This open-concept living room features a floor-to-ceiling fireplace made of real stone, a flat screen TV, a chandelier over the dining table replaced a ceiling fan, and a charcoal-colored tile kitchen backsplash to contrast with the crisp white cabinets for a sleek modern look. Project designed by Skokie renovation firm, Chi Renovation & Design. They serve the Chicagoland area, and it's surrounding suburbs, with an emphasis on the North Side and North Shore. You'll find their work from the Loop through Lincoln Park, Skokie, Evanston, Wilmette, and all of the way up to Lake Forest. For more about Chi Renovation & Design, click here: https://www.chirenovation.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://www.chirenovation.com/portfolio/noble-square-condo-renovation/

The Pros and Cons of Fix and Flip Real Estate Investment Last week, we covered The Pros and Cons of Buy and Hold Real Estate Investment for rental property investors. This week, we want to talk about the other most common type of real estate investment: “fix and flip.” The Appeal of House Flipping We all love the house flipping shows on HGTV and other reality channels. They’re great and they make the prospect of buying, renovating and flipping homes for big profits seem super sexy and fun. However, any experienced real estate investor will tell you it’s not quite as easy as they make it look. There’s a lot of work that goes into a successful fix and flip investment. The basic premise of a fix and flip investment is pretty simple. You buy a property, usually one that needs some work and is available at a great price. You renovate the property, making the necessary repairs and upgrades to maximize its resale value. Then, you sell the property on the open market for the highest possible price. You get in and out as quickly as possible. Full-time flippers will move from property to property or will have multiple properties being worked on at the same time. Rather than the “buy and hold” strategy where you keep the house while earning rental income and equity over time, you are looking for the quick sale to earn your profits. If you are going to explore house flipping—whether as a full-time career or just a side hustle—you will want to know exactly what you are getting into. That is why we are going to cover the pros and cons of fix and flip real estate investment in this article. The Pros of Fix and Flip Here are some of the pros of fix and flip investing: Faster Return on Investment—The biggest appeal of fix and flip investing is that it gives you a quicker return on investment. Buy and hold will take you longer to see your ROI. House flipping allows you to see your full profit (hopefully) as soon as the house sells. The average house flip for an experienced investor is around six months. It may take longer for a first-timer who is just learning how to do certain things. Fairly Safe Investment—As long as you do all your projections and calculations carefully and avoid any major problems along the way, house flipping is a relatively safe investment strategy compared to something as turbulent as the stock market. Real estate markets are generally predictable and the short time frame of a flip helps you avoid losses if the property happens to depreciate over a longer period of time. Exciting—There is a reason why there are so many reality shows based around flipping and none based on buy and hold investing. It’s an exciting process to buy a home, gut it and completely renovate it. Then, you get the ultimate reward of selling it and collecting the profits—as long as you do things right. The Cons of Fix and Flip Here are some of the cons of fix and flip investing: Upfront Expenses—A house flip will require a lot of upfront expenses. We’re not only talking about financing the house itself, but all the renovation costs and other expenses involved in the flip. You are laying out all that money at the beginning and only seeing your returns when the property sells. This can create cash flow issues and stress if you fall being schedule or go above your initial budget. Taxes—House flips will usually create dramatic swings in income year over year, and that can increase your tax bill. You have to pace things correctly to take advantage of specific capital gains tax rules. Capital gains taxes are higher on any property owned less than a year, so you have to find that balance of how long you own any specific investment properties and how long it takes to complete the renovation and sale. Before you get too deep into fix and flip investing, you will want to talk with your tax advisor to make sure you have the right plan in place. Surprises—All real estate investment is susceptible to surprises. You don’t always know what lies behind the walls until you start the renovation process. You cannot plan for everything as a real estate investor, but you have to be prepared for anything. It is a good idea to add some wiggle room in your budget and overestimate your renovation expenses/timeline to cover any surprises that may come up. These are some of the biggest pros and cons of fix and flip real estate investment. Of course, there are other things you need to know as an investor, so be sure and do your homework in order to get the most out of your investment portfolio. Both fix and flip and buy and hold strategies can be highly lucrative if you do things right. There are no wrong answers, but there are wrong ways of doing things if you truly want to be successful in this field. If you are looking for great investment properties to fix and flip, join the exclusive PropertyLark home buyers’ network. If you qualify, you’ll have access to our exclusive off-market deals and analytics tools that will help you identify the best investments and get the highest possible ROI. Fill out the contact form and questionnaire on the PropertyLark buyer’s site to apply!

