Photos by Darby Kate Photography
Mid-sized cottage master gray tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile bathroom photo in Dallas with shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, a one-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink and granite countertops

Mid-sized elegant l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen photo in Nashville with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Corey Gaffer Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional guest carpeted bedroom remodel in Minneapolis with beige walls

SpaceCrafting Real Estate Photography
Example of a large transitional dark wood floor enclosed dining room design in Minneapolis with gray walls and no fireplace

Example of a transitional bathroom design in Los Angeles

The new basement is the ultimate multi-functional space. A bar, foosball table, dartboard, and glass garage door with direct access to the back provide endless entertainment for guests; a cozy seating area with a whiteboard and pop-up television is perfect for Mike's work training sessions (or relaxing!); and a small playhouse and fun zone offer endless possibilities for the family's son, James.

Rob Bossy
Example of a classic kitchen design in Burlington with an island

This is an example of a coastal porch design in Boston.

The original kitchen in this 1990s two-story traditional home had cabinet peninsulas that made moving in and out and around the kitchen awkward. It was also “tired” with a dated design. The owners looked to Rick Jacobson for a transformation. They wanted an open kitchen with comfortable spaces for food prep and cooking, entertaining, and raising a family. The before and after photos on our website tell the story. The original design included two peninsulas; one with two bar seats for casual dining, and another that was essentially granite-topped cabinet for storage. While enclosing the kitchen, the design limited traffic flow. The stove, refrigerator and dishwasher needed to be replaced. Oak cabinets were showing their age. Oak trim around the windows were bland. The window blinds weren’t all that appealing. Lighting was tired. Flooring needed help as well. The good news: A new, bright, open, inviting and functional design could totally transform the room without having to relocate plumbing and electrical. The project began by getting rid of everything old and starting over. The popcorn ceiling was scraped down and replaced with a knock-down finish. The window trim was replaced with white painted poplar Princeton trim. New white translucent blinds let light in and offers privacy. The floors were sanded and dark stained with an oil base finish. And the floorboards were replaced with a three-part pine base. The new white kitchen cabinets feature Classic White Dura Supreme cabinetry with Kendal panels and rubbed oil hardware. The new countertops are made with Alaska White Granite from Capital Granite. The beautiful back splash was constructed with Rubbed Oil and Glass features from the Tile Shop. The Kraus open bay under mount stainless steel sink works well with Kohler brushed Nickel fixtures. All the appliances were replaced with stainless steel finishes. A gas cooktop replaced the original electric, with a new stainless steel range hood that was vented to the outdoors - a major improvement because the old range hood just had circulating filters. All the lights, including those lighting the counter, are on dimmers, making the room easily adjustable. A fresh new coat of Benjamin Moore Pashmina Af-100 paint on the walls, and Benjamin Moore White Dove Pm-19 paint on the trim, adds a light and neutral color that gives a fresh and crisp but warm feel. The result: A bright, open, functional kitchen, perfect for entertaining and raising a family. The owners love it!

