Photo of a mid-sized asian drought-tolerant and partial sun side yard stone garden path in San Francisco.

Modern Farmhouse style executed perfectly with great workmanship and attention to details in every corner of this San Clemente, CA home. | BetterLivingSoCal.com

Long known for first-to-market function and innovation, American Leather's put a new spin on reclining sofas and sectionals with the style In Motion collections, featuring a whisper-quiet reclining mechanism that can be built into any chair, sofa or sectional. The modular, high-leg pieces, available in 23-inch and 35-inch cushion widths, deliver a true reclining experience while requiring only six inches of wall clearance. Infinitely adjustable with independent foot and back controls, these pieces provide unmatched comfort for conversation, reading, watching or lounging. The Bryant, with a distinctive wood base, features a splayed arm and a bustle back that's perfect for reclining comfort. Seats: Premium high-density, high-resiliency foam encased in down. Back cushions are channeled chambers filled with luxurious blown fiber and down. Sinuous spring suspension. Semi-attached back cushions with lumbar support. Double-needle top stitched seams. Easy-to-operate control panel is back-lit, with auto-fade after five seconds, includes a 2-amp USB charging port. Lifetime warranty on frame and suspension; three-year warranty on mechanism and motor; five years against defects in materials and workmanship for all other elements. Each piece can be customized with any leather, fabric -- including Ultrasuede® and Crypton® -- or customer's own material. Choose from 23-inch and 35-inch wide seat cushions. Contrast stitching available. Build the perfect modular sectional from 17 matching pieces. Sled legs available in solid Natural Walnut or Gray Ash Contrasting back and seat cushions available. 2-amp-hour battery pack available. American Leather

Whether you're looking for new windows and doors or just want your old ones replaced, our handymen will provide efficient and professional service that you want with the quality of workmanship you expect. Our professionals can guide you through various options for upgrading or updating your windows and doors to more energy-efficient models, repairing or replacing door frames or hardware, and choosing the right style to fit your home's look and budget. The best part? You get the peace of mind that comes with a written 100% satisfaction guarantee. Our Craftsman can repair and replace your door frames, window trim and hardware. We can also upgrade your doors and windows to more energy-efficient models. Sliding doors French doors Pocket doors And More! Installing new windows and doors is one of the easiest ways to increase your home's value--and the upgrade can save you money on your annual power bill.

Example of a mid-sized classic side yard deck design in Salt Lake City with no cover

James Brady Photography Margaret Dean: Design Studio West The new homeowners wanted to take a decidedly Tuscan styled house and turn it into their California dream home. This was accomplished by: -Removing two large decorative support columns opening the kitchen to the family room and ocean views. Adding Oak-wood planks flooring -Reconfiguring the space and designing one large big island to allow for California type entertainment that supports family and friends in the kitchen to assist in cooking or just hang out. -Removing old ivy vines outside the window and replacing with living wall of beautiful drought tolerant succulent plants. -Replacing kitchen window with mullion free pleated glass to remove barriers to the outdoors. -Replacing dark cabinetry with bright-white cabinets, choosing a light-colored counter top, back-lighting the backsplash all to bathe the space lightness, airiness and calmness in harmony with ocean and sky.

We here at A-Z Vision Remodeling have embodied this dream by becoming one of the industry's top General Contractor leading the way in Roofing, Energy Efficiency Designs, Bathroom Remodels, Kitchen Remodels, Large-Scale Renovations, Room Additions, Garage Conversions, ADU Conversions, Home Expansions and Extensions, and General Home Remodels simply from our unwavering workmanship

This is an example of a modern landscaping in San Francisco.

Example of a transitional white floor and single-sink bathroom design in Atlanta with flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink, gray countertops and a built-in vanity

We here at A-Z Vision Remodeling have embodied this dream by becoming one of the industry's top General Contractor leading the way in Roofing, Energy Efficiency Designs, Bathroom Remodels, Kitchen Remodels, Large-Scale Renovations, Room Additions, Garage Conversions, ADU Conversions, Home Expansions and Extensions, and General Home Remodels simply from our unwavering workmanship

Arts and crafts u-shaped open concept kitchen photo in Chicago with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets and stainless steel appliances

We here at A-Z Vision Remodeling have embodied this dream by becoming one of the industry's top General Contractor leading the way in Roofing, Energy Efficiency Designs, Bathroom Remodels, Kitchen Remodels, Large-Scale Renovations, Room Additions, Garage Conversions, ADU Conversions, Home Expansions and Extensions, and General Home Remodels simply from our unwavering workmanship

Inspiration for a large timeless wooden u-shaped staircase remodel in San Francisco with wooden risers

We here at A-Z Vision Remodeling have embodied this dream by becoming one of the industry's top General Contractor leading the way in Roofing, Energy Efficiency Designs, Bathroom Remodels, Kitchen Remodels, Large-Scale Renovations, Room Additions, Garage Conversions, ADU Conversions, Home Expansions and Extensions, and General Home Remodels simply from our unwavering workmanship

