Michael Penney Photography http://www.michaelpenneyphotography.com PO BOX 756 Rollingford, NH 603-842-5540 Michael@michaelpenneyphotography.com

Hallway
Transitional hallway photo in Other

Once again, Tyler Homes has put its distinctive touch on a familiar architectural design, this time a prairie home interpreted for the 21st century. The main level offers a central great room with 12-foot beamed ceiling and a study with sliding barn doors. In the kitchen, commercial grade appliances and a hidden walk-in pantry offer modern convenience. A master suite with luxurious amenities, including a walk-in shower and separate tub, offers a private retreat with separate access to the covered patio as well as the laundry room. On the second floor, you’ll find two bedrooms with a Jack-and-Jill bath; a third bedroom with private bath and loft access; and a raised loft with views of the back yard. The home’s walkout lower level continues the prairie styling but with the best features of contemporary living. A sunken family room with bar, a game room, and a fifth bedroom/exercise room provide plenty of space for relaxing and entertaining. Tyler Homes has even included a dog room with its own little entrance. Wood ceiling beams and unique architectural accents throughout the home enhance the prairie design

Vanity Door Style: Cabana Construction: International+/Full Overlay Wood Type: Paint Grade Paint: Showplace Paints - Teal Stencil Wall Mirror Console with Floating Shelf Door Style: Cabana Construction: International+/Full Overlay Wood Type: Paint Grade Paint: Showplace Paints - Heron Plume The expressive nature of this master bath begins with a louvered Cabana door style, creatively personalized with Showplace Teal Stencil paint color. Two wall mirror console cabinets provide familiar medicine cabinet storage, uniquely anchored by a full-width floating shelf which provides ample surface to keep necessary personal care items close at hand.

Slipped Shed Studio South Dartmouth Builder: Scoop Jones design team: Tim Hess, Design Principal Nathan Sawyer, Justin Mellow all for DSA Architects photographs: Tim Hess This simple painting studio includes living quarters for the artist and frequent weekend guests. A familiar vocabulary of traditional forms and materials slants gently toward the sun and views up the Slocum River. The cantilevered roof and upper story shelter the glass from high summer sun. The concrete floor absorbs energy from low winter sun during the daytime to release it at night. Walls of exposed studs inside are wrapped and sealed with a continuous plane of insulation applied outside the structural sheathing. This project was recognized in 2015 with an award from our AIA chapter.

Transitional home design photo in Salt Lake City

The Cabinet Center - the largest Dura Supreme dealer the side of the Rockies.
Inspiration for a timeless bathroom remodel in San Francisco

Familiar with EIFS? It means 'exterior insulated finish system', and it failed. Here's the finished look after we completely redid the exterior skin, using HardiPlank and cultured stone. For more information and additional photos of this project, which we both designed and built, go to http://a1builders.ws/2012/03/siding-failure-on-a-relatively-new-home-requires-an-entire-exterior-makeover/

Constructed in two phases, this renovation, with a few small additions, touched nearly every room in this late ‘50’s ranch house. The owners raised their family within the original walls and love the house’s location, which is not far from town and also borders conservation land. But they didn’t love how chopped up the house was and the lack of exposure to natural daylight and views of the lush rear woods. Plus, they were ready to de-clutter for a more stream-lined look. As a result, KHS collaborated with them to create a quiet, clean design to support the lifestyle they aspire to in retirement. To transform the original ranch house, KHS proposed several significant changes that would make way for a number of related improvements. Proposed changes included the removal of the attached enclosed breezeway (which had included a stair to the basement living space) and the two-car garage it partially wrapped, which had blocked vital eastern daylight from accessing the interior. Together the breezeway and garage had also contributed to a long, flush front façade. In its stead, KHS proposed a new two-car carport, attached storage shed, and exterior basement stair in a new location. The carport is bumped closer to the street to relieve the flush front facade and to allow access behind it to eastern daylight in a relocated rear kitchen. KHS also proposed a new, single, more prominent front entry, closer to the driveway to replace the former secondary entrance into the dark breezeway and a more formal main entrance that had been located much farther down the facade and curiously bordered the bedroom wing. Inside, low ceilings and soffits in the primary family common areas were removed to create a cathedral ceiling (with rod ties) over a reconfigured semi-open living, dining, and kitchen space. A new gas fireplace serving the relocated dining area -- defined by a new built-in banquette in a new bay window -- was designed to back up on the existing wood-burning fireplace that continues to serve the living area. A shared full bath, serving two guest bedrooms on the main level, was reconfigured, and additional square footage was captured for a reconfigured master bathroom off the existing master bedroom. A new whole-house color palette, including new finishes and new cabinetry, complete the transformation. Today, the owners enjoy a fresh and airy re-imagining of their familiar ranch house. Photos by Katie Hutchison

