Just recently I had the pleasure of working on a remarkable ranch in the Texas Hill Country. The ranch belongs to John and Betty Martin, two extraordinary people with impeccable taste. The Martins live in the hustle and bustle of Katy, enjoying life with children and grandchildren. One thing that they share as a family is their appreciation of nature. In addition to raising trophy deer and exotic animals, they love to hunt and fish. They also take long nature walks in search of arrowheads, fossils and other treasures which they often incorporate into their own designs on walls, walkways and patios. Having found this remote corner of God’s country, it would not be easy to find a builder who could be on site daily and truly listen to the specific directions, details and overall vision of how this “San Miguel de Allende” style ranchero was to be constructed. Would it prove to be impossible? Not with a little luck, and a whole lot of Girl Power! The amazing Betty Martin ended up with an equally amazing builder named Judy Ramsey. This woman rancher, who raises exotic animals and trophy deer, is involved in real estate, leases her ranch for hunting and builds high end “casas” for the most discerning clients! Heck, she builds great little cabins too! When Catrina’s Ranch Interiors became involved with the ambitious project, and I first viewed the blue prints and renderings, I was speechless. The plans were for a 17,000 square foot home built around a central courtyard. The courtyard had a bell tower over the front entrance gate; a real one. The main house had an observation tower that overlooked the dammed up river and a picturesque view of Heaven on Earth. There was a magnificent outdoor kitchen off of an enormous porch. The plans showed a large, ornate, fountain in the middle of the central courtyard. This home was to have all the bells and whistles, with unimaginable details, while sparing no expense. It would take two years to build and finish. Judy, Betty and I had many meetings over the next two years. We designed and built 58 chandeliers and sconces, indoors and out. We designed and built custom doors, custom cabinets, custom kitchens and candle holders. “If you can dream it, we can build it” is Catrina’s Ranch Interiors’ motto and, as always, we delivered on this promise. I like to think of myself as a “Can Do” kind of girl, but this job tested my abilities on a regular basis. Antler chandeliers measuring 7 ft. by 7 ft. would be no problem! Hammered copper panels in the cabinet doors? Not a problem! I have much to tell you about this experience, but nothing says it better than the stunning color photographs taken by San Antonio’s most famous magazine photographer, for Urban Home Magazine’s next issue. See for yourself. When Urban Home Magazine owner Louis Doucette went with me to photograph the ranch, Louis told me that it was my best work and then corrected himself to tell me that it was the best work he had ever seen. Take a close look at the details of the Martin Ranch project in the January 2014 issue and come see us at Catrina’s Ranch Interiors in Boerne. No job is too big or too small. No idea is too far outside the box when making dreams come true.

The owners of this house in Adwick Le Street, which is North of Doncaster, were fed up with the appearance of the Grout in their Ceramic tiled kitchen floor. They had not been able to keep the grout clean and it was now patchy, discoloured, darker and consequently always looked dirty. I visited the property, to survey the floor and could see the Ceramic tiles and where in good condition, but the grout lines were really letting the kitchen down. I discussed with my client the option of re-colouring the grout, which they agreed was sensible, anything to keep the impossible grout clean. The alternative of scraping out the grout and replacing would be a messy and time-consuming option which we both agreed was not the choice they wanted to go for. I gave them a price to complete the work which they were happy to go ahead with. Before any grout colouring could be done the grout first needed to be prepared, this was done using Tile Doctors Grout Colourant Pre-Treater which is an acid-based cleaner specially made for the job. This product cleans and prepares the grout for the colourant to ensure a better contact with the colourant later. It’s very simple to apply and is simply sprayed onto the grout lines, left to dwell for five minutes and then scrubbed into the grout by hand. Once done the soiled pre-treater is rinsed off with water and removed with a wet vacuum. Once the grout lines are dry, they are ready to be coloured, unfortunately this is a manual process which take a lot of attention to detail and can be quite tedious. The best way of doing it I have found is go get down on your hands and knees with a toothbrush and gently scrub the colourant into each grout line, any colourant that seeps over onto the tiles needs to be quicky wiped away before it dries. The one upside however is observing the highly satisfying transformation of the grout as the result is instant and you can see the improvement as you go along. There are ten grout colours of Tile Doctor Grout Colourant to choose from and in this case the owners had chosen Natural Grey. If you want to save a few points they also sell a Grout Colourant kit that contains both the colourant and the pre-treater. The grout colourant is epoxy based so it remains water and stain proof and will last for years. I’m not sure the pictures I took do the transformation justice, but my client was over the moon with the difference it had made to the floor. The patchy grout was gone and then whole room seemed brighter. For regular cleaning I recommended the use of Tile Doctor Neutral Tile Cleaner which will keep the floor looking good but is gentle enough to use every day and won’t compromise the colourant. Matthew Lovett South Yorkshire Tile Doctor