Scott DuBose Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen remodel in San Francisco with an undermount sink, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, no island and white countertops

Photo: Rikki Snyder © 2014 Houzz
Kitchen - eclectic kitchen idea in New York

Homeowner Rick Whitworth knew he wanted to settle near Puget Sound after becoming enamored with the area during his Naval career, ultimately building his ultra-contemporary home on Marrowstone Island. The maritime pasts of both the homeowner and the builder Peter Bates of Good Homes Construction influenced the final design and material choices of the Pacific Northwest home. Bates sourced reclaimed wood from a shipyard for the partition in the kitchen. Straight-grain Douglas Fir flooring runs up to the Marvin Ultimate wood windows and up the walls, encasing the interior in warmth. “The Marvin Ultimate line was great because they are so customizable, and you can talk to the factory, and you can talk to the reps, and they'll work with you to say, ‘What are you trying to accomplish? How can we do this? Is that window too big? Will this work this way?’ That was a real appeal of the Ultimate line is how customizable it is,” said Bates. Learn more at: https://www.marvin.com/blog/marrowstone-island-residence MARVIN PRODUCTS USED: Marvin Ultimate Direct Glaze Marvin Ultimate Specialty Shapes Marvin Ultimate Multi-Slide Door Marvin Ultimate Casement Architecture Firm: Shipley Architects Builder: Good Homes Construction Dealer: Carl’s Building Supply

Homeowner Rick Whitworth knew he wanted to settle near Puget Sound after becoming enamored with the area during his Naval career, ultimately building his ultra-contemporary home on Marrowstone Island. The maritime pasts of both the homeowner and the builder Peter Bates of Good Homes Construction influenced the final design and material choices of the Pacific Northwest home. Bates sourced reclaimed wood from a shipyard for the partition in the kitchen. Straight-grain Douglas Fir flooring runs up to the Marvin Ultimate wood windows and up the walls, encasing the interior in warmth. “The Marvin Ultimate line was great because they are so customizable, and you can talk to the factory, and you can talk to the reps, and they'll work with you to say, ‘What are you trying to accomplish? How can we do this? Is that window too big? Will this work this way?’ That was a real appeal of the Ultimate line is how customizable it is,” said Bates. Learn more at: https://www.marvin.com/blog/marrowstone-island-residence MARVIN PRODUCTS USED: Marvin Ultimate Direct Glaze Marvin Ultimate Specialty Shapes Marvin Ultimate Multi-Slide Door Marvin Ultimate Casement Architecture Firm: Shipley Architects Builder: Good Homes Construction Dealer: Carl’s Building Supply

Stay cozy and comfortable with the Artemis white electric fireplace inspired by MagikFlame. Its customizable temperature settings and realistic flame effects create a warm and inviting atmosphere in any room, making it perfect for any homeowner. Discover MagikFlame electric fireplaces: https://magikflame.com/product-category/buy-electric-fireplaces/ Our patented technology is a real game-changer. Others use a mechanical means to recreate the look of fire. Instead, we use actual video of real fire which we then project onto a physical log set making it look like those logs are actually burning. Therefore, you get all the details you would with real fire like wispy smoke and even burning embers which other fireplaces are not capable of producing. We spent 5 years of R&D to produce this cutting edge technology. The Artemis mantel package is a fantastic choice for luxurious homes. This mantel is pure bright white. The Artemis features an elegant arry of rectangular and square-shaped details framed in by crown molding on the front center piece and on the side posts. A perfect fit for a modern home. The Artemis is made from high-quality woods and is a premium piece of furniture. At MagikFlame, our goal is to create the most realistic electric fireplaces ever made. We also believe in improving quality of life by providing people with the best possible cozy and relaxing environment every night. Using our patented holoflame technology, we've innovated the electric fireplace to bring you effortless cozy with friends and family. Because quality family time and relaxation after a hard workday or activity is life changing. Experience 30 Flames. Built-In Heater. Sound. Subscribe to our channel for tips on how to enhance your interior design, accessories, and focal points. Learn more about fireplace technology and the cozy, relaxation, and family atmosphere improvements to your home. We have everything you need to guide you on a journey to forge the American home and better living atmosphere. Shop With Us Online: https://magikflame.com Like MagikFlame on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MagikFlame Follow MagikFlame on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magikflamefireplaces/ Tweet With Us: https://twitter.com/MagikFlameFire Pin With Us: https://www.pinterest.com/MagikFlameElectricFireplaces We attempt to be as accurate as possible. However, MagikFlame cannot guarantee that product descriptions, images or other content of products or services are 100% accurate, complete, reliable, current, or error-free. Some items may appear slightly larger or smaller than the actual size due to screen defaults and photography techniques. This also includes any momentary stutters or artifacts in frames of the flame video loop. Other items may be represented at a larger than the actual size in order to clearly show details, or smaller than the actual size to show the entire item.

