Search results for "Initially stated" in Home Design Ideas

Mike and Anne of Barrington Hills desperately needed to update and renovate both their kid’s hall bath and guest bath, and in their 1980’s home each project presented a different set of unique challenges to overcome. When they set out to identify the right remodeling company to partner with, it was important to find a company that could help them to visualize design solutions for the bath renovations. When they came across Advance Design Studio’s website, they were immediately drawn to the solution-oriented remodeling process and the family friendly company.
They say they chose Advance Design because of the integrated approach of “Common Sense Remodeling”, making the design, project management and construction all happen in one place. When they met with Project Designer Michelle Lecinski, they knew they chose the right company. “Michelle’s excellent work on the initial designs made it easy to proceed with Advance Design Studio,” Mike said.
Like most homeowners anticipating a big renovation project, they had some healthy fears; with two bathrooms being remodeled at the same time they worried about timeframes and staying within budget. With the help of Michelle, and the “Common Sense” guidelines, they were confident that Advance Design would stay true, orchestrating all the moving parts to stay within both the estimated timeline and budget.
The guest bath offered the biggest design challenge. A dormer obstruction made the already cramped shower awkward to access. Mike and Anne also wanted the shower size to be expanded, making it more accommodating. Working with Advance’s construction expert DJ Yurik, Michelle relocated the shower concealing the original dormer and creating a larger, more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing guest shower.
The unsightly and not at all user-friendly closet was removed and replaced with elegant White Maple Dura Supreme cabinetry with much improved function featuring dual tall linen cabinets, a special makeup area and two sinks, providing a dual vanity which was extremely important for better guest use.
The Fossil Brown quartz countertop is in pleasing contrast to the white cabinetry, and coordinates nicely with the mocha porcelain tile gracing the shower for an accent. The decorative glazed turquoise tile backsplash, tile border, and bottle niche adds a taste of marine green to the room, while marble-looking porcelain tile makes guests feel they are staying in a 5-star hotel. Polished nickel Kohler plumbing fixtures were chosen to add a touch of sophistication. This renovated guest bath is comfortable and elegant, and Anne and Mike’s house guests may never want to leave!
“The end result was updated and restyled bathrooms that the client will enjoy and increase the value of their home,” Designer Michelle said.
The children’s hall bath had its own set of challenges. The current placement of the sink was not conducive to the best use of the existing space, nor did it allow for any visual interest, something Advance’s designers always work to achieve even within the tight confines of a small bath. Advance removed the linen closet and used the gain in wall space to create a dramatic focal point on the vanity wall. They also took additional space that wasn’t being used for new Storm Gray Dura Supreme tall built-in linen cabinets, creating functional storage space that the former bath lacked. A customized glass splash panel was created for the bath, and the high ceilings with skylights were accented with a custom-made track lighting fixture featuring industrial pipe and cage materials.
Authentic cement encaustic tile was used wall to wall surrounding the vanity to create a dramatic and interesting back drop for the new elegant and stately furniture-like double sink wall. Hand-made encaustic tile originated in Western Europe beginning in the 1850’s and reminded Mike and Anne of tile they had seen and loved from their travels overseas. Today, encaustic tile has made a re-appearance in today’s modern bath design with its wide array of appealing patterns and artistic use of color.
Oil rubbed bronze Kohler fixtures echo the black accents in the beautiful tile pattern and reflect the matte black of the unique lighting detail. Easy to maintain Blanca Arabescato Quartz countertops add practicality and natural beauty and compliments the warm wood porcelain tile floors. This handsome bath has generated praise from friends and family even before it’s complete unveiling as photos of the space leaked out on social media! It’s not only completely functional to use, but especially pretty to look at.
“Advance Design Studio did a terrific job for us. We really appreciated how easy it was to work with them on a complex project of the complete remodeling of two bathrooms. They very capably handled all the details from design, to project management, to construction. It is a great group of people to work with and we would welcome the opportunity to work with them again anytime,” Mike said.

Opulent Design Build — Orange County's Premier Custom Home Builder & Full-Service Design-Build Firm
Opulent Design Build is Orange County's award-winning design-build firm, bringing over 20 years of experience to custom home construction, whole-home renovations, and high-end remodeling projects across Irvine, Newport Beach, Corona Del Mar, Laguna Beach, Coto de Caza, and beyond.
As a true one-stop design-build company, we manage every phase of your project under one roof — from initial concept and architectural design to engineering, HOA approvals, permitting, construction, and final inspection. No handoffs. No miscommunication. No surprises.
What We Do:
Custom home building & ground-up construction
Whole-home renovations & luxury remodels
Kitchen remodeling & custom cabinetry
Bathroom remodeling & master suite transformations
Room additions & Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
Eco-friendly & sustainable building solutions
Outdoor living spaces & stamped concrete
Interior design & finish selections
Why Homeowners Choose Opulent:
Our in-house team of engineers, licensed contractors, interior designers, and landscape specialists means your project moves faster, stays on budget, and reflects your exact vision. We use state-of-the-art project management software so clients receive daily progress updates and full transparency throughout construction.
From gated Newport Harbor estates to sprawling ranch homes in Trabuco Canyon, we've delivered hundreds of custom builds across Orange County — each one crafted with uncompromising attention to detail and premium materials.
5x Best of Houzz Winner | Licensed & Insured | Fixed-Price Estimates | No Hidden Fees
? Irvine, CA | Serving all of Orange County
? (949) 340-0915 | opulentdb.com