Built by Schumacher Homes, America's Largest Custom Home Builder, this stunning Heritage Modern Farmhouse is located in Holden, Louisiana. The main residence features a thoughtfully designed 2,163 sq. ft. floor plan offering 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Enhancing the property's versatility is a 640 sq. ft. multi-generational casita, complete with its own dedicated kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom. Seamlessly connected to the main home by a charming covered porch, this design beautifully balances shared family living with private independence.

Top 10 house planning mistakes Mistake # 1: placing wet areas away from communications. Architects always foresee in advance the placement of wet areas in the immediate vicinity of communications, so you should not move the kitchen or bathrooms to more distant distances. Mistake # 2: arrangement of living rooms and kitchens in rooms without natural light. A person needs natural light when he is reading, studying or preparing food. Therefore, you should not plan living spaces, including the kitchen, in rooms without windows. Premises without natural light are mainly dressing rooms, storage rooms and bathrooms. Mistake # 3: exit the bathroom to the living room or dining room. Doors to bathrooms and utility rooms cannot open into public areas - living room or dining room. With such a planning decision, you will inconvenience guests and households, because no one will be able to enter or leave the premises unnoticed. Mistake # 4: having one entrance to the house. Plan 2-3 entrances to your home with each one serving a specific role. For example, through the front door you will meet guests, the entrance from the courtyard facade - to exit to the site in order to go around the house. The third entrance should lead from the street to the boiler room. Technicians enter through it and the equipment is replaced. Mistake # 5: neglecting entrance hallways. Do not plan grand halls and lounges when entering a house. Be sure to organize hallways with dressing rooms or spacious wardrobes. Mistake # 6: placing a guest bathroom far from the entrance. The concept of "guest bathroom" speaks for itself. To get into it, your friends do not need to go through all the rooms on the ground floor. Therefore, do not place it far from the front door. Mistake # 7: Insufficient number of bathrooms on the floor. One bathroom is not enough for a floor, especially if it is a bedroom. For the convenience of households and guests, each bedroom should be equipped with a separate bathroom. Mistake #8: lack of an economic block. In houses of any number of stores on the first or basement floor, a pantry with a sink should be provided for storing cleaning equipment, for storing vegetables or solid fuel. In this case, the exit from the storeroom to the floor must be isolated from the living rooms. Mistake # 9: arrangement of walk-through living rooms. Do not make the living room a walk-through, even if you plan to equip an office or living room in it. You and your guests will feel uncomfortable because the multiple doors leading to other rooms make the room look like a reception. Mistake # 10: the wrong size of the corridors. The width of the passage corridors should be at least 120 cm. First of all, the rule should be observed for the safety of residents and according to the rules of fire safety measures. An important role is played by ensuring sufficient ventilation of the premises: if the corridor is narrow and long, then there will be either a constant draft or stale air. Also, in a narrow aisle, it will be extremely difficult to bring in and take out large-sized furniture or equipment. And the doors that open into the corridor should not block the passage, as a traumatic situation may arise. If you have any polls that are not covered by this topic - write to us, we will be happy to advise you. https://www.ferriss.co/