The original kitchen in this 1990s two-story traditional home had cabinet peninsulas that made moving in and out and around the kitchen awkward. It was also “tired” with a dated design. The owners looked to Rick Jacobson for a transformation. They wanted an open kitchen with comfortable spaces for food prep and cooking, entertaining, and raising a family. The before and after photos on our website tell the story. The original design included two peninsulas; one with two bar seats for casual dining, and another that was essentially granite-topped cabinet for storage. While enclosing the kitchen, the design limited traffic flow. The stove, refrigerator and dishwasher needed to be replaced. Oak cabinets were showing their age. Oak trim around the windows were bland. The window blinds weren’t all that appealing. Lighting was tired. Flooring needed help as well. The good news: A new, bright, open, inviting and functional design could totally transform the room without having to relocate plumbing and electrical. The project began by getting rid of everything old and starting over. The popcorn ceiling was scraped down and replaced with a knock-down finish. The window trim was replaced with white painted poplar Princeton trim. New white translucent blinds let light in and offers privacy. The floors were sanded and dark stained with an oil base finish. And the floorboards were replaced with a three-part pine base. The new white kitchen cabinets feature Classic White Dura Supreme cabinetry with Kendal panels and rubbed oil hardware. The new countertops are made with Alaska White Granite from Capital Granite. The beautiful back splash was constructed with Rubbed Oil and Glass features from the Tile Shop. The Kraus open bay under mount stainless steel sink works well with Kohler brushed Nickel fixtures. All the appliances were replaced with stainless steel finishes. A gas cooktop replaced the original electric, with a new stainless steel range hood that was vented to the outdoors - a major improvement because the old range hood just had circulating filters. All the lights, including those lighting the counter, are on dimmers, making the room easily adjustable. A fresh new coat of Benjamin Moore Pashmina Af-100 paint on the walls, and Benjamin Moore White Dove Pm-19 paint on the trim, adds a light and neutral color that gives a fresh and crisp but warm feel. The result: A bright, open, functional kitchen, perfect for entertaining and raising a family. The owners love it!

The original kitchen in this 1990s two-story traditional home had cabinet peninsulas that made moving in and out and around the kitchen awkward. It was also “tired” with a dated design. The owners looked to Rick Jacobson for a transformation. They wanted an open kitchen with comfortable spaces for food prep and cooking, entertaining, and raising a family. The before and after photos on our website tell the story. The original design included two peninsulas; one with two bar seats for casual dining, and another that was essentially granite-topped cabinet for storage. While enclosing the kitchen, the design limited traffic flow. The stove, refrigerator and dishwasher needed to be replaced. Oak cabinets were showing their age. Oak trim around the windows were bland. The window blinds weren’t all that appealing. Lighting was tired. Flooring needed help as well. The good news: A new, bright, open, inviting and functional design could totally transform the room without having to relocate plumbing and electrical. The project began by getting rid of everything old and starting over. The popcorn ceiling was scraped down and replaced with a knock-down finish. The window trim was replaced with white painted poplar Princeton trim. New white translucent blinds let light in and offers privacy. The floors were sanded and dark stained with an oil base finish. And the floorboards were replaced with a three-part pine base. The new white kitchen cabinets feature Classic White Dura Supreme cabinetry with Kendal panels and rubbed oil hardware. The new countertops are made with Alaska White Granite from Capital Granite. The beautiful back splash was constructed with Rubbed Oil and Glass features from the Tile Shop. The Kraus open bay under mount stainless steel sink works well with Kohler brushed Nickel fixtures. All the appliances were replaced with stainless steel finishes. A gas cooktop replaced the original electric, with a new stainless steel range hood that was vented to the outdoors - a major improvement because the old range hood just had circulating filters. All the lights, including those lighting the counter, are on dimmers, making the room easily adjustable. A fresh new coat of Benjamin Moore Pashmina Af-100 paint on the walls, and Benjamin Moore White Dove Pm-19 paint on the trim, adds a light and neutral color that gives a fresh and crisp but warm feel. The result: A bright, open, functional kitchen, perfect for entertaining and raising a family. The owners love it!