Mike and Anne of Barrington Hills desperately needed to update and renovate both their kid’s hall bath and guest bath, and in their 1980’s home each project presented a different set of unique challenges to overcome. When they set out to identify the right remodeling company to partner with, it was important to find a company that could help them to visualize design solutions for the bath renovations. When they came across Advance Design Studio’s website, they were immediately drawn to the solution-oriented remodeling process and the family friendly company.
They say they chose Advance Design because of the integrated approach of “Common Sense Remodeling”, making the design, project management and construction all happen in one place. When they met with Project Designer Michelle Lecinski, they knew they chose the right company. “Michelle’s excellent work on the initial designs made it easy to proceed with Advance Design Studio,” Mike said.
Like most homeowners anticipating a big renovation project, they had some healthy fears; with two bathrooms being remodeled at the same time they worried about timeframes and staying within budget. With the help of Michelle, and the “Common Sense” guidelines, they were confident that Advance Design would stay true, orchestrating all the moving parts to stay within both the estimated timeline and budget.
The guest bath offered the biggest design challenge. A dormer obstruction made the already cramped shower awkward to access. Mike and Anne also wanted the shower size to be expanded, making it more accommodating. Working with Advance’s construction expert DJ Yurik, Michelle relocated the shower concealing the original dormer and creating a larger, more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing guest shower.
The unsightly and not at all user-friendly closet was removed and replaced with elegant White Maple Dura Supreme cabinetry with much improved function featuring dual tall linen cabinets, a special makeup area and two sinks, providing a dual vanity which was extremely important for better guest use.
The Fossil Brown quartz countertop is in pleasing contrast to the white cabinetry, and coordinates nicely with the mocha porcelain tile gracing the shower for an accent. The decorative glazed turquoise tile backsplash, tile border, and bottle niche adds a taste of marine green to the room, while marble-looking porcelain tile makes guests feel they are staying in a 5-star hotel. Polished nickel Kohler plumbing fixtures were chosen to add a touch of sophistication. This renovated guest bath is comfortable and elegant, and Anne and Mike’s house guests may never want to leave!
“The end result was updated and restyled bathrooms that the client will enjoy and increase the value of their home,” Designer Michelle said.
The children’s hall bath had its own set of challenges. The current placement of the sink was not conducive to the best use of the existing space, nor did it allow for any visual interest, something Advance’s designers always work to achieve even within the tight confines of a small bath. Advance removed the linen closet and used the gain in wall space to create a dramatic focal point on the vanity wall. They also took additional space that wasn’t being used for new Storm Gray Dura Supreme tall built-in linen cabinets, creating functional storage space that the former bath lacked. A customized glass splash panel was created for the bath, and the high ceilings with skylights were accented with a custom-made track lighting fixture featuring industrial pipe and cage materials.
Authentic cement encaustic tile was used wall to wall surrounding the vanity to create a dramatic and interesting back drop for the new elegant and stately furniture-like double sink wall. Hand-made encaustic tile originated in Western Europe beginning in the 1850’s and reminded Mike and Anne of tile they had seen and loved from their travels overseas. Today, encaustic tile has made a re-appearance in today’s modern bath design with its wide array of appealing patterns and artistic use of color.
Oil rubbed bronze Kohler fixtures echo the black accents in the beautiful tile pattern and reflect the matte black of the unique lighting detail. Easy to maintain Blanca Arabescato Quartz countertops add practicality and natural beauty and compliments the warm wood porcelain tile floors. This handsome bath has generated praise from friends and family even before it’s complete unveiling as photos of the space leaked out on social media! It’s not only completely functional to use, but especially pretty to look at.
“Advance Design Studio did a terrific job for us. We really appreciated how easy it was to work with them on a complex project of the complete remodeling of two bathrooms. They very capably handled all the details from design, to project management, to construction. It is a great group of people to work with and we would welcome the opportunity to work with them again anytime,” Mike said.
Find the right local pro for your project

This all-electric certified Passive House sits on a 10-acre parcel in Cachagua, a rural area of Carmel Valley, California. The 2,277-square-foot, 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence was built next to an observatory, the initial draw for the owners who are avid star gazers. The hues of the home’s interior are intentionally neutral, focusing attention on the dramatic natural surroundings. The great room and adjacent bedroom feature pitched ceilings accented with dark wood beam trestles, lending a sense of expansiveness and elegance. Built-in cabinetry and shelving take maximum advantage of the space.
Given that it is located in a Wildland—Urban Interface zone, Trex® deck and railing materials, a metal roof and special finishes were added to the exterior to decrease flammability. This helped protect the home during a 2020 wildfire. A state-of-the-art heat recovery ventilation system (HRV) is designed to prevent infiltration of smoke to the interior.
Thanks to the highly efficient HRV, and the application of advanced insulation and air sealing techniques, the energy demand for space conditioning is about 90 percent less than a traditionally built structure. The remainder of the home’s energy needs are provided by a solar array. Windows were strategically placed to capitalize on the mountain and valley views as well as naturally control heat gain from the sun.
The observatory, once the sole building on the property, now includes a two car garage and a cozy room for relaxing until the stars make their appearance. While the home was under construction and interior walls still uncovered, it was used to demonstrate Passive House techniques and technologies and related benefits. Click here for a virtual tour.