“In reality, I really don’t feel as if the house is truly mine,” reflected Ruth. “I consider myself its current caretaker. I plan to own it until I drop dead and hope that the next owners feel the same way about it as Tom and I do. It really is a fun space and everyone who comes here feels that good energy and welcoming feeling. When I walk inside now, I feel as if I am getting a comforting and familiar hug.” Photo by Matt Kocourek, http://www.mattkocourek.com/

Modern and rustic themes work beautifully together in the Colorado Springs lighting collection by Feiss. Clear Crystals floating in metal rings are threaded onto chain and strung into drum shades. This unusual marriage of dark and light fashioned into a familiar, transitional silhouette brings a bit of glamour to the ultimate mountain luxe cabin or urban loft. The Chestnut Bronze finish is common across the assortment which includes a 4-light and 6-light chandelier, a 4-light pendant, a 6-light foyer piece, a 1-light mini-pendant, a 1-light sconce and a 2-light flush mount ceiling fixture. Dimensions:D: 16'' H: 5 3/4'' Lamping: (3) Fluorescent GU24 Self Ballasted CFL 13w Max. (Bulbs included)

Elevate Your Chicago High-Rise: Expert Painting and Drywall Repair Looking for a professional painter near me in downtown Chicago? From the sleek glass towers of the Loop and Lakeshore East to the historic loft conversions in the West Loop, our team delivers premium craftsmanship tailored to the heart of the city. This recent project in a luxury downtown condo highlights our expertise in blending modern aesthetics with the structural demands of urban living. We specialize in high-end finishes, utilizing premium Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams coatings specifically selected for Chicago’s unique interior environments. Whether it's refreshing a contemporary penthouse or performing seamless drywall repair in a River North flat, we ensure a flawless finish every time. OUR PROCESS: PRECISION IN THE HEART OF CHICAGO 1. Expert Drywall Repair & Prep Living in downtown Chicago means dealing with building vibrations and settling. Our thorough surface inspection often reveals hairline cracks or settling gaps. As a leading Chicago painting contractor, we perform expert drywall repair, patching, and sanding to ensure a perfectly smooth "Level 5" finish before a drop of paint even touches the wall. 2. Specialized Priming High-rise walls often feature various textures or previous high-gloss finishes. We apply specialized, low-VOC primers to ensure maximum adhesion and color vibrance while keeping your indoor air quality clean—a must for city dwellers. 3. Professional Paint Application Using a combination of precision brushwork and specialized rollers, we apply multiple coats to achieve rich, even depth. Our techniques are designed to highlight the architectural lines of modern Chicago floor plans. 4. Meticulous Final Review The "Windy City" standard means no mess left behind. Our team performs a rigorous final inspection and deep cleanup, ensuring your downtown home is move-in ready the moment we finish. WHY CHICAGO DOWNTOWN HOMES REQUIRE SPECIALISTS Urban painting presents specific challenges that suburban contractors might miss: Building Regulations: We navigate strict HOA rules, freight elevator bookings, and insurance requirements (COIs) common in Loop high-rises. Climate Control: Managing humidity and temperature fluctuations in glass-walled units to ensure proper paint curing. Drywall Integrity: Addressing cracks caused by the natural swaying and settling of Chicago’s tallest buildings. Pro Tip: When hiring a Chicago painter, always verify they carry the high-limit liability insurance required by downtown property management companies. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q: Why choose a painter near me for downtown Chicago? A: Local contractors are familiar with the logistical hurdles of the Loop and Gold Coast, including parking, building access, and specific structural challenges of high-rise units. Q: Can you handle drywall repair and painting in one project? A: Yes! As a full-service painting contractor, we handle everything from water damage repair and settling cracks to the final decorative coat, providing a seamless experience. Q: Are your paints safe for small condo spaces? A: Absolutely. We prioritize low-VOC and Zero-VOC premium paints that are odorless and safe for high-density living environments. Q: How do I get an estimate for my downtown unit? A: We offer flexible scheduling for on-site consultations throughout the West Loop, Streeterville, and the South Loop. Ready to transform your urban space? See more of our work and request a free estimate at windypainters.com. Windy City Painters | Chicago’s Premier Painting & Drywall Specialists