The original kitchen in this 1990s two-story traditional home had cabinet peninsulas that made moving in and out and around the kitchen awkward. It was also “tired” with a dated design. The owners looked to Rick Jacobson for a transformation. They wanted an open kitchen with comfortable spaces for food prep and cooking, entertaining, and raising a family. The before and after photos on our website tell the story. The original design included two peninsulas; one with two bar seats for casual dining, and another that was essentially granite-topped cabinet for storage. While enclosing the kitchen, the design limited traffic flow. The stove, refrigerator and dishwasher needed to be replaced. Oak cabinets were showing their age. Oak trim around the windows were bland. The window blinds weren’t all that appealing. Lighting was tired. Flooring needed help as well. The good news: A new, bright, open, inviting and functional design could totally transform the room without having to relocate plumbing and electrical. The project began by getting rid of everything old and starting over. The popcorn ceiling was scraped down and replaced with a knock-down finish. The window trim was replaced with white painted poplar Princeton trim. New white translucent blinds let light in and offers privacy. The floors were sanded and dark stained with an oil base finish. And the floorboards were replaced with a three-part pine base. The new white kitchen cabinets feature Classic White Dura Supreme cabinetry with Kendal panels and rubbed oil hardware. The new countertops are made with Alaska White Granite from Capital Granite. The beautiful back splash was constructed with Rubbed Oil and Glass features from the Tile Shop. The Kraus open bay under mount stainless steel sink works well with Kohler brushed Nickel fixtures. All the appliances were replaced with stainless steel finishes. A gas cooktop replaced the original electric, with a new stainless steel range hood that was vented to the outdoors - a major improvement because the old range hood just had circulating filters. All the lights, including those lighting the counter, are on dimmers, making the room easily adjustable. A fresh new coat of Benjamin Moore Pashmina Af-100 paint on the walls, and Benjamin Moore White Dove Pm-19 paint on the trim, adds a light and neutral color that gives a fresh and crisp but warm feel. The result: A bright, open, functional kitchen, perfect for entertaining and raising a family. The owners love it!

The original kitchen in this 1990s two-story traditional home had cabinet peninsulas that made moving in and out and around the kitchen awkward. It was also “tired” with a dated design. The owners looked to Rick Jacobson for a transformation. They wanted an open kitchen with comfortable spaces for food prep and cooking, entertaining, and raising a family. The before and after photos on our website tell the story. The original design included two peninsulas; one with two bar seats for casual dining, and another that was essentially granite-topped cabinet for storage. While enclosing the kitchen, the design limited traffic flow. The stove, refrigerator and dishwasher needed to be replaced. Oak cabinets were showing their age. Oak trim around the windows were bland. The window blinds weren’t all that appealing. Lighting was tired. Flooring needed help as well. The good news: A new, bright, open, inviting and functional design could totally transform the room without having to relocate plumbing and electrical. The project began by getting rid of everything old and starting over. The popcorn ceiling was scraped down and replaced with a knock-down finish. The window trim was replaced with white painted poplar Princeton trim. New white translucent blinds let light in and offers privacy. The floors were sanded and dark stained with an oil base finish. And the floorboards were replaced with a three-part pine base. The new white kitchen cabinets feature Classic White Dura Supreme cabinetry with Kendal panels and rubbed oil hardware. The new countertops are made with Alaska White Granite from Capital Granite. The beautiful back splash was constructed with Rubbed Oil and Glass features from the Tile Shop. The Kraus open bay under mount stainless steel sink works well with Kohler brushed Nickel fixtures. All the appliances were replaced with stainless steel finishes. A gas cooktop replaced the original electric, with a new stainless steel range hood that was vented to the outdoors - a major improvement because the old range hood just had circulating filters. All the lights, including those lighting the counter, are on dimmers, making the room easily adjustable. A fresh new coat of Benjamin Moore Pashmina Af-100 paint on the walls, and Benjamin Moore White Dove Pm-19 paint on the trim, adds a light and neutral color that gives a fresh and crisp but warm feel. The result: A bright, open, functional kitchen, perfect for entertaining and raising a family. The owners love it!

3-4-5 inch random width reclaimed heart pine flooring and staircase installed and finished by Green Step Flooring, Inc. DuraSeal Neutral stain and Bona Woodline oil based semigloss poly. Home is located in Hasentree Wake Forest, NC