This Master Suite Addition project was initiated by our Clients’ desire to stay in their family home well into their golden years. Their wish list included a master suite and large open space for entertaining. With “Aging in Place” a main objective, our goal was to move all essential tasks to the first floor. Our design created a smooth transition between old house and new by expanding their dining room and adding a vestibule between the two spaces. This resulted in a much larger dining space and the larger entertaining area they were seeking. The master bedroom’s floor to ceiling windows on two of the walls frames picturesque views of their beloved garden outside. Vaulted ceilings, French doors to the bathroom with a transom window above express class and grandeur. Through the French doors the elegant master bathroom shines with reflections from the decorative crystal chandelier, white and grey tile, polished chrome fixtures and lighted glass bowls. A double headed shower, with dual temperature controls, and the air-jetted tub provide a true sanctuary for a relaxed bathing experience. “His and Her” elements are also fulfilled with dual vanities, and dual toilet areas. Upon completion, the homeowners passionately stated that this project turned out even better than they could have imagined. They truly love their new space in their long loved home and look forward to many more years in their new haven.

Opulent Design Build — Orange County's Premier Custom Home Builder & Full-Service Design-Build Firm
Opulent Design Build is Orange County's award-winning design-build firm, bringing over 20 years of experience to custom home construction, whole-home renovations, and high-end remodeling projects across Irvine, Newport Beach, Corona Del Mar, Laguna Beach, Coto de Caza, and beyond.
As a true one-stop design-build company, we manage every phase of your project under one roof — from initial concept and architectural design to engineering, HOA approvals, permitting, construction, and final inspection. No handoffs. No miscommunication. No surprises.
What We Do:
Custom home building & ground-up construction
Whole-home renovations & luxury remodels
Kitchen remodeling & custom cabinetry
Bathroom remodeling & master suite transformations
Room additions & Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
Eco-friendly & sustainable building solutions
Outdoor living spaces & stamped concrete
Interior design & finish selections
Why Homeowners Choose Opulent:
Our in-house team of engineers, licensed contractors, interior designers, and landscape specialists means your project moves faster, stays on budget, and reflects your exact vision. We use state-of-the-art project management software so clients receive daily progress updates and full transparency throughout construction.
From gated Newport Harbor estates to sprawling ranch homes in Trabuco Canyon, we've delivered hundreds of custom builds across Orange County — each one crafted with uncompromising attention to detail and premium materials.
5x Best of Houzz Winner | Licensed & Insured | Fixed-Price Estimates | No Hidden Fees
? Irvine, CA | Serving all of Orange County
? (949) 340-0915 | opulentdb.com

