The layout of this early 90’s home was adequate for the husband when he was just living there. However, now the family of three and their loving cat live there together; the space quickly became confined and inadequate. The Clients contacted us to discuss what their options may be to help the home feel more spacious. After a few weeks of design and engineering, we went to work on opening up the first floor to increase the size of the rooms while creating continuity with the adjoining rooms. A once tired and confined layout became a spacious, comfortable, & aesthetically pleasing space to live and entertain.

The simple sophistication of the Morar One-Piece Toilet with Seat makes it the perfect accent fixture for those looking to complete a clean, contemporary bathroom aesthetic. Combining efficiency, performance and a unique seamless design, the Morar toilet is as elegant as it is functional. The slender tank and fully-skirted base strike a modern profile, while the smooth lines of the outer surface also help to make cleaning effortless. The full skirt also serves to conceal the integral trap way within the base, helping to dampen flushing sounds and hide internal hardware. Made from high quality materials and fully enameled inside and out, a specialized finishing treatment works to minimize the growth of stain and odor-producing bacteria, as well as mold and mildew, helping to maintain spotlessly clean surfaces use after use. This one-piece toilet is also powerful and efficient. An innovative combination of an extra-wide trapway and siphonic jet flushing system ensures a completely thorough flush. Modern style one-piece toilet and seat with integral installation type Siphonic jet flushing system and wide trap way Dimensions 27-9/16" W, 15" D, 30-1/8" H Toilet seat included Dual flush option for increased efficiency

When this family wanted to renovate their 1-bedroom apartment, they called on Houseplay to help. Together, we created a cozy, modern layout that both facilitates relationships and increases the value of their home. Specifically, the new layout features a larger bathroom, a new standing shower, an open plan kitchen with an island, and a laundry closet too. Our team installed new bamboo flooring, new doors and mouldings, and new recessed and feature lighting throughout the space; we also painted the entire apartment. It’s amazing what a difference the layout of a space can make. If you’re struggling with a sub-par layout in your home or apartment, don’t wait; contact Houseplay for a consultation today! Photo Credit: Anne Ruthmann Photography

The layout of this early 90’s home was adequate for the husband when he was just living there. However, now the family of three and their loving cat live there together; the space quickly became confined and inadequate. The Clients contacted us to discuss what their options may be to help the home feel more spacious. After a few weeks of design and engineering, we went to work on opening up the first floor to increase the size of the rooms while creating continuity with the adjoining rooms. A once tired and confined layout became a spacious, comfortable, & aesthetically pleasing space to live and entertain.

Green Oxen was started with the mission to help developers of modern residences and commercial projects realize their vision through artfully designed products. We have quickly become the go-to solution for those who aim to increase their property value through high-end, modern, and sustainable products. As a leader in manufacturing high-quality aluminum railings, baseboards, doors and lighting in South Florida, all of our products meet LEED requirements and can be finished with different colors and applications.

When this family wanted to renovate their 1-bedroom apartment, they called on Houseplay to help. Together, we created a cozy, modern layout that both facilitates relationships and increases the value of their home. Specifically, the new layout features a larger bathroom, a new standing shower, an open plan kitchen with an island, and a laundry closet too. Our team installed new bamboo flooring, new doors and mouldings, and new recessed and feature lighting throughout the space; we also painted the entire apartment. It’s amazing what a difference the layout of a space can make. If you’re struggling with a sub-par layout in your home or apartment, don’t wait; contact Houseplay for a consultation today! Photo Credit: Anne Ruthmann Photography

When Stephanie B. from Fort Bragg, California needed a reliable and affordable solar solution for her home, she turned to Green Home Systems for help. With our competitive pricing and wide selection of solar panels, we were able to provide her with an 18KW LG & SOLAREDGE rooftop installation that met her needs. The project was completed in a couple weeks and Stephanie was thrilled by the results. Not only did she save money on her electricity bill, but she also contributed to reducing her carbon footprint. In addition to the environmental benefits, Stephanie increased the value of her home with this solar roof installation. At Green Home Systems we take pride in providing our customers with high quality service and products. Our team of experts is dedicated to delivering unparalleled solar solutions at the most economical price. We understand that every customer has their own individual needs and budget and work hard to find the right solutions for them. We offer easy payment terms as well as government incentives that make going solar more feasible for many homeowners. We provide detailed information about all of these options so our customers can make informed decisions that are best suited for their unique situation. Our team at Green Home Systems is passionate about helping people save money on their energy bills while contributing to a greener future. We are proud to have been chosen by Stephanie B from Fort Bragg, CA for her 18KW LG & SOLAREDGE rooftop installation and look forward to helping more homeowners go green!

