travel practices are becoming more essential than ever before. From reducing plastic usage to supporting eco-friendly accommodations, there are many ways to ensure that our travels leave a positive legacy. Before your trip, research sustainable activities, respect wildlife, and consider how your visit affects local ecosystems. This mindset not only protects the planet but enhances your overall travel experience by aligning it with a purpose. 5. Travel Challenges: Growth Through Adversity It’s not always smooth sailing. Missed flights, language barriers, unexpected weather, or cultural misunderstandings can make travel seem daunting. However, these challenges can also offer some of the most rewarding experiences. Overcoming adversity while traveling encourages adaptability, patience, and resilience. These moments allow you to connect more deeply with yourself and the world, turning what could be a frustrating experience into an unforgettable lesson in growth. 6. Rediscovering Yourself Through Travel The act of leaving behind your daily routine and exploring new places often leads to self-reflection. Away from the distractions of everyday life, you have space to reconnect with yourself. Whether it’s finding peace in nature, discovering a new passion, or challenging your comfort zone, travel is a powerful tool for self-discovery. Many travelers report feeling more energized, inspired, and aware of their true desires after a meaningful journey. 7. Tips for a Seamless Travel Experience To make the most of your travels, planning is key. Here are a few tips for a smooth and enjoyable journey: Research your destination: Learn about the local culture, customs, and etiquette to show respect and avoid misunderstandings. Pack smart: Pack light and include only essentials to keep your travels stress-free. A good travel bag and comfortable shoes are a must! Stay flexible: Sometimes, plans go awry. Stay adaptable and be open to spontaneous adventures. Engage with locals: The best recommendations often come from those who live in the area. Don't be afraid to ask for tips or hidden gems. Capture memories: While it’s important to live in the moment, capturing photos or journaling your experiences can help you relive your journey long after it ends. 8. The Future of Travel: Trends to Watch As we look to the future, the way we travel is evolving. Virtual reality and AI are changing the way we plan and experience destinations, allowing for more personalized and immersive adventures. Moreover, the rise of wellness travel is focusing on mental and physical health, with more travelers seeking destinations that offer relaxation and rejuvenation. Regardless of how travel continues to evolve, the spirit of discovery and connection will always remain at the heart of every journey. Conclusion: Traveling for a Better World Travel is a transformative experience that connects us to the world, broadens our understanding, and enriches our lives. By approaching travel with an open mind, a sense of responsibility, and a desire for authentic experiences, we not only enhance our journeys but contribute to the global community. As you pack your bags for your next adventure, remember that every step you take is an opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to a more interconnected world.

This residence was a complete gut renovation of a 4-story row house in Park Slope, and included a new rear extension and penthouse addition. The owners wished to create a warm, family home using a modern language that would act as a clean canvas to feature rich textiles and items from their world travels. As with most Brooklyn row houses, the existing house suffered from a lack of natural light and connection to exterior spaces, an issue that Principal Brendan Coburn is acutely aware of from his experience re-imagining historic structures in the New York area. The resulting architecture is designed around moments featuring natural light and views to the exterior, of both the private garden and the sky, throughout the house, and a stripped-down language of detailing and finishes allows for the concept of the modern-natural to shine. Upon entering the home, the kitchen and dining space draw you in with views beyond through the large glazed opening at the rear of the house. An extension was built to allow for a large sunken living room that provides a family gathering space connected to the kitchen and dining room, but remains distinctly separate, with a strong visual connection to the rear garden. The open sculptural stair tower was designed to function like that of a traditional row house stair, but with a smaller footprint. By extending it up past the original roof level into the new penthouse, the stair becomes an atmospheric shaft for the spaces surrounding the core. All types of weather – sunshine, rain, lightning, can be sensed throughout the home through this unifying vertical environment. The stair space also strives to foster family communication, making open living spaces visible between floors. At the upper-most level, a free-form bench sits suspended over the stair, just by the new roof deck, which provides at-ease entertaining. Oak was used throughout the home as a unifying material element. As one travels upwards within the house, the oak finishes are bleached to further degrees as a nod to how light enters the home. The owners worked with CWB to add their own personality to the project. The meter of a white oak and blackened steel stair screen was designed by the family to read “I love you” in Morse Code, and tile was selected throughout to reference places that hold special significance to the family. To support the owners’ comfort, the architectural design engages passive house technologies to reduce energy use, while increasing air quality within the home – a strategy which aims to respect the environment while providing a refuge from the harsh elements of urban living. This project was published by Wendy Goodman as her Space of the Week, part of New York Magazine’s Design Hunting on The Cut. Photography by Kevin Kunstadt

