Tiffany Crystal quartzite is one of those stones that earns its keep in a kitchen. It's got that cool, crystalline background, whites and grays moving quietly across the surface with enough sparkle in the light to keep it from feeling flat. It reads clean and bright without going stark, which is why it works so well in a kitchen where people actually cook and gather, not just admire counters from across the room. Quartzite is real stone, not engineered, so it comes with natural hardness that holds up to daily kitchen abuse. It resists scratching and handles heat well, though we still tell folks to use a trivet, because no counter needs a hot pan set straight on it just to prove a point. Sealing it right after install and keeping up with it over the years keeps the surface performing the way it should, and Tiffany Crystal takes a seal well because of its tight, dense structure. Fabricating a slab like this takes some care in the layout. We spend real time bookmatching and dry-fitting pieces so the movement in the stone flows across seams instead of fighting itself at the corners. On a kitchen island or a run of perimeter counters, getting that continuity right is what separates a good installation from one that just gets the measurements correct. We kept the edge eased here, which is the right call on a stone with this much personality. It doesn't need extra shaping to draw the eye, the stone's already doing that work. Day to day, this is a kitchen counter that's going to live hard and look good doing it. Quartzite shrugs off knife marks, stands up to acidic spills, and cleans up with regular dish soap and water. It's the kind of surface you stop babying after the first few months because it simply holds up. Jobs like this one in Lexington are what we like seeing come through the shop. It's a straightforward kitchen application done with a stone that's got real depth to it, installed by people who care about how the seams and the veining line up when the job's done. That's the kind of work that keeps the Midlands trade honest.

Tiffany Crystal quartzite is one of those stones that earns its keep in a kitchen. It's got that cool, crystalline background, whites and grays moving quietly across the surface with enough sparkle in the light to keep it from feeling flat. It reads clean and bright without going stark, which is why it works so well in a kitchen where people actually cook and gather, not just admire counters from across the room. Quartzite is real stone, not engineered, so it comes with natural hardness that holds up to daily kitchen abuse. It resists scratching and handles heat well, though we still tell folks to use a trivet, because no counter needs a hot pan set straight on it just to prove a point. Sealing it right after install and keeping up with it over the years keeps the surface performing the way it should, and Tiffany Crystal takes a seal well because of its tight, dense structure. Fabricating a slab like this takes some care in the layout. We spend real time bookmatching and dry-fitting pieces so the movement in the stone flows across seams instead of fighting itself at the corners. On a kitchen island or a run of perimeter counters, getting that continuity right is what separates a good installation from one that just gets the measurements correct. We kept the edge eased here, which is the right call on a stone with this much personality. It doesn't need extra shaping to draw the eye, the stone's already doing that work. Day to day, this is a kitchen counter that's going to live hard and look good doing it. Quartzite shrugs off knife marks, stands up to acidic spills, and cleans up with regular dish soap and water. It's the kind of surface you stop babying after the first few months because it simply holds up. Jobs like this one in Lexington are what we like seeing come through the shop. It's a straightforward kitchen application done with a stone that's got real depth to it, installed by people who care about how the seams and the veining line up when the job's done. That's the kind of work that keeps the Midlands trade honest.

Tiffany Crystal quartzite is one of those stones that earns its keep in a kitchen. It's got that cool, crystalline background, whites and grays moving quietly across the surface with enough sparkle in the light to keep it from feeling flat. It reads clean and bright without going stark, which is why it works so well in a kitchen where people actually cook and gather, not just admire counters from across the room. Quartzite is real stone, not engineered, so it comes with natural hardness that holds up to daily kitchen abuse. It resists scratching and handles heat well, though we still tell folks to use a trivet, because no counter needs a hot pan set straight on it just to prove a point. Sealing it right after install and keeping up with it over the years keeps the surface performing the way it should, and Tiffany Crystal takes a seal well because of its tight, dense structure. Fabricating a slab like this takes some care in the layout. We spend real time bookmatching and dry-fitting pieces so the movement in the stone flows across seams instead of fighting itself at the corners. On a kitchen island or a run of perimeter counters, getting that continuity right is what separates a good installation from one that just gets the measurements correct. We kept the edge eased here, which is the right call on a stone with this much personality. It doesn't need extra shaping to draw the eye, the stone's already doing that work. Day to day, this is a kitchen counter that's going to live hard and look good doing it. Quartzite shrugs off knife marks, stands up to acidic spills, and cleans up with regular dish soap and water. It's the kind of surface you stop babying after the first few months because it simply holds up. Jobs like this one in Lexington are what we like seeing come through the shop. It's a straightforward kitchen application done with a stone that's got real depth to it, installed by people who care about how the seams and the veining line up when the job's done. That's the kind of work that keeps the Midlands trade honest.