Our clients were relocating from the upper peninsula to the lower peninsula and wanted to design a retirement home on their Lake Michigan property. The topography of their lot allowed for a walk out basement which is practically unheard of with how close they are to the water. Their view is fantastic, and the goal was of course to take advantage of the view from all three levels. The positioning of the windows on the main and upper levels is such that you feel as if you are on a boat, water as far as the eye can see. They were striving for a Hamptons / Coastal, casual, architectural style. The finished product is just over 6,200 square feet and includes 2 master suites, 2 guest bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, sunroom, home bar, home gym, dedicated seasonal gear / equipment storage, table tennis game room, sauna, and bonus room above the attached garage. All the exterior finishes are low maintenance, vinyl, and composite materials to withstand the blowing sands from the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Tilt Turn windows and doors can be combined in numerous configurations with casement, awning, and fixed windows as they utilize the same profile system. The seamless integration of windows provides a uniform appearance and customization beyond compare. Tilt turn windows are a very unique and functional European window, applicable in endless applications. These windows are quickly gaining popularity in the United States. These windows have been manufactured for almost a hundred years, starting out in Europe in the early 1900′s. The beauty of a tilt turn window is its dual action. The window will open like a casement window and will tilt in at the top. Each window is customized to your exact specifications. Tilt turn doors are also available; the window is capable of being manufactured to fit large openings. Glancing at the window, one cannot tell that the window has two functions. The window will swing inward when opened like a casement, with a screen on the window’s exterior. The window can then be hinged at the bottom and open inward at the top. Both actions are activated by the turn of a lever, which controls all the mechanics within the frame. There are great benefits to these operations. Ample fresh air can pass into the room when opened like a casement. When the window is open at the top, it functions as a safety precaution. Small children cannot climb up the window and fall through it as in a traditional double hung window. The same function prevents intruders from entering a room. There is simply no way to climb up the window and fit through the small opening; but ventilation is still possible. A tilt and turn window can be used in both residential and commercial applications. The window can be utilized in almost any room within a residential home. A home’s exterior is a great place for the windows as are sunrooms and pool enclosures. Commercial applications include restaurants, office buildings, and high rise apartments. A condominium on the thirtieth floor cannot typically be cleaned, except by a professional cleaning service; tilt turn windows open inward and allow for complete cleaning of the window units with out calling costly professionals. Modern PVC windows are suitable for many types of buildings. Weather it's a historic building, detached private residence, office building or a multi-family house, stylish window profiles can achieve consistency of design between the building's exterior and interior walls. PVC profile is made from UV stabilized materials protecting windows from solar expositon and discoloration. This problem is often observed with standard vinyl windows. In addition, our profiles are reinforced with galvanized steel, which makes them exceptionally durable. This feature is important for large windows, which require greater strength and stability. High thermal insulation of PVC material combined with multi chamber profile structure ensures the highest comfort of living. In fact uPVC windows have the highest energy rating in the US outperforming all brands of wooden windows. Double or triple pane glass have the added benefit of being extremely effective in deadening sound. It makes PVC windows the best choice for buildings or homes located close to railroads or noisy roads Browse and Shop Our Online Site : www.shop.libertywindoors.com For More Infomation About Tilt Turn Windows and Doors and Custom Order Options Visit : www.libertywindoors.com Warehouse Location : 127 Squankum Yellowbrook Road Farmingdale , NJ , 07727 TEL: (973) 773-2188 EMAIL: infonj@libertywindoors.com Hours Of Operation : Monday - Friday : 10:00am-5:00pm Saturday : Closed Sunday : Closed

