DESIGN + INNOVATION: Award of Excellence and GREEN DESIGN CITATION PROJECT: RE_VIEW CLIENT: CMU School of Architecture, CMU BxA Staff, Bloomfield Garfield Corporation ARCHITECTURE FIRM: Urban Design Build Studio DESCRIPTION: Due to three major factors – vacancy, view, and affordability – Pittsburgh’s housing situation is ripe with the opportunity to leverage privileged views and increase thermal performance. The RE_VIEW wall system was designed to create expansive views, improve energy efficiency, and bring aesthetic features that all add to the market value of a home while being easily replicable. Features such as prefabricated modules, high density insulation, and an in-depth understanding of construction and installation methods were all considered to evaluate the effectiveness of the RE_VIEW system. JURY COMMENTS: The jury appreciated how the project encompasses urban analysis, architectural detail, sustainability, and also, ideas about fabrication while tying them together in a convincing way. This purposeful innovation to makes existing houses more useable and livable. The jury also awarded the Green Design Citation to the project because it can repurpose and bring new value to existing housing, offering an alternative to demolition and replacement.

Brownie granite is shown in this project! Search "Brownie" granite, see more granite or other stone options: http://www.stoneaction.com Learn more about granite to see if it’s right for you: Granite countertops can last a lifetime. It contains no harmful chemicals and do not emit harmful radiation or gasses. Granite is heat resistant and is one of the most heat-resistant countertops on the market. You can place a hot pan out of the oven directly onto the countertop surface. Experts do recommend the use of a trivet when using appliances that emit heat for long periods of time, such as crockpots. Since the material is so dense, there is a small possibility heating one area of the top and not the entire thing, could cause the countertop to crack. Granite is scratch resistant. You can cut on it, but it will dull your knives! Granite scores a seven on Moh’s hardness scale. Granite countertops are considered to be a low maintenance countertop surface. The likelihood of needing to be repaired or resurfaced is low. Granite is a porous material. Most fabricators will apply a sealer to granite countertops before they are installed which will protect them from absorbing liquids too quickly. Many sealers last more than 10 years before needing to be reapplied. When they do need to be reapplied, it is something that most homeowners can do on their own as the process is similar to cleaning. Darker granites are very dense and sometimes don’t even require a sealer. When it comes to pricing, there are a lot of variables such as edge profile, total square footage, backsplash, etc. Don’t be fooled by the stereotype that all granite is expensive. Lower-range granites will cost less than high-range laminate. Though granite countertops are not considered “low range” in pricing, there are a lot of affordable options. If you are looking for something truly unique, consider an exotic granite. Some quarries are not easily accessible and/or only able to be quarried for short periods of time throughout the year. If these circumstances exist in a quarry with gorgeous stone, the price will be driven upward. You won’t find a lot of solid patterns or bright colors, but both do exist. Also, watch for a large range of color and pattern within the same color of stone. It’s always a good idea to view the exact slab(s) that will be fabricated for your kitchen to make sure they are what you expected to see from the sample. Another factor is that many exotic types of granite have huge flowing waves, and a small sample will not be an accurate representation of the whole slab. Granite countertops are very resistant to chemicals. Acids and bases will not harm the material.

⛪ How To Sell Your Home Quickly In Raleigh And Other Parts Of North Carolina You want to sell your local Raleigh North Carolina home and you want to do so quickly. Right? ✂️ There are many factors that influence whether you’ll sell your North Carolina home quickly in this market. The four steps to sell your Raleigh house fast ✔️First, remember that your house isn’t the only one for sale. ✔️Second, think about who is the most likely person to buy your home. ✔️Third, invest some time, money, and effort into preparing your house for the right buyer. ✔️Fourth, work with a local Raleigh North Carolina real estate professional who can help you prepare your home, list it, and close the deal.

When preparing this property for sale, our goal was the maximize the curb appeal and instant wow factor to potential buyers upon a quick walk through with a minimal budget to truly maximize a bidding war and quick sale. Our goal was to sell the property within one week and close on it within 6 weeks. By putting in roughly $10,000 in landscaping, touch-ups, and minor upgrades into this property (and a WHOLE lot of DIY work), we were able to boost the value of the home and sold it in 3 hours on the first day we had showings (technically before it was even listed on the market), and closed on the property in 21 days. We were able to execute our exact strategy as planned...resulting in a bidding war and quick sale. The property sold for $20k over the listing price.