Walk into the kitchen in this Poway / Rancho Bernardo, San Diego home and it's impossible to miss this gorgeous 2,000 bottle, custom wine cellar showpiece. Completed in 2018, the cellar is complete with custom walnut stained poplar wine racking, rolling ladder for out of reach bottles, and much, much more.
Against each window into the kitchen are floor to ceiling frames showcasing label out, metal racking to add a bit of modern flair. Two high reveal display rows circle the entire room, showcasing this homeowner's best bottles and designed to be angled perfectly to ensure the corks stay wet for long term storage.
An island in the middle of the room acts as a great spot to open and decant wines, and integrated into each side are custom pieces of cabinetry and room for side displayed large format bottles. Also integrated into the racking is a a small countertop and glass rack. LED lights flow throughout to highlight key features and make the whole cellar really pop.
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California’s Luxury Custom Wine Cellar Specialists I 8x Best of Houzz
Since 1990, Vintage Cellars has designed and built over 2,750 custom wine cellars in a wide range of styles and applications. Vintage Cellars offers a complete turnkey service (if needed), providing initial wine cellar design options, proper room preparation with vapor barrier and insulation, proper wine cellar cooling unit sizing and installation, wine racking fabrication with custom stain and lacquer options done in house, and final professional installation onsite. We can also design and ship the wine racking without install. We regularly work with Interior Designers, Architects, and Home Builders as well and can help carry out visions already in movement too.
Gene Walder, Jake Austad, and the team at Vintage Cellars specialize in Custom Wine Cellar Design and Consultation, Custom Wine Cellar Cooling Systems, Custom Wine Cellar Doors, Wine Cellar Racking, and everything else wine storage related. By working closely with clients, the team at Vintage Cellars is able to craft a wine storage space to match the collectors' vision and style.
Services Provided
Wine Cellar Design, Wine Cellar Installation, Custom Wine Cellar Construction, Custom Wine Cellar Consultation, Modern Wine Cellars, Contemporary Wine Cellars, Rustic Wine Cellars, Metal Wine Cellars, Wood Wine Cellars, Wine Closet, Wine Room, Wine Cellar Cooling Systems, Wine Cellar Vapor Barrier and Insulation, Custom Wine Cellars, Wine Racking, Custom Wine Racking Design, Wine Cellars
Areas Served
Bonsall, Cardiff By The Sea, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Escondido, Hidden Meadows, Hidden Trails, La Costa, Oceanside, Ranch Santa Fe, Rancho Santa Fe, San Diego, San Marcos, Valley Center, Vista, Orange County, Beverly Hills, Malibu, Newport Beach, Dana Point, Santa Monica, Brentwood, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Napa, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Newport Coast, Corona Del Mar, La Jolla, Huntington Beach, Pacific Palisades, Bel Air, Coronado, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes, Ladera Heights, Westwood, Hancock Park, Laguna Beach, Crystal Cove, Laguna Niguel, Torrey Pines, Thousand Oaks, Coto De Caza, Danville
Awards
Featured Articles in Wine Spectator Magazine
Featured in Articles in The Wall Street Journal
Featured in LUXE Magazine
Featured on Bob Vila's "This Old House"
Wine & Spirits Education Trust Certified Level 1, 2 & 3.
California Wine Appellation Specialists
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Vintage Cellars has built gorgeous custom wine cellars and wine storage rooms across the United States and World for over 25 years. We are your go-to business for anything wine cellar and wine storage related! Whether you're interested in a wine closet, wine racking, custom wine racks, a custom wine cellar door, or a cooling system for your existing space, Vintage Cellars has you covered! We carry all kinds of wine cellar cooling and refrigeration systems, incuding: Breezaire, CellarCool, WhisperKool, Wine Guardian, CellarPro and Commercial systems. We also carry many types of Wine Refrigerators, Wine Cabinets, and wine racking types, including La Cache, Marvel, N'Finity, Transtherm, Vinotheque, Vintage Series, Credenza, Walk in wine rooms, Climadiff, Riedel, Fontenay, and VintageView. Vintage Cellars also does work in many styles, including Contemporary and Modern, Rustic, Farmhouse, Traditional, Craftsman, Industrial, Mediterranean, Mid-Century, Industrial and Eclectic. Some locations we cover often include: Agora Hills, Alameda, Albany, Alhambra, Aliso Viejo, Altadena, Anaheim, Angwin, Arcadia, Aromas, Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Atherton, Avila Beach, Balboa Terrace, Bel Air, Belmont, Belvedere, Benton, Berkeley, Bermuda Dunes, Beverly Hills, Big Sur, Bolinas, Boyle Heights, Bradbury, Bradley, Brea, Brentwood, Bridgeport, Brisbane, Buellton, Buena Park, Burbank, Burlingame, Calabasas, Calistoga, Cambria, Canoga Park, Cardiff, Carlsbad, Carmel, Carmel By The Sea, Carmel Valley, Carnelian Bay, Carpinteria, Casmalia, Castroville, Cathedral City, Cayucos, Chatsworth, Chualar, City of LA, City of SF, Coachella, Coleville, Colma, Corona Del Mar, Coronado, Coronado Island, Corte Madera, Costa Mesa, Coto De Caza, Creston, Crystal Cove, Cupertino, Cypress, Danville, Deer Park, Del Mar, Diablo, Duarte, Eagle Rock, East Palo Alto, East Pasadena, Echo Park, El Granada, El Monte, Emeryville, Encinitas, Encino, Fairfax, Foster City, Fountain Valley, Fremont, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Glendale, Golden Gate Park, Goleta, Gonzales, Granada Hills, Granite Bay, Greenbrae, Greenfield, Grover Beach, Guadalupe, Half Moon Bay, Hancock Park, Harmony, Hidden Hills, Hillsborough, Hollywood, Hollywood Hills, Huntington Beach, Indian Wells, Indio, Industry, Inner Richmond, Inverness, Irvine, Jolon, June Lake, Kentfield, King City, La Canada Flintridge, La Habra, La Honda, La Jolla, La Palma, La Quinta, Ladera Heights, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Balboa, Lake Forest, Lake Tahoe, Lake View Terrace, Larkspur, Laurel Canyon, Lee Vining, Lockwood, Lompoc, Long Beach, Los Alamitos, Los Alamos, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Angeles, Los Gatos, Los Olivos, Los Osos, Malibu, Mammoth Lakes, Manhattan Beach, Marin, Marina, Marshall, Mayflower Village, Menlo Park, Mill Valley, Millbrae, Mission Hills, Mission Viejo, Mono, Monrovia, Montara, Montebello, Monterey, Monterey Park, Morro Bay, Moss Beach, Moss Landing, Mountain View, Napa, New Cuyama, Newark, Newport Beach, Newport Coast, Nicasio, Nipomo, North Hills, Northridge, Novato, Oakland, Oakville, Ocean Beach, Oceano, Orange, Orange County, Pacific Grove, Pacific Palisades, Pacoima, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Palo Alto, Palos Verdes, Panorama City, Pasadena, Paso Robles, Pebble Beach, Pescadero, Piedmont, Pismo Beach, Placentia, Point Reyes Station, Pope Valley, Portola Valley, Presidio, Presidio Heights, Rancho Mirage, Rancho Santa Fe, Rancho Santa Margarita, Redondo Beach, Redwood City, Reseda, Rosemead, Russian Cliff, Rutherford, Saint Helena, Salinas, San Anselmo, San Ardo, San Bruno, San Carlos, San Clemente, San Diego, San Fernando, San Francisco, San Gabriel, San Gregorio, San Jose, San Juan Capistrano, San Leandro, San Lorenzo, San Lucas, San Luis Obispo, San Marino, San Mateo, San Miguel, San Rafael, San Simeon, Santa Ana, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Clarita, Santa Margarita, Santa Maria, Santa Monica, Santa Ynez, Saratoga, Sausalito, Sea Cliff, Seal Beach, Seaside, Shadow Hills, Shandon, Sherman Oaks, Sierra Madre, Silver Lake, Solana Beach, Soledad, Solvang, Sonoma, South El Monte, South Pasadena, South San Gabriel, Spreckels, Squaw Valley, St Helena, Stanford, Stanton, Stinson Beach, Stough Park, Studio City, Summerland, Sun Valley, Sunland, Sunnyvale, Sylmar, Tahoe City, Tahoe Vista, Tarzana, Temple City, Templeton, Thousand Oaks, Thousand Palms, Tiburon, Toluca Lake, Topanga, Topaz, Torrey Pines, Tujanga, Tustin, Union City, Valencia, Verdugo Mountains, Vernon, Villa Park, Walnut, Walnut Creek, West Puente Valley, Westminster, Westwood, Whittier, Woodside, Yorba Linda, Yountville San Diego Wine Cellars, Rancho Santa Fe Wine Cellars, Beverly Hills Wine Cellars, Bel Air Wine Cellars, Orange County Wine Cellars, Newport Beach Wine Cellars, San Francisco Wine Cellars, Napa Wine Cellars, Sonoma Wine Cellars, Los Angeles Wine Cellars, Santa Barbara Wine Cellars, Palm Desert Wine Cellars, La Jolla Wine Cellars, Del Mar Wine Cellars, Coronado Wine Cellars, Pacific Palisades Wine Cellars, Malibu Wine Cellars, Santa Monica Wine Cellars, Brentwood Wine Cellars, Laguna Wine Cellars, Crystal Cove Wine Cellars, Hollywood Wine Cellars, Bay Area Wine Cellars, South Bay Wine Cellars, LA Wine Cellars, SD Wine Cellars, OC Wine Cellars, SF Wine Cellars, Huntington Beach Wine Cellars, Carlsbad Wine Cellars, Palos Verdes Wine Cellars, Paso Robles Wine Cellars, Encinitas Wine Cellars, Manhattan Beach Wine Cellars, Marin Wine Cellars, Tiburon Wine Cellars, Coto De Caza Wine Cellars, Thousand Oaks Wine Cellars, Cardiff Wine Cellars, RSF Wine Cellars, San Marino Wine Cellars, Ladera Heights Wine Cellars, Westwood Wine Cellars, Hillsborough Wine Cellars, Luxury Wine Cellars, Custom Wine Cellars, High End Wine Cellars, Estate Wine Cellars, Modern Wine Cellars, Contemporary Wine Cellars, Rustic Wine Cellars, Traditional Wine Cellars Contact Vintage Cellars today with any of your Wine Cellar needs! (800) 876-8789 Vintage Cellars 904 Rancheros Drive San Marcos, California 92069 (800) 876-8789