Tiffany Crystal quartzite is one of those stones that earns its keep in a kitchen. It's got that cool, crystalline background, whites and grays moving quietly across the surface with enough sparkle in the light to keep it from feeling flat. It reads clean and bright without going stark, which is why it works so well in a kitchen where people actually cook and gather, not just admire counters from across the room. Quartzite is real stone, not engineered, so it comes with natural hardness that holds up to daily kitchen abuse. It resists scratching and handles heat well, though we still tell folks to use a trivet, because no counter needs a hot pan set straight on it just to prove a point. Sealing it right after install and keeping up with it over the years keeps the surface performing the way it should, and Tiffany Crystal takes a seal well because of its tight, dense structure. Fabricating a slab like this takes some care in the layout. We spend real time bookmatching and dry-fitting pieces so the movement in the stone flows across seams instead of fighting itself at the corners. On a kitchen island or a run of perimeter counters, getting that continuity right is what separates a good installation from one that just gets the measurements correct. We kept the edge eased here, which is the right call on a stone with this much personality. It doesn't need extra shaping to draw the eye, the stone's already doing that work. Day to day, this is a kitchen counter that's going to live hard and look good doing it. Quartzite shrugs off knife marks, stands up to acidic spills, and cleans up with regular dish soap and water. It's the kind of surface you stop babying after the first few months because it simply holds up. Jobs like this one in Lexington are what we like seeing come through the shop. It's a straightforward kitchen application done with a stone that's got real depth to it, installed by people who care about how the seams and the veining line up when the job's done. That's the kind of work that keeps the Midlands trade honest.

Tiffany Crystal quartzite is one of those stones that earns its keep in a kitchen. It's got that cool, crystalline background, whites and grays moving quietly across the surface with enough sparkle in the light to keep it from feeling flat. It reads clean and bright without going stark, which is why it works so well in a kitchen where people actually cook and gather, not just admire counters from across the room. Quartzite is real stone, not engineered, so it comes with natural hardness that holds up to daily kitchen abuse. It resists scratching and handles heat well, though we still tell folks to use a trivet, because no counter needs a hot pan set straight on it just to prove a point. Sealing it right after install and keeping up with it over the years keeps the surface performing the way it should, and Tiffany Crystal takes a seal well because of its tight, dense structure. Fabricating a slab like this takes some care in the layout. We spend real time bookmatching and dry-fitting pieces so the movement in the stone flows across seams instead of fighting itself at the corners. On a kitchen island or a run of perimeter counters, getting that continuity right is what separates a good installation from one that just gets the measurements correct. We kept the edge eased here, which is the right call on a stone with this much personality. It doesn't need extra shaping to draw the eye, the stone's already doing that work. Day to day, this is a kitchen counter that's going to live hard and look good doing it. Quartzite shrugs off knife marks, stands up to acidic spills, and cleans up with regular dish soap and water. It's the kind of surface you stop babying after the first few months because it simply holds up. Jobs like this one in Lexington are what we like seeing come through the shop. It's a straightforward kitchen application done with a stone that's got real depth to it, installed by people who care about how the seams and the veining line up when the job's done. That's the kind of work that keeps the Midlands trade honest.

Rhino hooks Patrick Cline
Mid-sized eclectic master carpeted bedroom photo in New York with purple walls and no fireplace

This previously unused attic space is now a sauna/yoga room. The left sauna wall follows the attic rafters down diagonally to allow a wider space for leg room on the twin sauna benches.