When preparing this property for sale, our goal was the maximize the curb appeal and instant wow factor to potential buyers upon a quick walk through with a minimal budget to truly maximize a bidding war and quick sale. Our goal was to sell the property within one week and close on it within 6 weeks. By putting in roughly $10,000 in landscaping, touch-ups, and minor upgrades into this property (and a WHOLE lot of DIY work), we were able to boost the value of the home and sold it in 3 hours on the first day we had showings (technically before it was even listed on the market), and closed on the property in 21 days. We were able to execute our exact strategy as planned...resulting in a bidding war and quick sale. The property sold for $20k over the listing price.

A tasteful renovation by Mattisaw Architects of Media, Pa., gave this Victorian home a modern feel. Staging by Truly Home gave it the wow factor. After only two days on the market, the property attracted a buyer at list price.

When preparing this property for sale, our goal was the maximize the curb appeal and instant wow factor to potential buyers upon a quick walk through with a minimal budget to truly maximize a bidding war and quick sale. Our goal was to sell the property within one week and close on it within 6 weeks. By putting in roughly $10,000 in landscaping, touch-ups, and minor upgrades into this property (and a WHOLE lot of DIY work), we were able to boost the value of the home and sold it in 3 hours on the first day we had showings (technically before it was even listed on the market), and closed on the property in 21 days. We were able to execute our exact strategy as planned...resulting in a bidding war and quick sale. The property sold for $20k over the listing price.

When preparing this property for sale, our goal was the maximize the curb appeal and instant wow factor to potential buyers upon a quick walk through with a minimal budget to truly maximize a bidding war and quick sale. Our goal was to sell the property within one week and close on it within 6 weeks. By putting in roughly $10,000 in landscaping, touch-ups, and minor upgrades into this property (and a WHOLE lot of DIY work), we were able to boost the value of the home and sold it in 3 hours on the first day we had showings (technically before it was even listed on the market), and closed on the property in 21 days. We were able to execute our exact strategy as planned...resulting in a bidding war and quick sale. The property sold for $20k over the listing price.

Our McLean customers wanted to update their home before putting it on the real estate market - they knew one of the key factors was the remodeling of the three bathrooms. All were in desperate need of a design re-do. Despite the small square footage that limited the bathroom sizes, our design team worked carefully to use the space they did have efficiently and to great effect. The use of tile draws the eye to the floor nd walls, and the color choices are minimal but bold. In addition to the bathroom updates, the lower level of the home received all new flooring and, our customer's dream, a sliding barn door to hide away the laundry room area. Heading into a competitive marketplace, this home will be a gem for the next owners.

When preparing this property for sale, our goal was the maximize the curb appeal and instant wow factor to potential buyers upon a quick walk through with a minimal budget to truly maximize a bidding war and quick sale. Our goal was to sell the property within one week and close on it within 6 weeks. By putting in roughly $10,000 in landscaping, touch-ups, and minor upgrades into this property (and a WHOLE lot of DIY work), we were able to boost the value of the home and sold it in 3 hours on the first day we had showings (technically before it was even listed on the market), and closed on the property in 21 days. We were able to execute our exact strategy as planned...resulting in a bidding war and quick sale. The property sold for $20k over the listing price.

