This paving and planting scheme features new hard landscaping elements and a new planting scheme. Artscape was initially briefed to extend and enhance the patio in the garden of a lovely home in the village of Cookham Dean in Berkshire. Our clients wanted to increase the size of the paved area so they could use it more frequently for relaxing and dining in the sun during the day. As well as increasing its size and practicality, they wanted the terrace to look and feel more inviting. The existing site was a mixture of brick paving, which was slippery underfoot, and tired concrete crazy paving. The patio also had stone retaining walls surrounded by sloped lawns and a few poorly maintained and mismatched shrubs. Redesigned and repaved area We first created a new, larger layout with a series of wider steps closer to the house, making a more inviting and welcoming area. Our landscapers paved the area with coursed sandstone, renowned for its incredible strength and durability. The earthy tones and unique texture of the sandstone gives it a natural timeless look which blends sympathetically with the garden setting. The worn finish of the paving also makes the surface safer to walk on. The edge of the paving curves in line from the end of the house to visually link the areas. Bullnosed edges enhance looks and safety Bullnosing provides the garden step edges with a smooth, luxury appearance, which also enhance safety. Safety is an important factor to consider when renovating or building new steps and paved areas. Smooth, rounded bullnosed steps or edges means there won’t be any harshly cut, sharp edges to injure someone should they trip or fall. Our Artscape paving experts can advise on the best bespoke, professionally profiled bullnose edges to suit the needs of your garden project. Replacing sloped lawns with plants Our initial brief was to create a new planted border just around the paved area. However, after various discussions and designs, our clients decided to follow our recommendation to expand the planting, so it included the whole sloping bank. The planting design also included the addition of small trees to create vertical interest. New nature-friendly planting The planting features an easy-to-maintain mix of perennials, grasses, and shrubs. This adds softness to the seating area and brings an everchanging display of flowers, foliage, textures and colours to the garden. The plants will attract more birds and butterflies to the garden, and will be beneficial for insects too. The lawn was doing very little to support a diversity of insects and birds. Replacing even a small section of lawn with perennial flowers, shrubs, grasses, wildflowers, or groundcovers will benefit nature and wildlife. As well as supporting greater biodiversity, plants are more environmentally friendly than maintaining a lawn. Lawns are drought tolerant and will recover even if the grass has turned brown and patchy in a heatwave. But to keep the lawn looking lush, green, and beautiful in a hot, dry spell will require constant and wasteful watering. The planting is informal and includes grasses, taking inspiration from the fields opposite. Ornamental grasses soften the scheme and bring movement to the garden as they shimmer in the slightest of breezes. Grasses are easy to grow and require little ongoing care. The main maintenance task is to cut the planting back in spring ready for the new growth to come through. To keep the whole project within our client’s budget, we retained the existing walls, simply carrying out some small repairs and modifications where necessary. We were also able to add stunning new atmospheric lighting to the older existing lighting circuit to illuminate the area at night.

My clients approached me with a building that had become run down over the years they were hoping to transform into a home office. The plaster walls and ceilings were cracking badly, the trim work was patchy, and there was an awkward flow to the second floor due to weird stairs in the back hallway. There were a ton of amazing elements to the building as well (that were an absolute must to maintain) like the beautiful main staircase, existing marble fireplace mantel and the double set of interior entry doors with a frosted glass design transom above. The extent of the construction on the interior included extensive demolition. Everything came down except for most of the interior walls and the second floor ceilings. We put in all brand new HVAC, electrical and plumbing. Blow-in-Blanket insulation was installed in all the perimeter walls, new drywall, trim, doors and flooring. The front existing windows were refinished. The exterior windows were replaced with vinyl windows, but the shape and sash locations were maintained in order to maintain the architectural integrity of the original windows. Exterior work included a new front porch. The side porch was refaced to match the front and both porches received new stamped concrete steps and platform. A new stamped concrete walkway from the street was put in as well. The building had a few doors that weren't being used anymore at the side and back. They were covered up with new Cape Cod siding to match the exterior window color.