Tilt Turn windows and doors can be combined in numerous configurations with casement, awning, and fixed windows as they utilize the same profile system. The seamless integration of windows provides a uniform appearance and customization beyond compare. Tilt turn windows are a very unique and functional European window, applicable in endless applications. These windows are quickly gaining popularity in the United States. These windows have been manufactured for almost a hundred years, starting out in Europe in the early 1900′s. The beauty of a tilt turn window is its dual action. The window will open like a casement window and will tilt in at the top. Each window is customized to your exact specifications. Tilt turn doors are also available; the window is capable of being manufactured to fit large openings. Glancing at the window, one cannot tell that the window has two functions. The window will swing inward when opened like a casement, with a screen on the window’s exterior. The window can then be hinged at the bottom and open inward at the top. Both actions are activated by the turn of a lever, which controls all the mechanics within the frame. There are great benefits to these operations. Ample fresh air can pass into the room when opened like a casement. When the window is open at the top, it functions as a safety precaution. Small children cannot climb up the window and fall through it as in a traditional double hung window. The same function prevents intruders from entering a room. There is simply no way to climb up the window and fit through the small opening; but ventilation is still possible. A tilt and turn window can be used in both residential and commercial applications. The window can be utilized in almost any room within a residential home. A home’s exterior is a great place for the windows as are sunrooms and pool enclosures. Commercial applications include restaurants, office buildings, and high rise apartments. A condominium on the thirtieth floor cannot typically be cleaned, except by a professional cleaning service; tilt turn windows open inward and allow for complete cleaning of the window units with out calling costly professionals. Modern PVC windows are suitable for many types of buildings. Weather it's a historic building, detached private residence, office building or a multi-family house, stylish window profiles can achieve consistency of design between the building's exterior and interior walls. PVC profile is made from UV stabilized materials protecting windows from solar expositon and discoloration. This problem is often observed with standard vinyl windows. In addition, our profiles are reinforced with galvanized steel, which makes them exceptionally durable. This feature is important for large windows, which require greater strength and stability. High thermal insulation of PVC material combined with multi chamber profile structure ensures the highest comfort of living. In fact uPVC windows have the highest energy rating in the US outperforming all brands of wooden windows. Double or triple pane glass have the added benefit of being extremely effective in deadening sound. It makes PVC windows the best choice for buildings or homes located close to railroads or noisy roads Browse and Shop Our Online Site : www.shop.libertywindoors.com For More Infomation About Tilt Turn Windows and Doors and Custom Order Options Visit : www.libertywindoors.com Warehouse Location : 127 Squankum Yellowbrook Road Farmingdale , NJ , 07727 TEL: (973) 773-2188 EMAIL: infonj@libertywindoors.com Hours Of Operation : Monday - Friday : 10:00am-5:00pm Saturday : Closed Sunday : Closed

Tilt Turn windows and doors can be combined in numerous configurations with casement, awning, and fixed windows as they utilize the same profile system. The seamless integration of windows provides a uniform appearance and customization beyond compare. Tilt turn windows are a very unique and functional European window, applicable in endless applications. These windows are quickly gaining popularity in the United States. These windows have been manufactured for almost a hundred years, starting out in Europe in the early 1900′s. The beauty of a tilt turn window is its dual action. The window will open like a casement window and will tilt in at the top. Each window is customized to your exact specifications. Tilt turn doors are also available; the window is capable of being manufactured to fit large openings. Glancing at the window, one cannot tell that the window has two functions. The window will swing inward when opened like a casement, with a screen on the window’s exterior. The window can then be hinged at the bottom and open inward at the top. Both actions are activated by the turn of a lever, which controls all the mechanics within the frame. There are great benefits to these operations. Ample fresh air can pass into the room when opened like a casement. When the window is open at the top, it functions as a safety precaution. Small children cannot climb up the window and fall through it as in a traditional double hung window. The same function prevents intruders from entering a room. There is simply no way to climb up the window and fit through the small opening; but ventilation is still possible. A tilt and turn window can be used in both residential and commercial applications. The window can be utilized in almost any room within a residential home. A home’s exterior is a great place for the windows as are sunrooms and pool enclosures. Commercial applications include restaurants, office buildings, and high rise apartments. A condominium on the thirtieth floor cannot typically be cleaned, except by a professional cleaning service; tilt turn windows open inward and allow for complete cleaning of the window units with out calling costly professionals. Modern PVC windows are suitable for many types of buildings. Weather it's a historic building, detached private residence, office building or a multi-family house, stylish window profiles can achieve consistency of design between the building's exterior and interior walls. PVC profile is made from UV stabilized materials protecting windows from solar expositon and discoloration. This problem is often observed with standard vinyl windows. In addition, our profiles are reinforced with galvanized steel, which makes them exceptionally durable. This feature is important for large windows, which require greater strength and stability. High thermal insulation of PVC material combined with multi chamber profile structure ensures the highest comfort of living. In fact uPVC windows have the highest energy rating in the US outperforming all brands of wooden windows. Double or triple pane glass have the added benefit of being extremely effective in deadening sound. It makes PVC windows the best choice for buildings or homes located close to railroads or noisy roads Browse and Shop Our Online Site : www.shop.libertywindoors.com For More Infomation About Tilt Turn Windows and Doors and Custom Order Options Visit : www.libertywindoors.com Warehouse Location : 127 Squankum Yellowbrook Road Farmingdale , NJ , 07727 TEL: (973) 773-2188 EMAIL: infonj@libertywindoors.com Hours Of Operation : Monday - Friday : 10:00am-5:00pm Saturday : Closed Sunday : Closed