This was a great night shot of the home. It really shows off some of the lighting and landscape features.
Patio kitchen - large traditional backyard stamped concrete patio kitchen idea in Vancouver with a pergola

6 in. x 24 in. Rustic Gold Ledger Panel offers earthy tones of grays, golds, rusts, greens, and underlying blues that are familiar yet pleasantly on-trend. Featuring multiple sized rectangular stones in varying thicknesses, this stacked stone panel adds interest and dimension to any space. Highly prized for their versatility, use these gorgeous slate ledger panels to create stunning accent walls, backsplashes, or fireplace surrounds in residential or commercial settings, indoors or out. The choice is yours and the possibilities are endless. Interlocking Z Feature helps join the pieces together quickly and easily, while enhancing their naturally random appearance. Achieving a seamless look has never been easier. Matching corners are available to give your project a professional finish.

One of the most popular hardwood floor finishing which offers Tom & Peter Flooring is provided by WOCA. If you’ve decided that you want a natural looking wooden floor that is lacquer-free, then the likelihood is that you’ve chosen oil as your way of protecting your wood and making your floor look great at the same time. WOCA for wood flooring comes in various forms and is a great way of making sure that your wood is protected, but at the same time looks natural. A highly popular as well as effective way of treating wood floors, oils effectively penetrate into the wood and in some cases harden into the surface of the floor to stop damage and to maintain the wood in its optimum condition. WOCA Oil finish hardwood flooring has taken the United States market by in 2014 and shows no signs of slowing down in 2016 and now. Here are some of the most common questions we have regarding this type of finish which we will I’m to answer in today’s my blog: Is oil finish as durable as traditional factory urethane finishes with aluminum oxide? When it comes to durability, oil finish flooring tackles the issue with a completely different method. The penetrating oil serves as protection from moisture and wear while allowing the user to feel the wood grains in their bare feet. If compared directly to factory finished aluminum oxide finish, the oil finish flooring will not perform as well to abrasion and impact. However, the beauty of this finish is the fact that it will camouflage any scratches which will inevitably accumulate over time. Will this finish evaporate over time and will this be harmful for indoor air quality? Another concern for oil finished floors its effect on indoor air quality. For on-site applications, some varieties suggest several coats which typically require the residents to be out of the home due to mild odors. However, there are factory finished UV-cured or single coat applications which lessen the downtime. Despite the odors produced during the drying process, oil finish floors rank amongst the lowest for VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions. Certain brands even boast true zero VOC. This fact alone makes oil finished floors one of the best options for green building solutions. “WOCA products are certified by independent laboratories, the German Institute for Biological Building Materials, and are in accordance with DIN–Norm 53–160. WOCA WoodCare Denmark products meet or exceed the most stringent U.S. standards for volatile organic compounds.” –WOCA Oil Finish Manufacture Does this type of finish require additional maintenance which I am not familiar with? For weekly cleaning, oiled floors use a special cleaner which contains an oil and soap mixture. After a period of 12-18 months some oil may evaporate causing the wood grains to appear dry. An additional layer of oil can be reapplied to keep the floor looking fresh. Although oil finished floors require more involvement in periodic maintenance in high traffic areas, this maintenance can be done much easier than the equivalent of an onsite sand and refinish. WOCA Master Color Oil contains pigment, which provides a single-step hardwood floor staining process. Laying down the stain and the finish in one step. This product comes 14 different colors, from Black to Extra White, and you can mix them freely to create various color palettes that will meet the demands of any job. Below are some pictures of the finished job…

The clients were familiar with remodeling, friendly, clear about what they wanted for the home and how much they wanted to spend. We were selected from among three other Contractors who were bidding on the project. Within a few weeks of that decision, the permit was ready and we had clarified all of the clients interior finishes and selections. The home addition design required the removal of a large portion of the roof, concrete porches, a fair amount of siding, some windows, plus demolition of the kitchen and existing bathroom. New foundations and framing were installed to accommodate higher ceilings, the enlarged kitchen, new master bathroom and bedroom, larger front porch, and interior wall changes. The home's exterior was updated with new gable and wall siding, new roof and gutters, new energy efficient windows, and trim. Inside, the electrical system was updated, new plumbing services and furnace were installed along with all new wood flooring. The existing bathroom was completely remodeled, and the new master bathroom was outfitted with new cabinetry, plumbing fixtures and tile surfacing. The new open kitchen was finished with custom hardwood cabinetry, high end appliances, and stone countertops. Throughout the interior, walls were finished with wood paneling and trim to fit the cottage architecture. A full interior and exterior paint job completed the project with charming results. http://santaellamedia.com/

