Have you been searching for your ‘Happily Ever After’? Look no more! This dreamy duvet cover topped with pure white textured floral and leaves trimmed with clear beading IS your happy end to a tiring day. It’s whimsical design is storybook friendly! Classically white but modernly individualistic with it’s unique feminine detail. Inspirations of french, vintage and natural elements come together to create this clean crisp bed set. Freshly cut flower and leaves adorn the top of the duvet with a soft-to-the-touch but sturdy-through-the-wear chiffon overlay. Tear drop and leaf translucent beads trim the sides and foot. Top off the look with coordinating shams that are sold separately. Trimmed with beautiful high quality feathers to complete your new incredible nest look! Support USA made products with Cloud Hunter, handmade in California with high end materials and a passion for quality. We’re a fashion minded home decor company who believes your bed should be as well dressed as you! Please view our unique bedding collections at www.cloudhunterco.com or contact us for our custom decor needs- we work with every style. -Dry cleaning recommended -Zipper closure -Twin and queen ready to ship -King and custom sizes available -Coordinating shams and decor pillows sold separately -Made in the USA MADE WITH LOVE IN C A L I F O R N I A

Custom Surface Solutions (www.css-tile.com) - Owner Craig Thompson (512) 430-1215. This project shows the remodel of a small 1950's vintage home master bathroom. 8"" x 18" Calcutta gold marble tile was used on the shower walls and floor wall base and ceramic gray penny tile on the floor. Shower includes curbless pan / floor, dual shower boxes, frameless glass slider, trough duel fixture sink and chrome fixtures.

Spa with water spillover feature. Lightstreams glass tiles around the waterline of pool, sides, seat and spillover of SPA. PebbleTec Ocean Blue Pebblesheen with extra Abalone.

Concrete, Exposed Aggregate
Patio - coastal patio idea in Philadelphia

This pond is just part of a large backyard project envisioned by the homeowner. He wanted to dedicate the backyard, 3+ acres, to the memory of his deceased wife after her battle with cancer. The 25'x30' pond with a soothing 75' meandering stream was installed in the spring of 2013. The dedication 'Park' will host walking paths, sitting areas as well as native plants for visitors old and young. Photos by; Dan Put

Barbara Kasper photo
Inspiration for a mid-sized rustic shade hillside landscaping in Chicago for summer.

Clean and simple 1" penny round tile with a contrasting grey grout. Looks Great and easy to clean
Example of a mid-sized classic ceramic tile home design design in Boston

This industrial staircase rises through the heart of the home, taking center stage as an anchoring sculptural piece. The light gray treads pair flawlessly with the dark metal railings to create a refined contrast while complementing the exposed structural steel beams throughout the home. The open risers amplify the sense of volume, allowing the staircase to feel integrated rather than intrusive. The result is functional art that elevates everyday movement into an architectural experience. 1976-2025 © Century Stair Company

