Photo: Rachel Loewen © 2018 Houzz
Inspiration for an industrial living room remodel in Chicago with beige walls

Rodwin Architecture and Skycastle Homes Location: Boulder, CO, United States The 3300 s.f. Dineen Residence is nestled into a forested hillside glade, and combines old world materials with clean contemporary lines. Big southern windows, carefully calculated overhangs, and “tuned” glazing create a strong passive solar design. The Great room features 12 ft tall ceilings, a see-through fireplace, and oversized French doors leading out to flagstone patios. The dining room includes a stunning chandelier and connects directly to the sunny gourmet kitchen. In all these rooms, it feels like you’re standing outside. The expansive mudroom is perfect for pets, kids and gardening mess. The second floor features an expansive study/rec room with a large deck to capture the huge views of the forest and plains. Radiant concrete floors, a solar electric PV system and excellent insulation combine to achieved a HERS 32 (uses 68% less energy than allowed by code). This home was completed in October by our construction arm, Skycastle Homes, on time and under budget.

scott cramer photography
Kitchen - mid-sized traditional kitchen idea in Denver with shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, white backsplash and stainless steel appliances

A full inside-out renovation of our commercial space, featuring our Showroom and Conference Room. The 3,500-square-foot Andrea Schumacher storefront in the Art District on Santa Fe is in a 1924 building. It houses the light-filled, mural-lined Showroom on the main floor and a designers office and library upstairs. The resulting renovation is a reflection of Andrea's creative residential work: vibrant, timeless, and carefully curated. Photographed by: Emily Minton Redfield

Artificial turf putting green and sports court
Inspiration for a traditional landscaping in New York.

Modern mountain aesthetic in this fully exposed custom designed ranch. Exterior brings together lap siding and stone veneer accents with welcoming timber columns and entry truss. Garage door covered with standing seam metal roof supported by brackets. Large timber columns and beams support a rear covered screened porch. (Ryan Hainey)

Arts and crafts blue two-story vinyl house exterior photo in Indianapolis with a shingle roof

  Phoenix's food scene is vibrant and thriving, but also one of the most closely watched in the country. Health inspectors in Maricopa County are strict, and customers expect spotless dining spaces.  To stay competitive, restaurant owners and food vendors must stay on top of evolving health codes, sanitation protocols, and food safety benchmarks. That starts with a firm grip on restaurant cleaning safety standards. Ignoring sanitation rules risks more than bad reviews. It invites citations, customer complaints, and operational shutdowns. Whether you're operating a food truck or a restaurant, following these Phoenix cleaning standards helps you stay compliant, pass health inspections, and build customer trust. Importance of a Clean Phoenix Restaurant that Follows Food Health and Safety Standards The restaurant industry in Phoenix operates under strict oversight. The Maricopa County Environmental Services Department conducts regular inspections, and violations can result in fines or closures. In this climate, restaurant cleaning is not just a hygiene standard. It is a business-critical measure. Proper food handling and establishment cleaning protocols reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses, control pests, protect equipment, and keep your staff safe. Inconsistent practices, on the other hand, can quickly become liabilities. Start With the Food Code Phoenix food vendors must comply with the 2017 FDA Food Code as adopted by Maricopa County. This includes rules on:

• Sanitizing food-contact surfaces after each use
• Maintaining proper water temperatures for dishwashing
• Cleaning restrooms frequently and keeping them stocked
• Storing cleaning chemicals away from prep areas

Each violation tier, from Priority to Core, has consequences. Priority violations (like improper sanitization) trigger repeat inspections and possible permit suspensions. Establish a Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Cleaning Routine for Phoenix Restaurants and Commercial Kitchens High-performing food vendors operate with cleaning checklists categorized by frequency:

• Daily: Wipe prep tables, mop floors, clean grills, sanitize cutting boards
• Weekly: Deep clean kitchen hoods, polish cooking equipment, disinfect drains
• Monthly: Check pest control measures, clean freezer coils, and inspect HVAC filters

Your routines should align with the facility’s risk level and menu complexity. A meat-heavy kitchen faces a higher risk of contamination than a coffee cart. Build your cleaning schedule accordingly. Train Staff on Cleaning Protocols Staff must be trained to clean as effectively as they cook and do food preparation. This includes:

