A Bethesda-based couple recently asked us to transform their small, galley-style kitchen space into a more more modern, sleek design. To open up the space, we expanded the overall square footage by bumping out onto an existing porch, helping to increase the kitchen's square footage. We then moved the two small windows and increased their size to bring in more light. We replaced the dated vinyl flooring with light natural wood, incorporated stainless steel appliances for an updated look, and finished it off by adding light grey granite countertops to give the space a bright, airy feel. The homeowners are thrilled with their new kitchen! We are seeing a big trend in using white and grey materials in kitchens and baths. It's a very clean look when coupled together. MARK IV Builders, Inc.

Photo: Lauren Andersen © 2018 Houzz
Inspiration for an eclectic kitchen remodel in San Francisco

Living room of a minimalist ADU
Example of a small trendy open concept concrete floor and gray floor living room design in Portland with white walls

This set of curving front stairs was designed to allow for a gradual rise to the front door. The homeowners wanted a classic design using natural stone materials to fit the with the style of their home. Short risers were used and a railing was installed to help make the sidewalk usable as the homeowner's age and have increased limitations. The natural stone planters were built using Fond du lac limestone. The planters are filled with shrubs, perennials, and annuals.

At Carl's, specialty railing is our specialty! If you're looking for a railing system that is outside the common choices, Carl's has the solution. We are experts at recommending and installing glass rail and cable rail, both of which enhance your view and increase the feeling of open space, while still providing protection and conforming with universal building codes. Ornamental balustrade systems can add a stately appearance to porches, flat roof porticos, and widows' walks. If specialty custom railing is what you're after, Carl's can help.

This was a complete gut and remodel. There was a divider wall removed, increase in the island size and changed the direction it was running in the space. This was an older some so we had challenges with uneven and inconsistent wall heights. Wanting to use full height cabinets made this a challenge, but having the crown painted the same color as the cabinets and a taller band board, help hide this issue. A gray glazed island with a single chandelier adds some contrast from the perimeter cabinets. The cabinet hardware is a darker pewter finish. I used a multi color hand molded brick tile from Seneca Tile, for the back splash. No picture frame over the 48" Thermador range. Only the texture of the tile.

This 18 foot entertainment center wall unit is inspired by barn doors in a casual yet elegant style. Work with our team to come up with the perfect media space you and your family will love. Adding independent lighting helps to set the mood of the room. We can accommodate your space and can incorporate a fireplace – it is up to you. We design, build and install pieces from smaller TV stands to larger, wide-ranging custom cabinetry and shelving. What you have in mind, we can help you create the style and look that is smartly priced and functional. Complimentary design services are offered both in-home and in our showroom. Keep in mind, we build more than entertainment center cabinetry and custom wall units. We offer many options to increase your storage, display and work space.

Transform your bathroom into a place worthy of preparing for the day with the help of LED lighting. Reduce heat output in the small space while increasing brightness for overall satisfaction!

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This client came to us wanting some help with updating the master bath in their home. Their primary goals were to increase the size of the shower, add a rain head, add a freestanding tub and overall freshen the feel of the space. The existing layout of the bath worked well, so we left the basic footprint the same, but increased the size of the shower and added a freestanding tub on a bit of an angle which allowed for some additional storage. One of the most important things on the wish list was adding a rainhead in the shower, but this was not an easy task with the angled ceiling. We came up with the solution of using an extra long wall-mounted shower arm that was reinforced with a meal bracket attached the ceiling. This did the trick, and no extra framing or insulation was required to make it work. The materials selected for the space are classic and fresh. Large format white oriental marble is used throughout the bath, on the floor in a herrinbone pattern and in a staggered brick pattern on the walls. Alder cabinets with a gray stain contrast nicely with the white marble, while shiplap detail helps unify the space and gives it a casual and cozy vibe. Storage solutions include an area for towels and other necessities at the foot of the tub, roll out shelves and out storage in the vanities and a custom niche and shaving ledge in the shower. We love how just a few simple changes can make such a great impact! Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKBD Photography by: LOMA Studios For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Example of a mid-sized trendy u-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen design in Portland with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, solid surface countertops and an island

An IdealMow lawn of feathery California native Yarrow brings the green in drought, needing only 50 percent of the water a traditional lawn requires. As it attracts native bees, this lawn helps increase the yield of the property's Victory Gardens. Photo: Orly Olivier

