This luxurious 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom residence is now on the market, and it’s packed with high-end features that will take your breath away. ✨ Key Features: 4 spacious bedrooms and 3 elegant bathrooms Expansive outdoor living entertainment space Summer kitchen and wet bar for perfect gatherings Private-entry casita-style guest house for ultimate privacy Heated saltwater pool & spa with panoramic preserve views Imagine entertaining guests in your outdoor oasis or relaxing in your private spa while enjoying the stunning, unobstructed views. This bond-paid home, listed at $1,669,000, offers the perfect blend of luxury and comfort.

This luxurious 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom residence is now on the market, and it’s packed with high-end features that will take your breath away. ✨ Key Features: 4 spacious bedrooms and 3 elegant bathrooms Expansive outdoor living entertainment space Summer kitchen and wet bar for perfect gatherings Private-entry casita-style guest house for ultimate privacy Heated saltwater pool & spa with panoramic preserve views Imagine entertaining guests in your outdoor oasis or relaxing in your private spa while enjoying the stunning, unobstructed views. This bond-paid home, listed at $1,669,000, offers the perfect blend of luxury and comfort.

Many families ponder the idea of adding extra living space for a few years before they are actually ready to remodel. Then, all-of-the sudden, something will happen that makes them realize that they can’t wait any longer. In the case of this remodeling story, it was the snowstorm of 2016 that spurred the homeowners into action. As the family was stuck in the house with nowhere to go, they longed for more space. The parents longed for a getaway spot for themselves that could also double as a hangout area for the kids and their friends. As they considered their options, there was one clear choice…to renovate the detached garage. The detached garage previously functioned as a workshop and storage room and offered plenty of square footage to create a family room, kitchenette, and full bath. It’s location right beside the outdoor kitchen made it an ideal spot for entertaining and provided an easily accessible bathroom during the summertime. Even the canine family members get to enjoy it as they have their own personal entrance, through a bathroom doggie door. Our design team listened carefully to our client’s wishes to create a space that had a modern rustic feel and found selections that fit their aesthetic perfectly. To set the tone, Blackstone Oak luxury vinyl plank flooring was installed throughout. The kitchenette area features Maple Shaker style cabinets in a pecan shell stain, Uba Tuba granite countertops, and an eye-catching amber glass and antique bronze pulley sconce. Rather than use just an ordinary door for the bathroom entry, a gorgeous Knotty Alder barn door creates a stunning focal point of the room. The fantastic selections continue in the full bath. A reclaimed wood double vanity with a gray washed pine finish anchors the room. White, semi-recessed sinks with chrome faucets add some contemporary accents, while the glass and oil-rubbed bronze mini pendant lights are a balance between both rustic and modern. The design called for taking the shower tile to the ceiling and it really paid off. A sliced pebble tile floor in the shower is curbed with Uba Tuba granite, creating a clean line and another accent detail. The new multi-functional space looks like a natural extension of their home, with its matching exterior lights, new windows, doors, and sliders. And with winter approaching and snow on the way, this family is ready to hunker down and ride out the storm in comfort and warmth. When summer arrives, they have a designated bathroom for outdoor entertaining and a wonderful area for guests to hang out. It was a pleasure to create this beautiful remodel for our clients and we hope that they continue to enjoy it for many years to come.

This is the Kitchen Study where menus can be studied, groceries ordered, bills paid or cooking shows watched. There's also room to relax in the wing chair and follow a favorite chef. The chocolate brown Farrow and Ball wall paint creates a change of mood from the white Kitchen and offers a cozy oasis for enjoying a cup of tea or coffee. Photography by Wing Wong

This luxurious 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom residence is now on the market, and it’s packed with high-end features that will take your breath away. ✨ Key Features: 4 spacious bedrooms and 3 elegant bathrooms Expansive outdoor living entertainment space Summer kitchen and wet bar for perfect gatherings Private-entry casita-style guest house for ultimate privacy Heated saltwater pool & spa with panoramic preserve views Imagine entertaining guests in your outdoor oasis or relaxing in your private spa while enjoying the stunning, unobstructed views. This bond-paid home, listed at $1,669,000, offers the perfect blend of luxury and comfort.

