The origin of these classic window coverings dates back to the 19th century, when they were actually used in the harsh environment of tropical plantations to manage light and heat. Shutters come in a wide variety of materials, colors and styles. They can increase energy efficiency, are easy to clean, and help the light control, privacy and limit sun damage. And, due to new real estate trends, home appraisers are likely to include the value of shutters when evaluating a home - making shutters a real return on investment for homeowners.

This prefabricated 1,800 square foot Certified Passive House is designed and built by The Artisans Group, located in the rugged central highlands of Shaw Island, in the San Juan Islands. It is the first Certified Passive House in the San Juans, and the fourth in Washington State. The home was built for $330 per square foot, while construction costs for residential projects in the San Juan market often exceed $600 per square foot. Passive House measures did not increase this projects’ cost of construction. The clients are retired teachers, and desired a low-maintenance, cost-effective, energy-efficient house in which they could age in place; a restful shelter from clutter, stress and over-stimulation. The circular floor plan centers on the prefabricated pod. Radiating from the pod, cabinetry and a minimum of walls defines functions, with a series of sliding and concealable doors providing flexible privacy to the peripheral spaces. The interior palette consists of wind fallen light maple floors, locally made FSC certified cabinets, stainless steel hardware and neutral tiles in black, gray and white. The exterior materials are painted concrete fiberboard lap siding, Ipe wood slats and galvanized metal. The home sits in stunning contrast to its natural environment with no formal landscaping. Photo Credit: Art Gray

Robert Glasgow Photography Built at the turn of the century, this home was in need of a few updates. The owner sought out Clawson Architects to guide them in the renovations of two bathrooms, a Mud Room, Powder Room and Kitchen addition and renovation. The owners were looking to maintain the old world charm of the existing home while enhancing their living experience and increasing the return on their investment as them move on to the next stage of their lives in a few years. A small addition was added to gain an island and small informal eating space as well as a much needed first floor powder room and mud room entry. New doors give access to the new larger deck for grilling and entertaining.

Built at the turn of the century, this home was in need of a few updates. The owner sought out Clawson Architects to guide them in the renovations of two bathrooms, a Mud Room, Powder Room and Kitchen addition and renovation. The owners were looking to maintain the old world charm of the existing home while enhancing their living experience and increasing the return on their investment as them move on to the next stage of their lives in a few years. A small addition was added to gain an island and small informal eating space as well as a much needed first floor powder room and mud room entry. New doors give access to the new larger deck for grilling and entertaining.

This eclectic style home has Mid Century features that made our modern style garden gates a perfect backdrop. Dynamic Garage Door specializes in the design, manufacturing and installation of custom architectural gates such as this modern side gate. We install our products all over California while we ship out of state as well. As your design and manufacturing firm we are able to custom make any design you might have in mind or we can help you create a one-of-a-kind modern gate that no one else will have! Our experience in modern architecture will yield positive results that will not only increase your home's curb appeal but will return higher purchase bids when and if you do sell your property. Dynamic Doors are not just a passage solution, they are an architectural investment that will last a lifetime! Our eco-alternative doors will leave an impression not an environmental footprint because we believe in a green planet for future generations!

Art Deco style has become increasingly popular lately. Why is this French style of the 20s returning? You may or may not ask… but we can try to answer anyway! Art Deco symbolizes stability, structure, wealth, cleanliness, and, of course, the Gatsby era! Without a doubt – important things nowadays! It's like the mainstream modern style, but different – more colorful. Besides, it should be noted that both styles mainly use clean lines. Cleanliness and clean lines – that's Hotsy-Totsy, as you would say in the twenties.

Art Deco style has become increasingly popular lately. Why is this French style of the 20s returning? You may or may not ask… but we can try to answer anyway! Art Deco symbolizes stability, structure, wealth, cleanliness, and, of course, the Gatsby era! Without a doubt – important things nowadays! It's like the mainstream modern style, but different – more colorful. Besides, it should be noted that both styles mainly use clean lines. Cleanliness and clean lines – that's Hotsy-Totsy, as you would say in the twenties.

This was a great success story of how implying feng shui knowledge helped my client change his office space, which increased his returning customer count 4 times. As you can see before the consultation it lacked personality and felt a bit old fashioned. After the consultation the waiting room felt cozy and welcoming. It was done in calm, cooling colors, which made the space peaceful. in feng shui, the Chinese art of placement, directions, color and position combine to create a distinct feeling.