Who needs just one room with a view when you can live with and enjoy breathtaking vistas from three floors in this outstanding and innovative 2,861 square foot design? Narrow waterfront lots are no match for this efficient and easy living floor plan designed by Visbeen Architects, which makes the most of available land and includes the perfect balance of spacious interiors and covered exterior living. The transitional architectural style combines traditional details with clean, sophisticated lines and references both classic and contemporary waterfront vacation homes across the country, from the coastal south to the New England Oceanside. Both familiar and welcoming in style, the updated exterior features peaks, wood siding and multiple window styles. From the street, the innovative design is full of curb appeal, with the lowest level designed for circulation and outdoor living. Rising from the street level, the home concentrates the majority of living space on the upper two floors, with an efficient floor plan that lives large on all three floors. The lowest level has just 370 well-planned square feet of living space, but features a roomy two-car garage, a foyer and powder room and two patios perfect for both alfresco dining and entertaining, one an exterior covered area and a nearby uncovered open-air alternative.

After six years of living in their Huntley IL home, Chris and Meghan were tired of their dark, dingy, outdated kitchen and it was finally time for a long-anticipated change. “The kitchen is the place where we live, it’s where we do everything,” Meghan said. “It was important that it be a space where we wanted to be.” Meghan loves cooking and enjoys including their girls in healthy meal prepping, this led them to want a brighter, more enjoyable kitchen with increased functionality and improved storage. For Chris especially, the laundry room was an entirely dysfunctional eyesore. “We had a washer and a dryer, but it was all kind-of cobbled together!” Chris said. “There were always laundry piles everywhere, we weren’t really sure what we wanted to do in there, but it was time for us to make a change.” The mess of the space was stressful every time they walked in the door from the garage each day. Kids’ backpacks and shoes piled up haphazardly in the makeshift boot-bench closet left the family feeling disorganized and stressed. They needed space for folding clothes and locker cubbies to help keep the family organized. Having known Christine and Todd in the Huntley community for years, Chris and Meghan were familiar with their work. “We already trusted them personally and having seen their projects for years we knew they did top notch work. After we reviewed the initial round of designs, we knew that hiring them was definitely the right choice,” Meghan and Chris said. Although Chris had done a lot of work in their home himself, the kitchen and laundry room renovation was such a large undertaking that he didn’t want to steal time away from his family to spend what would surely be many long weekends doing the job himself. “That would not have been a wise choice for us,” Chris laughed. “Our designer, Michelle was very, very, easy to work with; anything we wanted to see or weren’t sure about, she went above and beyond to make this easy for us. She was easy to get hold of and always quick to respond,” the couple said. Michelle pulled ideas that mirrored the couple’s taste and style and was adept at directing the couple to limited choices that didn’t overwhelm them and kept the process moving. “I have a hard time making decisions. Michelle made the decision-making process so easy. I loved how she listened to what I liked and then presented three great options for me to choose from,” Meghan said. The main objectives for the kitchen were better storage solutions, they wanted the space to reflect their lifestyle and taste, and they wanted it to last for years with low maintenance. One of the first steps in creating a more functional kitchen was relocating the refrigerator, creating an improved workflow for the busy family. “We didn’t know that we could even move the refrigerator to a new location where it is now, that was something that we never would have thought of,” Chris said. “The new refrigerator location makes the kitchen feel so much bigger. We didn’t add any space, but our whole kitchen with the new design just seems like it’s so much larger than before!” Meghan said. The perimeter mist colored cabinets helped warm and brighten the entire room, while the graphite colored cabinets on the island added contrast. Using this fresh, clean color palette satisfied the couple’s desire for a bright space that was the exact opposite of what they had before. Organization accessories were also added to the cabinets such as a spice drawer tray and roll outs to create hidden convenience. “I absolutely love the hidden spices – it makes cooking so much more enjoyable!” Chris said. “And all the pull outs, and the double trash bin, who would think you could get so excited about organization!” the couple said in unison. One thing they hated in their original kitchen was how dark the space felt. Added lighting on the ceiling with the new light fixtures combined with the lighter cabinetry colors throughout solved this problem. “Our new kitchen has this warm, almost cozy feeling that our old kitchen never had, it’s just a space that I love spending my time in now,” Meghan said. The light airy feeling was