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: The ALEKO® barrel sauna design is both stylish and functional, providing maximum usable space while minimizing excessive cubic feet. The compact size enables a simple and fast heat time. This beautifully designed indoor or outdoor sauna’s entrance features a tempered glass door with a wooden door handle, making it a stylish addition to any home. The toughened brown, tempered glass door contributes to a quiet, relaxing environment, and remains undamaged by temperature changes. This sauna is uniquely designed with a glass dome wall, giving you an open view of your surroundings. The 4.5 KW ETL certified electric heater with heated rocks is made for dry or wet sauna experiences. The accompanying bucket and scoop allow you to activate the steam by pouring water over the hot stones, boosting temperature and humidity for maximum health benefits and relaxation. Assembly is simple and can be accomplished in just a few hours with the help of our instruction manual. Included with Sauna Purchase: Sauna with (1) Bench / (1) Level, Wooden Bucket with Scoop, Thermometer/Hydrometer, Anti-explosive Lamp, Heater Fence, ETL approved 4.5 KW Electrical Heater with Touch Screen Control Panel and 44 pounds of Sauna Stones. To comply with safety guidelines, our heaters are designed to heat for a maximum of 60 minutes at a time. To heat your sauna for longer than 60 minutes, simply reset the timer for additional time. Dimensions: 71 x 71 inches. *Shingle Roof Not Included.* Sauna is packaged in multiple pieces. Some assembly is required as instructed in the manual. FEATURES: High quality 5 person versatile wet or dry steam capable indoor or outdoor sauna with (1) bench (1) level Made with durable Red Cedar Wood, partially pre-assembled construction with built-in venting holes, a brown toughened glass door and a transparent dome wall that opens up your view to the surroundings Sauna Benefits: Sleep better, stimulate blood circulation, increase metabolism, prevent heart disease, relax tired muscles/joints, heal colds and flu. Sauna Benefits: Eliminate fatigue, clean and nourish skin, reduce fat and keep fit, relieve muscle and joint pain, flush toxins from the body Included with Sauna Purchase: Wooden Bucket with Scoop, Thermometer/Hydrometer, Anti-explosive Lamp, Heater Fence, ETL approved 4.5 KW Electrical Heater with Touch Screen Control Panel and 44 pounds of Sauna Stones. Dimensions: 71 x 71 inches

Our 4553 sq. ft. model currently has the latest smart home technology including a Control 4 centralized home automation system that can control lights, doors, temperature and more. This incredible master bathroom has custom cabinetry with his and her sinks, TV, and remote control sound, and lights. The standing shower area is enclosed and features a elegant sitting tub and a three headed UMoen shower set up where you can control your shower experience with an app. The master bathroom is complete with a walk in closet and several natural light skylights to help increase brightness day and night.

This 18 foot entertainment center wall unit is inspired by barn doors in a casual yet elegant style. Work with our team to come up with the perfect media space you and your family will love. Adding independent lighting helps to set the mood of the room. We can accommodate your space and can incorporate a fireplace – it is up to you. We design, build and install pieces from smaller TV stands to larger, wide-ranging custom cabinetry and shelving. What you have in mind, we can help you create the style and look that is smartly priced and functional. Complimentary design services are offered both in-home and in our showroom. Keep in mind, we build more than entertainment center cabinetry and custom wall units. We offer many options to increase your storage, display and work space.

This 18 foot entertainment center wall unit is inspired by barn doors in a casual yet elegant style. Work with our team to come up with the perfect media space you and your family will love. Adding independent lighting helps to set the mood of the room. We can accommodate your space and can incorporate a fireplace – it is up to you. We design, build and install pieces from smaller TV stands to larger, wide-ranging custom cabinetry and shelving. What you have in mind, we can help you create the style and look that is smartly priced and functional. Complimentary design services are offered both in-home and in our showroom. Keep in mind, we build more than entertainment center cabinetry and custom wall units. We offer many options to increase your storage, display and work space.

Looking for a new design update in an entry way staircase, check out this beautiful surged pattern carpet runner in Laguna Niguel, Shaw Tuftex Carpet Sycamore Park! Updating your staircase will add an attractive color, design, and warmth to your home. Not only are they eye-catching but stair runners add a child safe and elder safe option for your living space. Having a wood staircase increases the chance of injuries due to falls with those young ones. Need a soundproof option for your home, this surged carpet runner will help with foot traffic.