• Using the right sanitizers and PPE
• Logging cleaning times and who performed the task
• Identifying signs of mold, grease buildup, or rodent activity
• Conducting thorough surface cleaning to ensure all food-contact surfaces are sanitized regularly

Training is not one-time. Update it quarterly and post protocols in shared areas. Use EPA-Approved  Cleaning Products for Arizona Food Business Phoenix regulations call for cleaning products that meet EPA standards. These should be:

• Food-safe and non-corrosive
• Effective against norovirus, salmonella, and E. coli
• Clearly labeled and stored in original containers

Over-the-counter products won’t always meet the grade. Confirm that all cleaning products meet EPA standards by checking them against the official List N for food-contact disinfectants. Maintain Clean Air and Water Systems Your HVAC system can be a hidden contamination source. Dirty filters affect air quality and can lead to dust settling on surfaces. Water lines used in ice machines and beverage dispensers must also be sanitized. Schedule routine inspections with licensed technicians and keep maintenance logs. Phoenix’s dry climate compounds dust issues, making this step even more essential. Waste Management Is Part of Cleaning Waste bins should be emptied multiple times a day and sanitized regularly. Grease traps, in particular, require strict oversight. Phoenix plumbing codes demand regular removal of grease buildup to prevent clogs and contamination. Document waste pickup schedules and trap cleanings to show inspectors you take this seriously. Be Pest-Prevention Oriented Phoenix’s warm climate creates a year-round pest risk. From roaches to rodents, pest sightings during inspections can instantly tank your sanitation score. To avoid this:

• Seal gaps around doors and pipes
• Store dry goods in sealed, elevated containers
• Keep outdoor waste bins locked and distanced from entry points

Implement a pest control plan that follows local best practices. Proactive prevention will save your operation from reputational damage. Comply With Local Licensing and Inspections Food establishments and vendors must display current food permits and be ready for unannounced inspections. In Phoenix, inspectors from Maricopa County use a digital scoring system, and all inspection results are publicly available online. That means your customers can see your cleaning track record before ever placing an order. If you want to access your past inspection scores or understand local codes better, refer to the official Maricopa County site. The Role of Digital Logs and Compliance Software Many Phoenix-based vendors now use cleaning log apps or digital food safety checklists. These tools:

• Record cleaning completion in real time
• Alert managers when tasks are missed
• Keep a historical record for inspections

Adopting digital systems minimizes human error and provides credibility when auditors review your procedures. Monitor Cleaning Performance Through Internal Audits Routine cleaning is only effective when verified. Conduct regular internal audits to identify missed steps, correct improper practices, and maintain accountability. Assign a team member to perform weekly sanitation checks using a standardized checklist. Focus on key areas like surface residue, properly labeled chemicals, and temperature logs. Document each audit and review the results with your team during pre-shift meetings. This ensures your staff stays inspection-ready and fosters a culture of vigilance. In Phoenix’s competitive food market, consistent self-checks help prevent issues before inspectors arrive. When to Hire Restaurant Cleaning Services in Phoenix Some cleaning jobs go beyond what your in-house team can handle. Tasks like vent hood cleaning, ceiling dusting, or chemical deep cleaning are best left to commercial cleaning services. Choose a cleaning vendor who:

• Is certified and understands the Arizona food codes
• Provides documented service reports
• Offers customized cleaning plans
• Offers flexible scheduling around your operating hours

Outsourcing specialized cleaning ensures your facility stays compliant without interrupting your business flow. Cleaning Practices for Food Prep Areas In Phoenix, with its dry climate and year-round warmth, food prep areas are especially vulnerable to contamination. To comply with restaurant cleaning safety standards, these areas require focused cleaning efforts to prevent cross-contamination and maintain food safety. Here’s how to integrate cleaning into your food prep protocols:

• Cross-contamination prevention: Regularly clean food prep surfaces and tools, and use separate equipment for raw meats, vegetables, and ready-to-eat foods. Proper cleaning prevents any contact with food that could lead to cross-contamination and affects food quality.
• Temperature monitoring: While not directly related to cleaning, maintaining proper food temperature is essential. Hot foods should be stored above 140°F, and cold foods below 40°F. Regularly monitor temperatures and clean temperature gauges to ensure accuracy.
• Proper storage: Use clean storage containers and shelving for food storage, keeping items off the floor. Ensure all food is sealed and labeled to avoid contamination risks and comply with food safety standards.