What You Should Know About Fuel Tanks Home heating solutions can encompass electrical, gas, solar and oil based systems. When one talks about oil tanks that are used as home heating systems, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Start with the installer A high-quality, professional and expert installer of oil or fuel tanks can certainly help you make the decision on which type of tank is the best for your property. When you decide on underground fuel tanks, you should make sure that they are: • Compliant with all statutory requirements. • Made of steel and polyurethane. • Covered by guarantee. • Supported by backfill material, leak detection systems and tank supports. Aboveground fuel tanks are easier to maintain simply because they are more accessible. Even the smallest of oil or fuel leaks can be detected almost immediately. But even here, an installer should give you premium quality tanks. These tanks: • Should have secondary containment. • Should be corrosion resistant. • Should have proper support as well. Installation Installation for both – underground and above ground tanks is a technical and complex process. The installation process for both will start with a technician visiting your home and making an assessment of aspects such as: • Measuring the space. • Taking stock of the distance from your home to the tank, pipes and so on. • The supports needed for the tank and so on. If it is an above ground tank, then it may also need bollards to protect it from vehicles. An underground tank will need containment sumps and drop tubes and so on. The combination of components will be decided by the installer and you can certainly ask for a complete breakup of the same and get the costs for the same as well. Remediation Repair and remediation of above and underground tanks is a critical task. In fact, many problems associated with underground fuel storage tanks can be eliminated if the home owner invests time and resources into periodic analysis and examination of the same. A fuel tank that has been installed above the ground will be easier to access but repair and remediation of both types of tanks will entail: • Soil sampling. • Extent of oil contamination. • Assessment of leaks and the extent and number of the same. • Drawing up a plan for dealing with all problem areas. Removal Every fuel tank has a shelf life. At some point of time or the other, the fuel tank will need to be removed. When it comes to above ground installations, the removal company will need to assess the type of fuel and the knowhow on emptying the tank completely. The tank will also need to be cleaned completely before being loaded on to a vehicle that can take it away to a recycling unit or disposal unit. Underground tanks can be removed or closed or treated as abandoned depending on the condition of the tank and official licenses. For instance, a tank can be treated as closure in place if the removal of the same is going to compromise the safety of structures above the ground.

The original kitchen in this 1990s two-story traditional home had cabinet peninsulas that made moving in and out and around the kitchen awkward. It was also “tired” with a dated design. The owners looked to Rick Jacobson for a transformation. They wanted an open kitchen with comfortable spaces for food prep and cooking, entertaining, and raising a family. The before and after photos on our website tell the story. The original design included two peninsulas; one with two bar seats for casual dining, and another that was essentially granite-topped cabinet for storage. While enclosing the kitchen, the design limited traffic flow. The stove, refrigerator and dishwasher needed to be replaced. Oak cabinets were showing their age. Oak trim around the windows were bland. The window blinds weren’t all that appealing. Lighting was tired. Flooring needed help as well. The good news: A new, bright, open, inviting and functional design could totally transform the room without having to relocate plumbing and electrical. The project began by getting rid of everything old and starting over. The popcorn ceiling was scraped down and replaced with a knock-down finish. The window trim was replaced with white painted poplar Princeton trim. New white translucent blinds let light in and offers privacy. The floors were sanded and dark stained with an oil base finish. And the floorboards were replaced with a three-part pine base. The new white kitchen cabinets feature Classic White Dura Supreme cabinetry with Kendal panels and rubbed oil hardware. The new countertops are made with Alaska White Granite from Capital Granite. The beautiful back splash was constructed with Rubbed Oil and Glass features from the Tile Shop. The Kraus open bay under mount stainless steel sink works well with Kohler brushed Nickel fixtures. All the appliances were replaced with stainless steel finishes. A gas cooktop replaced the original electric, with a new stainless steel range hood that was vented to the outdoors - a major improvement because the old range hood just had circulating filters. All the lights, including those lighting the counter, are on dimmers, making the room easily adjustable. A fresh new coat of Benjamin Moore Pashmina Af-100 paint on the walls, and Benjamin Moore White Dove Pm-19 paint on the trim, adds a light and neutral color that gives a fresh and crisp but warm feel. The result: A bright, open, functional kitchen, perfect for entertaining and raising a family. The owners love it!