Before renovating, this bright and airy family kitchen was small, cramped and dark. The dining room was being used for spillover storage, and there was hardly room for two cooks in the kitchen. By knocking out the wall separating the two rooms, we created a large kitchen space with plenty of storage, space for cooking and baking, and a gathering table for kids and family friends. The dark navy blue cabinets set apart the area for baking, with a deep, bright counter for cooling racks, a tiled niche for the mixer, and pantries dedicated to baking supplies. The space next to the beverage center was used to create a beautiful eat-in dining area with an over-sized pendant and provided a stunning focal point visible from the front entry. Touches of brass and iron are sprinkled throughout and tie the entire room together. Photography by Stacy Zarin

Art Deco style has become increasingly popular lately. Why is this French style of the 20's returning? You may or may not ask… but we can try to answer anyway! Art Deco symbolizes stability, structure, wealth, cleanliness and, of course, the Gatsby era! Without a doubt – important things nowadays! It's like the mainstream modern style, but different – more colorful. Besides, it should be noted that both styles mainly use clean lines. Cleanliness and clean lines – that's Hotsy-Totsy, as you would say in the twenties.

This Kitchen addition increased square footage of the house and still retained an open concept between the family room and kitchen.
Inspiration for a large modern u-shaped porcelain tile and gray floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Philadelphia with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, porcelain backsplash, paneled appliances and two islands

The average cost per square foot of a house in Highland Park, Illinois, is $221 (per Trulia), so utilizing this formerly unused space helps increase the return on investment in the home. This, not only, makes sense financially, but also, is very practical when space used for nothing turns into the “something” of 13 additional feet of usable hanging, shelving and drawers. The clean white impact of the melamine framing is carried, effectively, on to the high quality solid wood maple doors and drawer fronts. The honesty and simplicity of the shaker styling enhances the dignity of the efficient repurposing of space in this bedroom. This 24” deep structure keeps the feel crisp by allowing you to close and hide all of the hanging areas behind doors. Chrome hardware on the doors and drawers completes the look while the wood crown unites the structure giving the feeling that a skilled architect had this in mind from the beginning.

NEVER DO STRAIGHT RUN OF CABINETS WHEN YOU CAN DO THIS.....INCREASED DEPTH OF CENTER BASE AND WALL CABS. BY 3".....THEN ADDED 3" FLUTED CLIPPED CORNERS TO RETURN TO ORIGINAL CABS. ON EITHER SIDE.....WHAT A GREAT LOOK AND WAY MORE CHARACTER!

Architect: Mary Brewster, Brewster Thornton Group
Example of a large arts and crafts brown two-story wood house exterior design in Providence with a clipped gable roof and a shingle roof

Having been so thrilled with their recent kitchen renovation, (See Dog Days Kitchen) a couple returned to Kitchen Elements to update and refresh their 20 year old bathroom. The selected design grabbed square footage from the master bedroom entryway. The clients were intrigued with creating individual “his and her” vanity locations. The captured space from the bedroom allowed for one vanity recess and the other vanity recess was placed in the old shower location. The new shower found its home where the old vanity stood, allowing for a significant increase of the shower footprint. A luxurious soaking tub replaced the dated built-in Jacuzzi. As a result, the space looks bigger, brighter and a much more inviting place to start and end the day.

Having been so thrilled with their recent kitchen renovation, (See Dog Days Kitchen) a couple returned to Kitchen Elements to update and refresh their 20 year old bathroom. The selected design grabbed square footage from the master bedroom entryway. The clients were intrigued with creating individual “his and her” vanity locations. The captured space from the bedroom allowed for one vanity recess and the other vanity recess was placed in the old shower location. The new shower found its home where the old vanity stood, allowing for a significant increase of the shower footprint. A luxurious soaking tub replaced the dated built-in Jacuzzi. As a result, the space looks bigger, brighter and a much more inviting place to start and end the day.

Having been so thrilled with their recent kitchen renovation, (See Dog Days Kitchen) a couple returned to Kitchen Elements to update and refresh their 20 year old bathroom. The selected design grabbed square footage from the master bedroom entryway. The clients were intrigued with creating individual “his and her” vanity locations. The captured space from the bedroom allowed for one vanity recess and the other vanity recess was placed in the old shower location. The new shower found its home where the old vanity stood, allowing for a significant increase of the shower footprint. A luxurious soaking tub replaced the dated built-in Jacuzzi. As a result, the space looks bigger, brighter and a much more inviting place to start and end the day.

Having been so thrilled with their recent kitchen renovation, (See Dog Days Kitchen) a couple returned to Kitchen Elements to update and refresh their 20 year old bathroom. The selected design grabbed square footage from the master bedroom entryway. The clients were intrigued with creating individual “his and her” vanity locations. The captured space from the bedroom allowed for one vanity recess and the other vanity recess was placed in the old shower location. The new shower found its home where the old vanity stood, allowing for a significant increase of the shower footprint. A luxurious soaking tub replaced the dated built-in Jacuzzi. As a result, the space looks bigger, brighter and a much more inviting place to start and end the day.

VIP Photography
Minimalist master medium tone wood floor bedroom photo in Orange County with white walls