Row 1412 is located on Capitol Hill on approximately 10,000 square feet of L3 zoned property. Originally developed as three single family houses, the project, currently under construction, consists of seven new homes and the preservation of one of the three existing single family homes. The siting of the proposal provides the opportunity to preserve an existing Ginkgo tree at the east edge of the site. The proposal will be designed around a central courtyard and walkway that connects the site from east to west and engages the Ginkgo. The project adds density while preserving a magnificent Seattle home by relocating it on its property to make room for the additional structures. A duplex is added behind the home with a rowhouse structure engaging the corner E Mercer Street through a series of recessed entries and stoops. Consistent with the neighboring structures, materials include brick, stained wood and painted panel.

Tilt Turn windows and doors can be combined in numerous configurations with casement, awning, and fixed windows as they utilize the same profile system. The seamless integration of windows provides a uniform appearance and customization beyond compare. Tilt turn windows are a very unique and functional European window, applicable in endless applications. These windows are quickly gaining popularity in the United States. These windows have been manufactured for almost a hundred years, starting out in Europe in the early 1900′s. The beauty of a tilt turn window is its dual action. The window will open like a casement window and will tilt in at the top. Each window is customized to your exact specifications. Tilt turn doors are also available; the window is capable of being manufactured to fit large openings. Glancing at the window, one cannot tell that the window has two functions. The window will swing inward when opened like a casement, with a screen on the window’s exterior. The window can then be hinged at the bottom and open inward at the top. Both actions are activated by the turn of a lever, which controls all the mechanics within the frame. There are great benefits to these operations. Ample fresh air can pass into the room when opened like a casement. When the window is open at the top, it functions as a safety precaution. Small children cannot climb up the window and fall through it as in a traditional double hung window. The same function prevents intruders from entering a room. There is simply no way to climb up the window and fit through the small opening; but ventilation is still possible. A tilt and turn window can be used in both residential and commercial applications. The window can be utilized in almost any room within a residential home. A home’s exterior is a great place for the windows as are sunrooms and pool enclosures. Commercial applications include restaurants, office buildings, and high rise apartments. A condominium on the thirtieth floor cannot typically be cleaned, except by a professional cleaning service; tilt turn windows open inward and allow for complete cleaning of the window units with out calling costly professionals. Modern PVC windows are suitable for many types of buildings. Weather it's a historic building, detached private residence, office building or a multi-family house, stylish window profiles can achieve consistency of design between the building's exterior and interior walls. PVC profile is made from UV stabilized materials protecting windows from solar expositon and discoloration. This problem is often observed with standard vinyl windows. In addition, our profiles are reinforced with galvanized steel, which makes them exceptionally durable. This feature is important for large windows, which require greater strength and stability. High thermal insulation of PVC material combined with multi chamber profile structure ensures the highest comfort of living. In fact uPVC windows have the highest energy rating in the US outperforming all brands of wooden windows. Double or triple pane glass have the added benefit of being extremely effective in deadening sound. It makes PVC windows the best choice for buildings or homes located close to railroads or noisy roads Browse and Shop Our Online Site : www.shop.libertywindoors.com For More Infomation About Tilt Turn Windows and Doors and Custom Order Options Visit : www.libertywindoors.com Warehouse Location : 127 Squankum Yellowbrook Road Farmingdale , NJ , 07727 TEL: (973) 773-2188 EMAIL: infonj@libertywindoors.com Hours Of Operation : Monday - Friday : 10:00am-5:00pm Saturday : Closed Sunday : Closed

