Green roofs have many benefits—very low roof temperatures (making for significantly lower indoor temperatures), very low maintenance, habitat for wildlife, water absorption to stop storm water runoff (no gutter is required), and year-round color — this sedum roof turns a beautiful bright red in the winter.

Patio kitchen plans these days require the ability to incorporate high-tech, modern appliances into rustic, timeless – even ancient-looking – outdoor design styles. You can see this juxtaposition pulled off perfectly in this outdoor kitchen by Outdoor Homescapes of Houston. “A smart patio kitchen plan requires not only a balance of the new and old,” says Outdoor Homescapes owner Wayne Franks, “but a blending of new elements – like an outdoor kitchen – with the existing home and outdoor living features like a pool, hardscaping or landscaping.” In this case, explains Franks, the existing 25-by-15-foot pool had a craggy edge of moss rock boulders, plus a spa and firepit faced with a rough Scabos splitface travertine. “The overall look was rustic and naturalistic,” says Franks, “so we of course wanted the new outdoor kitchen island to match.” Hence the 14-foot-long outdoor kitchen island with a raised bar, also faced in the Scabos splitface travertine and topped with a Normandy granite countertop. The hardscaping around it is Kool Deck® textured concrete. “People used to shy away from busy textures in outside patio kitchen plans, but now they’re embracing them,” notes Franks. “They’re increasingly attracted to the beautiful imperfections and irregularities of nature – there’s more of an authenticity and character to it.” Now, for the high-tech part: A Traeger wood pellet grill. Traeger grills are becoming increasingly popular for their ability to infuse amazing, rich flavor and for their versatility (they can grill, bake, smoke, slow cook, braise and barbecue). This premier model, the Memphis Pro 304, features 562 square inches of cooking space and a three-in-one cooking system (high-temperature grill, low-and-low smoker and true-convection-oven roasting and baking). It also has an intuitive Intelligent Temperature Control (see the display panel to the left of the grill) that can be set for cooking and internal temperature. A programmable food probe tells you when the internal temperature is reached and drops the grill down to a programmed lower temperature to keep the food warm till serving. The dual-fan convection system, with reliable metal blades, circulates heat evenly for tender, juicy results. Double-walled and sealed construction of 304 stainless steel allows for optimum heat retention and consistent temperatures in all weather conditions. A direct-flame “flavorizer” insert delivers the added flavor of a seared finish. Outdoor Homescapes also added a mount sink with a custom oil-rubbed bronze faucet by Moen and the following RCS stainless steel accessories: a pull-out trash door, a countertop trash chute, dual horizontal grill utensil drawers and a swing-out storage door. “At first, you’d think all this technology and the smooth, modern stainless steel would fight with the rustic look of the rough-faced stone in outdoor patio kitchen plans,” says Franks. “But it actually provides some visual rest from all the rugged textures and busyness.” Serving a similar function is the smooth, polished Scabos travertine tile used for the pool coping and firepit ledge. “It’s a perfect environment for the client to entertain business associates,” says Franks. “He’s very happy with the old-meets-new approach, and so are we.” More patio kitchen plans can be found at Outdoor Homescapes of Houston’s website, at www.outdoorhomescapes.com

ALEKO's 4-5 Person Indoor Hemlock Canadian Wood Sauna brings all the luxury and comfort of the indoor Sauna at a more accessible price point. Improve your health by: Sleeping better at night, Stimulate blood circulation, Increase metabolism, Heal colds and flu, Relax tired muscles and joints, Prevent heart disease. Eliminate fatigue, Clean and nourish skin, Condition the vein system, Reduce fat and keep fit, Relieve Muscle and Joint pain and Flush toxins from body. The pleasing sauna shape is both stylish and functional, providing maximum usable space while minimizing excess cubic feet. The less cubic feet of air, the faster your room will heat. This sauna can be placed indoors. Its entrance features a tempered glass door with wooden door handle, making it look beautiful and stylish. The tempered glass door to contribute to the quiet, relaxing environment, and tempered so as to remain unfazed by the temperature changes. An electric heater completes the experience with heated rocks, and the accompanying bucket and scoop lets you pour water over the hot stones, boosting temperature and humidity for maximum health and relaxation benefits. This beautiful sauna is perfect for your under roof front porch or under roof back deck, and inside the house. Assembly can be accomplished in just a few hours and is very easy to do. It comes with an electrical 4.5 kW heater. ALEKO is completely committed to provide you with saunas that are a lifetime investment in your health and serenity. Product dimensions: 81 X 60 X 80 inches (2.06 X 1.53 X 2.04 m). FEATURES: 4-5 Person Indoor Wet Dry Sauna with 4.5 kW ETL Electrical Heater CE and ETL approved certificate Made of Hemlock Canadian wood Includes: 4.5 kW ETL Approved Sauna Heater Touch Screen Control Panel, Lamps, Hydrothermograph Tempered glass Wooden bucket with Scoop Wooden door handle Stones Dimensions: 81 X 60 X 80 inches (2.06 X 1.53 X 2.04 m)