This luxurious 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom residence is now on the market, and it’s packed with high-end features that will take your breath away. ✨ Key Features: 4 spacious bedrooms and 3 elegant bathrooms Expansive outdoor living entertainment space Summer kitchen and wet bar for perfect gatherings Private-entry casita-style guest house for ultimate privacy Heated saltwater pool & spa with panoramic preserve views Imagine entertaining guests in your outdoor oasis or relaxing in your private spa while enjoying the stunning, unobstructed views. This bond-paid home, listed at $1,669,000, offers the perfect blend of luxury and comfort.

Many families ponder the idea of adding extra living space for a few years before they are actually ready to remodel. Then, all-of-the sudden, something will happen that makes them realize that they can’t wait any longer. In the case of this remodeling story, it was the snowstorm of 2016 that spurred the homeowners into action. As the family was stuck in the house with nowhere to go, they longed for more space. The parents longed for a getaway spot for themselves that could also double as a hangout area for the kids and their friends. As they considered their options, there was one clear choice…to renovate the detached garage. The detached garage previously functioned as a workshop and storage room and offered plenty of square footage to create a family room, kitchenette, and full bath. It’s location right beside the outdoor kitchen made it an ideal spot for entertaining and provided an easily accessible bathroom during the summertime. Even the canine family members get to enjoy it as they have their own personal entrance, through a bathroom doggie door. Our design team listened carefully to our client’s wishes to create a space that had a modern rustic feel and found selections that fit their aesthetic perfectly. To set the tone, Blackstone Oak luxury vinyl plank flooring was installed throughout. The kitchenette area features Maple Shaker style cabinets in a pecan shell stain, Uba Tuba granite countertops, and an eye-catching amber glass and antique bronze pulley sconce. Rather than use just an ordinary door for the bathroom entry, a gorgeous Knotty Alder barn door creates a stunning focal point of the room. The fantastic selections continue in the full bath. A reclaimed wood double vanity with a gray washed pine finish anchors the room. White, semi-recessed sinks with chrome faucets add some contemporary accents, while the glass and oil-rubbed bronze mini pendant lights are a balance between both rustic and modern. The design called for taking the shower tile to the ceiling and it really paid off. A sliced pebble tile floor in the shower is curbed with Uba Tuba granite, creating a clean line and another accent detail. The new multi-functional space looks like a natural extension of their home, with its matching exterior lights, new windows, doors, and sliders. And with winter approaching and snow on the way, this family is ready to hunker down and ride out the storm in comfort and warmth. When summer arrives, they have a designated bathroom for outdoor entertaining and a wonderful area for guests to hang out. It was a pleasure to create this beautiful remodel for our clients and we hope that they continue to enjoy it for many years to come.

Mary Jack
Home design - traditional home design idea in Cleveland

Green Home Systems recently completed a 10.89 kW solar panel installation project on Tullamore Ln in Ames, IA for their client Bradly R. Our team of experienced professionals went above and beyond to ensure that this project was completed on time and to our client's satisfaction. We are proud to share the success story of this project with all of our current and future clients! At Green Home Systems, we understand that making the transition to solar energy can be an intimidating process, which is why we strive to provide all of our clients with the best possible service. We offer competitive financing options for those looking to go solar, as well as our BBB accreditation which speaks volumes about our commitment to providing quality service. Additionally, we take the time to inspect all areas before beginning a project, ensuring that each job is done safely and securely. For this particular project, we worked with Bradly R., who wanted to make the switch from traditional electricity sources to a more eco-friendly option while also reducing his utility bill in the process. We chose sloped roof racking systems due to the unique terrain of the area and worked diligently over a couple months to complete the installation. By utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and highly trained technicians dedicated to completing each job efficiently, we were able to finish this project on time without compromising quality or safety standards. The results of our work speak for themselves! Not only did Bradly R.’s electricity bill decrease significantly after installing solar panels with us, he also saw an increase in his property value due to the upgrades made with energy efficient materials. Additionally, he was able to do his part for the environment by reducing his carbon footprint significantly by switching from traditional energy sources to solar energy. We are so thankful that Bradly R. chose Green Home Systems for this project and would like thank him for recommending us! He found us through an online search and was impressed with our craftsmanship and ability to complete projects on time. We are proud that our hard work has paid off and look forward continuing to provide top notch quality service in Sherman Oaks and beyond!

