Basement - coastal basement idea in DC Metro

Garnett Valley PA master bath remodel. These clients wanted a larger shower but windows facing the front of the home and the long linear shape of the bath created a unique design challenge. Steve Vickers conquered that issue with his new design. The door of the shower is angled at the window allowing more depth so the new shower could be a foot wider while still leaving a 26” shower door entrance. New Fabuwood vanity cabinets and linen closet in Galaxy Horizon finish; provide needed extra storage. New granite countertops, shower wall caps, and seat along with new tile make this shower and bath look complete.

Inspiration for a farmhouse dining room remodel in DC Metro

The narrow window on the home created a great opportunity for us to carry that architectural feature into the landscape. 'Brachytricha' ornamental grasses in slate chip add a linear element to the side yard. Renn Kuhnen Photography

The Architect House is located on a breathtaking five-acre property in Great Falls, VA. This modern home was designed to shape itself into the site and landscape. By doing so each indoor space individually responds to the corresponding outdoor space. The entire house is then able to knit itself together with spaces that freely flow together from inside and out. The orientation of the house allows sunlight to tell the time of the day while you are inside. Upon entering you see straight through a central atrium and into the landscape beyond. Natural light and views of nature are captured from every angle inside the home. The modern exterior design of the house utilizes a linear brick at the base of the house that anchors it to the land. Gray and cedar colored modern architectural panel siding alternate patterns on all facades of the house, accentuating the different volumes. These volumes are then capped off by low sloping metal panel roofs. Exposed steel beans and columns are utilized to create long spans of covered outdoor spaces that then easily recede into the backdrop of the landscape. The design of this modern home is in harmony with the site and landscape creating a warm welcoming feeling and one that conveys that the house belongs there.

Using a wide angle lens, Angela was able to capture the full detail of this tiny 3x6 bathroom. The owners wanted an "interesting" powder room. They got it! www.angelabrownphotography.com

Example of a mid-sized transitional master gray tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile and gray floor bathroom design in Philadelphia with flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, a two-piece toilet, blue walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door and white countertops

New Floating Seating Bench; Popular Bathroom Frame New Floating Bench with the Angled Bottom Portion. We also adjust the drain and installed a New Linear Drain under the Bench. Shower Remodeling is Completed by Popular Bathroom Specialist and Professionals. Please see more on Yelp.com

Margaret Speth Photography
Example of a large trendy master gray tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile bathroom design in Portland with white walls

Our returning clients, middle-aged professionals, reached out to us to remodel their bathrooms as they transition from raising children to focusing on their own comfort and living space. They asked us to modernize their ensuite and shared bathroom, both of which had become outdated and impractical for their current needs. In the ensuite bathroom, we removed a partition wall to redesign and expand the shower and toilet areas, creating a spacious open-concept layout. We added custom cabinetry with pull-out pantries, finished in a bright paint, and a large linear perimeter for ample storage and countertop space. The countertops and backsplash feature dusk veining, paired with brushed nickel sinks, faucets, and cabinet hardware, giving the space a contemporary yet timeless update. A new curbless glass enclosure adds a striking focal point, while the removal of an underused angled jetted tub creates space for an elegant freestanding tub. In the shared bathroom, we replaced the tub with a modern curbed shower and enhanced the aesthetic with large, colorful porcelain floor tiles that tie together the artistic essence of the home. The result is a significantly more functional and visually appealing space that reflects our clients' unique style and needs.

It's all in the details with this bathroom! Quartz waterfall cap on the pony wall of the shower mirrors the waterfall edge on the vanity. We also used quartz to cap the ledges of the niches, and the shower bench. Stack stone wainscoting surrounds the freestanding tub area. Custom his and hers vanity cabinets with a Cappuccino stain include hidden electrical, individualized storage areas, and coordinating framed mirrors over vanity. Same linear glass mosaic tile was used as an accent for the vanity backsplash, and decorative bands running through shower. Polished travertine-looking porcelain tile installed on shower walls. 2.5" wood-look hexagon tiles installed on shower floor. Rustic barn door was custom designed and stained for this project. Ran wood-look porcelain planks at a 45 degree angle on bathroom floor, and installed matching tile baseboads. LED can lights and bubble glass pendant lights illuminate the space. Photo Credit: David Elton