Why Mattress Thickness Is One of the Most Misunderstood Specs When most people shop for a memory foam mattress, they focus on firmness, materials, and brand. Thickness tends to be an afterthought — or worse, treated as a proxy for quality. The assumption goes: thicker equals better. That assumption is wrong in a meaningful number of cases, and getting it wrong means waking up with exactly the kind of stiffness, pressure pain, or lower back ache you bought a new mattress to avoid. The right thickness for a memory foam mattress is not a single number. It is a combination of your body weight, your sleep position, and any specific health conditions you are managing. A 14-inch mattress that provides ideal support for a 250-pound side sleeper may cause a 115-pound stomach sleeper to experience spinal misalignment all night. A 10-inch mattress that works perfectly for a back sleeper of average build offers inadequate pressure relief for a heavier side sleeper whose hips need to sink further into the comfort layer before the support base engages. This guide maps thickness to the factors that actually determine whether a mattress works for your body. It covers the science of mattress layers, the three primary variables (weight, position, condition), and a complete decision table so you can find your ideal thickness without guesswork. Understanding Mattress Thickness: Layers, Not Just Height A memory foam mattress’s total thickness is the sum of its individual layers, and those layers serve entirely different functions. Two mattresses that are both 12 inches thick may feel radically different because their comfort layer depths and support core thicknesses are distributed differently. The Two Parts That Matter Every memory foam mattress has two functional zones: the comfort layer at the top and the support core at the bottom. The comfort layer — which in quality mattresses consists of gel-infused viscoelastic foam, transition foam, and a cooling cover — is the zone that contours to your body, relieves pressure, and cushions the joints. The support core — high-density foam or pocketed springs in a hybrid — is the zone that keeps the spine aligned and prevents the entire body from sinking into the mattress. The key relationship is this: the comfort layer must be deep enough for your body’s heaviest pressure points to sink in fully before the firmer support core pushes back. If it is too shallow, those pressure points press against a firm surface and cause localised pain. If the support core is too thin, the whole mattress sags under body weight and the spine loses alignment regardless of how comfortable the top feels. Here is how EGOHOME’s Black series layers map to these functions: Layer Material Function EGOHOME Technology Cover (0.5–1") Fabric + cooling tech Temperature regulation, hygiene Anti-heat™ Graphene Cooling Cover Comfort layer (2–6") Gel foam, AeroFusion™ Pressure relief, contouring Copper Gel AeroFusion™ Foam Transition layer (1–2") Mid-density foam Prevents sinkage past comfort zone BraceSleeper™ Support Foam (upper) Support core (6–12") High-density foam or coils Spinal alignment, edge support BraceSleeper™ Support Foam (core) Thickness alone does not tell you how a mattress will perform. A 14-inch mattress with a 2-inch comfort layer and a 12-inch support core will feel firm and supportive. A 14-inch mattress with a 6-inch comfort layer and an 8-inch support core will feel plush and contouring. Always check the comfort layer depth, not just the total inches. Memory Foam Mattress Thickness Ranges: What Each Category Delivers Here is a complete breakdown of what to expect from each thickness range and who each suits best: Thickness Profile Best Use Case Body Weight Best Sleep Position 6–8" Low profile Children, bunk beds, guest rooms, adjustable bases Under 130 lbs Kids, lightweight, occasional use 8–10" Standard-thin Stomach sleepers, lightweight adults, budget setups Under 130 lbs Stomach, lightweight back sleepers 10–12" Standard Most adults, back sleepers, back pain relief 130–230 lbs Back, stomach, combo sleepers 12–14" High-profile Side sleepers, plus-size, pressure relief 130–230 lbs+ Side sleepers, hip/shoulder pain 14"+ Premium Plus-size sleepers, heavy duos, luxury setups 230 lbs+ Plus-size, side sleepers, chronic pain 6–8 Inches: Low-Profile (Specific Use Cases Only) Low-profile mattresses in the 6 to 8 inch range are designed for specific applications rather than general adult use. They work well on bunk beds and trundle beds where height clearance is limited, for children’s beds where a lower sleep surface is safer, on adjustable bases where the mattress needs to flex significantly, and for lightweight individuals under 130 pounds who need minimal depth to reach the support core. For a standard adult of average build, a mattress under 8 inches is unlikely to provide adequate comfort layer depth for sustained pressure relief. 8–10 Inches: Standard-Thin (Stomach Sleepers and Lightweight Adults) The 8 to 10 inch range is the practical starting point for most adult use. At this thickness, there is enough comfort layer to provide basic pressure relief without the excessive depth that allows heavier body sections to sink past the support zone. Stomach sleepers in particular benefit from this range: when sleeping face down, the goal is to keep the hips from sinking lower than the shoulders and chest, which would create a downward bow in the lumbar spine. A thinner mattress with a firmer feel prevents this hyperextension more reliably than a thicker, softer model. EGOHOME offers 8-inch memory foam options suited to this profile. 10–12 Inches: Standard (The Sweet Spot for Most Adults) The 10 to 12 inch range is the most broadly appropriate thickness for adults of standard build. At this depth, a quality memory foam mattress contains enough comfort layer material to contour genuinely around the hips and shoulders without allowing the body to bottom out into the support core. It also contains enough support core depth to maintain spinal alignment under continuous body weight across seven or eight hours. Back sleepers of standard weight (130 to 230 pounds) typically find this range the most supportive, as the lumbar region receives adequate underlying resistance without the excessive softness that taller mattresses can develop under consistent pressure. 12–14 Inches: High-Profile (Side Sleepers and Plus-Size Sleepers) The 12 to 14 inch range addresses two specific needs: side sleepers who require a deep enough comfort layer to allow the shoulder and hip to sink in while the waist remains supported, and heavier individuals whose body weight requires more foam depth before reaching full support core engagement. For a side sleeper of standard or higher body weight, a comfort layer of less than 4 to 6 inches is often not deep enough for the shoulder to sink fully into an aligned position. The result is an upward lateral bow in the thoracic spine that causes shoulder and upper back pain upon waking. The EGOHOME Black 14-inch Pro and Hybrid models are built specifically for this thickness range. 14 Inches and Above: Premium and Plus-Size Mattresses at 14 inches or more are appropriate for plus-size sleepers over 230 pounds and for couples where one partner is significantly heavier. At higher body weights, a greater depth of both comfort material and support foam is required because the heavier load compresses the foam more aggressively. A support core that adequately resists a 160-pound sleeper may allow excessive sinkage under a 280-pound sleeper, causing the hips to drop past the point of lumbar support. EGOHOME’s Black 14-inch Firm model includes a 12-inch BraceSleeper™ Support Foam core specifically designed to resist this deep compression under higher body weights. Thickness by Body Weight: The Primary Determining Factor Body weight is the single most important variable in thickness selection because it directly determines how far the body sinks into the foam. The same mattress will feel completely different to a 120-pound sleeper versus a 240-pound sleeper, because the heavier person compresses the foam significantly more deeply. Lightweight Sleepers (Under 130 lbs) Lightweight sleepers do not need and often cannot benefit from thick mattresses. Because they exert less pressure on the foam, they may not compress a 14-inch mattress deeply enough to feel the support core at all, resulting in a floating sensation with insufficient underlying resistance. For lightweight sleepers, 8 to 10 inches provides adequate comfort layer depth for full pressure relief. The EGOHOME Black 10-inch Classic (medium feel) is the appropriate starting point for this weight category. Standard-Weight Sleepers (130–230 lbs) Standard-weight adults represent the broadest population of mattress buyers, and the 10 to 12 inch range was designed specifically for this group. At this weight range, the body compresses the comfort layer meaningfully enough for the foam to contour around pressure points, while the support core remains thick enough to prevent excessive sinkage. The EGOHOME Black 12-inch and the Black 10-inch ranges both address this category, with the 12-inch models being more appropriate for side sleepers who need the extra comfort layer depth. Plus-Size Sleepers (Over 230 lbs) Heavier sleepers require 12 to 14 inches at minimum to prevent bottoming out — the point at which body weight compresses through the comfort layer entirely and the sleeper feels the firm support core directly. Bottoming out eliminates pressure relief completely and can significantly worsen joint pain and lower back stiffness. EGOHOME recommends a suggested maximum of 300 pounds per person across their mattress range, and the 14-inch Hybrid and 14-inch Firm models are engineered with the deeper support cores required to handle higher body weights without performance degradation over time. Thickness by Sleep Position: Matching Depth to Alignment Needs Side Sleepers: 12 Inches or More Side sleeping places the body’s heaviest pressure points — the shoulder and hip — in direct contact with the mattress. These points need to sink into the comfort layer deeply enough that the spine remains horizontal from head to toe. If the comfort layer is too thin or too firm, the shoulder cannot descend fully into the mattress, and the spine develops an upward lateral curve between the shoulder and the head. This causes the neck, shoulder, and upper back tension that many side sleepers report upon waking. Side sleepers of standard weight need at least 12 inches, with a soft to medium-soft comfort layer. EGOHOME’s Black 12-inch Pro (soft feel, 7.5 out of 10 cooling score) is specifically recommended for side sleepers managing back, shoulder, or joint pain. The Black 14-inch Pro (medium-soft, 8 out of 10 cooling) adds additional comfort layer depth for those who need greater pressure relief. Back Sleepers: 10–12 Inches Back sleeping is the most spinal-alignment-friendly position because the body’s weight is distributed relatively evenly across the mattress. The primary challenge for back sleepers is lumbar support: the natural inward curve of the lower back creates a gap between the lumbar spine and the mattress surface that must be filled by the foam contouring upward into it. A mattress that is too soft allows the pelvis to sink excessively, flattening this curve and creating lower back compression. A mattress that is too firm cannot conform into the lumbar curve at all. For back sleepers, 10 to 12 inches with a medium or medium-firm feel provides the optimal combination. EGOHOME’s Black 12-inch Hybrid (medium-firm, 6.5 out of 10 cooling) is specifically noted as ideal for back sleepers, combining pocketed spring zoned support with gel foam contouring for precise lumbar engagement. Stomach Sleepers: 8–10 Inches Stomach sleepers face the opposite alignment challenge from side sleepers. Rather than needing the mattress to yield deeply at the joints, they need the mattress to maintain a flat, firm surface that prevents the hips from sinking below the chest. If the hips drop lower than the upper body, the lumbar spine hyperextends into an arched position that compresses the posterior vertebral joints and causes significant lower back pain. Stomach sleepers need a thinner mattress with a firmer feel. The EGOHOME Black 14-inch Firm is specifically recommended for stomach sleepers and heavier sleepers who need maximum surface resistance. Its 12-inch BraceSleeper™ Support Foam core provides the deep, unyielding base that prevents hip sinkage without requiring a thin mattress that compromises comfort. Best Thickness for Back Pain: The Medium-Firm 10–12 Inch Principle For people managing chronic lower back pain, herniated discs, sciatica, or general spinal stiffness, mattress thickness interacts with back health in a specific way that differs from general sleep comfort recommendations. The key principle for back pain is controlled contouring. You need enough foam depth to relieve pressure at the hips and shoulders, but not so much depth that the foam develops a sag under the heavier sections of the body over time. Excessive thickness combined with a soft comfort layer is one of the most common causes of mattress-induced back pain — the sleeper sinks into a gentle hammock shape that feels comfortable initially but compresses the lumbar discs continuously throughout the night. 10–12 Inches: The Optimal Back Pain Range A medium-firm mattress of 10 to 12 inches addresses both needs simultaneously. It provides adequate foam depth for genuine pressure relief at the hips and shoulders without the risk of comfort layer collapse that taller, softer mattresses can develop. The support core at this thickness is deep enough to maintain consistent lumbar support from the first night through years of regular use. For side sleepers with lower back pain, the recommendation extends to 12 inches with a soft feel to ensure the hip can sink into full alignment. For back sleepers with lower back pain, 10 to 12 inches with a medium-firm feel is the target. For stomach sleepers with lower back pain, a firmer feel at any thickness is more important than depth — preventing hip sinkage is the priority. ⚠️ Mattresses over 14 inches with very soft comfort layers are a common hidden cause of lower back pain. The deep softness feels luxurious initially but allows the lumbar region to sag into misalignment through the night. If you sleep on a thick, very soft mattress and wake with lower back stiffness, the mattress — not your position — may be the cause. Complete Thickness Decision Table: Your Position × Your Weight Use this table to find your recommended thickness and the matching EGOHOME model: Sleep Position Body Weight Ideal Thickness EGOHOME Recommendation Side sleeper Under 130 lbs 12" EGOHOME Black 12” Pro (soft, 7.5/10 cool) Side sleeper 130–230 lbs 12–14" EGOHOME Black 14” Pro (medium-soft, 8/10 cool) Side sleeper Over 230 lbs 14" EGOHOME Black 14” Hybrid (medium-firm, 8.5/10 cool) Back sleeper Under 130 lbs 10" EGOHOME Black 10” Classic (medium, 6/10 cool) Back sleeper 130–230 lbs 10–12" EGOHOME Black 12” Hybrid (medium-firm, 6.5/10 cool) Back sleeper Over 230 lbs 12–14" EGOHOME Black 14” Hybrid (medium-firm, 8.5/10 cool) Stomach sleeper Under 130 lbs 8–10" EGOHOME 8" Memory Foam (firm, standard support) Stomach sleeper 130–230 lbs 10–12" EGOHOME Black 10” Hybrid (medium-firm, 6.5/10 cool) Stomach sleeper Over 230 lbs 12–14" EGOHOME Black 14” Firm (firm, 7/10 cool) Combination Any weight 10–14" EGOHOME Black 14” Pro or 14” Hybrid ? If you are between two categories — for example, a 220-pound back sleeper with occasional side sleeping — choose the model suited to your heavier variable. A 12” hybrid model handles the heavier weight and still adapts to position changes. When in doubt, go medium-firm over soft. EGOHOME Memory Foam Mattresses by Thickness EGOHOME’s range spans 6 to 14 inches across memory foam and hybrid constructions, with every model carrying CertiPUR-US® and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification, a 10-year warranty, a 100-night home trial, and free shipping and returns across the contiguous U.S. For 8–10 Inch Needs The EGOHOME 8-inch memory foam and Black 10-inch Classic and Hybrid models cover the lightweight and stomach sleeper range. The 10-inch Classic offers a medium feel suited to back and side sleepers under 130 pounds. The 10-inch Hybrid adds pocketed spring support for better lumbar engagement and airflow. For 10–12 Inch Needs The EGOHOME Black 12-inch range — Classic, Pro, and Hybrid — is the most widely applicable thickness tier. The 12-inch Classic (soft, cool 6/10) suits side sleepers and those with joint pain. The 12-inch Hybrid (medium-firm, cool 6.5/10) is specifically recommended for back sleepers and standard-weight adults across positions. The 12-inch Pro (soft, cool 7.5/10) is the top choice for side sleepers dealing with shoulder or hip pain. For 12–14 Inch Needs The EGOHOME Black 14-inch series is the flagship range. The 14-inch Pro (medium-soft, cool 8/10) is designed for side sleepers and pressure-relief-first buyers. The 14-inch Hybrid (medium-firm, cool 8.5/10) handles all sleep positions and is the strongest all-rounder in the range. The 14-inch Firm is built for stomach sleepers and heavier individuals, with a 12-inch BraceSleeper™ Support Foam core that resists sinkage under higher body weights. Frequently Asked Questions Is a thicker memory foam mattress always better? No. Thickness should match your body weight and sleep position, not simply be maximised. A 14-inch mattress with a very soft comfort layer can cause back pain in lightweight sleepers or stomach sleepers by allowing excessive sinkage. A well-calibrated 10-inch mattress will consistently outperform an oversized 14-inch model for the wrong body type. What thickness of memory foam is good for back pain? A medium-firm mattress of 10 to 12 inches is the most widely recommended range for lower back pain. It provides enough foam depth for genuine pressure relief without the risk of comfort layer collapse that causes lumbar sagging. Side sleepers with back pain may benefit from 12 inches with a softer feel to ensure hip and shoulder alignment. What is the minimum thickness for a memory foam mattress for adults? For most adults, 8 inches is the practical minimum for sustained comfort. Below 8 inches, there is often insufficient comfort layer depth for pressure relief across a full night of sleep. The exception is stomach sleepers who may intentionally choose 8 inches for a firmer surface that prevents hip sinkage. Does mattress thickness affect how long it lasts? Yes, indirectly. A mattress that is too thin for the body weight it supports will experience faster comfort layer compression and develop sags and pressure indentations earlier than one appropriately sized for that load. Choosing the correct thickness for your weight extends the usable lifespan of the mattress. EGOHOME mattresses are expected to last 6 to 8 years with proper care, with regular rotation every 3 to 6 months recommended. Can I use a thick mattress on an adjustable base? Memory foam mattresses up to 14 inches are generally compatible with adjustable bases, though the mattress should be flexible enough to bend at the head and foot sections without cracking or deforming. EGOHOME mattresses are confirmed compatible with adjustable bases. For very thick or firm mattresses, check the specific flex requirements of your adjustable base before purchasing. Final Thoughts The best thickness for a memory foam mattress is not the thickest you can find or the most expensive number on the specification sheet. It is the thickness that aligns precisely with your body weight, your sleep position, and any specific conditions you are managing — then pairs that depth with a comfort layer and support core calibrated to work