This bedroom and full bathroom are part of an adventuresome project my wife and I embarked upon to create a complete apartment in the basement of our townhouse. We designed a floor plan that creatively and efficiently used all of the 385-square-foot-space, without sacrificing beauty, comfort or function – and all without breaking the bank! To maximize our budget, we did the work ourselves and added everything from thrift store finds to DIY wall art to bring it all together. A partial double closet bar adds a little extra space while still leaving room for longer hanging clothes.

This Atlantic holiday cottage is located in the unique landscape of the creek at Towd Point, in Southampton, one of only 28 Federal Ecological Preserves in the US. Caterina and Bob, a design couple who owns the architecture firm TRA studio in the city, chose the property because of their historic ties to the area and the extraordinary setting and its precise location within it: it is the only house whose site is at the bend of the Towd Point peninsula, right where the views of the protected creek are at the widest and where a little beach naturally occurred. Although the views are open and vast, the property is minimal, way too small to even consider a small pool or spa: the pristine creek is the house water feature, the recreation expansion of the diminutive back yard. We often joke that at TRA we can make small spaces feel big, which is, exactly what we did. As often happened with TRA’s renovation projects, as well as with the most recent art pieces by Robert Traboscia, one of the Studio’s founders, the house is an “object trouve’’, originally a modest fishing outpost, that went through many alterations, to finally find a refreshed life as a modern cottage for a New York family. A vintage busted kayak, repurposed as a planter, completes the process. The cottage is actually a collection of objects: the original Bayman’s cottage now houses two bedrooms, the adjoining deck soon afterwards was enclosed to make space for the kitchen/dining volume and a newer living room addition was later built to complete the compound.’ The compactness of the volumes contributes to the environmental quality of the house, whose simple natural materials have been carefully restored and insulated, while the simplicity of the volumes, which has been respectfully retained, talks about a nostalgia for the past Long Island seaside retreats. The single level recognizable gabled roof silhouette sits comfortably on the private beach, the greyed cedar deck acting as a platform to connect with the landscape. The informal weathered materials and the reductive color palette weave effortlessly from the exterior to the interior, creating a serene environment, echoing the coastal landscape, which emphasizes the line where the water meets the sky, the natural beach, tall breezy grasses and the multitude of happy birds who call the creek home. The restoration process started with the modest goal of cleaning up the walls and replace the worn uneven floor, it soon turned into a forensic research for the original elements, uncovering the historic foam-green siding gabled façade that is now the backdrop of the dining pavilion. The renovation respected the history of the place: everything changed and everything stayed the same. In an area known for vast, affluent, estates, the house is often the place where friends and family gather: the size of the house, the largeness of the creek, the wild life coexisting in harmony with the visitors, the availability of a swim in the bay or kayak adventure, are all interesting and inviting. We often observed that people do not want to leave our interiors, we love the little house because is a place that you never need to leave, this is definitely a house where there is always something to do. In the Hamptons, the question is often “what you are looking at”, usually the pool or landscaped nature, here it is easy to respond: our private beach and protected nature. The landscaping simply aims at enhancing the existing: three sculptural and weathered trees were given new life, the natural arch of the Creek, further outlined by the bulkhead, is amplified and repeated, similarly to rock stratifications, to connect to the house and define the different modes of the landscape: native grasses, private beach, gravel lawn, fence and finally Towd Point Road. Towd Point Little Beach is a habitat meant to be shared with birds and animals.