NatKay photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional galley medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Toronto with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula and white countertops

ver look at your iron fence and wonder how rust crept up so fast? For homeowners across Chicago's North Side and Near West Side, that moment of recognition often comes too late. Windy City Painters built this project guide to help you understand exactly what a professional iron fence restoration involves, what products matter, and what Chicago's climate demands from every coat of paint applied to exposed metal. PROJECT OVERVIEW This iron fence restoration involved a multi-unit property featuring an ornamental iron perimeter fence typical of Chicago's greystone and courtyard building streetscape. The fence presented moderate-to-severe surface rust, multiple areas of paint delamination, and two sections with deep pitting requiring needle gun descaling before any coating could be applied. The goal was full rust remediation and a durable topcoat finish built for Chicago's demanding climate. Windy City Painters completed the project in two days with zero damage to surrounding hardscape. MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS Ospho Rust Converter - A phosphoric acid-based treatment that chemically transforms iron oxide into iron phosphate, halting active corrosion before primer is applied. Essential on Chicago iron exposed to decades of salt air and freeze-thaw cycling. Corroseal Rust-Inhibitive Primer - A water-based latex primer with built-in rust inhibitors, applied over converted surfaces to seal and prepare metal for topcoating. Sherwin-Williams DTM Acrylic Coating - Direct-to-Metal formulation delivering exceptional adhesion, flexibility, and corrosion resistance. Available in satin and semi-gloss, ideal for ornamental iron fence painting across Chicago properties. THE PROCESS Step 1 - Mechanical Surface Preparation: Wire wheel grinding with angle grinder attachments removed all loose rust scale, failing paint, and surface contamination. Heavily pitted sections received needle gun descaling to expose clean stable metal beneath. This step determines everything. No primer or topcoat performs correctly over compromised metal, regardless of product quality. Windy City Painters treats prep as the primary investment on every iron fence project. Step 2 - Rust Conversion: Ospho was applied liberally to all areas showing active rust. The phosphoric acid reaction was allowed to complete fully before any priming began. On severely oxidized sections, a second Ospho application ensured complete conversion. This step is non-negotiable in Chicago where freeze-thaw cycles push moisture into every surface irregularity. Step 3 - Priming with Corroseal: Full coverage Corroseal primer coat sealed the converted surface and established adhesion for the finish coats. Corroseal's rust-inhibitive chemistry adds a secondary barrier against moisture penetration, extending the effective life of the topcoat by years in Chicago's humid lakefront environment. Step 4 - DTM Topcoat Application: Two coats of Sherwin-Williams DTM acrylic in satin black were applied by brush to ensure full penetration into ornamental detail. DTM's flexibility accommodates the metal expansion and contraction Chicago temperatures demand, from minus-15 winters to 95-degree July afternoons. Final coverage was uniform and true to color. CHICAGO-SPECIFIC CHALLENGES Chicago iron faces challenges most other markets do not. Lake Michigan humidity accelerates surface oxidation year-round. Road salt from winter de-icing migrates to fence bases and lower rails. Freeze-thaw cycling cracks poorly adhered coatings within a single winter. Greystones, two-flats, and Victorian brownstones often feature original ornamental ironwork with decades of layered paint that must be assessed before any new coating is added. Windy City Painters factors all of these conditions into every iron fence estimate and material selection. WHAT TO EXPECT LONG-TERM A properly prepared and coated iron fence using the Ospho, Corroseal, and Sherwin-Williams DTM system should deliver 5-8 years of performance in Chicago conditions. Annual visual inspection for chips or scratches, followed by prompt spot priming, extends that timeline significantly. Full refinishing cycles become less frequent when the initial prep work is done correctly. PRO TIPS Tip 1 - Never skip the rust converter. Painting over active rust with even the best topcoat guarantees early failure. Ospho or a comparable phosphoric acid treatment must precede any primer on iron showing orange or brown oxidation. Tip 2 - Assess for weld repairs before scheduling painting. If rust has eaten through the metal creating structural voids or broken sections, a welder must address those areas before painting begins. Windy City Painters identifies weld repair needs during the free estimate. Tip 3 - Choose satin or semi-gloss finish on iron. Flat finishes on metal hold moisture and show wear faster. Satin DTM provides enough sheen to shed water while maintaining the traditional look Chicago ornamental iron demands. Ready to restore your iron fence the right way? Visit windypainters.com to schedule your free estimate with Windy City Painters. FAQ Q: What does iron fence painting cost in Chicago? A: Most residential iron fence projects range from $500 to $1,800 depending on linear footage, rust severity, and prep requirements. Windy City Painters provides free detailed on-site estimates for accurate iron fence painting cost in Chicago. Q: How do I know if my fence needs rust conversion or just repainting? A: Any visible orange or brown rust requires chemical conversion before priming. Windy City Painters evaluates every fence during the estimate to determine whether Ospho, mechanical prep, or weld repair is needed before coating begins. Q: Can you paint iron in cold Chicago weather? A: DTM coatings have lower application temperature thresholds than standard exterior paint, but we avoid application below 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Windy City Painters schedules iron fence projects for appropriate weather windows throughout the season. Q: How long does iron fence paint last in Chicago? A: With complete rust conversion, Corroseal priming, and Sherwin-Williams DTM topcoat, iron fence painting in Chicago lasts 5-8 years. Annual inspections and prompt touch-ups of chips extend that timeline further. Q: Do I need a welder before an iron fence can be painted? A: Only if rust has created structural voids or breaks in the metal. Windy City Painters assesses this during the free estimate and can coordinate with welders when needed before our painting crew begins. Q: What is the difference between Ospho and Corroseal? A: Ospho is a rust converter applied directly to active rust to chemically neutralize it. Corroseal is a rust-inhibitive primer applied over converted or clean metal. Windy City Painters often uses both in sequence for maximum protection on Chicago iron. Q: How often should Chicago iron fences be inspected? A: Annual inspection is recommended, ideally in early spring after winter salt and freeze-thaw exposure. Catching small chips and bare spots early allows simple touch-up rather than full iron fence repainting, saving significant cost.