Building a new home is a momentous occasion. For many, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create the home of their dreams. However, selecting the perfect home design and floor plan can feel like a daunting task. After all, you want to ensure that your new home will meet your family's needs and desires for years. That's where trusted services come in. With the latest technology, you can design your entire home and even tour it in 3D. From building your 2D floor plan to furnishing it, you can watch as your dream home is brought to life. In this article, we will explore how you can beautifully decorate your home online. Select the Main Theme Embarking on a new home design project can be an exciting yet difficult task. One crucial step is to determine your style preference, as it will guide your decor choices throughout your home. Researching through various platforms and furniture websites can provide inspiration and help gauge pricing for your favorite pieces. One helpful strategy is to create a mood board where you gather your favorite interior design looks and examine any patterns that emerge. By taking the time to establish your preferred style, you can create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere in your home that reflects your personal taste and style. If you want to create a design while traveling, you may need to use a USA VPN to access some online services with advanced home design tools. It will allow you to bypass geo-blocks. Create a Layout The global home design market reached $115 billion in 2022. When designing living spaces, several factors must be considered, including the arrangement of social and private areas and accommodating the changing needs of families over time. Parents with young children usually prefer bedrooms and bathrooms to be clustered together while families with teenagers often request more segregated spaces in two-story home designs. Home design is an intricate art form that involves creating an interior space that is both visually appealing and functional. Whether you are starting afresh with a new home or looking to revamp an existing one, home design offers ample opportunities to unleash your creativity. It does not matter if you lack professional architecture expertise, as anyone can undertake the planning and execution of a home design project. The initial steps involve analyzing your existing home layout and then conceptualizing your desired vision for the remodel. This is the cornerstone on which your entire project will be built, and it sets the tone for the aesthetic of your home's interior. Utilize online home design software to generate realistic images of your new home and easily gather feedback from others. This allows you to make necessary adjustments to perfect your design. With the help of professional software, realizing your ideal home design is now made easy and achievable without requiring any specialized training or knowledge. You can access online tools using VeePN for a secure connection. Start by creating a blueprint of your floor plan. Furnish Your Space If you need to decorate house, selecting the right flooring and paint or wallpaper for the walls is key. Using online services, you can speed up this process. With intuitive tools such as dragging and dropping items, you can create a truly unique and personalized home design that is sure to impress. When selecting a color scheme for your design, it is crucial to consider the benefits and drawbacks of using neutral tones versus incorporating a pop of color. While a neutral palette can simplify the design process and provide a timeless look, it may lack individuality or a focal point. Whereas, a splash of color can introduce a dynamic quality, offer intrigue, and contribute to an energetic ambiance. Additionally, combining a range of price points and textures can add dimension to your design. Consider juxtaposing high-end decor with refurbished furniture and incorporating cozy textures like plush rugs and fluffy cushions, to achieve both sophistication and comfort in your space. Create a 3D Tour Home design is a craft that involves creating an attractive home interior, irrespective of whether you're starting from scratch or remodeling an existing home. While anyone can undertake a home design project, you don't necessarily need to be a professional architect. The first step to kick-starting your project entails creating an outline of your abode's current status, and then proceeding to blueprint your preferred design. As you piece everything together, you'll be able to turn your creative vision into a tangible reality. The satisfaction derived from transforming your space into the home of your dreams is truly priceless. As the market size of the interior design industry is projected to grow by over 4% in the next five years, it is clear that such services are in high demand. Home design involves creating an interior space that is both pleasing and functional. With the help of online tools, you can easily create realistic images of your dream home while gathering feedback from others to perfect your vision. As you piece everything together, be sure to consider neutral color palettes, mix price points, and textures, and add accent colors for depth and vibrancy. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can achieve your ideal design in no time!  