When Stephanie B. from Fort Bragg, California needed a reliable and affordable solar solution for her home, she turned to Green Home Systems for help. With our competitive pricing and wide selection of solar panels, we were able to provide her with an 18KW LG & SOLAREDGE rooftop installation that met her needs. The project was completed in a couple weeks and Stephanie was thrilled by the results. Not only did she save money on her electricity bill, but she also contributed to reducing her carbon footprint. In addition to the environmental benefits, Stephanie increased the value of her home with this solar roof installation. At Green Home Systems we take pride in providing our customers with high quality service and products. Our team of experts is dedicated to delivering unparalleled solar solutions at the most economical price. We understand that every customer has their own individual needs and budget and work hard to find the right solutions for them. We offer easy payment terms as well as government incentives that make going solar more feasible for many homeowners. We provide detailed information about all of these options so our customers can make informed decisions that are best suited for their unique situation. Our team at Green Home Systems is passionate about helping people save money on their energy bills while contributing to a greener future. We are proud to have been chosen by Stephanie B from Fort Bragg, CA for her 18KW LG & SOLAREDGE rooftop installation and look forward to helping more homeowners go green!

Learn seed starting basics and get a jump start on growing the flower garden of your dreams with the new book, Cut Flower Garden. In this striking guide you will find everything you need to grow, harvest, and arrange stunning seasonal blooms. With equal parts instruction and inspiration, Floret Farm’s Cut Flower Garden welcomes you into Erin Benzakein’s abundant, bloom-filled world, and is a feast for every flower lover’s eyes and soul. Floret Farm's Cut Flower Garden. Written by Erin Benzakein with Julie Chai. Photos by Michèle M. Waite. Published by Chronicle Books.

When this family wanted to renovate their 1-bedroom apartment, they called on Houseplay to help. Together, we created a cozy, modern layout that both facilitates relationships and increases the value of their home. Specifically, the new layout features a larger bathroom, a new standing shower, an open plan kitchen with an island, and a laundry closet too. Our team installed new bamboo flooring, new doors and mouldings, and new recessed and feature lighting throughout the space; we also painted the entire apartment. It’s amazing what a difference the layout of a space can make. If you’re struggling with a sub-par layout in your home or apartment, don’t wait; contact Houseplay for a consultation today! Photo Credit: Anne Ruthmann Photography

When Stephanie B. from Fort Bragg, California needed a reliable and affordable solar solution for her home, she turned to Green Home Systems for help. With our competitive pricing and wide selection of solar panels, we were able to provide her with an 18KW LG & SOLAREDGE rooftop installation that met her needs. The project was completed in a couple weeks and Stephanie was thrilled by the results. Not only did she save money on her electricity bill, but she also contributed to reducing her carbon footprint. In addition to the environmental benefits, Stephanie increased the value of her home with this solar roof installation. At Green Home Systems we take pride in providing our customers with high quality service and products. Our team of experts is dedicated to delivering unparalleled solar solutions at the most economical price. We understand that every customer has their own individual needs and budget and work hard to find the right solutions for them. We offer easy payment terms as well as government incentives that make going solar more feasible for many homeowners. We provide detailed information about all of these options so our customers can make informed decisions that are best suited for their unique situation. Our team at Green Home Systems is passionate about helping people save money on their energy bills while contributing to a greener future. We are proud to have been chosen by Stephanie B from Fort Bragg, CA for her 18KW LG & SOLAREDGE rooftop installation and look forward to helping more homeowners go green!

