Contractor: Joseph McKinstry Construction; Interior Design: Jan Holbrook; Photo: Benjamin Benschneider
Inspiration for a contemporary home design remodel in Seattle

Free-flowing water in clean gutters
Example of an exterior home design in Cleveland

Keeping the leaves out and the water in
Inspiration for an exterior home remodel in Cleveland

Debris resistant gutter protection
Inspiration for an exterior home remodel in Cleveland

Careful and precise downspout placement
Exterior home photo in Cleveland

Photo of a landscaping in Phoenix.

Photo: Margot Hartford Photography © 2016 Houzz
Example of a trendy pool design in Amsterdam

Photography by Natalie Marotta Bungalows are lovable homes, but how can they be better? Along with many of our clients, we find that older (early 20th c.) homes have a lot of character and a comfortable scale, but are leaky, damp (especially in the basement), have fair to poor air quality, and use unconscionable amounts of fossil fuels to heat. The owners of this bungalow were ready to change that, and wanted to do so with minimal upfront carbon emissions as well. The gut renovation included replacing the basement slab and providing capillary breaks and insulation continuously below grade. The brick structure was treated with a fluid-applied air and water barrier from the interior and insulated entirely with cellulose, a carbon-storing insulation. The roof used HFO-blown spray foam to provide sufficient insulation while allowing headroom for bedrooms, bathrooms, and laundry. One great benefit of a full renovation is the possibility of reconfiguring spaces to suit the family’s lifestyle, and to make the best of indoor-outdoor connections. We opened up the main rooms on the first floor, creating a family gathering spot with a view to the back yard, and a spacious kitchen that supports the family’s commitment to cooking for healthy eating. The stair uses a north-facing skylight to bring light from above into the middle of the home, where it was previously dark. As a decarbonization retrofit, the inefficient furnace was replaced with two small ducted heat pump systems, water heating and clothes drying are powered by air-source heat pumps, and cooking uses an induction cooktop plus electric ovens. Energy recovery ventilation provides filtered fresh air continuous exhaust from the kitchen, baths, and laundry, and supplies fresh, highly filtered air to bedrooms and living spaces. The Better Bungalow now makes sense for the 21st century–it now fits the owners’ life-patterns, is super comfortable, has great air quality, and uses a fraction of the energy it did before, greatly lowering the demand on the utility grid. In the near future, when solar PV is installed, it can achieve net zero or near net zero emissions, and with battery backup, can provide great resilience in the event of power outages.

Photo of a southwestern landscaping in Phoenix.

To keep the windows as open as possible, the custom draperies were elegantly pulled back using the Italian stringing method. Thoughtful luxury window treatment details add depth and refinement: rust silk cornices are pleated for rich texture, while the coordinating color is repeated in the button detailing and top-edge piping on the pleated beige linen drapery panels. The silk sheers feature a subtle diamond weave embellished with white faux pearls, and the soft glow from the contemporary chandelier enhances the room’s warm, cozy, and sophisticated atmosphere.

Alluring Window Solar Shades
Living room - large modern formal and enclosed medium tone wood floor living room idea in New York with white walls, no fireplace and no tv

Cellular shades are one the most versatile window coverings on the market. Their luxurious fabrics are available in three popular cell sizes and various light control levels so that you can create the perfect setting. Cellular Shades, sometimes referred to as pleated or honeycomb shades, are built with small honeycomb-shaped pockets or ‘cells’ designed to keep air from escaping or entering your home to enhance your room’s energy efficiency. Their thick cellular fabrics also provide a high level of insulation. They come in a large variety of fabric widths, making them the ideal window covering solution for wide and large windows.

Motorized roller shades in light filtering fabric.
Example of a transitional bathroom design in Denver

Beautiful high contrast kitchen featuring our Contemporary Proline PLFW 750 Professional Stainless Steel Wall Mounted Range Hood. The Red Walls, Dark Wood Cabinets, Island Pendant Lighting, and Modern Clean Lines make this kitchen really stand out. PLFW 750 Range Hood Product Details: This is our Super Low Profile, Sleek, All Stainless, Contemporary Design, Wall Mounted Range Hood. This attractive and versatile range hood looks and works great in any size. Elegant LCD touch controls, with time delay and 6 speeds from 300 cfm up to 1100 cfm, this hood has the power to handle the largest cooktops efficiently and quietly. Easy to install and super low maintenance, this wall mounted range hood is available in 5 sizes (36", 42", 48", 54" and 60") and is one of the very few large format hoods available as a ductless model. Stainless Baffle Filters that are easy to remove and clean, and the quietest 300 CFM setting in the industry. (Based on comparable size and local blower capacity). And power when you need it with 1100 CFM total capacity. This Range Hood comes with dual blowers and fan completely installed and factory tested. Specifications 110v 60hz (USA and Canada Certification) Electronic LCD 6 Speed Switch, w/Time Delay Controls 6 Speed, 1100 Max. CFM Dual Blower 2 x LED lights Stainless Baffle Filters Carbon filters available for ductless operation Seamless Design Easy to Clean and Maintain Brushed #430 Stainless Steel 2 x 6" Air Outlets

Jalapeno Photography © 2015 Houzz
Inspiration for a farmhouse landscaping in DC Metro.

David Duncan Livingston
Example of a large beach style medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen design in San Francisco with a farmhouse sink, open cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Inspiration for a large coastal formal and enclosed carpeted and brown floor living room remodel in DC Metro with gray walls, no fireplace and no tv

High end, highly custom complete kitchen remodel with amazing details. THE KEY FEATURES - Dining Room Wall removed - Island w/ sink, dishwasher and trash/recycling; eating area that seats 2-3 people on the other side - Full height Pantry next to refrigerator - 36″ paneled refrigerator - 3 Work Zones: the island, left of the range, right of the range - Snack Zone: a place away from the work zone to house the toaster, coffeemaker and microwave - Dish/ Cutlery Storage: Two sets of dishes and cutlery also store in the cabinets on the snack zone wall. - Ample Cooking storage: Two 45″ and 33″ base cabinets with adjustable roll-out shelves provide ample space for pots/ pans / cooking supplies - Garden Window Relocated and Re-sized. . Photo by Courtney Apple

Bedroom - mid-sized country bedroom idea in Los Angeles