Sponsored
Delaware, OH
Buckeye Basements, Inc.
Central Ohio's Basement Finishing ExpertsBest Of Houzz '13-'21

The homeowners, having recently moved into their new home in the heart of St. Paul, were dissatisfied with the state of their backyard and sought to transform it into a private oasis. Our client cherished childhood memories of spending time with her family on a porch, so bringing that nostalgia to life for her own family was important to her.
To achieve this, the project included the construction of a beautiful 3 and 1/2 season porch addition, which the client preferred over their initial idea of a standard porch. This addition would allow for year-round enjoyment and relaxation.
The backyard redesign also featured new dining and lounging areas, a cozy fire pit for social gatherings, and a fixed walkway to the garage for added convenience. To enhance privacy, fences were added around the perimeter of the yard. Additionally, dedicated gardening areas were created to allow the client to cultivate their green space. An outdoor deck section specifically designed for a grill was incorporated, providing an ideal spot for outdoor cooking and entertaining. This comprehensive approach ensured enhanced privacy and created a serene retreat that seamlessly blends with the urban surroundings, providing the client with a tranquil escape right at home.

The Belair Building Group is pleased to lend its support to the 'Missing Middle Housing Initiative' led by the City of Victoria. With the current state of the housing market, we are increasingly facing inequities and economic exclusion disproportionately affecting generational people and those already facing significant economic barriers. To address this issue, we need bold solutions and collective actions.