This TVL project focused primarily on a gut of this home's only bathroom and included a facelift in the kitchen as well. This lovely Denver home features a very tiny bathroom with mostly original features. Our client requested a makeover to the bathroom that would improve function & health as well as push the bright white minimalism she loves so much throughout her home. Respecting both budget and timeline, we worked to create a highly functional space with nods toward European bathroom design. We increased space between the toilet and vanity while also increasing storage by integrating a vanity with drawers rather than a pedestal sink. We utilized high gloss white tile on the floors to help expand light and replaced all major plumbing fixtures for a fresh look. The bathroom now features a much deeper alcove tub, elongated white subway tiles on the walls, shiny chrome faucet fixtures, and a new vanity light. In the kitchen, new white shaker cabinets were installed and paired with a simple white subway tile backsplash. White quartz countertops and new hardwood floors were also added. We love the clean, bright, simple nature of every space in this house and are so happy our wonderful client can enjoy these for years to come!

The layout of this early 90’s home was adequate for the husband when he was just living there. However, now the family of three and their loving cat live there together; the space quickly became confined and inadequate. The Clients contacted us to discuss what their options may be to help the home feel more spacious. After a few weeks of design and engineering, we went to work on opening up the first floor to increase the size of the rooms while creating continuity with the adjoining rooms. A once tired and confined layout became a spacious, comfortable, & aesthetically pleasing space to live and entertain.

Green Oxen was started with the mission to help developers of modern residences and commercial projects realize their vision through artfully designed products. We have quickly become the go-to solution for those who aim to increase their property value through high-end, modern, and sustainable products. As a leader in manufacturing high-quality aluminum railings, baseboards, doors and lighting in South Florida, all of our products meet LEED requirements and can be finished with different colors and applications.

Minimizing Angled Walls The entire downstairs has exposed concrete, which we maintained. The Travis at Katy Trail is an angled building—resulting in the walls in the condo to be angeled. The Renowned Renovation team worked hard to make the angle disappear. To do this, we created an illusion with an angled ceiling. Originally, the home had drop-down ceiling, which we reframed. We redesigned the plumbing and electrical wiring to fit our needs. Additionally, we installed a sprinkler system throughout the first floor to increase safety in the home. We used linear slot-vents, on a 98-degree angle, to create a more modern look. This design allowed us to embrace the angel of the walls, which helps to minimize it.