I received an enquiry from a property in Crowthorne to come and survey an unknown Flagstone Floor in a converted barn that was ready to be rented out. The owners where concerned the stone was letting the rest of the property down due to it being dirty and heavily stained, particularly around the kitchen and entrance areas. If your selling or renting out a property it really needs to look its best if you want to achieve a good price. Having spoken over the phone we agreed a date for me to pop over to complete a survey. From further inspection I confirmed the stone was in fact a Sandstone, it was also clear that the sealer protecting the stone from ingrained dirt had worn away and was now allowing dirt and staining to ruin the appearance of the flagstones. It was a large floor so I measured up so I could work out the quantities of cleaning and sealing products needed and then walked the customer through the cleaning process. Later that day I sent over a detailed quotation which was accepted, and a date agreed for my return. I should mention this work took place during the Covid restrictions, fortunately being a rental property, I was able to work in the property alone. To deep clean the floor and remove the ingrained dirt and staining I used a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean. It is sprayed onto the floor and left to soak in for five minutes before agitating with a Black scrubbing pad fitted to a weighted buffing machine. The resultant slurry was then wet extracted away using a powerful high-pressure van mounted extracting system. This action cleaned up most of the stone nicely however certain areas where heavily stained, particularly in the kitchen area where food and drink stains were more apparent. To tackle this, I applied a stronger cleaner/stripper product called Tile Doctor Remove and Go this time allowing ten minutes for it to soak in before scrubbing the surface with a very coarse 100-grit soft milling pad. This took quite a few attempts each time extracting the slurry away and then inspecting the floor to see if more work was needed. Happy the stains have been removed, I then focused on renovating the surface Sandstone after the application of the coarse pad. This involves the application of several finer grit burnishing pads which close the pores and adds a subtle polish to the Sandstone. As I started with 100-grit pad it was necessary to gradually refine the surface with an incremental series of pads that included 200, 400 and finally 800-grit pads. Then to ensure a uniform finish across the floor I continued the 400 and 800 grit pads throughout the property. Water is used to lubricate the process and this turns into a fine slurry that is rinse extracted as before. The cleaning process took up the whole of the first day and I am pleased to say the Sandstone floor looked very clean after I had finished. The stone was then allowed dry off overnight with the aid of an industrial air mover and I returned later the next day to apply a new protective seal. In the meantime, my customer had been over to check out the floor and were over the moon with how it looked and wanted to keep the finish as natural as possible. With this in mind, I applied Tile Doctor Ultra-Seal sealer to the Sandstone throughout, only two coats were needed. This is a premium sealer that is almost invisible and works by penetrating the stone thus preventing dirt from becoming ingrained. Once done the floor looked very clean and much brighter than before, it now had that wow factor which will help it attract a good yield in the rental market. The trouble with rental properties of course is making sure the tenant uses the right product to maintain the floor and not a typical supermarket tile cleaner that are only designed for use on Ceramic and Porcelain tiles. In fact, these types of cleaning product can slowly strip the sealer off the floor so it’s always worth checking the label before purchasing. Fortunately Tile Doctor sells a product called Neutral Cleaner that is ideal for maintaining sealed stone floors, so I left them with a complimentary bottle and recommended they get some more to leave under the sink for the new tenant. Dennis Buckland Berkshire Tile Doctor

In the singular architectural landscape of Dubai, investing in a villa is a pursuit of the extraordinary. Navigating the financial architecture of such an investment is not merely a budgetary exercise, but a masterplan for excellence. At Blanco Interior Design we understand that designing in Dubai means commanding the finest resources of the world, ensuring that every square meter resonates with a level of opulence that seamlessly fuses timeless beauty with rigorous precision. 1. The Scope of Investment (Cost per Square Meter) : In Dubai's market, professional design services and execution are generally categorized into three tiers. At Blanco, we specialize in the Luxury and Elite segments, ensuring that your investment reflects Design Mastery: - Premium / Standard: AED 1,500 – AED 3,000 per sqm. This includes high-quality ready-made furniture and standard refined finishes. - Luxury / High-End: AED 3,500 – AED 6,000 per sqm. This tier involves bespoke joinery, imported marbles, and sophisticated lighting systems—the hallmark of Blanco’s Executive Precision - Ultra-Luxury (Elite): AED 7,000+ per sqm. This is the realm of limitless design, featuring rare materials, designer brands, and complex structural modifications managed through our Operational Accuracy. 2. Key Cost Drivers: The Blanco Perspective To budget effectively, homeowners must consider the four pillars that influence the final invoice. At Blanco, we ensure we truly listen to your priorities to optimize these factors: - Bespoke Joinery and Millwork. - Material Selection. - Smart Technology. -Civil and Structural Works. 3. Professional Design and Management Fees: Engaging a reputable firm like Blanco involves a structured approach to fees to ensure transparency: 1. Concept and Detailed Design Fee: A fixed fee for the creative vision, 2D layouts, and 3D renderings that bring your dream to life. 2. Supervision and Management Fee: To ensure the execution matches the approved blueprints perfectly, a management fee is applied, covering our rigorous quality control and Operational Accuracy. Investing in a villa interior with Blanco offers unique advantage. Our position as a global hub provides access to the finest international materials with shorter lead times, managed through our Turnkey Solutions. Investing in the interior of a Dubai villa is an investment in a lifestyle of distinction. While costs are influenced by the scale of ambition, the true value lies in creating a space that harmonizes unparalleled luxury with long-term functional excellence. With Blanco Interior Design, we turn your financial investment into an architectural legacy. Blanco Interior Design: Your Vision, Perfectly Executed.

