Before the removal of this outdated 3-Tab style asphalt shingling from the entire home's roofing and being replaced with a high quality Owens Corning Asphalt Shingling. This new roofing will keep this home in Dover, New Hampshire protected for years to come against any harsh weathering that it may face!

Pocketing your windows creates a picturesque frame. AG Millworks Sliding Windows, made of wood or clad, are durable and provide ample natural light, brightening your room and showcasing your interiors. Enjoy a brilliantly lit space with outdoor views year-round. These windows meet Title 24 compliance and feature glass designed to protect from harsh weather.

Photos by: Ledyard Homes This is a new custom luxury home built by Ledyard Homes in Utah – This is the Juniper model at the Lookout Ridge Promontory community features Panda’s thermally broken technology in their 12′ high doors. These custom thermally broken luxury doors were needed at this palatial rural home and Ledyard Homes selected Panda Windows and Doors to supply their thermally broken TS.19 in order for the future residents to fully enjoy their outdoor atmosphere from the comfort of their living space. While closed the thermal brake technology engineered into the TS.19 produces an air tight seal which enables the home to save energy and keep the great room interior space comfortable in both winter and summer and during harsh weather conditions. In addition to the energy and thermal benefits the doors also greatly reduce outdoor sound producing a serene environment inside the living space.

Creating a comfortable outdoor living space is a priority for many homeowners and DIY enthusiasts. With rising summer temperatures, installing a shade tarp in your backyard offers an affordable and effective solution for sun protection. We’ve developed this detailed, step-by-step guide to help you confidently install a shade tarp that not only shields you from the sun but also adds aesthetic appeal to your outdoor area. Benefits of Installing a Backyard Shade Tarp Before diving into the installation process, let’s explore the key benefits of having a backyard shade tarp: Provides UV Protection: Keeps your family and guests safe from harmful sun exposure. Reduces Outdoor Temperatures: Creates a cooler, more enjoyable outdoor space. Protects Outdoor Furniture: Extends the life of patio furniture by reducing sun damage. Enhances Outdoor Aesthetics: Adds a modern, stylish look to your yard. Budget-Friendly: More affordable compared to permanent structures like pergolas. Materials and Tools You’ll Need To begin your DIY backyard shade project, gather the following materials and tools: Materials: Shade tarp (UV-resistant and breathable) Sturdy posts or existing structures (trees, fences, walls) Mounting hardware (eye bolts, D-rings, turnbuckles, snap hooks) Nylon or polyester rope, or stainless-steel wire Concrete (if installing new posts) Tools: Power drill Measuring tape Level Ladder Wrench or adjustable spanner Post hole digger (if installing new posts) Step 1: Plan Your Shade Tarp Layout The first step in installing your backyard shade tarp is careful planning. Take time to assess your outdoor area and answer these key questions: Where is the sun’s path throughout the day? What size and shape of tarp best suits your space? Will you anchor the tarp to existing structures or install new posts? What height do you want the tarp to sit at for maximum shade and airflow? Pro Tip: Use string or garden hoses to visualize the tarp layout on the ground before making permanent decisions. Step 2: Measure and Mark Anchor Points Once you’ve determined the tarp’s location and orientation: Measure the tarp dimensions. Mark the exact points where each corner of the tarp will be anchored. Ensure that the anchor points are at least 5–10% longer than the tarp size to allow for tensioning and slight adjustments. Consider slope angles for water runoff. Aim for at least a 20-degree angle to prevent water pooling on the tarp. Step 3: Install Support Posts (If Necessary) If your backyard lacks existing anchor points like trees or fences, you’ll need to install sturdy support posts: Dig post holes at least 24 inches deep and 8-12 inches wide for stability. Set posts in concrete, making sure they remain plumb and level. Allow the concrete to cure for at least 24–48 hours before applying tension from the tarp. We recommend using pressure-treated wood, galvanized steel poles, or aluminum posts for longevity and strength. Step 4: Install Mounting Hardware With your anchor points ready, it’s time to install the necessary hardware: Attach eye bolts or pad eyes securely into walls, posts, or other fixed structures. For added flexibility and adjustability, install turnbuckles or tensioners to fine-tune the tarp’s tightness. Connect snap hooks, D-rings, or carabiners to make assembly and disassembly easier. Make sure all hardware is rated for outdoor use to prevent rust and corrosion. Step 5: Attach and Tension the Shade Tarp Now it’s time for the most satisfying part—mounting the shade tarp: Begin by attaching one corner of the tarp to an anchor point. Gradually attach the remaining corners, moving diagonally for even tension. Adjust each connection point using your turnbuckles, ropes, or cables. Pull the tarp tight enough to avoid sagging, but not so tight that it risks tearing. Check that the tarp maintains the desired slope for rainwater runoff and adjust tension as needed. Step 6: Final Adjustments and Safety Check Before enjoying your new shaded area: Inspect all anchor points and hardware for stability. Test the tarp’s tension and make adjustments for even distribution. Ensure that no sharp edges or loose connections remain that could damage the tarp or pose a safety hazard. Confirm that the tarp is secure in windy conditions by giving it a gentle tug. If you live in an area with frequent high winds, consider removing the tarp during storms to prevent damage. Step 7: Enjoy Your Shaded Backyard Oasis Once installed, your backyard shade tarp provides a comfortable and protective space for outdoor gatherings, relaxation, or family activities. You can decorate underneath with outdoor furniture, string lights, or potted plants to create a personalized outdoor retreat. Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Shade Tarp Performance To extend the life of your shade tarp, follow these maintenance guidelines: Regularly check for wear and tear, especially around anchor points and seams. Clean the tarp periodically with mild soap and water to prevent mildew buildup. Store the tarp indoors during harsh weather seasons if it's not designed for year-round use. Tighten hardware as needed to maintain proper tension and avoid sagging. By following these simple care steps, your shade tarp will continue to deliver years of sun protection and outdoor comfort. Conclusion: Upgrade Your Outdoor Space with a DIY Shade Tarp Installing a shade tarp in your backyard is a cost-effective and rewarding DIY project. With careful planning, quality materials, and proper installation techniques, you’ll enjoy cool, shaded outdoor living all season long. This step-by-step guide ensures your project goes smoothly from start to finish.