The owners of this kitchen had spent the money to upgrade the finishes in their kitchen upon building the home 12 years ago, but after living in the space for several years they realized how nonfunctional the layout really was. The (then) two preschool aged children had grown into busy, hungry teenagers with many friends who also liked to hang out at the house. So the family needed a more functional kitchen with better traffic flow, space for daily activities revolving around the kitchen at different times of day, and a kitchen that could accommodate cooking for and serving large groups. Furthermore, the dark, traditional finishes no longer reflected the homeowners’ style. They requested a brighter, more relaxed, coastal style that reflected their love of the seaside cities they like to visit. Originally, the kitchen was U-shaped with a narrow island in the middle. The island created narrow aisles that bottle-necked at the dishwasher, refrigerator, and cooktop areas. There was a pass-through from the foyer into the kitchen, but the owners never liked that the pass-through was also located so close to the powder room. The awkward proximity was unappealing and made guests feel uncomfortable. The kitchen’s storage was made up of lots of narrow cabinets, apothecary drawers, clipped corner units, and very few drawers. It lacked useful storage for the larger items the family used on a daily basis. And the kitchen’s only pantry was small closet that had only builder-grade, narrow shelving with no illumination to be able to see the contents inside. Overall, the kitchen’s lighting plan was poorly executed. Only six recessed cans illuminated the entire kitchen and nook areas. The under cabinet lighting was not evenly distributed either. In fact, the builder had mis-placed the under cabinet lighting around the decorative pilasters which made for choppy, dark cubbies. Further, the builder didn’t include any lighting over the sink or the bar area, which meant whoever was doing the dishes was always in their own shadow. That, coupled with the steep overhang of the game room above made the bar area feel like a dim, cavernous space that wasn’t inviting or task oriented. The kitchen looked out into the main living space, but the raised bar and a narrow wall (which held the only large cabinet in the kitchen) created more of a barrier than a relationship to the living room or breakfast nook. In fact, one couldn’t even see the breakfast nook from the cooktop or sink areas due to its orientation. The raised bar top was too narrow to comfortably sit to either dine at or chat from due to the lack of knee space. The the homeowners confided that the kitchen felt more like a dark, dirty prison than place where the family, or their guests, wanted to gather and commune. The clients' needs and desires were: ➢ to create a kitchen that would be a space the family loved to be in; to relate to the adjacent spaces all around, and to have better flow for entertaining large groups ➢ to remove the walls between the breakfast nook and living area and to be able to utilize the natural light from the windows in both those areas ➢ to incorporate a functional chopping block for prepping fresh food for home cooked meals, an island with a large sink and drain board, 2 pull out trash cans, and seating for at least the 2 teens to eat or do homework ➢ to design a kitchen and breakfast nook with an airy, coastal, relaxed vibe that blended with the rest of the house's coastal theme ➢ to integrate a layered lighting plan which would include ample general illumination, specific task lighting, decorative lighting, and lots of illuminated storage ➢ to design a kitchen with not only more storage for all the husband’s kitchen gadgets and collection of oils and spices, but smart storage, including a coffee/breakfast bar and a place to store and conceal the toaster oven and microwave ➢ to find a way to utilize the large open space between the kitchen, pantry area, and breakfast nook Twelve Stones Designs achieved the owner's goals by: ➢ removing the walls between the kitchen and living room to allow the natural light to filter in from the adjacent rooms and to create a connection between the kitchen, nook, and living spaces for a sense of unity and communion ➢ removing the existing pantry and designing 3 large pantry style cabinets with LED tape lights and rollout drawers to house lots of kitchen appliances, gadgets, and tons of groceries. We also took the cabinets all the way up to the 9’ ceiling for additional storage for seasonal items and bulk storage. ➢ designing 2 islands - 1 with a gorgeous black walnut chopping block that houses a drawer for chopping and carving knives and a custom double pull out trash unit for point of use utilization - and 1 that houses the dishwasher, a large Blanco Gourmet sink with integrated drain board, woven baskets for fresh root vegetables and kitchen towels, plenty of drawer storage for kitchen items, and bar seating for up to 4 diners. ➢ closing off the space between the kitchen and the powder room to create a beautiful new private alcove for the powder room as well as adding some decorative storage. This also gave us space to include more tall storage near the new range for precision placement of the husband’s extensive oil and spice collection as well as a location for a combo-steam oven the wife wanted for baking and cooking healthy meals. The project is enhanced functionally by: ➢ incorporated USB and standard receptacles for the kids’ laptops and phone charging in the large island ➢ designing the small island to include additional open shelving for items used on a daily basis such as a variety of bowls, plates, and colanders. This set up also works well for the husband who prefers to “plate” his dinners in restaurant-style fashion before presenting them to the table. ➢ the integration of specific storage units, such as double stacked cutlery drawers, a custom spice pull-out, a Kuerig coffee and tea pod drawer, and custom double stacked utensil drawers ➢ moving the refrigerator to the old oven location - this eliminated the bottle neck as well as created a better relationship to the eating table. It also utilizes the floor space between the pantry, nook, and kitchen ➢ creating a banquet style breakfast nook - this banquette seating not only doubles the amount of seating for large gatherings but it better utilizes the odd space between the kitchen and the previous nook area. It also helps to create a distinct pathway from the mudroom room through the pantry area, kitchen, nook, and living room. ➢ the