Patio kitchen plans these days require the ability to incorporate high-tech, modern appliances into rustic, timeless – even ancient-looking – outdoor design styles. You can see this juxtaposition pulled off perfectly in this outdoor kitchen by Outdoor Homescapes of Houston. “A smart patio kitchen plan requires not only a balance of the new and old,” says Outdoor Homescapes owner Wayne Franks, “but a blending of new elements – like an outdoor kitchen – with the existing home and outdoor living features like a pool, hardscaping or landscaping.” In this case, explains Franks, the existing 25-by-15-foot pool had a craggy edge of moss rock boulders, plus a spa and firepit faced with a rough Scabos splitface travertine. “The overall look was rustic and naturalistic,” says Franks, “so we of course wanted the new outdoor kitchen island to match.” Hence the 14-foot-long outdoor kitchen island with a raised bar, also faced in the Scabos splitface travertine and topped with a Normandy granite countertop. The hardscaping around it is Kool Deck® textured concrete. “People used to shy away from busy textures in outside patio kitchen plans, but now they’re embracing them,” notes Franks. “They’re increasingly attracted to the beautiful imperfections and irregularities of nature – there’s more of an authenticity and character to it.” Now, for the high-tech part: A Traeger wood pellet grill. Traeger grills are becoming increasingly popular for their ability to infuse amazing, rich flavor and for their versatility (they can grill, bake, smoke, slow cook, braise and barbecue). This premier model, the Memphis Pro 304, features 562 square inches of cooking space and a three-in-one cooking system (high-temperature grill, low-and-low smoker and true-convection-oven roasting and baking). It also has an intuitive Intelligent Temperature Control (see the display panel to the left of the grill) that can be set for cooking and internal temperature. A programmable food probe tells you when the internal temperature is reached and drops the grill down to a programmed lower temperature to keep the food warm till serving. The dual-fan convection system, with reliable metal blades, circulates heat evenly for tender, juicy results. Double-walled and sealed construction of 304 stainless steel allows for optimum heat retention and consistent temperatures in all weather conditions. A direct-flame “flavorizer” insert delivers the added flavor of a seared finish. Outdoor Homescapes also added a mount sink with a custom oil-rubbed bronze faucet by Moen and the following RCS stainless steel accessories: a pull-out trash door, a countertop trash chute, dual horizontal grill utensil drawers and a swing-out storage door. “At first, you’d think all this technology and the smooth, modern stainless steel would fight with the rustic look of the rough-faced stone in outdoor patio kitchen plans,” says Franks. “But it actually provides some visual rest from all the rugged textures and busyness.” Serving a similar function is the smooth, polished Scabos travertine tile used for the pool coping and firepit ledge. “It’s a perfect environment for the client to entertain business associates,” says Franks. “He’s very happy with the old-meets-new approach, and so are we.” More patio kitchen plans can be found at Outdoor Homescapes of Houston’s website, at www.outdoorhomescapes.com

Crafted with natural woven blended fabric, this panel can block up to 99% of sunlight, maintain pleasant temperatures, and create maximum privacy. Its thermal backing ensures an ideal indoor temperature all year round, helping you stay cool in summer and warm in winter.

Awnings will lower the temperature on your deck and patio by up to 20 degrees and lower indoor temperatures by 10 to 15% - lowering air conditioning costs!

Rustic exterior home idea in Seattle

Crafted with natural woven blended fabric, this panel can block up to 99% of sunlight, maintain pleasant temperatures, and create maximum privacy. Its thermal backing ensures an ideal indoor temperature all year round, helping you stay cool in summer and warm in winter.

Photo of a contemporary landscaping in Detroit.

Crafted with natural woven blended fabric, this panel can block up to 99% of sunlight, maintain pleasant temperatures, and create maximum privacy. Its thermal backing ensures an ideal indoor temperature all year round, helping you stay cool in summer and warm in winter.

buddy models on the sofa in a home in Caldera Springs community. Home by Olsen Brothers
Living room - rustic open concept light wood floor living room idea with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

Awnings will lower the temperature on your deck and patio by up to 20 degrees and lower indoor temperatures by 10 to 15% - lowering air conditioning costs!