Cherie Cordellos Photography http://www.photosbycherie.net/

Farmhouse multicolored two-story mixed siding exterior home photo in Seattle with a shingle roof

Alexey Gold-Dvoryadkin Please see link for rug: https://shopyourdecor.com/products/rainbow-geometric-rug

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

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

Steve Hall @ Hedrich Blessing Photographers
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary full sun rooftop gravel landscaping in Chicago.

Nestled amid the mountain ridges of Colorado, the Gold Run Circle residence stands apart from other mountain homes due to its unique material palette including weathered steel panels fabricated by MetalTech-USA. Installed by Pinnacle Mountain Homes of Breckenridge, Colorado, the majority of the home’s façade was clad with beetle kill spruce paired with weathered steel panels to achieve a modern, yet rustic look that both the designer and homeowner desired. The 5,800 square foot residence contains 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms in 4,050 square feet of living space. Bill Aldridge, owner of Aldridge Design Services, was tasked as the lead designer for the residence. In terms of the façade, Aldridge was to provide a design that allowed the home to blend in with nearby mountain residences while also portraying unique qualities. This was accomplished through the building form and use of materials. The weathering steel was chosen not only for the intrinsic beauty provided in all seasons but also its durability in extreme climates. “I knew [the metal panels] could protect against the harsh climate that is the Colorado Mountains, without any need for maintenance or refinishing and the patina it’s receiving from the climate is only increasing its beauty,” says Aldridge. Gold Run residence is clad in 900 square feet of MetalTech-USA’s 22 Gauge Weathering Steel Flatlock Panels. The 18”x24” Rectangular Flatlocks form a grid like pattern covering the facade of the office and along the base of the home. “After researching many different options for the weathering steel façade on this project, we selected the Flatlock Tile from MetalTech-USA,” says Brian Broomall, Project Manager of Pinnacle Mountain Homes. “The concealed fastening system and custom sizing made for a façade that was easy to install and looks great.” The unique feature of Gold Run Circle is the home office that extends from the house. With the grid of flatlock panels being offset by random sized and placed windows, Gold Run Circle transitions from a mountain home to a rustic contemporary getaway unlike no other. “I honestly think metal can add such a unique feel and color to any project, and compliment any other material, with a uniqueness that can’t be matched,” says Aldridge. “In this project, the office could never have been pulled off with any other material.”

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

Nestled amid the mountain ridges of Colorado, the Gold Run Circle residence stands apart from other mountain homes due to its unique material palette including weathered steel panels fabricated by MetalTech-USA. Installed by Pinnacle Mountain Homes of Breckenridge, Colorado, the majority of the home’s façade was clad with beetle kill spruce paired with weathered steel panels to achieve a modern, yet rustic look that both the designer and homeowner desired. The 5,800 square foot residence contains 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms in 4,050 square feet of living space. Bill Aldridge, owner of Aldridge Design Services, was tasked as the lead designer for the residence. In terms of the façade, Aldridge was to provide a design that allowed the home to blend in with nearby mountain residences while also portraying unique qualities. This was accomplished through the building form and use of materials. The weathering steel was chosen not only for the intrinsic beauty provided in all seasons but also its durability in extreme climates. “I knew [the metal panels] could protect against the harsh climate that is the Colorado Mountains, without any need for maintenance or refinishing and the patina it’s receiving from the climate is only increasing its beauty,” says Aldridge. Gold Run residence is clad in 900 square feet of MetalTech-USA’s 22 Gauge Weathering Steel Flatlock Panels. The 18”x24” Rectangular Flatlocks form a grid like pattern covering the facade of the office and along the base of the home. “After researching many different options for the weathering steel façade on this project, we selected the Flatlock Tile from MetalTech-USA,” says Brian Broomall, Project Manager of Pinnacle Mountain Homes. “The concealed fastening system and custom sizing made for a façade that was easy to install and looks great.” The unique feature of Gold Run Circle is the home office that extends from the house. With the grid of flatlock panels being offset by random sized and placed windows, Gold Run Circle transitions from a mountain home to a rustic contemporary getaway unlike no other. “I honestly think metal can add such a unique feel and color to any project, and compliment any other material, with a uniqueness that can’t be matched,” says Aldridge. “In this project, the office could never have been pulled off with any other material.”