coffee/breakfast bar area which includes the perfect location for the concealed microwave and toaster oven, convenient storage for the coffee pods and tea accoutrements. Roll-out drawers below also house the smoothie maker, hot water kettle, and a plethora of smoothie-making ingredients such as protein powders, smoothie additives, etc. Furthermore, the drawers below the Keurig house measuring utensil, cutlery, baking supplies and tupperware storage. ➢ incorporating lots of wide drawers and pullouts to accommodate large cookware. ➢ utilizing as much vertical space as possible by building storage to the ceiling which accommodates the family’s abundant amount of serving platters, baking sheets, bakeware, casserole dishes, and additional cutting boards. The project is enhanced aesthetically by: ➢ new 5-piece Versailles pattern porcelain tile that now seamlessly joins the entire down stairs area together creating a bright, cohesiveness feeling instead of choppy separated spaces - it also adds a coastal feeling ➢ designing a cabinet to conceal the microwave and toaster oven ➢ the coastal influenced light fixtures over the nook table and island ➢ the sandy colors of the Langdon Cambria countertops. The swirling pattern and sparkling quartz pieces remind the homeowner of black-and-tan sandy beaches ➢ the striped banquet seating whose creamy white background and blue-green stripes were the inspiration for the cabinet and wall colors. ➢ All the interior doors were painted black to coordinate with the blacks and grays in the backsplash tile and countertop. This also adds a hint of tailored formality to an otherwise casual space. ➢ the use of WAC's Oculux small aperture LED units for the overhead lighting complimented with Diode LED strips for task lighting under the cabinets and inside the pantry and glass wall cabinets. All of the lighting applications are on separate dimmer switches. Innovative uses of materials or construction methods by Realty Restoration LLC: ➢ Each 1-1/2” x 3” block of reclaimed end-grain black walnut that makes up the center island chopping block was hand milled and built in the shop. It was designed to look substantial and proportional to the surrounding elements, executed by creating the 4 inch tall top with a solid wood chamfered edge band. ➢ The metal doors on either side of the vent hood were also custom designed for this project and built in the Realty Restoration LLC shop. They are made 1x2, 11-gauge mild steel with ribbed glass. Weighing 60 lbs a piece, heavy duty cabinet hinges were added to support the weight of the door and keep them from sagging. ➢ Under-cabinet receptacles were added along the range wall in order to have a clean, uninterrupted backsplash. Design obstacles to overcome: ➢ Because we were removing the demising walls between the kitchen and living room, we had to find a way to plumb and vent the new island. We did this by tunneling through the slab (the slab had post tension cables which prevented us from just trenching) to run a new wet vent through a nearby structural wall. We pulled the existing hot and cold lines between upper floor joists and ran them down the structural wall as well and up through a conduit in the tunnel. ➢ Since we were converting from wall overs to a gas range it allowed us to utilize the 220 feed for the wall ovens to provide a new sub panel for all the new kitchen circuits ➢ Due to framing deficiencies inherited from the original build there was a 1-1/2” differential in the floor-to-ceiling height over a 20 foot span; by utilizing the process of cutting and furring coupled with the crown moulding details on the cabinet elevations we were able to mask the problem and provide seamless transitions between the cabinet components. Evidence of superior craftsmanship: ➢ uniquely designed, one-of-a-kind metal “X” end panels on the large island. The end panels were custom made in the Realty Restoration LLC shop and fitted to the exact dimensions of the island. The welding seams are completely indistinguishable - the posts look like they are cut from a single sheet of metal ➢ square metal posts on the small island were also custom made and designed to compliment and carry through the metal element s throughout the kitchen ➢ the beautiful, oversized end panels on the pantry cabinets which give the breakfast nook a tailored look ➢ integrating a large format 5 piece Versailles tile pattern to seamlessly flow from the existing spaces into the new kitchen space ➢ By constructing a custom cabinet that jogged around a corner we could not remodel (housing the entry way coat closet) we were able to camouflage the adjacent wall offset within the upper and lower cabinets. By designing around the existing jog in the structural walls we accomplished a few things: we were able to find the space to house, and hide, the microwave and toaster oven yet still have a clean cohesive appearance from the kitchen side. Additionally, the owners were able to keep their much needed coat closet and we didn’t have to increase the budget with unnecessary structural work.

The layout of this early 90’s home was adequate for the husband when he was just living there. However, now the family of three and their loving cat live there together; the space quickly became confined and inadequate. The Clients contacted us to discuss what their options may be to help the home feel more spacious. After a few weeks of design and engineering, we went to work on opening up the first floor to increase the size of the rooms while creating continuity with the adjoining rooms. A once tired and confined layout became a spacious, comfortable, & aesthetically pleasing space to live and entertain.

Dark Hardwood Floors and Tiles Dark floors are increasingly popular, especially among the more lavish homes and properties. Dark colors help to add some coolness and a contemporary look to any room. Dark floors and tiles make a bold statement, but they do require a little more care and maintenance than regular colored floors because they show dirt, stains, and scratches easily. When investing in hardwood flooring, we highly recommend purchasing a hardwood touch-up kit which will make treating small scratches and stains simple.

Crafted to last, outdoor shades can withstand even severe weather and intense sunlight. They are a versatile way to increase energy efficiency and help to reduce indoor heat during South Florida’s harsh summers. By adding an extra layer of insulation, your home will remain comfortable and stylish. Outdoor shades also protect your valuable outdoor furnishings and equipment.