This stained glass window was created as part of our signature Aspen Stained Glass line. These windows look beautiful in cottage style or contemporary homes and are a great way for outdoor enthusiasts to celebrate their love of nature. The textured appearance of the glass provides the homeowners with a high level of privacy and comfort.

This flight inspired nursery was designed for a family with a passion for travel. A beloved antique travel poster and existing crib were the starting points for our design. We worked with artists on etsy.com to develop some unique custom elements for the room. Our favorite is a vintage inspired plane propeller that was crafted as a childhood growth chart. In house, we crafted a paper airplane mobile from city street map inspired paper and a reclaimed bike rim. Tailored blackout lined drapes were added to soften the room and provide a light-free space for baby to rest. The patterned rug is a fun addition that has become the family’s favorite baby photo op spot! This room is bursting with unique flight inspired details that we hope will be loved by the child for years and years to come! Designed by: Jennifer Gardner Design Photographer: Marcela Winspear

This Atlantic holiday cottage is located in the unique landscape of the creek at Towd Point, in Southampton, one of only 28 Federal Ecological Preserves in the US. Caterina and Bob, a design couple who owns the architecture firm TRA studio in the city, chose the property because of their historic ties to the area and the extraordinary setting and its precise location within it: it is the only house whose site is at the bend of the Towd Point peninsula, right where the views of the protected creek are at the widest and where a little beach naturally occurred. Although the views are open and vast, the property is minimal, way too small to even consider a small pool or spa: the pristine creek is the house water feature, the recreation expansion of the diminutive back yard. We often joke that at TRA we can make small spaces feel big, which is, exactly what we did. As often happened with TRA’s renovation projects, as well as with the most recent art pieces by Robert Traboscia, one of the Studio’s founders, the house is an “object trouve’’, originally a modest fishing outpost, that went through many alterations, to finally find a refreshed life as a modern cottage for a New York family. A vintage busted kayak, repurposed as a planter, completes the process. The cottage is actually a collection of objects: the original Bayman’s cottage now houses two bedrooms, the adjoining deck soon afterwards was enclosed to make space for the kitchen/dining volume and a newer living room addition was later built to complete the compound.’ The compactness of the volumes contributes to the environmental quality of the house, whose simple natural materials have been carefully restored and insulated, while the simplicity of the volumes, which has been respectfully retained, talks about a nostalgia for the past Long Island seaside retreats. The single level recognizable gabled roof silhouette sits comfortably on the private beach, the greyed cedar deck acting as a platform to connect with the landscape. The informal weathered materials and the reductive color palette weave effortlessly from the exterior to the interior, creating a serene environment, echoing the coastal landscape, which emphasizes the line where the water meets the sky, the natural beach, tall breezy grasses and the multitude of happy birds who call the creek home. The restoration process started with the modest goal of cleaning up the walls and replace the worn uneven floor, it soon turned into a forensic research for the original elements, uncovering the historic foam-green siding gabled façade that is now the backdrop of the dining pavilion. The renovation respected the history of the place: everything changed and everything stayed the same. In an area known for vast, affluent, estates, the house is often the place where friends and family gather: the size of the house, the largeness of the creek, the wild life coexisting in harmony with the visitors, the availability of a swim in the bay or kayak adventure, are all interesting and inviting. We often observed that people do not want to leave our interiors, we love the little house because is a place that you never need to leave, this is definitely a house where there is always something to do. In the Hamptons, the question is often “what you are looking at”, usually the pool or landscaped nature, here it is easy to respond: our private beach and protected nature. The landscaping simply aims at enhancing the existing: three sculptural and weathered trees were given new life, the natural arch of the Creek, further outlined by the bulkhead, is amplified and repeated, similarly to rock stratifications, to connect to the house and define the different modes of the landscape: native grasses, private beach, gravel lawn, fence and finally Towd Point Road. Towd Point Little Beach is a habitat meant to be shared with birds and animals.