Nestled amid the mountain ridges of Colorado, the Gold Run Circle residence stands apart from other mountain homes due to its unique material palette including weathered steel panels fabricated by MetalTech-USA. Installed by Pinnacle Mountain Homes of Breckenridge, Colorado, the majority of the home’s façade was clad with beetle kill spruce paired with weathered steel panels to achieve a modern, yet rustic look that both the designer and homeowner desired. The 5,800 square foot residence contains 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms in 4,050 square feet of living space. Bill Aldridge, owner of Aldridge Design Services, was tasked as the lead designer for the residence. In terms of the façade, Aldridge was to provide a design that allowed the home to blend in with nearby mountain residences while also portraying unique qualities. This was accomplished through the building form and use of materials. The weathering steel was chosen not only for the intrinsic beauty provided in all seasons but also its durability in extreme climates. “I knew [the metal panels] could protect against the harsh climate that is the Colorado Mountains, without any need for maintenance or refinishing and the patina it’s receiving from the climate is only increasing its beauty,” says Aldridge. Gold Run residence is clad in 900 square feet of MetalTech-USA’s 22 Gauge Weathering Steel Flatlock Panels. The 18”x24” Rectangular Flatlocks form a grid like pattern covering the facade of the office and along the base of the home. “After researching many different options for the weathering steel façade on this project, we selected the Flatlock Tile from MetalTech-USA,” says Brian Broomall, Project Manager of Pinnacle Mountain Homes. “The concealed fastening system and custom sizing made for a façade that was easy to install and looks great.” The unique feature of Gold Run Circle is the home office that extends from the house. With the grid of flatlock panels being offset by random sized and placed windows, Gold Run Circle transitions from a mountain home to a rustic contemporary getaway unlike no other. “I honestly think metal can add such a unique feel and color to any project, and compliment any other material, with a uniqueness that can’t be matched,” says Aldridge. “In this project, the office could never have been pulled off with any other material.”

Example of a beach style hallway design in San Francisco

The project in Stone Harbor, New Jersey, involved the meticulous installation of CertainTeed Siding products, transforming a historic cottage located on the quaint street of Stone Court. This renovation was not just an upgrade; it was a revival of the home's character and charm. The primary choice of siding was the Cedar Impressions Granite Gray Siding, renowned for its durability and elegant appearance that echoes natural cedar wood without the maintenance worries. This siding was carefully selected to complement the coastal ambiance of Stone Harbor while offering resilience against the harsh seaside weather. In addition to the Cedar Impressions, the project also included the installation of Monogram D4 Granite Gray Horizontal siding. This product line is celebrated for its exceptional quality and ability to mimic the look of traditional wood siding, but with the added benefits of modern vinyl technology. The Monogram D4 siding brought a sleek and contemporary feel to the cottage, balancing beautifully with the rustic charm of the Cedar Impressions. A crucial aspect of this renovation was the restoration of the cottage's pergola. This feature, essential to the property's historic character, was meticulously refurbished to match the new siding while preserving its original design and integrity. The restoration process involved careful attention to detail, ensuring that the pergola seamlessly integrated with the updated exterior aesthetic. The combination of these CertainTeed products and the skilled craftsmanship employed in their installation resulted in a stunning transformation. The cottage on Stone Court now stands as a testament to how modern materials can be used to preserve and enhance the beauty of historic properties, especially in a setting as picturesque and demanding as the exclusive shore town of Stone Harbor, NJ.

The interior of the wharf cottage appears boat like and clad in tongue and groove Douglas fir. The contrast between the foggy, gray exterior and warm interior is striking and intentional - a refuge from the harsh coastal environs. A small galley kitchen sits at the far end right. Nearby an open serving island, dining area and living area are all open to the soaring ceiling and custom fireplace. The fireplace consists of a 12,000# monolith carved to received a custom gas fireplace element. The chimney is cantilevered from the ceiling. The structural steel columns seen supporting the building from the exterior are thin and light. This lightness is enhanced by the taught stainless steel tie rods spanning the space. Eric Reinholdt - Project Architect/Lead Designer with Elliott + Elliott Architecture Photo: Tom Crane Photography, Inc.

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