Awnings will lower the temperature on your deck and patio by up to 20 degrees and lower indoor temperatures by 10 to 15% - lowering air conditioning costs!

Awnings will lower the temperature on your deck and patio by up to 20 degrees and lower indoor temperatures by 10 to 15% - lowering air conditioning costs!

Molly Mesnick, known from Season 13 of "The Bachelor," envisioned her Kirkland, WA dream home as a seamless blend of indoor comfort and outdoor beauty. Her goal was to create an open, airy living space that could easily transition from cozy indoors to expansive outdoors. Central to this vision was NanaWall Generation 4 Folding Glass Wall Systems, state-of-the-art solutions redefining modern living with its innovative design and exceptional functionality. The Vision: Mesnick wanted a home that offered a seamless connection between indoors and outdoors, allowing for effortless entertaining, maximizing natural light, and providing stunning views. The NanaWall Generation 4 system was identified early in the design process as a key element in achieving this vision. Homeowner Experience: “My NanaWall was my top wish list item for this house. I just LOVE the look of seamless indoor/outdoor entertaining and NanaWall makes that all possible! The Generation 4 system has a slimmer profile, offering more window view. The wall of windows floods our space with natural light but when it is open, it expands our living space to that covered patio.” “I went with NanaWall because they are the original for bifold doors; they just have perfected it, and they do it better than anyone else.” — Molly Mesnick, Mesnick Homes Slim Profiles and Minimal Aesthetics: The Generation 4 system has the slimmest frames in the industry, minimizing visible hardware and enhancing the streamlined appearance. Enhanced Performance: Engineered to withstand harsh weather, extreme temperatures, and potential forced entry, ensuring safety and durability. Ease of Operation: Effortless to open and close, the panels glide smoothly, providing a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. Barefoot Friendly Sills: Aluminum sill inserts provide high heel and barefoot-safe transitions. Floating Fourfold and Sixfold Panel Sets: Greater flexibility in configuration, allowing them to move and stack to the left, right, or center of the opening. Molly Mesnick is opening a set of bifold doors in a modern living room leading to an outdoor seating area with greenery visible beyond. Design and Installation: Using NanaWall Certified Installation services, the NW Aluminum 640 system in Mesnick's living room transformed the space into a versatile area perfect for entertaining and everyday living. The 15-foot-wide, 8-foot-tall, black-framed folding glass wall enhances the home's aesthetic appeal and provides: Uninterrupted Views: The slim profile and large glass panels offer expansive views of the outdoor patio and garden, making the natural scenery a continuous backdrop to the indoor environment. Natural Light: The glass wall floods the living room with natural light, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. Indoor-Outdoor Connectivity When fully opened, the glass wall extends the living space to the outdoor patio, perfect for gatherings and summer activities. The Final Reveal: Molly Mesnick's dream home is a testament to the power of innovative design and technology in creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional. The NanaWall Generation 4 Folding Glass Wall System has not only met her expectations but has become the defining feature of her home, bringing her vision of seamless indoor-outdoor living to life. It stands as a symbol of modern architectural trends that embrace flexibility, openness, and a deep connection with the outdoors.

Crafted with natural woven blended fabric, this panel can block up to 99% of sunlight, maintain pleasant temperatures and create maximum privacy. Its thermal backing maintains an ideal indoor temperature all year round, ensuring you stay cool in summer and warm in winter.

Check out this before-and-after window replacement we did for this home in Costa Mesa, CA! The old single-paned windows were drafty and outdated, and outside noise easily came through the thin windows. The drastic temperature swifts inside the house made the homeowners realize it was time to get new windows. Our energy-efficient windows made a huge difference! The house became quieter, the indoor temperature became more comfortable, and the overall look of the house modernized! Now these homeowners can enjoy a comfier, more beautiful home while also saving on their monthly energy bills!

After the storage cabinetry and walls were completed, the homeowner desired a Fujitsu split-unit AC. We installed the AC, and hid the electrical wiring in wall to the compressor outside, and the water into the plumbing for the washing machine.

Check out this before-and-after window replacement we did for this home in Costa Mesa, CA! The old single-paned windows were drafty and outdated, and outside noise easily came through the thin windows. The drastic temperature swifts inside the house made the homeowners realize it was time to get new windows. Our energy-efficient windows made a huge difference! The house became quieter, the indoor temperature became more comfortable, and the overall look of the house modernized! Now these homeowners can enjoy a comfier, more beautiful home while also saving on their monthly energy bills!