It’s no surprise these Hanover clients reached out to Cathy and Ed of Renovisions for design and build services as they wanted a local professional bath specialist to turn their plain builder-grade bath into a luxurious handicapped accessible master bath. Renovisions had safety and universal design in mind while creating this customized two-person super shower and well-appointed master bath so their clients could escape to a special place to relax and energize their senses while also helping to conserve time and water as it is used simultaneously by them. This completely water proofed spacious 4’x8’ walk-in curb-less shower with lineal drain system and larger format porcelain tiles was a must have for our senior client –with larger tiles there are less grout lines, easier to clean and easier to maneuver using a walker to enter and exit the master bath. Renovisions collaborated with their clients to design a spa-like bath with several amenities and added conveniences with safety considerations. The bench seat that spans the width of the wall was a great addition to the shower. It’s a comfortable place to sit down and stretch out and also to keep warm as electric mesh warming materials were used along with a programmable thermostat to keep these homeowners toasty and cozy! Careful attention to all of the details in this master suite created a peaceful and elegant environment that, simply put, feels divine. Adding details such as the warming towel rack, mosaic tiled shower niche, shiny polished chrome decorative safety grab bars that also serve as towel racks and a towel rack inside the shower area added a measure of style. A stately framed mirror over the pedestal sink matches the warm white painted finish of the linen storage cabinetry that provides functionality and good looks to this space. Pull-down safety grab bars on either side of the comfort height high-efficiency toilet was essential to keep safety as a top priority. Water, water everywhere for this well deserving couple – multiple shower heads enhances the bathing experience for our client with mobility issues as 54 soft sprays from each wall jet provide a soothing and cleansing effect – a great choice because they do not require gripping and manipulating handles yet provide a sleek look with easy cleaning. The thermostatic valve maintains desired water temperature and volume controls allows the bather to utilize the adjustable hand-held shower on a slide-bar- an ideal fixture to shower and spray down shower area when done. A beautiful, frameless clear glass enclosure maintains a clean, open look without taking away from the stunning and richly grained marble-look tiles and decorative elements inside the shower. In addition to its therapeutic value, this shower is truly a design focal point of the master bath with striking tile work, beautiful chrome fixtures including several safety grab bars adding aesthetic value as well as safety benefits.