This project received Gold LEED Certification. Light pours into this scenic wetlands retreat located on Cape Cod. This full renovation included raising the house to exist above the flood plane and added a Porte-Cochere at the ground level. Bead board ceilings and pine floors echo the traditions of the quintessential beach house, while spa-quality bathrooms offer contemporary comforts. A bright, open, light-filled vacation home in the heart of Woods Hole created for entertaining and family getaways. Every attention was paid to historic details, comfort, and sustainability while collaborating on this. Design: Susan Myers Architecture and Payne | Bouchier Design Department Photography: Mike Fein

Many families ponder the idea of adding extra living space for a few years before they are actually ready to remodel. Then, all-of-the sudden, something will happen that makes them realize that they can’t wait any longer. In the case of this remodeling story, it was the snowstorm of 2016 that spurred the homeowners into action. As the family was stuck in the house with nowhere to go, they longed for more space. The parents longed for a getaway spot for themselves that could also double as a hangout area for the kids and their friends. As they considered their options, there was one clear choice…to renovate the detached garage. The detached garage previously functioned as a workshop and storage room and offered plenty of square footage to create a family room, kitchenette, and full bath. It’s location right beside the outdoor kitchen made it an ideal spot for entertaining and provided an easily accessible bathroom during the summertime. Even the canine family members get to enjoy it as they have their own personal entrance, through a bathroom doggie door. Our design team listened carefully to our client’s wishes to create a space that had a modern rustic feel and found selections that fit their aesthetic perfectly. To set the tone, Blackstone Oak luxury vinyl plank flooring was installed throughout. The kitchenette area features Maple Shaker style cabinets in a pecan shell stain, Uba Tuba granite countertops, and an eye-catching amber glass and antique bronze pulley sconce. Rather than use just an ordinary door for the bathroom entry, a gorgeous Knotty Alder barn door creates a stunning focal point of the room. The fantastic selections continue in the full bath. A reclaimed wood double vanity with a gray washed pine finish anchors the room. White, semi-recessed sinks with chrome faucets add some contemporary accents, while the glass and oil-rubbed bronze mini pendant lights are a balance between both rustic and modern. The design called for taking the shower tile to the ceiling and it really paid off. A sliced pebble tile floor in the shower is curbed with Uba Tuba granite, creating a clean line and another accent detail. The new multi-functional space looks like a natural extension of their home, with its matching exterior lights, new windows, doors, and sliders. And with winter approaching and snow on the way, this family is ready to hunker down and ride out the storm in comfort and warmth. When summer arrives, they have a designated bathroom for outdoor entertaining and a wonderful area for guests to hang out. It was a pleasure to create this beautiful remodel for our clients and we hope that they continue to enjoy it for many years to come.