We build our ponds to work with mother nature, not against her. By doing so, we have less pond maintenance, allowing us to enjoy the benefits of the pond instead of having to work on the pond. By constructing your water feature to perform as an ecosystem, nature is at the heart of the water cycle, not man. As a result, the root systems of pond plants filter the water, natural bacteria breaks down organic matter and pond fish eat the algae. No chemicals or other devices, just nature, doing what nature does best. If you live in Kentucky (KY) Contact us to get started with your Backyard Pond design. Photos By H2O Designs Inc. Lexington Kentucky To Learn More about our company and our Ponds visit http://www.h2odesignsinc.com/backyard-pond-installer.html

Exterior, brick, lime, limewash, painted brick, architectural finish

Originally, the exterior of the Napa ranch residence was a standard knocked down stucco finish. We covered over the entire exterior of the house with a natural plaster product that has been made in Italy for centuries, known as Rialto or Vero. This product is a combination of slaked lime mixed with 60% reconstituted crushed marble dust. Quarried from the legendary Carrara marble mines. The finish itself is a vertically combed striated texture embedded into the plaster. While it cures, a transparent group of patinas are applied to the stone-like plaster substance to create a look of an aged villa.

Set of 7 Marshmallows and macarons photographs in soft pink and white, perfect to decorate your kitchen wall. If you like my artwork, I can customise your walls for free, no purchase required!! You just need to send me 3 photos of the room. The first two pictures enable me to see volumes and colors; then figure out its style. The third photo taken right in front of the wall, inspires me, with the help of an important element: the size of a piece in the room (chair, cushion, light, etc…). The unit of measure can be inches or centimeters. With all of this, I can outline 3 or 4 compositions that will match the best way. Finally, layering the wall decor on the room picture allows you to see the final result right away. My favorite subjects are Paris, NYC, Normandy (Toronto and Madrid soon online). I prefer taking pictures of details, for example, of cars or boats. Then I assemble them in order to make a whole set. I like setting up scenes to decorate kitchens. For this I use sweets and candies or prepared dishes that are not made by me because I am a terrible cook !! I just enjoy photographing and tasting them. I also create decoration for bathrooms with bottles of perfume or candles. Feel free to convo me if you ever need to decorate your walls. I will be pleased to work for you. And don’t be afraid to ask me any question about any ideas for your home sweet home. Décoration murale composée de 7 photos de Marshmallows et de macarons, parfait pour décorer la cuisine. Si vous aimez mes photos je peux vous proposer une décoration personnalisée de votre intérieur, sans obligation de votre part !! Il suffit juste de m'envoyer deux photos de la pièce pour me donner une idée des volumes et des couleurs afin de m'imprégner de son style ; puis une troisième photo prise juste en face du mur à décorer. J'ai également besoin de la dimension d'un élément présent (chaise, coussin, lumière, etc...), en centimètre. J'observe cette pièce et ses couleurs, puis j'intègre entre 3 et 4 idées de compositions qui s'harmonisent le mieux. Les photographies sont insérées dans "votre mur" et vous avez aussitôt le résultat de la composition murale sous les yeux !! Mes thèmes de prédilection sont Paris, New York, la Normandie, (Toronto et Madrid à venir). J'ai une préférence pour les détails. J'aime photographier, par exemple, différentes parties de voitures ou de bateaux, que j'assemble pour recréer un tout cohérent et évocateur. Je fais des mises en scène pour décorer les cuisines avec des ingrédients, des confiseries ou des plats cuisinés par des restaurateurs, mais pas par moi car je suis une très mauvaise cuisinière ! Je ne fais que les photographier et les goûter... Je crée également des décors pour les salles de bains avec des bouteilles de parfum ou des bougies. N'hésitez pas à me proposer vos murs à décorer. Je me ferai un plaisir de travailler pour vous !! Soyez libre de me contacter pour me proposer vos choix de projets.