Example of an urban staircase design in Salt Lake City

Two Birds Photography
Kids' room - transitional kids' room idea in Chicago

Great glass scallop tile detail. This tile is bordered by slabs of white marble.
Bathroom - modern bathroom idea in Miami

This bedroom and full bathroom are part of an adventuresome project my wife and I embarked upon to create a complete apartment in the basement of our townhouse. We designed a floor plan that creatively and efficiently used all of the 385-square-foot-space, without sacrificing beauty, comfort or function – and all without breaking the bank! To maximize our budget, we did the work ourselves and added everything from thrift store finds to DIY wall art to bring it all together. A partial double closet bar adds a little extra space while still leaving room for longer hanging clothes.

LEED Certification Level: Platinum. Builder: R & S Engineering & Construction. The Cavanaugh Residence is a contemporary split level with a split personality. Totally designed from the ground up to minimize impact and maximize energy and water efficiency, its beautiful facade belies its hard-working, high-producing systems, earning it a LEED Platinum score of 116.5, and a HERS rating of minus 22. The 2774 square foot home produces over 100 per cent of its power with a 10.8 kw pv system, and captures 100 per cent of its freshwater needs from the curved metal roofs through an engineered collection and purification system, stored in an integrated concrete cistern. Constructed of locally made SIP panels on an infill waterfront lot, the home is oriented to maximize the production of the pv panels. Six inch SIP panels work together with a highly reflective, highly emmisive cool standing seam roof, icynene insulation in ceiling and floors, and carefully placed high efficiency windows and doors to create a tightly sealed environment. The 17-seer Trane heat pump variable speed compressors and TAM 7 air handlers, along with a whole house dehumidifier and fresh air intake provide a comfortable, clean indoor environment while using little energy. In the shoulder seasons, natural ventilation cools the home with fresh breezes drawn from lower windows in each room flowing through the curved ceilings to clerestory windows at the top of the house. Natural daylighting, with windows placed in corners and high clerestories, bounce the abundant natural light so that the owners use the interior LED lighting primarily at night. Windows were sited to frame views of the neighboring park and water, and capture the light, but represent a very low percentage of glazing to wall to conserve energy. Primarily native, xeriscaped turfless landscaping sips reclaimed water from its drip and bubbler irrigiation system, and requires little trimming or chemicals. Established trees, protected during construction, shade the home, FSC certified decks, and yard, providing a cool place to enjoy the outdoors at any time of the day, even in Florida's summer heat. Rainwater is diverted from the bay through the engineered collection and filtration system to an integrated concrete cistern hidden beneath the decks. Abundant Florida rainwater supplies 100 per cent of the home's needs, including drinking, bathing, and cleaning. Naturally soft, the highly filtered and UV purified water requires no chemical treatment or water softener. Coupled with minimal hardscape and permeable drive and walkways, almost all ground water remains on the lot, and out of storm sewers and bay runoffs. Designed as a forever home for this active retired couple, an open floor plan provides diagonal interior views along with great circulation space. Wide hallways and doors, curbless showers, an elevator, and extra blocking in the walls for grab rails insures the couple of being able to use their home even if physical disabilities arise. The home's footprint is minimized by building over the conditioned crawlspace and over-sized garage, and the finished floor height, at least two feet above flood code requirements, significantly reduces insurance costs while maximizing storage space for camping and water sports equipment. Materials, fixtures and appliances were carefully selected for energy and water efficiency, local production where possible, recycled content/recyclability, durability, and cost-effectiveness. The owners were very involved in vetting and materials selections, and assisted in just-in-time purchasing to minimize waste. Scrap materials were sorted daily for re-use elsewhere in the project (blocking, concrete forms, drywall scraps as acoustical insulation in interior walls, etc.), resulting in a tiny waste pile at the end of a dumpster-free project. Concrete waste was hauled to a local recycler to become road base, and extra useable materials were returned to the vendor or donated to Habitat Restore. Cost-effective choices, and careful planning, saved significant dollars in construction cost as well as landfill space. One of the biggest challenges was finding qualified subcontractors who would work within the guidelines. With the help of our LEED consultant and meetings and explanations, most subcontractors not only bought into the ideas readily, but offered up new ideas. Highly skilled and professional, the team of subs, LEED consultant, and contractor proved that LEED construction is excellent construction. The team, the owners, and I also found that LEED construction makes great economic sense. Most materials (other than increased insulation and photovoltaic panels) cost no more, and sometimes less, than those employed in construction of a lesser standard. The owners have been living in the home for a year now, and are thrilled with the results. No power bill. No water bill. Extremely low insurance bill. Minimal ground maintenance. No fabric softener. Reduced use of soap, detergents, and shampoos and cleaning supplies. Less time cleaning with spot-free rainwater. Careful planning and materials selection brought the project in under budget, and the home operates at an extremely low cost, both to the homeowners, and the environment. Who wouldn't be thrilled?