Many families ponder the idea of adding extra living space for a few years before they are actually ready to remodel. Then, all-of-the sudden, something will happen that makes them realize that they can’t wait any longer. In the case of this remodeling story, it was the snowstorm of 2016 that spurred the homeowners into action. As the family was stuck in the house with nowhere to go, they longed for more space. The parents longed for a getaway spot for themselves that could also double as a hangout area for the kids and their friends. As they considered their options, there was one clear choice…to renovate the detached garage. The detached garage previously functioned as a workshop and storage room and offered plenty of square footage to create a family room, kitchenette, and full bath. It’s location right beside the outdoor kitchen made it an ideal spot for entertaining and provided an easily accessible bathroom during the summertime. Even the canine family members get to enjoy it as they have their own personal entrance, through a bathroom doggie door. Our design team listened carefully to our client’s wishes to create a space that had a modern rustic feel and found selections that fit their aesthetic perfectly. To set the tone, Blackstone Oak luxury vinyl plank flooring was installed throughout. The kitchenette area features Maple Shaker style cabinets in a pecan shell stain, Uba Tuba granite countertops, and an eye-catching amber glass and antique bronze pulley sconce. Rather than use just an ordinary door for the bathroom entry, a gorgeous Knotty Alder barn door creates a stunning focal point of the room. The fantastic selections continue in the full bath. A reclaimed wood double vanity with a gray washed pine finish anchors the room. White, semi-recessed sinks with chrome faucets add some contemporary accents, while the glass and oil-rubbed bronze mini pendant lights are a balance between both rustic and modern. The design called for taking the shower tile to the ceiling and it really paid off. A sliced pebble tile floor in the shower is curbed with Uba Tuba granite, creating a clean line and another accent detail. The new multi-functional space looks like a natural extension of their home, with its matching exterior lights, new windows, doors, and sliders. And with winter approaching and snow on the way, this family is ready to hunker down and ride out the storm in comfort and warmth. When summer arrives, they have a designated bathroom for outdoor entertaining and a wonderful area for guests to hang out. It was a pleasure to create this beautiful remodel for our clients and we hope that they continue to enjoy it for many years to come.

For an 1890s-era property in Northborough, Massachusetts, we completely revitalized the kitchen to be a beautiful gathering spot for a busy family. The homeowners wanted to ensure the space paid homage to the heritage style of the home while maintaining an open and minimalist aesthetic. To that end, we removed all the wall cabinets and incorporated most of the storage in the base cabinets. The simple Shaker-style doors with brass hardware fit perfectly into the design, with the painted green and natural rustic walnut cabinets offering a gorgeous contrast to the white cabinets. To further transform the kitchen, we added more windows to the previously dark, enclosed space. The ceiling beams are reclaimed wood beams from a mill building in the area and complement the custom walnut butcher block and rustic walnut glass wall cabinet. Another unique feature is the weathered, matte soapstone finish of the black granite on the countertops rather than the more typical polished effect.