With the 28" Insert Only inspired by MagikFlame, you can upgrade your home décor and stay warm all winter long. Its easy-to-use controls and realistic flame effects make it a perfect addition to any living space. Discover MagikFlame electric fireplaces: https://magikflame.com/product-category/buy-electric-fireplaces/ Dimensions: 28"W x 32"T x 12"D Our patented HoloFlame technology is a real game-changer. Others use a mechanical means to recreate the look of fire. Instead, we use actual video of real fire which we then project onto a physical log set making it look like those logs are actually burning. Therefore, you get all the details you would with real fire like wispy smoke and even burning embers which other fireplaces are not capable of producing. We spent 5 years of R&D to produce this cutting-edge technology. At MagikFlame, our goal is to create the most realistic electric fireplaces ever made. We also believe in improving quality of life by providing people with the best possible cozy and relaxing environment every night. Using our patented holoflame technology, we've innovated the electric fireplace to bring you effortless cozy with friends and family. Because quality family time and relaxation after a hard workday or activity is life changing. Experience 30 Flames. Built-In Heater. Sound. Subscribe to our channel for tips on how to enhance your interior design, accessories, and focal points. Learn more about fireplace technology and the cozy, relaxation, and family atmosphere improvements to your home. We have everything you need to guide you on a journey to forge the American home and better living atmosphere. Shop With Us Online: https://magikflame.com Like MagikFlame on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MagikFlame Follow MagikFlame on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magikflamefireplaces/ Tweet With Us: https://twitter.com/MagikFlameFire Pin With Us: https://www.pinterest.com/MagikFlameElectricFireplaces We attempt to be as accurate as possible. However, MagikFlame cannot guarantee that product descriptions, images or other content of products or services are 100% accurate, complete, reliable, current, or error-free. Some items may appear slightly larger or smaller than the actual size due to screen defaults and photography techniques. This also includes any momentary stutters or artifacts in frames of the flame video loop. Other items may be represented at a larger than the actual size in order to clearly show details, or smaller than the actual size to show the entire item.