Urban home design photo in Boston

When it comes to home improvement projects, the contractor you choose can make all the difference. A skilled, reputable general contractor delivers quality work and a smooth experience, while a poor choice can lead to problems, frustration, and wasted money. For Chicago homeowners planning exterior improvements from siding to doors and beyond — understanding how to choose a good general contractor is essential. This guide covers what to look for and how to make a smart choice for your home improvement projects. The role of a general contractor A general contractor plays a central role in home improvement projects, overseeing and coordinating the work to bring a project to completion. For projects that involve multiple aspects or trades, a general contractor manages the process, ensuring the various pieces come together properly. This coordination and oversight are valuable, particularly for larger or more complex projects that involve numerous details and steps. Working with a good general contractor offers several benefits. It provides a single point of responsibility for a project, brings expertise and coordination to the work, and helps ensure the project is completed properly. For homeowners, a quality general contractor can make the difference between a smooth, successful project and a stressful, problematic one. Homeowners planning projects often look for a general contractor chicago near me to handle their improvements. Understanding the role a general contractor plays helps homeowners appreciate the value of choosing a good one for their home improvement projects, especially larger or more involved ones. Why the choice matters The choice of general contractor has an enormous impact on a home improvement project. From the quality of the work to the smoothness of the process to the ultimate result, the contractor shapes every aspect of the project. A skilled, reputable contractor delivers quality results and a professional experience, while a poor choice can lead to shoddy work, delays, cost overruns, and frustration. The stakes are significant, as home improvement projects represent substantial investments and affect a home that homeowners live in and value. A project done poorly can create problems that are costly to fix and diminish rather than enhance a home. This is why choosing the right contractor is so important — it's one of the most consequential decisions in any home improvement project. Homeowners do well to approach the choice carefully rather than simply hiring the first or cheapest option. Understanding why the choice of contractor matters helps homeowners give this decision the attention it deserves, recognizing its impact on the success of their project and their satisfaction with the result. What to look for in a contractor Choosing a good general contractor involves looking for several important qualities. Experience and a solid reputation are key indicators of a contractor's ability to deliver quality work. A contractor with a track record of successful projects and satisfied customers is generally a safer choice than an unknown quantity. Researching a contractor's reputation and past work helps in assessing their quality. Beyond experience and reputation, other important qualities include quality workmanship, clear communication, professionalism, and reliability. A good contractor communicates clearly, provides a clear understanding of the project and its costs, treats customers professionally, and follows through reliably. These qualities contribute to both a quality result and a positive experience. Homeowners considering exterior projects, such as new vinyl siding chicago installation, do well to evaluate contractors on these factors. Understanding what to look for in a contractor helps homeowners identify professionals likely to deliver quality work and a good experience for their projects. Considering the specific project When choosing a contractor, it's also important to consider the specific project and whether the contractor is well-suited to it. Different projects have different requirements, and a contractor experienced in the particular type of work is often a better choice. Whether the project involves siding, doors, a broader remodel, or other work, a contractor familiar with that type of project brings relevant expertise. For exterior projects in particular, experience with the specific work and the demands of the Chicago climate is valuable. Siding, doors, and other exterior improvements must withstand local conditions, so a contractor who understands these demands can deliver better results. Considering whether a contractor is well-suited to your specific project helps ensure a good outcome. Homeowners planning to update their exterior doors chicago or undertake other exterior work benefit from choosing a contractor experienced in that area. Understanding the importance of matching the contractor to the project helps homeowners make choices that lead to quality results for their specific improvements. Understanding the project scope and cost Before committing to a contractor, understanding the full scope and cost of a project is important. A reputable contractor should provide a clear explanation of what the project involves, the materials to be used, the timeline, and the total cost. Understanding these details upfront helps homeowners avoid surprises and make informed decisions. Vague estimates or a lack of clarity are warning signs worth heeding. Understanding the scope also means being clear about what you want and ensuring the contractor's proposal matches your needs and expectations. A clear, detailed understanding of the project protects both the homeowner and the contractor and sets the stage for a successful outcome. Taking the time to ensure you understand exactly what you're getting before work begins is worthwhile. Understanding the importance of clarity about scope and cost helps homeowners enter home improvement projects with confidence and avoid the misunderstandings that can lead to problems. Clear expectations are the foundation of a smooth, successful project. Making your decision With these considerations in mind the role of a general contractor, why the choice matters, what to look for, matching the contractor to the project, and understanding scope and cost homeowners are well-equipped to make a smart decision. The goal is to choose a contractor who combines experience, quality workmanship, clear communication, and reliability, and who is well-suited to the specific project, at a fair and clearly understood price. Taking the time to research and compare contractors, rather than rushing the decision, pays off in the quality of the work and the smoothness of the project. A home improvement project is a significant investment, and the right contractor makes all the difference to the outcome. Understanding how to evaluate and choose a general contractor empowers Chicago homeowners to make decisions that lead to successful projects and results they'll be happy with. The right choice is the foundation of a home improvement project that enhances a home for years to come. The bottom line Choosing the right general contractor is essential to successful home improvement projects, as the contractor shapes the quality of the work, the smoothness of the process, and the ultimate result. For Chicago homeowners undertaking exterior projects like siding, doors, and more, the key factors include experience and reputation, quality workmanship, clear communication, suitability to the specific project, and clarity about scope and cost. By evaluating contractors on these factors and taking the time to make an informed choice, homeowners can find a professional who delivers quality results and a positive experience. The right contractor is the foundation of home improvements that enhance a home for years to come.

Stairs in honed Pietra d'Avola and wall in Raw texture from Salvatori Pepe Fotografia
Staircase - contemporary staircase idea in Turin

We cannot take credit for the expansive 40-year old oak that shades the driveway and wraps the home in privacy. The owners credit the squirrels! Established tree canopy like this is literally priceless - it adds value to the Retreat, and also neighboring homes.

Example of a mid-sized urban attached garage design in San Francisco

Random width reclaimed oak flooring. Custom free-handed beveling, distressing, hand scraping, wire brushing. Finished with Rubio pure hand rubbed oil by Green Step Flooring, Inc. Home is located in Falls River neighborhood Raleigh, NC

Photo of a coastal landscaping in New York.

Design by Young Home These by-pass rings allow the panels to be opened and closed over the brackets on a large slider door. Provided by The Fabricsmith.

Scott Mehaffey, landscape architect
Inspiration for a mid-sized mid-century modern partial sun courtyard stone garden path in Chicago for spring.

Clean and simple 1" penny round tile with a contrasting grey grout. Looks Great and easy to clean
Example of a mid-sized classic ceramic tile home design design in Boston

TruCedar Steel Siding shown in 6" Dutch Lap in Mountain Laurel.
Example of a trendy two-story metal green home design design in Grand Rapids