Garage and patio remodeling, turning a 2 car garage and a driveway into an amazing retreat in Los Angeles
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary detached two-car garage workshop remodel in Los Angeles

This condo is located in The Bentley Bay South Beach, Florida. It features a efficient Private Home Theater System. Dolby pro 3.1 & DTS 3.1 Surround Sound with option to upgrade to 11.2 for Audyssey DSX, DTS Neo:X 11.1 and the latest decoding technology Dolby Atmos. Using an EPSON Pro Cinema 4030 1080p 3D Projector with ISF calibration, Marantz Separate AV7702 as Multichannel A/V Preamplifier with Dolby Atmos®, 4k Scaler, Decoder, & Switcher. Ceratec Speakers as subwoofer, center, and front channels. Oppo BDP-103 Blu-ray as an Reference Video and Audiophile Source, a fix wall mounted projection screen, this home theater has a great sound reproduction, excellent video quality and a clean modern look. This project was design and pre calculated using CAD SW for the most precise fast and efficient white glove art type installation. A Premium experience with a premium installation and great equipment at a good price, this is a hard to find combination.

Automatic clean. Absolute freedom. Fully automated cleaning Cleans smarter with advanced AI Action Vacuums deeply with 5,300Pa* of powerful suction Delivers up to 60 days of hands-free cleaning Automatically cleans and dries its mops L10s Ultra combines leading robotic cleaning technologies, like auto-emptying and automatic mop cleaning, to deliver an outstanding, hassle-free cleaning experience. Auto-Empty Mop Self-Cleaning AI + 3D Navigation 5,300Pa Suction Mop Lifting Set it and forget it. Automate your day-to-day cleaning and come home to just-cleaned floors that smell and feel good. Stop spending so much of your time cleaning and start enjoying your home. Automatic dust collection, mop-cleaning and drying, water-refilling, solution-adding, fast mapping, and path-planning combine to make fully automated home cleaning a reality. Efficient, intelligent cleaning, just as if you were doing it yourself. AI-powered navigation ensures your whole home is cleaned efficiently and effectively, reducing missed spots, repeated cleaning, getting lost, or getting stuck.

Automatic clean. Absolute freedom. Fully automated cleaning Cleans smarter with advanced AI Action Vacuums deeply with 5,300Pa* of powerful suction Delivers up to 60 days of hands-free cleaning Automatically cleans and dries its mops L10s Ultra combines leading robotic cleaning technologies, like auto-emptying and automatic mop cleaning, to deliver an outstanding, hassle-free cleaning experience. Auto-Empty Mop Self-Cleaning AI + 3D Navigation 5,300Pa Suction Mop Lifting Set it and forget it. Automate your day-to-day cleaning and come home to just-cleaned floors that smell and feel good. Stop spending so much of your time cleaning and start enjoying your home. Automatic dust collection, mop-cleaning and drying, water-refilling, solution-adding, fast mapping, and path-planning combine to make fully automated home cleaning a reality. Efficient, intelligent cleaning, just as if you were doing it yourself. AI-powered navigation ensures your whole home is cleaned efficiently and effectively, reducing missed spots, repeated cleaning, getting lost, or getting stuck.