It’s no surprise these Hanover clients reached out to Cathy and Ed of Renovisions for design and build services as they wanted a local professional bath specialist to turn their plain builder-grade bath into a luxurious handicapped accessible master bath. Renovisions had safety and universal design in mind while creating this customized two-person super shower and well-appointed master bath so their clients could escape to a special place to relax and energize their senses while also helping to conserve time and water as it is used simultaneously by them. This completely water proofed spacious 4’x8’ walk-in curb-less shower with lineal drain system and larger format porcelain tiles was a must have for our senior client –with larger tiles there are less grout lines, easier to clean and easier to maneuver using a walker to enter and exit the master bath. Renovisions collaborated with their clients to design a spa-like bath with several amenities and added conveniences with safety considerations. The bench seat that spans the width of the wall was a great addition to the shower. It’s a comfortable place to sit down and stretch out and also to keep warm as electric mesh warming materials were used along with a programmable thermostat to keep these homeowners toasty and cozy! Careful attention to all of the details in this master suite created a peaceful and elegant environment that, simply put, feels divine. Adding details such as the warming towel rack, mosaic tiled shower niche, shiny polished chrome decorative safety grab bars that also serve as towel racks and a towel rack inside the shower area added a measure of style. A stately framed mirror over the pedestal sink matches the warm white painted finish of the linen storage cabinetry that provides functionality and good looks to this space. Pull-down safety grab bars on either side of the comfort height high-efficiency toilet was essential to keep safety as a top priority. Water, water everywhere for this well deserving couple – multiple shower heads enhances the bathing experience for our client with mobility issues as 54 soft sprays from each wall jet provide a soothing and cleansing effect – a great choice because they do not require gripping and manipulating handles yet provide a sleek look with easy cleaning. The thermostatic valve maintains desired water temperature and volume controls allows the bather to utilize the adjustable hand-held shower on a slide-bar- an ideal fixture to shower and spray down shower area when done. A beautiful, frameless clear glass enclosure maintains a clean, open look without taking away from the stunning and richly grained marble-look tiles and decorative elements inside the shower. In addition to its therapeutic value, this shower is truly a design focal point of the master bath with striking tile work, beautiful chrome fixtures including several safety grab bars adding aesthetic value as well as safety benefits.