Brown Bag is a shop that selling natural skincare products and some body care & etc. which locate at Atria Shopping Gallery. This is the shop that selling natural skincare products, it means that vintage and farm feel become the theme of the design. Other than that, storage and product display area is the major factor. Due to Brown Bag is new in Malaysia and there are a lot of skincare competitors in market, therefore our designer knows that something specialize is needed to attract the customer come in the shop. Lastly, Brown Bag is grand opening after a busy month and our client is very happy on our design and services.

Although expensive Granite makes the most beautiful and practical stone worktop you can install in your kitchen. It gives real wow factor to a room and this kitchen in Folkestone was no different. Normally granite needs little maintenance however Folkestone has very hard water (often referred to as limescale) containing high levels of calcium and over time the calcium in the water gets deposited on nearby surfaces. According to the Affinity Water website the water in Folkestone contains 287.5 mg of calcium per litre which is classed as hard. The owner of the property contacted us explaining that due to this problem the build-up of calcium deposits had overtaken her sink and countertop to a degree that she couldn`t deal with it through normal cleaning and a restoration was required. There are several household products on the market that can remove limescale however you need to be very careful when using these on natural stone as they use acids to break down the calcium and this can etch stone making the problem worse (always read the label). I went and had a look at the problem and gave her a quote for resolving the problem, which she was happy to accept. Before starting the renovation, I protected the floor with dust sheets and the walls with a blue film that is easy to remove. Then to tackle the limescale I carefully went over each part of the Granite counter using a set of six-inch Tile Doctor Burnishing pads applying them in sequence from coarse to extra fine. To give extra cleaning power the coarser pads were applied with Tile Doctor Oxy-Gel which is an alkaline cleaning gel. The pads were fitted to a hand buffer and the soil generated by the abrasive pads was rinsed off between pads with water. For the finer detail such as the groves in the granite draining board, I used diamond encrusted handheld burnishing blocks of various grits. With the combination of diamond tooling and lots of elbow grease the job took around five hours to complete and the granite now has the polished look it deserves. The granite worksurface does not require an actual sealer to be applied. However, maintenance is the key to keeping the stone in great condition so for aftercare I left the owner with a bottle of Tile Doctor Stone Patina Spray. This product is designed for cleaning stone worktops and contains a special ingredient that maintains the lustre. This should ensure the Limescale becomes manageable and can be cleaned more easily. I made a striking difference to the appearance of the Granite Worktop and the owner was over the moon with the result. Michael Conlon South Kent Tile Doctor

Our client came was looking to list their house on the market and requested that "wow factor" when potential buyers entered their home. This elegant stairwell detail is one of the first things people see when entering and is sure to impress.

Brown Bag is a shop that selling natural skincare products and some body care & etc. which locate at Atria Shopping Gallery. This is the shop that selling natural skincare products, it means that vintage and farm feel become the theme of the design. Other than that, storage and product display area is the major factor. Due to Brown Bag is new in Malaysia and there are a lot of skincare competitors in market, therefore our designer knows that something specialize is needed to attract the customer come in the shop. Lastly, Brown Bag is grand opening after a busy month and our client is very happy on our design and services.

This boutique loft is located in the heart of the St. Lawrence Market District in downtown Toronto. There are only 12 units in the entire building which makes it a hot commodity! When we went to meet the clients for our initial consultation we were immediately struck by the 11' 6" high ceilings and the 10 x 25ft windows. This unit had plenty of original charm i.e. exposed ductwork, exposed electrical conduits and junction boxes but it lacked in the finishings and decor department. The Hope Designs Team was hired to stage the loft and bring in the "wow factor". Utilizing the some of the clients existing furnishings in combination with Hope Designs furniture, art, decor and accessories we able to transform the space.

This boutique loft is located in the heart of the St. Lawrence Market District in downtown Toronto. There are only 12 units in the entire building which makes it a hot commodity! When we went to meet the clients for our initial consultation we were immediately struck by the 11' 6" high ceilings and the 10 x 25ft windows. This unit had plenty of original charm i.e. exposed ductwork, exposed electrical conduits and junction boxes but it lacked in the finishings and decor department. The Hope Designs Team was hired to stage the loft and bring in the "wow factor". Utilizing the some of the clients existing furnishings in combination with Hope Designs furniture, art, decor and accessories we able to transform the space.