With most homes located in the South of Grand area being of a certain vintage, this newer 90’s era ranch style home is unique in this neighborhood. The homeowners set out to remodel their kitchen and master bathroom with all the most up to date conveniences while adding some character and whimsy.
French Country style elements including cabinetry and tile were selected for the kitchen & master bathroom. The kitchen features a top of the line 48” commercial style range, two drawer dishwashers and an island prep sink. These updates make cooking, prep and clean up a breeze. The master bath now has a convenient space saving laundry unit and added a larger shower by removing the tub. Now this unique newer home has a state-of-the-art kitchen and a dream master bathroom without all the maintenance.
Steps along the way include the initial concepts, 3d renderings, floorplans and elevations all completed by our in house design department. The main challenge with this design was visualizing the pattern backsplash tile just behind the range. This was completed by creating the tile pattern in our 3d software using an actual photograph of the tile.

This 24’ by 22’ addition opens up the kitchen space with an additional room which the kitchen connects to. The newly constructed space serves as a living room/sunroom.
To do this, we tore down the kitchen wall and built a temporary plywood wall to keep the space closed off from the new construction. The new structure was framed and the roof was shingled. To allow for the roof line, new window openings were built and new windows were purchased to meet current egress requirements. The double door that initially went to the exterior was transformed into an 8’ tall opening. The kitchen window at the sink was taken out and now has a wood jamb opening with a granite countertop for a bar where people can sit and watch the cooks at work.
Inside the addition we created some additional cabinet space for another serving area. The cabinetry was framed to fit a beverage cooler. The floor in the addition matches the existing hand scraped wood floor in the kitchen. One particular challenge we faced in the addition was ensuring that the floor elevation for the new addition lined perfectly so that it was seamless.
On the exterior we installed a new cultured ledge stone and a real limestone sill with actual rock face to provide a natural appearance. The stone steps on each of the entryways into the addition have a similar look. The radius steps contain the rock face feature as well. Large windows were installed which match the pitch of the existing roof. The siding on the new structure is sympathetic to the siding on the home. We also installed new state of the art skylights that shut themselves when it rains.

Initially, we were tasked with improving the façade of this grand old Colonial Revival home. We researched the period and local details so that new work would be appropriate and seamless. The project included new front stairs and trellis, a reconfigured front entry to bring it back to its original state, rebuilding of the driveway, and new landscaping. We later did a full interior remodel to bring back the original beauty of the home and expand into the attic.
Photography by Philip Kaake.
https://saikleyarchitects.com/portfolio/colonial-grand-stair-attic/

This 24’ by 22’ addition opens up the kitchen space with an additional room which the kitchen connects to. The newly constructed space serves as a living room/sunroom.
To do this, we tore down the kitchen wall and built a temporary plywood wall to keep the space closed off from the new construction. The new structure was framed and the roof was shingled. To allow for the roof line, new window openings were built and new windows were purchased to meet current egress requirements. The double door that initially went to the exterior was transformed into an 8’ tall opening. The kitchen window at the sink was taken out and now has a wood jamb opening with a granite countertop for a bar where people can sit and watch the cooks at work.
Inside the addition we created some additional cabinet space for another serving area. The cabinetry was framed to fit a beverage cooler. The floor in the addition matches the existing hand scraped wood floor in the kitchen. One particular challenge we faced in the addition was ensuring that the floor elevation for the new addition lined perfectly so that it was seamless.
On the exterior we installed a new cultured ledge stone and a real limestone sill with actual rock face to provide a natural appearance. The stone steps on each of the entryways into the addition have a similar look. The radius steps contain the rock face feature as well. Large windows were installed which match the pitch of the existing roof. The siding on the new structure is sympathetic to the siding on the home. We also installed new state of the art skylights that shut themselves when it rains.

Deck Brightener DSI is designed to be used after Deck Stripper DSI to neutralize the surface and restore the natural beauty of exterior wood. Deck Brightener DSI removes rust or tannin stains caused by fallen leaves and is recommended for use on all species of wood, including redwood.
Deck Brightener DSI is an oxalic acid solution that removes dirt, grime, tannin, rust, and fungi stains from wood surfaces. This liquid concentrate is mixed with water (two parts water to one part concentrate) to brighten and restore the natural beauty of exterior wood. Deck Brightener DSI will not harm wood fibers, grass, or plants when used properly. Deck Brightener DSI is recommended for surface preparation prior to initial application of clear and semi-transparent finishes and stains. It is used as a neutralizer and brightener for all wood species that have been cleaned with Deck Stripper DSI.
Even new wood needs to be cleaned in order to remove mill scale so the surface can more easily absorb deck stains. Deck Brightener DSI is not formulated to remove intact paint, stain, or clear finishes and may dull painted and metal surfaces if not quickly rinsed.
Order Deck Brightener DSI shipped via UPS Ground to all 48 U.S. States except Alaska & Hawaii at:
www.surfacerestoration.com/shop