This paving and planting scheme features new hard landscaping elements and a new planting scheme. Artscape was initially briefed to extend and enhance the patio in the garden of a lovely home in the village of Cookham Dean in Berkshire. Our clients wanted to increase the size of the paved area so they could use it more frequently for relaxing and dining in the sun during the day. As well as increasing its size and practicality, they wanted the terrace to look and feel more inviting. The existing site was a mixture of brick paving, which was slippery underfoot, and tired concrete crazy paving. The patio also had stone retaining walls surrounded by sloped lawns and a few poorly maintained and mismatched shrubs. Redesigned and repaved area We first created a new, larger layout with a series of wider steps closer to the house, making a more inviting and welcoming area. Our landscapers paved the area with coursed sandstone, renowned for its incredible strength and durability. The earthy tones and unique texture of the sandstone gives it a natural timeless look which blends sympathetically with the garden setting. The worn finish of the paving also makes the surface safer to walk on. The edge of the paving curves in line from the end of the house to visually link the areas. Bullnosed edges enhance looks and safety Bullnosing provides the garden step edges with a smooth, luxury appearance, which also enhance safety. Safety is an important factor to consider when renovating or building new steps and paved areas. Smooth, rounded bullnosed steps or edges means there won’t be any harshly cut, sharp edges to injure someone should they trip or fall. Our Artscape paving experts can advise on the best bespoke, professionally profiled bullnose edges to suit the needs of your garden project. Replacing sloped lawns with plants Our initial brief was to create a new planted border just around the paved area. However, after various discussions and designs, our clients decided to follow our recommendation to expand the planting, so it included the whole sloping bank. The planting design also included the addition of small trees to create vertical interest. New nature-friendly planting The planting features an easy-to-maintain mix of perennials, grasses, and shrubs. This adds softness to the seating area and brings an everchanging display of flowers, foliage, textures and colours to the garden. The plants will attract more birds and butterflies to the garden, and will be beneficial for insects too. The lawn was doing very little to support a diversity of insects and birds. Replacing even a small section of lawn with perennial flowers, shrubs, grasses, wildflowers, or groundcovers will benefit nature and wildlife. As well as supporting greater biodiversity, plants are more environmentally friendly than maintaining a lawn. Lawns are drought tolerant and will recover even if the grass has turned brown and patchy in a heatwave. But to keep the lawn looking lush, green, and beautiful in a hot, dry spell will require constant and wasteful watering. The planting is informal and includes grasses, taking inspiration from the fields opposite. Ornamental grasses soften the scheme and bring movement to the garden as they shimmer in the slightest of breezes. Grasses are easy to grow and require little ongoing care. The main maintenance task is to cut the planting back in spring ready for the new growth to come through. To keep the whole project within our client’s budget, we retained the existing walls, simply carrying out some small repairs and modifications where necessary. We were also able to add stunning new atmospheric lighting to the older existing lighting circuit to illuminate the area at night.

This Impeccable Horse Farm Known As Milestone Farm Is Ideally Located Among Some Of The Most Noted World Famous Thoroughbred Farms In History. This Well Laid Out Farm Consists Of 164 Acres And Is Complimented By 5 Homes Including Manager & Tenant Residences, 70 Stalls, 5 Barns, 8 Large Pastures As Well As 20 Smaller Paddocks. Included In The Equine Improvements- A 5 Stall Foaling Facility, 11 Stall Tobacco Barn, 2 Sizable Barns Totaling 48 Stalls, A Large Equipment Building As Well As Hay Building. This Farm Is Well Maintained And Recently Updated With Improvements Including New Roofing On Homes As Well As Barns, New Water Lines, Added Area For RV Hookup And More. The Owner Of This Home Is Willing To Consider Owner Financing For Qualified Purchaser.

My clients approached me with a building that had become run down over the years they were hoping to transform into a home office. The plaster walls and ceilings were cracking badly, the trim work was patchy, and there was an awkward flow to the second floor due to weird stairs in the back hallway. There were a ton of amazing elements to the building as well (that were an absolute must to maintain) like the beautiful main staircase, existing marble fireplace mantel and the double set of interior entry doors with a frosted glass design transom above. The extent of the construction on the interior included extensive demolition. Everything came down except for most of the interior walls and the second floor ceilings. We put in all brand new HVAC, electrical and plumbing. Blow-in-Blanket insulation was installed in all the perimeter walls, new drywall, trim, doors and flooring. The front existing windows were refinished. The exterior windows were replaced with vinyl windows, but the shape and sash locations were maintained in order to maintain the architectural integrity of the original windows. Exterior work included a new front porch. The side porch was refaced to match the front and both porches received new stamped concrete steps and platform. A new stamped concrete walkway from the street was put in as well. The building had a few doors that weren't being used anymore at the side and back. They were covered up with new Cape Cod siding to match the exterior window color.

ZeroEnergy Design (ZED) created this modern home for a progressive family in the desirable community of Lexington. Thoughtful Land Connection. The residence is carefully sited on the infill lot so as to create privacy from the road and neighbors, while cultivating a side yard that captures the southern sun. The terraced grade rises to meet the house, allowing for it to maintain a structured connection with the ground while also sitting above the high water table. The elevated outdoor living space maintains a strong connection with the indoor living space, while the stepped edge ties it back to the true ground plane. Siting and outdoor connections were completed by ZED in collaboration with landscape designer Soren Deniord Design Studio. Exterior Finishes and Solar. The exterior finish materials include a palette of shiplapped wood siding, through-colored fiber cement panels and stucco. A rooftop parapet hides the solar panels above, while a gutter and site drainage system directs rainwater into an irrigation cistern and dry wells that recharge the groundwater. Cooking, Dining, Living. Inside, the kitchen, fabricated by Henrybuilt, is located between the indoor and outdoor dining areas. The expansive south-facing sliding door opens to seamlessly connect the spaces, using a retractable awning to provide shade during the summer while still admitting the warming winter sun. The indoor living space continues from the dining areas across to the sunken living area, with a view that returns again to the outside through the corner wall of glass. Accessible Guest Suite. The design of the first level guest suite provides for both aging in place and guests who regularly visit for extended stays. The patio off the north side of the house affords guests their own private outdoor space, and privacy from the neighbor. Similarly, the second level master suite opens to an outdoor private roof deck. Light and Access. The wide open interior stair with a glass panel rail leads from the top level down to the well insulated basement. The design of the basement, used as an away/play space, addresses the need for both natural light and easy access. In addition to the open stairwell, light is admitted to the north side of the area with a high performance, Passive House (PHI) certified skylight, covering a six by sixteen foot area. On the south side, a unique roof hatch set flush with the deck opens to reveal a glass door at the base of the stairwell which provides additional light and access from the deck above down to the play space. Energy. Energy consumption is reduced by the high performance building envelope, high efficiency mechanical systems, and then offset with renewable energy. All windows and doors are made of high performance triple paned glass with thermally broken aluminum frames. The exterior wall assembly employs dense pack cellulose in the stud cavity, a continuous air barrier, and four inches exterior rigid foam insulation. The 10kW rooftop solar electric system provides clean energy production. The final air leakage testing yielded 0.6 ACH 50 - an extremely air tight house, a testament to the well-designed details, progress testing and quality construction. When compared to a new house built to code requirements, this home consumes only 19% of the energy. Architecture & Energy Consulting: ZeroEnergy Design Landscape Design: Soren Deniord Design Paintings: Bernd Haussmann Studio Photos: Eric Roth Photography