LEED Certification Level: Platinum. Builder: R & S Engineering & Construction. The Cavanaugh Residence is a contemporary split level with a split personality. Totally designed from the ground up to minimize impact and maximize energy and water efficiency, its beautiful facade belies its hard-working, high-producing systems, earning it a LEED Platinum score of 116.5, and a HERS rating of minus 22. The 2774 square foot home produces over 100 per cent of its power with a 10.8 kw pv system, and captures 100 per cent of its freshwater needs from the curved metal roofs through an engineered collection and purification system, stored in an integrated concrete cistern. Constructed of locally made SIP panels on an infill waterfront lot, the home is oriented to maximize the production of the pv panels. Six inch SIP panels work together with a highly reflective, highly emmisive cool standing seam roof, icynene insulation in ceiling and floors, and carefully placed high efficiency windows and doors to create a tightly sealed environment. The 17-seer Trane heat pump variable speed compressors and TAM 7 air handlers, along with a whole house dehumidifier and fresh air intake provide a comfortable, clean indoor environment while using little energy. In the shoulder seasons, natural ventilation cools the home with fresh breezes drawn from lower windows in each room flowing through the curved ceilings to clerestory windows at the top of the house. Natural daylighting, with windows placed in corners and high clerestories, bounce the abundant natural light so that the owners use the interior LED lighting primarily at night. Windows were sited to frame views of the neighboring park and water, and capture the light, but represent a very low percentage of glazing to wall to conserve energy. Primarily native, xeriscaped turfless landscaping sips reclaimed water from its drip and bubbler irrigiation system, and requires little trimming or chemicals. Established trees, protected during construction, shade the home, FSC certified decks, and yard, providing a cool place to enjoy the outdoors at any time of the day, even in Florida's summer heat. Rainwater is diverted from the bay through the engineered collection and filtration system to an integrated concrete cistern hidden beneath the decks. Abundant Florida rainwater supplies 100 per cent of the home's needs, including drinking, bathing, and cleaning. Naturally soft, the highly filtered and UV purified water requires no chemical treatment or water softener. Coupled with minimal hardscape and permeable drive and walkways, almost all ground water remains on the lot, and out of storm sewers and bay runoffs. Designed as a forever home for this active retired couple, an open floor plan provides diagonal interior views along with great circulation space. Wide hallways and doors, curbless showers, an elevator, and extra blocking in the walls for grab rails insures the couple of being able to use their home even if physical disabilities arise. The home's footprint is minimized by building over the conditioned crawlspace and over-sized garage, and the finished floor height, at least two feet above flood code requirements, significantly reduces insurance costs while maximizing storage space for camping and water sports equipment. Materials, fixtures and appliances were carefully selected for energy and water efficiency, local production where possible, recycled content/recyclability, durability, and cost-effectiveness. The owners were very involved in vetting and materials selections, and assisted in just-in-time purchasing to minimize waste. Scrap materials were sorted daily for re-use elsewhere in the project (blocking, concrete forms, drywall scraps as acoustical insulation in interior walls, etc.), resulting in a tiny waste pile at the end of a dumpster-free project. Concrete waste was hauled to a local recycler to become road base, and extra useable materials were returned to the vendor or donated to Habitat Restore. Cost-effective choices, and careful planning, saved significant dollars in construction cost as well as landfill space. One of the biggest challenges was finding qualified subcontractors who would work within the guidelines. With the help of our LEED consultant and meetings and explanations, most subcontractors not only bought into the ideas readily, but offered up new ideas. Highly skilled and professional, the team of subs, LEED consultant, and contractor proved that LEED construction is excellent construction. The team, the owners, and I also found that LEED construction makes great economic sense. Most materials (other than increased insulation and photovoltaic panels) cost no more, and sometimes less, than those employed in construction of a lesser standard. The owners have been living in the home for a year now, and are thrilled with the results. No power bill. No water bill. Extremely low insurance bill. Minimal ground maintenance. No fabric softener. Reduced use of soap, detergents, and shampoos and cleaning supplies. Less time cleaning with spot-free rainwater. Careful planning and materials selection brought the project in under budget, and the home operates at an extremely low cost, both to the homeowners, and the environment. Who wouldn't be thrilled?