Food Safety Starts With What Customers Can’t See In Phoenix's food service industry, cleanliness is essential to your success. But cleanliness goes deeper than shiny tables and spotless floors. It’s the behind-the-scenes work: the sanitizing, logging, and double-checking that keep your kitchen safe and your customers confident. When you take both sides seriously, your business doesn’t just stay open; it thrives. Meta Title: Restaurant Cleaning Safety Standards for Phoenix Food Vendors Meta Description: Explore Phoenix-specific restaurant cleaning safety standards so your food business stays compliant, avoids fines, passes inspections, and earns customer trust.  

Eric DeRosa Photography, Liza Brienza
Example of a mid-sized classic master light wood floor bedroom design in New York with green walls

Example of a trendy deck design in Dallas with a fire pit and no cover

design: Studio TOOP, 2009 location: Amersfoort, NL status: built in 2009, Tuinvreugd photo: Jolanthe Lalkens, 2010 A family friendly garden that, doesn't look like, well, a family garden. That was the assignment. Clean lines, a modern feel, not too much work, enough space for the kids to play and, oh yeah, a cage for the rabbit all in a space less than 50 m2. The new extension on the back of the house, catty cornered slightly with the original facade and the garden boundaries brought it's own challenges. This diagonal was used to make extra space for different functions but "straightened" in the experience of the inner square. Inside the aluminum pergola (coated in the same gray - ral 7016 - as the woodwork on the extension) house various functions: the rabbit cage, a water and sand table, the swing (steel rod in the aluminum for extra support) and a table where the kids can draw or play table football.

We got away with code-compliant open riser stairs by using extremely thick (and heavy) timbers for the treads. Building codes for stairs prohibit any opening that a 4" diameter ball could fit through.

Coastal exterior home idea in Portland

We were pleased to be brought in on this penthouse renovation in the heart of Bucktown, Chicago. The goal of this project was to revamp the space and add an additional touch of modern design through the use of warm Walnut Eco-Veneer doors. With warm tones, we were able to play on the traditional feel of the space, yet bring in modern touches with the magnetic latch hardware, concealed hinges, and flush designs. The seamlessly matching frames give an added touch of style, making these door units appear intentional and luxe. Noticed by every individual who walks through space, our Modern Interior doors are made to be an additional form of design that should complement and elevate your space. Whenever we encounter a renovation project, we often anticipate certain obstacles. Existing design elements (flooring, wall thickness, building codes, etc.) and limited budgets can usually be tough to overcome. However, with our Modern Interior door package, we can provide flexible pricing and flexible styles and finishes that are guaranteed to complement any residence. Each door line has several different complementary designs to choose from, which can add variation throughout your home, while still providing a cohesive style that creates a meaningful flow. Our Modern Interior door line comes equipped with everything you need for a no-fuss and effortless door buying process. One set price includes the door slab with desired solid wood veneer in finish of your choice, a matching adjustable frame, concealed hinges, and a magnetic lever set. Each door style provides a top of the line product and can exceed any and all expectations you might have. Our Modern Interior doors can provide an updated feel to your home, whether it is modern, contemporary or traditional. All elements of our Modern Interior Doors are geared towards updating your space and adding a luxury feel at an affordable price point. Glenview Haus has a mission to provide all design-savvy individuals with design elements that are highly coveted and unique to your home. Why blend in when you can stand out?

Picture a pearl veiled by chiffon: a soft gleam behind gossamer fabric. It’s a luxurious image, but luxury isn’t what lures us to it. Instead, it’s the exquisite, spiritual balance of simplicity, delicate colors and strength tempered by softness. Today we experience this gently blurred duality all around us, from the menswear influences on feminine clothes, to the soft-touch materials on electronic gadgets. Beige SW 2859 Spun Sugar SW 6337 Sandbank SW 6052 Alpaca SW 7022 Westhighland White SW 7566 Nonchalant White SW 6161 Steamed Milk SW 7554 Malted Milk SW 6057 Balanced Beige SW 7037 Fleur de Sel SW 7666 Top part of wall: Sandbank SW 6052