My clients approached me with a building that had become run down over the years they were hoping to transform into a home office. The plaster walls and ceilings were cracking badly, the trim work was patchy, and there was an awkward flow to the second floor due to weird stairs in the back hallway. There were a ton of amazing elements to the building as well (that were an absolute must to maintain) like the beautiful main staircase, existing marble fireplace mantel and the double set of interior entry doors with a frosted glass design transom above. The extent of the construction on the interior included extensive demolition. Everything came down except for most of the interior walls and the second floor ceilings. We put in all brand new HVAC, electrical and plumbing. Blow-in-Blanket insulation was installed in all the perimeter walls, new drywall, trim, doors and flooring. The front existing windows were refinished. The exterior windows were replaced with vinyl windows, but the shape and sash locations were maintained in order to maintain the architectural integrity of the original windows. Exterior work included a new front porch. The side porch was refaced to match the front and both porches received new stamped concrete steps and platform. A new stamped concrete walkway from the street was put in as well. The building had a few doors that weren't being used anymore at the side and back. They were covered up with new Cape Cod siding to match the exterior window color.

Here at Countryside Industries, we offer two professional services that are crucial to the success of your business: landscape management and snow removal. We work individually with you to design a plan that will create a beautiful landscape in the spring and summer months, and then continue to care for your property with maintenance and snow removal in the fall and winter months. Contact us for more information. ​ Nothing defines the look and feel of your property quite like a great looking, well-maintained landscape. Appropriate and well-balanced landscaping reflects the personality of your property and the identity of your company. Designing and implementing a beautiful landscape requires knowledge, expertise, and time – which many individuals, associations, and businesses simply don’t have. Countryside Industries will bring together a unique landscape that you can be proud of. Let Countryside landscape your property today. ​ Being that we are a premium snow removal company, we offer complete snow removal services including snow plowing, snow hauling, de-icing, ice control, shoveling, sidewalk clearing, and maintenance. In order to achieve this, we maintain an extensive fleet of commercial-grade snowplows, snow pushers, and front-end loaders. We utilize top of the line de-icing products and facilitate complete winter services for corporate offices, retail stores, industrial properties, hospitals, health care facilities, and more. ​ To learn more about one of the best landscaping companies as well as one of the top snow removal companies in Lake County, IL, call our team today at 847-526-1909 or email us at info@countrysideindustries.com.

My clients approached me with a building that had become run down over the years they were hoping to transform into a home office. The plaster walls and ceilings were cracking badly, the trim work was patchy, and there was an awkward flow to the second floor due to weird stairs in the back hallway. There were a ton of amazing elements to the building as well (that were an absolute must to maintain) like the beautiful main staircase, existing marble fireplace mantel and the double set of interior entry doors with a frosted glass design transom above. The extent of the construction on the interior included extensive demolition. Everything came down except for most of the interior walls and the second floor ceilings. We put in all brand new HVAC, electrical and plumbing. Blow-in-Blanket insulation was installed in all the perimeter walls, new drywall, trim, doors and flooring. The front existing windows were refinished. The exterior windows were replaced with vinyl windows, but the shape and sash locations were maintained in order to maintain the architectural integrity of the original windows. Exterior work included a new front porch. The side porch was refaced to match the front and both porches received new stamped concrete steps and platform. A new stamped concrete walkway from the street was put in as well. The building had a few doors that weren't being used anymore at the side and back. They were covered up with new Cape Cod siding to match the exterior window color.

For the past several years, Buffum Homes has proudly featured Parade Homes within our own developments, and each year they have been a tremendous success. The Spring 2026 Parade of Homes was no exception. This year, we showcased our Sydney floor plan, one of Buffum Homes’ most popular 1.5-story home designs. Time and time again, homeowners are drawn to this plan because of its thoughtful layout, functional design, and ability to be customized to fit a variety of lifestyles. From the moment visitors arrived, this home made a statement. Its striking modern exterior immediately stood out within the development and offered exceptional curb appeal. The design team selected beautiful masonry accents that perfectly complemented the home’s color palette, creating a sophisticated and welcoming first impression. Every exterior detail was intentionally chosen to enhance the architecture and showcase the home’s unique character. Upon entry to this home, guests are welcomed through impressive double front doors that lead into a warm and inviting foyer. Immediately beyond, the stunning two-story great room creates a grand first impression. An overlooking loft from the second floor enhances the open feel of the space while allowing an abundance of natural daylight to pour throughout the home. A beautiful masonry fireplace chase serves as the focal point of the room, adding warmth, texture, and character to the heart of the home. Just off the foyer is a private office featuring a thoughtfully designed custom built-in, creating the perfect space for working from home, studying, or staying organized. The attention to detail found throughout this space is a great example of the craftsmanship that Buffum Homes is known for. Tucked away off the main living area is the primary suite, a comfortable retreat designed with both beauty and functionality in mind. The bedroom features a stunning tray ceiling accented with white oak detailing, creating a warm and sophisticated atmosphere. The primary bathroom includes a custom tiled shower, private water closet, dual-sink vanity, and a spacious walk-in closet. Every element was carefully considered to maximize both comfort and everyday convenience. Buffum Homes has become known for incorporating unique trim details throughout our homes, and this Parade Home was certainly no exception. From feature walls and ceiling treatments to custom built-ins and carefully crafted millwork, thoughtful details can be found around every corner. The great room flows seamlessly into the dining area and spacious U-shaped kitchen, creating an ideal layout for entertaining and everyday living. This updated version of the Sydney floor plan features a massive walk-in pantry with abundant shelving and countertop space, providing exceptional storage and organization. Within the kitchen, a stunning custom hood vent serves as a beautiful statement piece while built-in nooks offer convenient storage for cooking oils, spices, and other kitchen essentials. Just beyond the kitchen, the mudroom provides a practical transition space from the garage into the home. Complete with custom built-in lockers, a convenient half bath, and a large laundry room, this area was designed to keep daily life organized and efficient. The home also features a spacious three-stall garage, offering plenty of room for vehicles, storage, and recreational equipment. Spanning roughly 1,500 square feet, the main floor was thoughtfully designed to maximize functionality while maintaining an open and inviting feel. Every space serves a purpose while still providing the custom details and architectural features that make this home stand out. Ascending to the second floor, homeowners are welcomed by a spacious open loft overlooking the great room below. This versatile area provides additional living space and can be customized to fit a variety of needs. Whether used as a play area for children or grandchildren, a reading nook, a homework station, or simply a secondary gathering space, the loft adds both functionality and character to the home while maintaining a connection to the main living areas below. Also located on the second floor are three additional bedrooms and a full bathroom, providing plenty of room for family members and guests. The thoughtful layout allows for privacy while still keeping everyone connected through the open loft space. With approximately 1,000 square feet on the upper level, the second floor complements the main level perfectly while adding flexibility for growing families and changing needs over time. The lower level offers just under 1,100 square feet of future finish potential, providing homeowners with the flexibility to expand their living space as their needs evolve. Thoughtfully designed and well laid out, the basement is ready to accommodate a variety of future uses while maintaining excellent flow and functionality. The available space is ideal for adding two future bedrooms, a spacious family room, and a future full bathroom, making it perfect for growing families, hosting guests, or creating additional recreational space. Even with these future living areas, there is still plenty of room remaining for storage, ensuring homeowners have ample space for seasonal items, hobbies, and household essentials. One of the greatest advantages of the Sydney floor plan is its ability to grow alongside its homeowners. While the home already offers approximately 2,500 square feet of beautifully finished above-grade living space, completing the lower level would bring the total finished living area to over 3,600 square feet. This creates a truly expansive home that provides exceptional flexibility, comfort, and long-term value. In its current configuration, this home offers 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and approximately 2,500 square feet above grade. With a future lower level finish, homeowners have the opportunity to expand to 6 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and over 3,600 square feet of finished living space. The flexibility built into this design is one of the many reasons the Sydney continues to be one of our most requested floor plans. This home was filled with thoughtful details and custom touches throughout. From the carefully selected finishes and trim work to the intentional layout decisions, every aspect of the home was designed to maximize space, natural light, and everyday functionality. The result is a home that not only looks beautiful but also lives exceptionally well for years to come. It was a pleasure featuring this home in the Parade of Homes and welcoming so many visitors through its doors. We always enjoy the opportunity to showcase our craftsmanship, creativity, and attention to detail while sharing the quality that Buffum Homes brings to every project throughout West Michigan. As you browse through the photos below, we hope you’ll find inspiration for your own future home and discover ideas that fit your lifestyle and vision. Whether it is a favorite finish, layout feature, built-in detail, or design element, this home is a great example of how personalized a Buffum Home can be. When you’re ready to begin your custom home journey, we’d love to help create a customized version of the Sydney floor plan tailored specifically to your family’s needs, style, and goals. We can’t wait to help bring your dream home to life.