Transform your space with our handmade braided area rugs, a perfect blend of traditional and vintage charm. these medium-sized round rugs in a timeless beige hue add a touch of elegance to any living room, bedroom, or dining room. expertly hand knotted and crocheted with scalloped edges, each rug reflects meticulous craftsmanship and an oriental flair. crafted from a mix of natural fibers including jute, sisal, and sea grass, these rugs are durable and eco-friendly, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. the low, thin pile offers a sleek, modern look while ensuring easy maintenance and comfort. ideal for adding a stylish accent during the Christmas season or throughout the year, these rugs are currently available at clearance prices, combining classic design with practical functionality to elevate your home decor. [FEATURES] *PATTERN - Oriental *COLOR - Beige *MATERIAL - Jute *MATERIAL COMPOSITION - 80% Jute; 20% Cotton *CONSTRUCTION - Handmade *WEAVE - Hand Woven *COUNTRY OF ORIGIN - India *BRAND - RUGSOTIC CARPETS *MANUFACTURER - GET MY RUGS LLC *SHIPPING - Free Shipping *OCCASION - All *ROOM TYPE - Living Room, Bed Room, Study Room, Guest Room, Kids Room, Office *CARE INSTRUCTION - Vacuum Cleaning *ECO-FRIENDLY - Yes *NATURAL FIBRE - Yes *PILE - High Pile *PILE HEIGHT - 0.75 Inches *BACK MATERIAL - Cotton *USAGE - Indoor *DURABLE - Yes *ANTI-SKID - Yes *Order Handling Time - 2 Business days *Washable - No *RUG PAD NEEEDED - No *ITEM CONDITION - New *REVERSIBLE - No *[WEAVE / CONSTRUCTION] Woven area rugs frequently hold cultural and historical importance, featuring traditional patterns and techniques handed down through generations. Woven area rug weaving is a complex and traditional method used to produce durable and decorative area rugs. This process involves intertwining warp and weft threads to create a flat and sturdy textile. *[MATERIAL] Jute is one of the most affordable natural & eco-friendly fibers in existence and also used for weaving area rugs. The jute material is strong enough to tolerate the large footfall without much cleaning on daily basis and can be used both indoor and outdoor. The cost of such area rugs is reasonable. *[PATTERN] This oriental jute area rugs with traditional design enhances the elegance of your living space and beautifully complement a variety of home décor styles. *[ECO-FRIENDLY] By selecting this handmade area rug, woven with eco-friendly natural fibers and crafted without the use of harmful chemicals, you demonstrate your commitment to a healthier environment and your support for traditional craftsmanship. Additionally, using jute as a raw material makes the area rug more eco-friendly and conducive to nature. *[DURABLE & EASY CARE] Crafted with meticulous precision and using top-quality materials, these area rugs boast unparalleled durability, making them suitable for high-traffic areas while providing exceptional underfoot comfort. Moreover, they require minimal maintenance, needing only occasional vacuuming to keep them looking their best. *[USAGE AREA] Area rugs are versatile decor elements that can elevate the ambiance and functionality of any room in your home. From the living room to the bedroom, and even outdoor spaces, study rooms, runway, dining room and office room here's how you can make the most of area rugs throughout your home. *[SERVICES] Free Shipping | Quick Order Dispatch | Easy Return | Accessible Customer Support - With quality product we deliver exceptional services to customers. *[BRAND] RUGSOTIC CARPETS is a name synonymous with quality area rugs, rooted in decades of manufacturing expertise. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond product quality to supporting thousands of skilled weavers and artisans. We prioritize environmental friendliness and climate sustainability in our weaving processes, while also fostering the continuous skill development of our weavers through training initiatives. From spinning and dyeing yarn with natural ingredients in our in-house units to the meticulous weaving of our area rugs, quality checks at every stage ensure the delivery of products that uphold high moral values and exceed customer expectations. *[SHAPE & SIZE] This Round area rug is of 4'x4' size. Ensure that the area rug is the appropriate size and shape for the space, considering the furniture arrangement and the room's dimensions.I *[SHIPPING & RETURN POLICY] Free shipping across USA (except Puerto Rico, Alaska & Hawaii). Easy 30 days free returns. In case of damaged or wrong product delivered, the return shipment cost will be borne by us, in any other case, it will be paid by the customer. *[WEAVE DESCRIPTION] Woven rugs often carry significant cultural and historical value, showcasing traditional patterns and techniques that have been passed down through generations. These area rugs are not just decorative pieces but are also embodiments of heritage and craftsmanship. The art of weaving them is a detailed and time-honored method that requires skill and precision to produce area rugs that are both durable and aesthetically pleasing. This intricate process involves the careful interlacing of warp and weft threads on a loom to create a flat and sturdy textile. The durability of these area rugs ensures they can withstand heavy use, making them practical as well as beautiful additions to any space. *[MATERIAL DESCRIPTION] Jute is one of the most affordable and eco-friendly natural fibers available, commonly used for weaving area rugs. This material is exceptionally strong and durable, capable of withstanding heavy foot traffic with minimal daily cleaning, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Additionally, the cost of jute area rugs is quite reasonable, making them an economical choice for consumers seeking sustainable and practical flooring solutions. The use of jute as a raw material not only enhances the rug's durability but also contributes to environmental sustainability, as jute is biodegradable and renewable *[PROPER SET UP & CARE] The area rug is weaved by the expert artisans with high density for its unmatched durability. It can be placed on high traffic areas with proper care. It can be installed over any kind of surface and creases can be removed just by rolling up the rug in reverse order. *[FLOOR PROTECTION] For floor protection, this area rug can be used with pads that keep the safety of the floor intact. Be it the stone flooring, wooden or tile flooring, the rug pads will be the best for protection. *[CLEANING METHODS] To effectively remove dust from jute area rugs, the vacuum cleaning method is recommended. However, for stains or heavy dust accumulation, a gentle wash can be employed to restore the rug's cleanliness. After washing, it's important to ensure thorough drying of the area rug, preferably under sunlight, as this helps it regain its natural sheen and freshness.