Benefits of Plantation Shutters Plantation shutters offer advantages and benefits to homeowners over other window coverings including: • A permanent addition to a house: While they don't add much to the sale price and don't guarantee a return on investment, the curb appeal helps the house sell faster. The permanency of plantation shutters allows them to be included in appraisals. • Versatility: Many have the ability to open only halfway if desired. If you want to let in all the light, plantation shutters swing away from the window to grant an unobstructed view. • Insulation: When all louvers are closed, a good insulating barrier is created, trapping unwanted temperatures and saving you money on your energy bill. • Easy maintenance: With wide louvers, a simple wipe-down is often all that's needed. Vinyl shutters can be taken off their hinges and sprayed off for a major cleaning. • Elegance: The classic, yet modern look conveys a permanency like no other window dressing can. Whether painted or natural wood, they all have a look that says; welcome home. Wood vs. Faux Wood It's not hard to argue that natural wood is more appealing than vinyl or PVC. However, "faux wood," as it's sometimes called, has some advantages: • Price -- Faux wood shutters are often lower in price than real wood. • Weight -- Because some shutters are made "hollow core" (as opposed to vinyl-wrapped medium density fiberboard, MDF), they can be significantly lighter. • Moisture Resistance -- If you live in an area with high humidity, hollow faux wood or aluminum core will resist expanding and sagging. (MDF core louvers will tend to expand and crack as the material swells with moisture.) Natural wood is the choice for those who have a very healthy budget or for whom a specific appearance is a must. Among the advantages are: • Size -- Because wood plantation shutters are made of hardwood, they can be quite a bit larger than plastic or vinyl. Vinyl shutters larger than 29 inches may be prone to sag, so they need divider rails or other supports which can destroy the traditional look of a plantation shutter. • Natural -- While vinyl or plastic shutters can be painted to match any color scheme, the natural shades and finishes of the various species of wood have something for every look. • Classic -- While many plastic shutters can be made to look like real wood, the faux wood finishes can vary significantly depending on manufacturer and model. Up close, it can be easy to tell they're plastic. The warmth of natural wood is a classic feel that's impossible to beat. Popular Plantation Shutter Brands When you go to purchase your plantation shutters, brands names may offer a good representation of high-, mid-, and low-cost range of what's available. Which one you choose depends on your budget and your tastes. Hunter-Douglas and Norman Shutters produce three lines of plantation shutters in both real wood and faux wood styles. A higher-end product, Hunter-Douglas may be worth the cost for beauty and quality of workmanship. The Window Outfitters and Sunland produce a mid-cost line of shutters. The mid-range pricing may be for those who are balancing aesthetics with a budget. National franchise and or box stores may not offer an in-house expert or designer. Look to local companies that specialize in plantation shutters looking online may offer a low-cost brand for budget-minded DIYers. Available in both faux and real wood, the affordability combines with the visual appeal to make this a very popular choice for plantation shutters. Regardless of which line you go with, be sure to ask about frames. Generally all manufactures offer frame choices and may add to the cost, but they add an unsurpassed beauty and warmth to a room with plantation shutters. Plantation shutters look like similar to wooden blinds, but there are significant differences. Blinds are often narrow, made of aluminum or vinyl, and the slats tilt based on a gear and pulley mechanism and they hang in the window with cords. By contrast, plantation shutters have wide compound louvers that fit into a frame and are controlled by way of a wooden rod running up the middle. When not needed, they can be manufactured to swing back onto the wall. Options to are available to build a more contemporary look with a larger view with a “hidden tilt” feature. Cost of Plantation Shutters Nationally, the cost of plantation shutters, depending on their size and the material, whether or not they are custom arches and colors or stains, may vary. Most manufacturers want their shutters to be professionally installed to keep the warranty intact which is a benefit to the customer in the long run. They will usually have a limited lifetime warranty. Cost of Installation Costs for having plantation shutters installed by a contractor are a bit more predictable. Contractors who have installed plantation shutters before can quickly get accurate measurements and suggest which materials would work best in different rooms. For example, while natural wood may look beautiful in your living room, it might not be so practical in a bathroom where moisture will cause the wood to warp. The size, material, and quality of the shutter will have a significant effect on the cost. Contractors usually go through a shutter supplier and can get various sizes that are not normally available at home improvement stores. Hiring a professional team of knowledgeable suppliers and installers is a good choice. Here are some sample prices of the shutters most contractors use for standard-sized windows: In general, plantation shutters should cost approximately $20 to $26 per square foot. Labor costs depend on factors such as the contractor's workload, remoteness of the location, environment, and the contractor's overhead. Labor generally runs about $100 per hour and will be added to the shutter cost. • 16x20 -- Faux wood $120. Real wood $156 • 24x50 -- Faux wood $160. Real wood $208 • 36x54 -- Faux wood $270. Real wood $351 • 36x60 -- Faux wood $300 Real wood $390 • 42x72 -- Faux wood $420. Real wood $546 • 48x82 -- Faux wood $550. Real wood $715 DIY Plantation shutters can be purchased and installed by the homeowners. How much they cost will depend on size and material. Faux wood shutter’s cost depends on size and wooden shutter’s cost will depend on size and whether or not they are painted or stained. • Natural wood is $90-$600 depending on size. Many companies offer standard stained selection but custom color matching may be available from $175 -$250. • Faux wood will be from $120-$500. • Additional tools include: Hang Strips $4-$15 and about $4 for mounting hardware. Locks or closures can cost up to $15 for each shutter. Finally, if you order them online, you can expect to pay $30-$70 shipping per shutter or per set of shutters per window depending on the supplier. Keep in mind that even if you're handy with tools, installing shutters can be time-consuming if you've never done it before there is defiantly a learning curve.