The clients called me on the recommendation from a neighbor of mine who had met them at a conference and learned of their need for an architect. They contacted me and after meeting to discuss their project they invited me to visit their site, not far from White Salmon in Washington State.
Initially, the couple discussed building a ‘Weekend’ retreat on their 20± acres of land. Their site was in the foothills of a range of mountains that offered views of both Mt. Adams to the North and Mt. Hood to the South. They wanted to develop a place that was ‘cabin-like’ but with a degree of refinement to it and take advantage of the primary views to the north, south and west. They also wanted to have a strong connection to their immediate outdoors.
Before long my clients came to the conclusion that they no longer perceived this as simply a weekend retreat but were now interested in making this their primary residence. With this new focus we concentrated on keeping the refined cabin approach but needed to add some additional functions and square feet to the original program.
They wanted to downsize from their current 3,500± SF city residence to a more modest 2,000 – 2,500 SF space. They desired a singular open Living, Dining and Kitchen area but needed to have a separate room for their television and upright piano. They were empty nesters and wanted only two bedrooms and decided that they would have two ‘Master’ bedrooms, one on the lower floor and the other on the upper floor (they planned to build additional ‘Guest’ cabins to accommodate others in the near future). The original scheme for the weekend retreat was only one floor with the second bedroom tucked away on the north side of the house next to the breezeway opposite of the carport.
Another consideration that we had to resolve was that the particular location that was deemed the best building site had diametrically opposed advantages and disadvantages. The views and primary solar orientations were also the source of the prevailing winds, out of the Southwest.
The resolve was to provide a semi-circular low-profile earth berm on the south/southwest side of the structure to serve as a wind-foil directing the strongest breezes up and over the structure. Because our selected site was in a saddle of land that then sloped off to the south/southwest the combination of the earth berm and the sloping hill would effectively created a ‘nestled’ form allowing the winds rushing up the hillside to shoot over most of the house. This allowed me to keep the favorable orientation to both the views and sun without being completely compromised by the winds.

Custom Pools in Houston, TX – Designed for Luxury Living
At Artesa Build & Design, we specialize in creating custom pools that turn your backyard into a private retreat. Whether you’re dreaming of a sleek modern pool with clean lines, a resort-style lagoon with natural stone accents, or a family-friendly pool with built-in spa and water features, our team brings your vision to life.
Why Choose Artesa for Your Pool Project?
Design-Build Expertise: From initial 3D renderings to final construction, our in-house designers and builders manage every detail.
Custom Features: Infinity edges, tanning ledges, fire bowls, waterfalls, LED lighting, and outdoor kitchens that complement your pool design.
Quality Craftsmanship: We use durable materials and state-of-the-art equipment to ensure long-lasting beauty and performance.
Houston Experience: Our team understands the local climate, soil, and permitting requirements to deliver pools built to thrive in Texas conditions.
Pool Remodeling & Renovations
Already have a pool that needs an upgrade? We provide complete pool remodeling in Houston—from resurfacing and new tile to adding spas, decking, and outdoor living spaces. With a remodeling project, you can transform your old pool into a modern centerpiece.
Outdoor Living Beyond the Pool
Our pool projects are often paired with patio covers, pergolas, and outdoor kitchens, creating the ultimate backyard oasis. Every detail is tailored to your lifestyle—perfect for hosting, relaxing, and enjoying Houston’s warm weather year-round.

The City of Farmington is comprised of numerous historic structures that make up the Farmington Historic District. This Historic District surrounds the project site and played a huge role in the design and construction of the streetscape. While the plans look fascinating on paper, bringing the project to life became a challenge on its own – upon the initial layout of the site, we found that none of the existing buildings were square, so additional cutting would be required for the bricks abutting these structures and the curbs along the road.
Another challenge faced during this project was after the demolition and removal of the existing concrete sidewalk. The demolition had caused damage to the face of the historic buildings, and required careful repairs. These unexpected repairs consisted of turning brick on end to cover blemishes, mortaring bricks on the buildings back into position, and re-cutting concrete sills.
Throughout the project, the stacked diamond pattern involving two different color bricks proved to be a challenge as well. One brick laid out of position could alter the aesthetics of the project and would not be accepted. When working with clay bricks, the dimension tolerances are somewhat loose, which make it difficult to keep clean site-lines due to the carrying sized bricks. Furthermore, the different colored bricks used for this project were created by different manufactures, which amplified the dimension tolerance issue.
Coordination with the project took careful planning and communication. The bricks specified were coming from two different states, one being California. With materials being shipped from across the continent, and tight deadline, managing logistics was key to insuring the success of this project. Further, all of the storefronts remained open during the course of the project, as did the road. This created tight working quarters, and required coordination with shop owners, and careful attention to pedestrians as they walked through the worksite to shop in the stores. For each storefront, the team had to strike the leveling layer up to the entrance, lay the brick pavers, and get past the door in a timely manner as not to interrupt the normal business operations. The tight deadline and unfavorable weather conditions caused the team to work 21 consecutive days to finish on schedule.
Upon completion of the project, the new streetscape complimented the historic feel of the city and looked as if it was meant-to-be. The architect was happy with our workmanship, and pleased with the results.