This basement area was a complete renovation, down to the studs. We had walls removed, and reinvented the space to include a theatre room, a gym, a bathroom complete with steam shower, a lounge area as well as the recreation and bar area. The whole area maintains the elegance and colour schemes of the upper levels, but was carefully designed to accommodate the husband’s collection of sports memorabilia and allow lots of room for billiards or watching the game with friends. The limestone wall behind the bar carries over to a wall in the gym as well as the fireplaces on the basement and main level great room. We used smooth granite on the main bar counter, while a leathered version with a chiseled edge accents the seating bar. Custom cabinets, oil rubbed bronze hardware, high-end faucets, along with a hammered copper sink maintain the luxury of the rest of the home. Even the billiards table was carefully chosen to maintain a furniture look in keeping with the other pieces. Photo by Graham Twomey

Designed as a quiet sanctuary for personal practice, this private meditation and yoga studio offers a calming environment for movement, mindfulness, and reflection. Warm white oak finishes, shoji-inspired sliding doors, mirrored walls, and soft ambient lighting create a serene atmosphere that encourages focus while maintaining a strong connection to natural materials. The minimalist design reduces visual distractions while supporting flexibility for yoga, meditation, stretching, and private wellness sessions. Carefully balanced lighting, integrated storage, and biophilic elements enhance both functionality and emotional well-being, creating a restorative environment for everyday practice. This conceptual rendering showcases Chanova Design's holistic approach to wellness design, where thoughtful spatial planning, timeless craftsmanship, and biophilic principles come together to create spaces that promote balance, mindfulness, and healthy living.

This paving and planting scheme features new hard landscaping elements and a new planting scheme. Artscape was initially briefed to extend and enhance the patio in the garden of a lovely home in the village of Cookham Dean in Berkshire. Our clients wanted to increase the size of the paved area so they could use it more frequently for relaxing and dining in the sun during the day. As well as increasing its size and practicality, they wanted the terrace to look and feel more inviting. The existing site was a mixture of brick paving, which was slippery underfoot, and tired concrete crazy paving. The patio also had stone retaining walls surrounded by sloped lawns and a few poorly maintained and mismatched shrubs. Redesigned and repaved area We first created a new, larger layout with a series of wider steps closer to the house, making a more inviting and welcoming area. Our landscapers paved the area with coursed sandstone, renowned for its incredible strength and durability. The earthy tones and unique texture of the sandstone gives it a natural timeless look which blends sympathetically with the garden setting. The worn finish of the paving also makes the surface safer to walk on. The edge of the paving curves in line from the end of the house to visually link the areas. Bullnosed edges enhance looks and safety Bullnosing provides the garden step edges with a smooth, luxury appearance, which also enhance safety. Safety is an important factor to consider when renovating or building new steps and paved areas. Smooth, rounded bullnosed steps or edges means there won’t be any harshly cut, sharp edges to injure someone should they trip or fall. Our Artscape paving experts can advise on the best bespoke, professionally profiled bullnose edges to suit the needs of your garden project. Replacing sloped lawns with plants Our initial brief was to create a new planted border just around the paved area. However, after various discussions and designs, our clients decided to follow our recommendation to expand the planting, so it included the whole sloping bank. The planting design also included the addition of small trees to create vertical interest. New nature-friendly planting The planting features an easy-to-maintain mix of perennials, grasses, and shrubs. This adds softness to the seating area and brings an everchanging display of flowers, foliage, textures and colours to the garden. The plants will attract more birds and butterflies to the garden, and will be beneficial for insects too. The lawn was doing very little to support a diversity of insects and birds. Replacing even a small section of lawn with perennial flowers, shrubs, grasses, wildflowers, or groundcovers will benefit nature and wildlife. As well as supporting greater biodiversity, plants are more environmentally friendly than maintaining a lawn. Lawns are drought tolerant and will recover even if the grass has turned brown and patchy in a heatwave. But to keep the lawn looking lush, green, and beautiful in a hot, dry spell will require constant and wasteful watering. The planting is informal and includes grasses, taking inspiration from the fields opposite. Ornamental grasses soften the scheme and bring movement to the garden as they shimmer in the slightest of breezes. Grasses are easy to grow and require little ongoing care. The main maintenance task is to cut the planting back in spring ready for the new growth to come through. To keep the whole project within our client’s budget, we retained the existing walls, simply carrying out some small repairs and modifications where necessary. We were also able to add stunning new atmospheric lighting to the older existing lighting circuit to illuminate the area at night.