This project received Gold LEED Certification. Light pours into this scenic wetlands retreat located on Cape Cod. This full renovation included raising the house to exist above the flood plane and added a Porte-Cochere at the ground level. Bead board ceilings and pine floors echo the traditions of the quintessential beach house, while spa-quality bathrooms offer contemporary comforts. A bright, open, light-filled vacation home in the heart of Woods Hole created for entertaining and family getaways. Every attention was paid to historic details, comfort, and sustainability while collaborating on this. Design: Susan Myers Architecture and Payne | Bouchier Design Department Photography: Mike Fein

Many families ponder the idea of adding extra living space for a few years before they are actually ready to remodel. Then, all-of-the sudden, something will happen that makes them realize that they can’t wait any longer. In the case of this remodeling story, it was the snowstorm of 2016 that spurred the homeowners into action. As the family was stuck in the house with nowhere to go, they longed for more space. The parents longed for a getaway spot for themselves that could also double as a hangout area for the kids and their friends. As they considered their options, there was one clear choice…to renovate the detached garage. The detached garage previously functioned as a workshop and storage room and offered plenty of square footage to create a family room, kitchenette, and full bath. It’s location right beside the outdoor kitchen made it an ideal spot for entertaining and provided an easily accessible bathroom during the summertime. Even the canine family members get to enjoy it as they have their own personal entrance, through a bathroom doggie door. Our design team listened carefully to our client’s wishes to create a space that had a modern rustic feel and found selections that fit their aesthetic perfectly. To set the tone, Blackstone Oak luxury vinyl plank flooring was installed throughout. The kitchenette area features Maple Shaker style cabinets in a pecan shell stain, Uba Tuba granite countertops, and an eye-catching amber glass and antique bronze pulley sconce. Rather than use just an ordinary door for the bathroom entry, a gorgeous Knotty Alder barn door creates a stunning focal point of the room. The fantastic selections continue in the full bath. A reclaimed wood double vanity with a gray washed pine finish anchors the room. White, semi-recessed sinks with chrome faucets add some contemporary accents, while the glass and oil-rubbed bronze mini pendant lights are a balance between both rustic and modern. The design called for taking the shower tile to the ceiling and it really paid off. A sliced pebble tile floor in the shower is curbed with Uba Tuba granite, creating a clean line and another accent detail. The new multi-functional space looks like a natural extension of their home, with its matching exterior lights, new windows, doors, and sliders. And with winter approaching and snow on the way, this family is ready to hunker down and ride out the storm in comfort and warmth. When summer arrives, they have a designated bathroom for outdoor entertaining and a wonderful area for guests to hang out. It was a pleasure to create this beautiful remodel for our clients and we hope that they continue to enjoy it for many years to come.

This luxurious 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom residence is now on the market, and it’s packed with high-end features that will take your breath away. ✨ Key Features: 4 spacious bedrooms and 3 elegant bathrooms Expansive outdoor living entertainment space Summer kitchen and wet bar for perfect gatherings Private-entry casita-style guest house for ultimate privacy Heated saltwater pool & spa with panoramic preserve views Imagine entertaining guests in your outdoor oasis or relaxing in your private spa while enjoying the stunning, unobstructed views. This bond-paid home, listed at $1,669,000, offers the perfect blend of luxury and comfort.