Some perennials are grouped in linear fashion to emphasize the modern, angled bed lines. Renn Kuhnen Photography
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary drought-tolerant and full sun front yard landscaping in Milwaukee for summer.

Example of a beach style home bar design in DC Metro

Garnett Valley PA master bath remodel. These clients wanted a larger shower but windows facing the front of the home and the long linear shape of the bath created a unique design challenge. Steve Vickers conquered that issue with his new design. The door of the shower is angled at the window allowing more depth so the new shower could be a foot wider while still leaving a 26” shower door entrance. New Fabuwood vanity cabinets and linen closet in Galaxy Horizon finish; provide needed extra storage. New granite countertops, shower wall caps, and seat along with new tile make this shower and bath look complete.

Example of a mid-sized transitional master gray tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile and gray floor bathroom design in Philadelphia with flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, a two-piece toilet, blue walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door and white countertops

Built for entertaining in mind for indoors & outdoors, this two storey, four bedroom, three car garage, c/w in-law suite, is an open concept floor plan, to accommodate the space for the primary family with live-in aging parents. The space flows seamlessly upon entering the home boasting contemporary styling & modern sleek finishes throughout. Expansive amount of glazing for natural lighting floods the home A two storey Entry/Foyer extends into the two storey Great room, featuring a 72"" linear fireplace with wood veneer feature wall. The mezzanine splits the space overlooking the foyer & great room, interconnected to two storey cultured stone feature wall anchoring the entire open main level together. The “U”-shaped floating open riser stairwell with sleek modern guardrails, features two storey window glazing on two walls creating a corner focal point. An in-law suite situated on the main level uniquely designed, c/w a private outdoor amenity space for independent living & entertaining. A large ultra-modern style kitchen, with massive walk-in Pantry, with a huge island & stools that flows into the covered lanai equipped with an outdoor kitchen, tying the indoor space with the outdoors. The Dining Room serves as the main eating area & formal dinner functions. Access off foyer to an open concept office with glass wall. The 2nd floor features a Master Bedroom with open concept walk-in closet & spacious master ensuite, plus three additional bedrooms, with a shared an private ensuite & a Laundry room with ample circulation space to iron & fold clothing. Outdoor amenity space include an in-ground pool & outdoor cabana c/w a sitting area with fire pit, combined in a heavily wooded forest setting, surrounded by nature, makes living in this home feel like you are on luxury holiday in a private resort like setting.

This is the front staircase. Again, all different angles on each tread and riser. This portion took us an additional 9 hours to complete
Inspiration for a craftsman staircase remodel in Philadelphia