accentuated with the use of floating white shelves on either side of the decorative range hood. “We have so much cabinetry space, the new design is amazing we actually have more storage space than we will ever need,” Meghan said. The island was extended to create more work surface and added space for stool seating. “The new island changes how we live. Now the kids can be in the kitchen with us, doing homework, eating breakfast, and the three of us have special dinners there when Chris is working late,” Meghan said. The Carrara Marmi Quartz countertops were chosen because they are, not only beautiful, but are made from hard-working material that doesn’t require maintenance. The white subway tile backsplash that wraps to the ceiling behind the focal point cooktop range/hood compliments the crisp white countertops perfectly, while brushed brass hardware and light fixtures keep the design fresh and new. The couple had a few fears at the beginning of the project, as most homeowners do. Their biggest fear was being out of their kitchen and laundry room for an extended time. The crew made it very easy for the family to work in a limited space keeping the washer and dryer hooked up the majority of the time, and also getting appliances working with minimal downtime. “They above and beyond accommodated us to get us through the process,” Meghan said. “They did a great job making sure we were as comfortable as possible throughout the process,” Chris added. “Our project manager DJ did a great job. He was very good at updating us on schedule changes, getting guys in as quickly as possible. Everyone that stepped in the house was nice and did great work,” said Chris. They thought Advance’s carpenter was phenomenal and were impressed when he took a conceptual idea from a photograph and worked with designer Michelle to create a one of a kind range/hood that has become the topic of conversation with friends and family who visit the new kitchen. “He was in our house literally every day for several weeks. He was easy to work with and good at what he did,” Meghan and Chris said. The focal point of the kitchen; a hand-crafted, custom-built ventilation hood was clad with handpicked reclaimed barnwood. Advance Design’s carpenter built the framework and the cladding to create a one-of-a-kind design element that the couple loves. “I think it was especially fun for him to create something unique from scratch, showcasing his talent in this area,” Meghan said. “I love that my kitchen is not like everyone else’s. I got to pick out the wood on my hood and watch it being built and was able to choose what pieces of wood went where on it. It’s totally unique.” Red Oak flooring was toothed-in throughout the kitchen and the rest of the first floor anywhere changes were made. Then the whole floor was refinished to tone down the orange undertones in the existing floor stain, ultimately changing the color complexion of the entire first floor. The result is a completely new feeling to the entire home. Renovating the laundry room was extremely important to Meghan and Chris, but they had trouble visualizing what the possibilities were for the seemingly small space. Michelle produced beautiful 3D illustrations that helped them envision the space in a whole new way. “I must have told Michelle 100 times that I am a visual person, seeing the designs in 3D made it so easy to make decisions and see what we could really do with our space,” Meghan said. A dividing wall and doorway were removed between the existing laundry room and hallway formerly containing a coat closet, providing space to design specialized graphite colored cabinetry matching the kitchen island to house custom storage cubbies for each family member. Adding the tall utility cabinetry in the new laundry area helped solve the storage issue, tucking away cleaning supplies, household items, and even the cat got its own cubby. “I love how everything is now hidden in its own space. I can’t tell you how much I hated coming home and seeing everything sitting around on counters,” Chris said. Electrical outlets were planned for the inside of utility cabinets, so devices could charge in hidden locations. Stacking the washer and dryer allowed for wider countertop space to provide a folding area and a special space for clothes to hang. “The way I do laundry has been completely transformed! I can actually fold clothes and hang them now right out of the washer and dryer,” Meghan said. “The end result in the kitchen and the laundry/mud room was an updated light and bright space, with a smarter work flow that better meets the needs of this family,” Michelle said. “I would totally recommend Advance Design,” Meghan said. “Sometimes I sit and just look at my kitchen and laundry room and think ‘Wow, I can’t believe I get to live here!’ It’s an understatement to say we love our new space.”

One look and you’ll fall in love with the expressively-mod Kelvin 3-Seater Sofa in Blue. Kelvin is gracefully positioned on a solid wood frame, with two dowel legs jutting angularly in that familiar, mid-century styling, this sofa is striking in its way. Large enough to accommodate all your pals on a Friday night, but plush enough for an afternoon nap, the streamlined designed settles perfectly into any home. Fleecy back pillows provide soothing support to the body, and the upright arms cocoon the structure, giving it that classic sensibility that we’ve all grown to love. It’s grandma’s favorite couch – only better!