Emily Minton-Redfield
Transitional bedroom photo in Denver

Example of a mid-sized transitional enclosed carpeted and beige floor home theater design in Salt Lake City with gray walls and a wall-mounted tv

Minimalist dark wood floor kitchen photo in San Francisco

Running a small restaurant is a high-wire act - delicious plates on one end, razor-thin margins on the other. With food costs averaging 28-35 percent of revenue and labor at 30 percent, every dollar counts. The good news? Targeted tweaks can shave 10-20 percent off your bottom line without sacrificing quality. From smarter sourcing to streamlined waste handling, these strategies empower independents to thrive. One underrated gem: Efficient waste management via roll-off dumpster rentals, which can slash disposal fees by up to 40 percent. Let's break it down. Optimize Inventory: Waste Less, Save More Overstocked pantries are profit killers - U.S. restaurants toss $25 billion in food yearly. Audit weekly. Track sales data to forecast demand, using apps like Toast or MarketMan for real-time insights. Trim your menu to 12-15 core items, focusing on seasonal, high-margin stars like farm-fresh salads over imported proteins. Portion control is key - pre-weighed scoops cut overuse by 15 percent. Repurpose scraps creatively. Veggie peels into stocks, bread ends for croutons. Donate extras to food banks via apps like Too Good To Go, earning tax deductions up to $5,000 annually. These habits reclaim 5-10 percent of food budgets, freeing cash for upgrades. Additionally, consider using citrus rinds for infused oils or desserts, and coffee grounds for compost to support local gardens. Engaging staff in sustainability efforts also builds morale and can be highlighted in marketing materials to attract eco-conscious diners. Trim Energy and Utilities: Go Green for Greenbacks Utilities gobble 4-10 percent of expenses. Swap to LED bulbs and energy-star appliances - upfront costs pay back in 6-12 months via 20-30 percent bill drops. Install low-flow faucets and programmable thermostats; during off-hours, dial down to 55°F to save $200/month on HVAC. Use induction cooktops for precise heat, reducing gas by 15 percent. Train staff on "last out" protocols - unplugging idle equipment. Solar panels? For rooftops under 1,000 sq ft, incentives cover 30 percent installation, yielding ROI in 5 years.  Master Waste Management: Dumpsters as Cost Commanders Trash isn't just garbage - it's a budget black hole, with disposal eating 2-5 percent of revenues. Small spots generate 1-2 tons monthly from food scraps, packaging, and grease. Ditch overflowing bins and irregular hauls for roll-off dumpster rentals. A 10-15 yard unit centralizes waste, handling bulk like fryer oil drums or produce crates without daily pickups. Efficiency Over Headcount Labor's your biggest line item - cross-train staff for multi-roles, like servers prepping during lulls, trimming overtime 10-15 percent. Shift scheduling software optimizes based on reservations, avoiding idle payroll. Negotiate bulk buys with local suppliers for 5-10 percent discounts; loyalty programs from Sysco yield free deliveries. Go digital - QR menus cut printing costs, speed table turnover, and allow menu updates in real time without waste. Loyalty apps boost repeat visits without increasing your advertising budget, making it easier to track customer preferences and send targeted promotions. Consider bundling purchases with other area restaurants to unlock deeper discounts and leverage supplier relationships for exclusive seasonal specials. These strategies can reduce overhead, improve customer retention, and keep operations flexible as trends shift.

Shiloh Cabinetry. Polar White, Inset
Kitchen - transitional kitchen idea in Manchester with white cabinets, beaded inset cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, marble backsplash and stainless steel appliances