This design is in a house that almost didn’t happen.
After two decades of cherished memories within its walls, the decision to sell their comfortable, albeit aging, home and embark on the ambitious journey of building their dream house felt like a natural progression for the homeowners..
Their current house, a testament to years of family life, had served them well, but the vision of a custom-built sanctuary, tailored to their every desire, had long captured their imaginations. With floor plans finalized and the lot secured, they confidently listed their established home, anticipating a smooth transition to their future home. However, the real estate market, it seemed, had other plans. Almost immediately after their listing went live, a wave of instability swept through the local market. Multiple offers, which initially seemed promising, began to unravel for various reasons, leaving the homeowners in a state of mounting frustration and doubt.
Each failed negotiation chipped away at their optimism, leading them to confide in their builder that they were seriously considering withdrawing from the new house project altogether. It felt as though their dream was slipping through their fingers, a beautiful vision that might remain just that – a dream. Just as they were steeling themselves to pull their current home off the market, a ray of hope emerged.
A remarkable buyer, seemingly out of nowhere, submitted a robust and appealing offer. The timing was uncanny, a lifeline thrown at the eleventh hour. With the offer now ratified and the wheels of their existing home's sale finally turning, the couple’s focus shifted back to their dream home. The builders, who had patiently weathered their wavering commitment, were now on track to complete the project. And so, in May of 2025, the keys to their meticulously crafted dream home were finally handed over. The following month, the homeowners joyfully moved into their new sanctuary, a testament to their perseverance and the unexpected turn of events that ultimately made their vision a reality.

The natural right of each youngster to a quality instruction was initially recognized in 1948 in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Embraced by the UN General Assembly on 10 December 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) states that: everybody has the privilege to training and that it ought to be free in any event at the essential level. Not just does everybody have the privilege to a free and mandatory essential instruction, that training ought to concentrate on full human advancement, fortify admiration for human rights, and advance comprehension, resistance and companionship (UDHR Article 26).
The 1960, UNESCO Convention Against Discrimination in Education fortifies the privilege to a free and obligatory quality essential trainings laid out in the 1948 UDHR, and further orders that segregation in instruction is an infringement of human rights. It sets out that segregation in instruction incorporates any qualification, rejection, restriction or inclination that depends on race, shading, sex, dialect, religion, political or other feeling, national or social birthplace, monetary condition or conception.
The Convention on the Rights of the Child of 1989 further characterized youngsters' entitlement to training. The Millennium Development Goals and other worldwide traditions have subsequent to fortified instruction as a widespread right to be ensured to ALL youngsters.
Rights-based methodology
Getting to and accepting a quality training is an all inclusive human right. Instruct A Child's work is established in the privilege of ALL CHILDREN around the globe to get to a quality training that regards and elevates their entitlement to pride and full improvement.
There are three imperative parts of instruction as a human right:
Investment in quality instruction in itself;
The act of human rights in training; and
Training as a privilege that encourages the satisfaction of different rights.
Our work depends on various global instruments that recognize instruction as a human right. A few of these global instruments show the fancied nature, or nature of this training. When we take a gander at these instruments together and translate them we go a long ways past single articles to a web of responsibilities that identifies with the profundity and expansiveness of how to start to comprehend instructive quality.
Elucidation of the different instruments as to quality training must be inserted inside of the general current nearby and world settings and desires of instruction. That is, training must be set and comprehended as far as the bigger setting. A quality training must reflect learning in connection to the learner as an individual, a family and group part, and a portion of a world society.
A quality instruction comprehends the past, is significant to the present, and has a perspective to what's to come. Quality training identifies with learning building and the handy utilization of all types of information by special people who capacity both freely and in connection to others. A quality instruction mirrors the dynamic way of society and dialects, the estimation of the person in connection to the bigger setting, and the significance of living in a way that advances equity in the present and encourages an economical future.
About the Author: She is a superb essayist. Her major is «Phycology». She examines the issues of kids' advanceme at courseworkservice.com

This contemporary new residence near the ocean in Ft. Lauderdale, FL is partially clad with a unique wall panel system fabricated from RHEINZINK’s PROTECT LINE of architectural zinc. The PROTECT LINE has a clear coating that provides durable surface protection in aggressive climates. The transparent coating slows down the aging process and preserves the initial appearance of the zinc.
Approximately 1,000 sq. ft. of PROTECT LINE blue-grey RHEINZINK was fabricated by Architectural Innovative Metals, Inc. (AIM), Dallas, into AIM’s Ingot Design Series wall panel system. The Ingot Design Series is a pressure-equalized system that offers superior design flexibility and durability in both dry joint and rain screen applications.
The RHEINZINK panels were prominently installed as column covers, elevator shaft façade and accent panels. According to AIM project manager Chance Johnson, “This is a high-end residence and the use of the RHEINZINK was perfect for the contemporary design and the applications. Our Ingot Design Series is a one piece, modular unit with no extrusions or additional clips. It’s a great system.”
The RHEINZINK panels were installed by Allied Roofing & Sheet Metal, Ft. Lauderdale. The distributor was Old Country Millworks (OCM), Los Angeles. The residence was built by A.V.I. Contractors, Inc., Weston, FL.
RHEINZINK America, Inc. led the introduction of architectural zinc in North America and continues to offer one of the industry’s most reliable, trusted brands. Architects and contractors are supported by unparalleled customer service, technical assistance and installer training. RHEINZINK is readily available through an established network of qualified distributors and systems partners across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Ideal for roofing, façade and gutter applications, RHEINZINK is environmentally friendly, 100% recyclable and offers a potential lifespan of 100 years or more.
For more information on RHEINZINK, call 781-729-0812 or visit www.rheinzink.us.
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