My clients approached me with a building that had become run down over the years they were hoping to transform into a home office. The plaster walls and ceilings were cracking badly, the trim work was patchy, and there was an awkward flow to the second floor due to weird stairs in the back hallway. There were a ton of amazing elements to the building as well (that were an absolute must to maintain) like the beautiful main staircase, existing marble fireplace mantel and the double set of interior entry doors with a frosted glass design transom above. The extent of the construction on the interior included extensive demolition. Everything came down except for most of the interior walls and the second floor ceilings. We put in all brand new HVAC, electrical and plumbing. Blow-in-Blanket insulation was installed in all the perimeter walls, new drywall, trim, doors and flooring. The front existing windows were refinished. The exterior windows were replaced with vinyl windows, but the shape and sash locations were maintained in order to maintain the architectural integrity of the original windows. Exterior work included a new front porch. The side porch was refaced to match the front and both porches received new stamped concrete steps and platform. A new stamped concrete walkway from the street was put in as well. The building had a few doors that weren't being used anymore at the side and back. They were covered up with new Cape Cod siding to match the exterior window color.

This paving and planting scheme features new hard landscaping elements and a new planting scheme. Artscape was initially briefed to extend and enhance the patio in the garden of a lovely home in the village of Cookham Dean in Berkshire. Our clients wanted to increase the size of the paved area so they could use it more frequently for relaxing and dining in the sun during the day. As well as increasing its size and practicality, they wanted the terrace to look and feel more inviting. The existing site was a mixture of brick paving, which was slippery underfoot, and tired concrete crazy paving. The patio also had stone retaining walls surrounded by sloped lawns and a few poorly maintained and mismatched shrubs. Redesigned and repaved area We first created a new, larger layout with a series of wider steps closer to the house, making a more inviting and welcoming area. Our landscapers paved the area with coursed sandstone, renowned for its incredible strength and durability. The earthy tones and unique texture of the sandstone gives it a natural timeless look which blends sympathetically with the garden setting. The worn finish of the paving also makes the surface safer to walk on. The edge of the paving curves in line from the end of the house to visually link the areas. Bullnosed edges enhance looks and safety Bullnosing provides the garden step edges with a smooth, luxury appearance, which also enhance safety. Safety is an important factor to consider when renovating or building new steps and paved areas. Smooth, rounded bullnosed steps or edges means there won’t be any harshly cut, sharp edges to injure someone should they trip or fall. Our Artscape paving experts can advise on the best bespoke, professionally profiled bullnose edges to suit the needs of your garden project. Replacing sloped lawns with plants Our initial brief was to create a new planted border just around the paved area. However, after various discussions and designs, our clients decided to follow our recommendation to expand the planting, so it included the whole sloping bank. The planting design also included the addition of small trees to create vertical interest. New nature-friendly planting The planting features an easy-to-maintain mix of perennials, grasses, and shrubs. This adds softness to the seating area and brings an everchanging display of flowers, foliage, textures and colours to the garden. The plants will attract more birds and butterflies to the garden, and will be beneficial for insects too. The lawn was doing very little to support a diversity of insects and birds. Replacing even a small section of lawn with perennial flowers, shrubs, grasses, wildflowers, or groundcovers will benefit nature and wildlife. As well as supporting greater biodiversity, plants are more environmentally friendly than maintaining a lawn. Lawns are drought tolerant and will recover even if the grass has turned brown and patchy in a heatwave. But to keep the lawn looking lush, green, and beautiful in a hot, dry spell will require constant and wasteful watering. The planting is informal and includes grasses, taking inspiration from the fields opposite. Ornamental grasses soften the scheme and bring movement to the garden as they shimmer in the slightest of breezes. Grasses are easy to grow and require little ongoing care. The main maintenance task is to cut the planting back in spring ready for the new growth to come through. To keep the whole project within our client’s budget, we retained the existing walls, simply carrying out some small repairs and modifications where necessary. We were also able to add stunning new atmospheric lighting to the older existing lighting circuit to illuminate the area at night.

This paving and planting scheme features new hard landscaping elements and a new planting scheme. Artscape was initially briefed to extend and enhance the patio in the garden of a lovely home in the village of Cookham Dean in Berkshire. Our clients wanted to increase the size of the paved area so they could use it more frequently for relaxing and dining in the sun during the day. As well as increasing its size and practicality, they wanted the terrace to look and feel more inviting. The existing site was a mixture of brick paving, which was slippery underfoot, and tired concrete crazy paving. The patio also had stone retaining walls surrounded by sloped lawns and a few poorly maintained and mismatched shrubs. Redesigned and repaved area We first created a new, larger layout with a series of wider steps closer to the house, making a more inviting and welcoming area. Our landscapers paved the area with coursed sandstone, renowned for its incredible strength and durability. The earthy tones and unique texture of the sandstone gives it a natural timeless look which blends sympathetically with the garden setting. The worn finish of the paving also makes the surface safer to walk on. The edge of the paving curves in line from the end of the house to visually link the areas. Bullnosed edges enhance looks and safety Bullnosing provides the garden step edges with a smooth, luxury appearance, which also enhance safety. Safety is an important factor to consider when renovating or building new steps and paved areas. Smooth, rounded bullnosed steps or edges means there won’t be any harshly cut, sharp edges to injure someone should they trip or fall. Our Artscape paving experts can advise on the best bespoke, professionally profiled bullnose edges to suit the needs of your garden project. Replacing sloped lawns with plants Our initial brief was to create a new planted border just around the paved area. However, after various discussions and designs, our clients decided to follow our recommendation to expand the planting, so it included the whole sloping bank. The planting design also included the addition of small trees to create vertical interest. New nature-friendly planting The planting features an easy-to-maintain mix of perennials, grasses, and shrubs. This adds softness to the seating area and brings an everchanging display of flowers, foliage, textures and colours to the garden. The plants will attract more birds and butterflies to the garden, and will be beneficial for insects too. The lawn was doing very little to support a diversity of insects and birds. Replacing even a small section of lawn with perennial flowers, shrubs, grasses, wildflowers, or groundcovers will benefit nature and wildlife. As well as supporting greater biodiversity, plants are more environmentally friendly than maintaining a lawn. Lawns are drought tolerant and will recover even if the grass has turned brown and patchy in a heatwave. But to keep the lawn looking lush, green, and beautiful in a hot, dry spell will require constant and wasteful watering. The planting is informal and includes grasses, taking inspiration from the fields opposite. Ornamental grasses soften the scheme and bring movement to the garden as they shimmer in the slightest of breezes. Grasses are easy to grow and require little ongoing care. The main maintenance task is to cut the planting back in spring ready for the new growth to come through. To keep the whole project within our client’s budget, we retained the existing walls, simply carrying out some small repairs and modifications where necessary. We were also able to add stunning new atmospheric lighting to the older existing lighting circuit to illuminate the area at night.