The original kitchen in this 1990s two-story traditional home had cabinet peninsulas that made moving in and out and around the kitchen awkward. It was also “tired” with a dated design. The owners looked to Rick Jacobson for a transformation. They wanted an open kitchen with comfortable spaces for food prep and cooking, entertaining, and raising a family. The before and after photos on our website tell the story. The original design included two peninsulas; one with two bar seats for casual dining, and another that was essentially granite-topped cabinet for storage. While enclosing the kitchen, the design limited traffic flow. The stove, refrigerator and dishwasher needed to be replaced. Oak cabinets were showing their age. Oak trim around the windows were bland. The window blinds weren’t all that appealing. Lighting was tired. Flooring needed help as well. The good news: A new, bright, open, inviting and functional design could totally transform the room without having to relocate plumbing and electrical. The project began by getting rid of everything old and starting over. The popcorn ceiling was scraped down and replaced with a knock-down finish. The window trim was replaced with white painted poplar Princeton trim. New white translucent blinds let light in and offers privacy. The floors were sanded and dark stained with an oil base finish. And the floorboards were replaced with a three-part pine base. The new white kitchen cabinets feature Classic White Dura Supreme cabinetry with Kendal panels and rubbed oil hardware. The new countertops are made with Alaska White Granite from Capital Granite. The beautiful back splash was constructed with Rubbed Oil and Glass features from the Tile Shop. The Kraus open bay under mount stainless steel sink works well with Kohler brushed Nickel fixtures. All the appliances were replaced with stainless steel finishes. A gas cooktop replaced the original electric, with a new stainless steel range hood that was vented to the outdoors - a major improvement because the old range hood just had circulating filters. All the lights, including those lighting the counter, are on dimmers, making the room easily adjustable. A fresh new coat of Benjamin Moore Pashmina Af-100 paint on the walls, and Benjamin Moore White Dove Pm-19 paint on the trim, adds a light and neutral color that gives a fresh and crisp but warm feel. The result: A bright, open, functional kitchen, perfect for entertaining and raising a family. The owners love it!

The original kitchen in this 1990s two-story traditional home had cabinet peninsulas that made moving in and out and around the kitchen awkward. It was also “tired” with a dated design. The owners looked to Rick Jacobson for a transformation. They wanted an open kitchen with comfortable spaces for food prep and cooking, entertaining, and raising a family. The before and after photos on our website tell the story. The original design included two peninsulas; one with two bar seats for casual dining, and another that was essentially granite-topped cabinet for storage. While enclosing the kitchen, the design limited traffic flow. The stove, refrigerator and dishwasher needed to be replaced. Oak cabinets were showing their age. Oak trim around the windows were bland. The window blinds weren’t all that appealing. Lighting was tired. Flooring needed help as well. The good news: A new, bright, open, inviting and functional design could totally transform the room without having to relocate plumbing and electrical. The project began by getting rid of everything old and starting over. The popcorn ceiling was scraped down and replaced with a knock-down finish. The window trim was replaced with white painted poplar Princeton trim. New white translucent blinds let light in and offers privacy. The floors were sanded and dark stained with an oil base finish. And the floorboards were replaced with a three-part pine base. The new white kitchen cabinets feature Classic White Dura Supreme cabinetry with Kendal panels and rubbed oil hardware. The new countertops are made with Alaska White Granite from Capital Granite. The beautiful back splash was constructed with Rubbed Oil and Glass features from the Tile Shop. The Kraus open bay under mount stainless steel sink works well with Kohler brushed Nickel fixtures. All the appliances were replaced with stainless steel finishes. A gas cooktop replaced the original electric, with a new stainless steel range hood that was vented to the outdoors - a major improvement because the old range hood just had circulating filters. All the lights, including those lighting the counter, are on dimmers, making the room easily adjustable. A fresh new coat of Benjamin Moore Pashmina Af-100 paint on the walls, and Benjamin Moore White Dove Pm-19 paint on the trim, adds a light and neutral color that gives a fresh and crisp but warm feel. The result: A bright, open, functional kitchen, perfect for entertaining and raising a family. The owners love it!

Example of a kitchen design in Sacramento