The master bedroom in a Parisian apartment is often a luxurious and functional space that is carefully designed to provide residents with a comfortable retreat. With attention paid to every detail, these rooms are typically spacious and airy, featuring a blend of classic and contemporary decor. One of the defining features of master bedrooms in Paris apartments is their emphasis on functionality, with ample storage space and often an en-suite bathroom with modern fixtures and luxurious amenities. The decor is typically elegant and sophisticated, with plush bedding, ornate molding, and tasteful artwork. Overall, the master bedroom in a Parisian apartment is the ultimate in luxury and comfort, offering a welcoming retreat for residents to unwind and recharge in style.

Nobody would be foolish enough to knowingly purchase PIZZA using a third party call-center middleman.But every day, thousands of people do exactly that when they purchase flowers for delivery! That’s because a NEW TYPE of “florist” has appeared on the scene. And that means most flower buyers pay as much as 50% MORE than they should pay! Finding A Floral Supplier When a prospective flower buyer wants to buy flowers, his first stop is usually the internet. The author’s flower shop is in Charlotte, NC and the two most widely used search terms in this area are: “Charlotte flowers” and “Charlotte florist.” When the customer searches for either of these terms, he will get a list of results. Paid results (advertising) are usually shown first. Organic (website) results come after the advertisements. When a customer clicks on an advertisement, he is usually taken to a beautiful website owned by a call-center floral middleman offering beautiful flowers, hand-delivered by a LOCAL florist. And the products are sales TAX FREE. But what is not revealed is that the middle man does not actually have a flower shop in Charlotte! The Difference Between Toasters and Flowers With “durable” products like toasters and sweaters, the location of the seller isn’t terribly important. That’s because the products will be shipped from a warehousevia USPS, UPS or FedEx. But flower arrangements are *fragile* and cannot be shipped that way! Instead, they must be locally custom-hand-crafted and hand-delivered! And this means that if a customer orders from a middleman’s website, the order must – somehow – be passed from the middleman’s company to a REAL local florist in, for example, Charlotte, NC. This “order transfer” is done by one of the three florist-to-florist networks: FTD, Teleflora and Bloomnet (1-800-Flowers). Too Many FEES and COMMISSIONS Membership in these networks is not free, so the middleman always adds a “handling charge” – typically about $15 -- to the customer’s bill to help pay for hiscosts to access to the network. Please note that the $15 handling charge usually far exceedsany TAX FREE “savings!” But the “handling charge” only helps pay for *access* to the network. The florist-to-florist network also takes a 7% commission, and also credits a 20% selling commission back to the middleman! What this means is that, for a typical online floral purchase, just under HALF of the customer’s money vanishes in unnecessary FEES and COMMISSIONS. By comparison, when a customer buys a toaster from an independent business listing it on Amazon, only a few percent of the purchase price goes to fees and commissions. With this huge profit potential available to third party floral marketers, it is not surprising that these middlemen spend huge sums on advertising and sales promotion. A few years back, one even took an ad during the Super Bowl! Buy Direct For Better Value Clearly, the consumer will always get His Best Floral Value by placing his floral order DIRECT with a Real Florist n the City where the flowers will be delivered. Sometimes it may be difficult to tell whether a Flower Supplier is located “in town.”Here are three easy ways to separate a “real” florist from a floral middleman: 1. Look for the street address, city and state on the website. Often this will be found on a tab labeled “About Us” or “Contact Us.” If you cannot find an address at all, then this is almost certainly a middleman! 2. Look at the telephone number. If the only number on the website is a TOLL FREE “800” number, then the floral supplier is probably not local. 3. Look at the invoice (before you click the BUY NOW button!) for any “Handling” or “Service” charges. A REAL florist will never add these charges to your bill! For more information about Charlotte Flowers and Charlotte Florist, please visit the author’s Flower Hut website at http://flowerhut.com. BUT, if you do not want flowers delivered to Charlotte, Matthews, Mint Hill or Pineville, NC, please do NOT order from us! Take the time to find a REAL florist in the town where you need flowers delivered. You’ll be glad you did!