This house had a graphic makeover to help the Realtor show the true potential of this house to prospective buyers. Wood siding, windows, and shutters help create curb appeal. The roof was reduced on the front addition making it look less obtrusive. Landscaping tops it off. Not tacky specimen plants or the usual landscaped plantings but simple elegant plants to help play off the architecture, not attract attention. The image was created graphically so the new homeowner can see the result and be sure what they want. They can give this to their builder to use as a guide to be sure they GET what they want. Read the full story here: http://www.oldhouseguy.com/old-house-renovation/

Viewed from inside the house, there is no longer a separation between the water and the comfortable living one can have here. The sun room now seamlessly connects home life to a real living experience by the water.

seacoast real estate Photography
Transitional galley light wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen photo in Manchester with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, soapstone countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Remodel done by HGTV's Restored by the Fords. They visited our sawmill, forest, and flooring plant to learn about the whole production process and how sustainable our forests are in Pennsylvania. Flooring details: White Oak Live Sawn herringbone. 4" x 32"

NonStop Staging-Staged Living Room, Photography by Christina Cook Lee
Large trendy formal and open concept light wood floor and beige floor living room photo in Tampa with gray walls, no fireplace and no tv

Rob Yagid, Fine Homebuilding Magazine
Patio - country patio idea in Other

Stay cozy and comfortable with the Artemis white electric fireplace inspired by MagikFlame. Its customizable temperature settings and realistic flame effects create a warm and inviting atmosphere in any room, making it perfect for any homeowner. Discover MagikFlame electric fireplaces: https://magikflame.com/product-category/buy-electric-fireplaces/ Our patented technology is a real game-changer. Others use a mechanical means to recreate the look of fire. Instead, we use actual video of real fire which we then project onto a physical log set making it look like those logs are actually burning. Therefore, you get all the details you would with real fire like wispy smoke and even burning embers which other fireplaces are not capable of producing. We spent 5 years of R&D to produce this cutting edge technology. The Artemis mantel package is a fantastic choice for luxurious homes. This mantel is pure bright white. The Artemis features an elegant arry of rectangular and square-shaped details framed in by crown molding on the front center piece and on the side posts. A perfect fit for a modern home. The Artemis is made from high-quality woods and is a premium piece of furniture. At MagikFlame, our goal is to create the most realistic electric fireplaces ever made. We also believe in improving quality of life by providing people with the best possible cozy and relaxing environment every night. Using our patented holoflame technology, we've innovated the electric fireplace to bring you effortless cozy with friends and family. Because quality family time and relaxation after a hard workday or activity is life changing. Experience 30 Flames. Built-In Heater. Sound. Subscribe to our channel for tips on how to enhance your interior design, accessories, and focal points. Learn more about fireplace technology and the cozy, relaxation, and family atmosphere improvements to your home. We have everything you need to guide you on a journey to forge the American home and better living atmosphere. Shop With Us Online: https://magikflame.com Like MagikFlame on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MagikFlame Follow MagikFlame on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magikflamefireplaces/ Tweet With Us: https://twitter.com/MagikFlameFire Pin With Us: https://www.pinterest.com/MagikFlameElectricFireplaces We attempt to be as accurate as possible. However, MagikFlame cannot guarantee that product descriptions, images or other content of products or services are 100% accurate, complete, reliable, current, or error-free. Some items may appear slightly larger or smaller than the actual size due to screen defaults and photography techniques. This also includes any momentary stutters or artifacts in frames of the flame video loop. Other items may be represented at a larger than the actual size in order to clearly show details, or smaller than the actual size to show the entire item.

Just Listed in one of Edmond's most sought-after communities. Twin Bridges is the only neighborhood that directly adjoins the newest Edmond Elementary School, Heritage Elementary. Check out our video to learn more: https://youtu.be/8-JWf9nI854 We take a very strategic approach to marketing our listings and would love to show you why more than half of our homes have sold for list price or more this past year, and why we haven't had a single listing expire in over 8 years. Call us (405-802-4663) if you'd like to explore the idea of yours being next.

Photo by Alen Lin
Dining room - modern dining room idea in Los Angeles

Living Room and Family Room are one large room with a vaulted ceiling separated by a brick fireplace pillar. The fireplace pillar was reconfigured to allow for a wide-screen TV on the family room side. All new trims, baseboards and doors in the redone living room. All new, modern lighting was installed. Heated du chateau flooring was added. Bruce Damonte Photography