Small trendy gender-neutral ceramic tile kids' room photo in Miami with white walls

Sally Painter
Enclosed kitchen - mid-sized craftsman u-shaped medium tone wood floor enclosed kitchen idea in Portland with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances

The Mazama house is located in the Methow Valley of Washington State, a secluded mountain valley on the eastern edge of the North Cascades, about 200 miles northeast of Seattle. The house has been carefully placed in a copse of trees at the easterly end of a large meadow. Two major building volumes indicate the house organization. A grounded 2-story bedroom wing anchors a raised living pavilion that is lifted off the ground by a series of exposed steel columns. Seen from the access road, the large meadow in front of the house continues right under the main living space, making the living pavilion into a kind of bridge structure spanning over the meadow grass, with the house touching the ground lightly on six steel columns. The raised floor level provides enhanced views as well as keeping the main living level well above the 3-4 feet of winter snow accumulation that is typical for the upper Methow Valley. To further emphasize the idea of lightness, the exposed wood structure of the living pavilion roof changes pitch along its length, so the roof warps upward at each end. The interior exposed wood beams appear like an unfolding fan as the roof pitch changes. The main interior bearing columns are steel with a tapered “V”-shape, recalling the lightness of a dancer. The house reflects the continuing FINNE investigation into the idea of crafted modernism, with cast bronze inserts at the front door, variegated laser-cut steel railing panels, a curvilinear cast-glass kitchen counter, waterjet-cut aluminum light fixtures, and many custom furniture pieces. The house interior has been designed to be completely integral with the exterior. The living pavilion contains more than twelve pieces of custom furniture and lighting, creating a totality of the designed environment that recalls the idea of Gesamtkunstverk, as seen in the work of Josef Hoffman and the Viennese Secessionist movement in the early 20th century. The house has been designed from the start as a sustainable structure, with 40% higher insulation values than required by code, radiant concrete slab heating, efficient natural ventilation, large amounts of natural lighting, water-conserving plumbing fixtures, and locally sourced materials. Windows have high-performance LowE insulated glazing and are equipped with concealed shades. A radiant hydronic heat system with exposed concrete floors allows lower operating temperatures and higher occupant comfort levels. The concrete slabs conserve heat and provide great warmth and comfort for the feet. Deep roof overhangs, built-in shades and high operating clerestory windows are used to reduce heat gain in summer months. During the winter, the lower sun angle is able to penetrate into living spaces and passively warm the exposed concrete floor. Low VOC paints and stains have been used throughout the house. The high level of craft evident in the house reflects another key principle of sustainable design: build it well and make it last for many years! Photo by Benjamin Benschneider

This transformation started with a builder grade bathroom and was expanded into a sauna wet room. With cedar walls and ceiling and a custom cedar bench, the sauna heats the space for a relaxing dry heat experience. The goal of this space was to create a sauna in the secondary bathroom and be as efficient as possible with the space. This bathroom transformed from a standard secondary bathroom to a ergonomic spa without impacting the functionality of the bedroom. This project was super fun, we were working inside of a guest bedroom, to create a functional, yet expansive bathroom. We started with a standard bathroom layout and by building out into the large guest bedroom that was used as an office, we were able to create enough square footage in the bathroom without detracting from the bedroom aesthetics or function. We worked with the client on her specific requests and put all of the materials into a 3D design to visualize the new space. Houzz Write Up: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/bathroom-of-the-week-stylish-spa-retreat-with-a-real-sauna-stsetivw-vs~168139419 The layout of the bathroom needed to change to incorporate the larger wet room/sauna. By expanding the room slightly it gave us the needed space to relocate the toilet, the vanity and the entrance to the bathroom allowing for the wet room to have the full length of the new space. This bathroom includes a cedar sauna room that is incorporated inside of the shower, the custom cedar bench follows the curvature of the room's new layout and a window was added to allow the natural sunlight to come in from the bedroom. The aromatic properties of the cedar are delightful whether it's being used with the dry sauna heat and also when the shower is steaming the space. In the shower are matching porcelain, marble-look tiles, with architectural texture on the shower walls contrasting with the warm, smooth cedar boards. Also, by increasing the depth of the toilet wall, we were able to create useful towel storage without detracting from the room significantly. This entire project and client was a joy to work with.