We really opened up and reorganized this kitchen to give the clients a more modern update and increased functionality and storage. The backsplash is a main focal point and the color palette is very sleek while being warm and inviting. Cabinetry: Ultracraft Destiny, Avon door in Arctic White on the perimeter and Mineral Grey on the island and bar shelving Hardware: Hamilton-Bowes Ventoux Pull in satin brass Counters: Aurea Stone Divine, 3cm quartz Sinks: Blanco Silgranit in white, Precis super single bowl with Performa single in bar Faucets: California Faucets Poetto series in satin brass, pull down and pull-down prep faucet in bar, matching cold water dispenser, air switch, and air gap Pot filler: Newport Brass East Linear in satin brass Backsplash tile: Marble Systems Mod-Glam collection Blocks mosaic in glacier honed - snow white polished - brass accents behind range and hood, using 3x6 snow white as field tile in a brick lay Appliances: Wolf dual fuel 48" range w/ griddle, 30" microwave drawer, 24" coffee system w/ trim; Best Cologne series 48" hood; GE Monogram wine chiller; Hoshizaki stainless ice maker; Bosch benchmark series dishwasher

When I came to this property not only was the landscape a scrappy mess the property also had some very real grading and drainage issues that were jeopardizing the safety of this house. As recent transplants from New Jerseys to Southern California these clients were in awe of all the plants they were seeing in their neighborhood. Living on the water at the Ventura harbor they wanted to be able to take full advantage or the outdoor lifestyle and cool ocean breeze. Being environmentally conscious citizens, these clients were very concerned that their garden was designed with sustainability as a leading factor. As they said in our initial consultation, “Would want or garden be part of the solution not part of the problem.” This property is the last house on the bottom of a gently sloping street. All the water from the neighbor’s houses drain onto this property. When I came into this project the back yard sloped into the house. When it would rain the water would pool up against the house causing water damage. To address the drainage we employed several tactics. Firstly, we had to invert the slope in the back yard so that water would not pool against the house. We created a very minor slope going away from the house so that water drains away but so the patio area feels flat. The back of the back yard had an existing retaining wall made out of shabby looking slump stone. In front of that retaining wall we created a beautiful natural stone retaining wall. This retain wall severs many purposes. One it works as a place to put some of the soil removed from the grading giving this project a smaller carbon foot print (moving soil of a site burns a lot of fossil fuel). The retaining wall also helps obscure the shabby existing retaining wall and allows for planting space above the footing from the existing retaining wall. The soil behind the ne retaining wall is slightly lower than the top of the wall so that when the run on water on from the neighbor’s property flows it is slowed down and absorbed before it has a chance to get near the house. Finally, the wall is at a height designed to serve as overflow seating as these clients intend to have occasional large parties and gatherings. Other efforts made to help keep the house safe and dry are that we used permeable paving. With the hardscape being comprised of flag stone with gravel in-between water has a chance to soak into the ground so it does not flow into spots where it will pool up. The final element to help keep the house dry is the addition of infiltration swales. Infiltration swales are depressions in the landscape that capture rain water. The down spouts on the sides of the houses are connected to pipe that goes under the ground and conveys the water to the swales. In this project it helps move rain water away from the house. In general, these Infiltration swales are a powerful element in creating sustainable landscapes. These swales capture pollutants that accumulate on the roof and in the landscape. Biology in the soil in the swales can break down these pollutants. When run of watered is not captured by soil on a property the dirty water flows into water ways and then the ocean were the biology that breaks down the pollutants is not as prolific. This is particularly important in this project as it drains directly into the harbor. The water that is absorbed in to the swales can replenish aquafers as well as increasing the water available to the plants planted in that area recusing the amount of water that is needed from irrigation. When it came to the planting we went with a California friendly tropical theme. Using lots of succulents and plants with colorful foliage we created vibrant lush landscape that will have year around color. We planted densely (the images in the picture were taken only a month after installation). Taller drought tolerant plants to help regulate the temperature and loss of water from the plants below them. The dense plantings will help keep the garden, the house and even the neighborhood cooler on hot days, will provide spaces for birds to enjoy and will create an illusion of depth in a somewhat narrow space. Today this garden is a space these homeowners can fully enjoy while having the peace of mind that their house is protected from flooding and they are helping the environment.

If you need more living space but love your home and neighborhood, why move? Additions save you the cost of moving and increase home value. We can help design a second story addition to prevent you from losing backyard space. Taken by: Rick Rodney