This pool and spa is built in an affluent neighborhood with many new homes that are traditional in design but have modern, clean details. Similar to the homes, this pool takes a traditional pool and gives it a clean, modern twist. The site proved to be perfect for a long lap pool that the client desired with plenty of room for a separate spa. The two bodies of water, though separate, are visually linked together by a custom limestone raised water feature wall with 10 custom Bobe water scuppers. Quality workmanship as required throughout the entire build to ensure the automatic pool cover would remain square the entire 50 foot length of the pool. Features of this pool and environment that enhance the aesthetic appeal of this project include: -Glass waterline tile -Glass seat and bench tile -Glass tile swim lane marking on pool floor -Custom limestone coping and deck -PebbleTec pool finish -Synthetic Turf Lawn This outdoor environment cohesively brings the clean & modern finishes of the home seamlessly to the outdoors to a pool and spa for play, exercise and relaxation. Photography: Daniel Driensky

We here at A-Z Vision Remodeling have embodied this dream by becoming one of the industry's top General Contractor leading the way in Roofing, Energy Efficiency Designs, Bathroom Remodels, Kitchen Remodels, Large-Scale Renovations, Room Additions, Garage Conversions, ADU Conversions, Home Expansions and Extensions, and General Home Remodels simply from our unwavering workmanship

Whether you're looking for new windows and doors or just want your old ones replaced, our handymen will provide efficient and professional service that you want with the quality of workmanship you expect. Our professionals can guide you through various options for upgrading or updating your windows and doors to more energy-efficient models, repairing or replacing door frames or hardware, and choosing the right style to fit your home's look and budget. The best part? You get the peace of mind that comes with a written 100% satisfaction guarantee. Our Craftsman can repair and replace your door frames, window trim and hardware. We can also upgrade your doors and windows to more energy-efficient models. Sliding doors French doors Pocket doors And More! Installing new windows and doors is one of the easiest ways to increase your home's value--and the upgrade can save you money on your annual power bill.

Photo courtesy of Chipper Hatter
Inspiration for a mid-sized coastal freestanding desk light wood floor and beige floor study room remodel in San Francisco with beige walls

Benefits of Plantation Shutters Plantation shutters offer advantages and benefits to homeowners over other window coverings including: • A permanent addition to a house: While they don't add much to the sale price and don't guarantee a return on investment, the curb appeal helps the house sell faster. The permanency of plantation shutters allows them to be included in appraisals. • Versatility: Many have the ability to open only halfway if desired. If you want to let in all the light, plantation shutters swing away from the window to grant an unobstructed view. • Insulation: When all louvers are closed, a good insulating barrier is created, trapping unwanted temperatures and saving you money on your energy bill. • Easy maintenance: With wide louvers, a simple wipe-down is often all that's needed. Vinyl shutters can be taken off their hinges and sprayed off for a major cleaning. • Elegance: The classic, yet modern look conveys a permanency like no other window dressing can. Whether painted or natural wood, they all have a look that says; welcome home. Wood vs. Faux Wood It's not hard to argue that natural wood is more appealing than vinyl or PVC. However, "faux wood," as it's sometimes called, has some advantages: • Price -- Faux wood shutters are often lower in price than real wood. • Weight -- Because some shutters are made "hollow core" (as opposed to vinyl-wrapped medium density fiberboard, MDF), they can be significantly lighter. • Moisture Resistance -- If you live in an area with high humidity, hollow faux wood or aluminum core will resist expanding and sagging. (MDF core louvers will tend to expand and crack as the material swells with moisture.) Natural wood is the choice for those who have a very healthy budget or for whom a specific appearance is a must. Among the advantages are: • Size -- Because wood plantation shutters are made of hardwood, they can be quite a bit larger than plastic or vinyl. Vinyl shutters larger than 29 inches may be prone to sag, so they need divider rails or other supports which can destroy the traditional look of a plantation shutter. • Natural -- While vinyl or plastic shutters can be painted to match any color scheme, the natural shades and finishes of the various species of wood have something for every look. • Classic -- While many plastic shutters can be made to look like real wood, the faux wood finishes can vary significantly depending on manufacturer and model. Up close, it can be easy to tell they're plastic. The warmth of natural wood is a classic feel that's impossible to beat. Popular Plantation Shutter Brands When you go to purchase your plantation shutters, brands names may offer a good representation of high-, mid-, and low-cost range of what's available. Which one you choose depends on your budget and your tastes. Hunter-Douglas and Norman Shutters produce three lines of plantation shutters in both real wood and faux wood styles. A higher-end product, Hunter-Douglas may be worth the cost for beauty and quality of workmanship. The Window Outfitters and Sunland produce a mid-cost line of shutters. The mid-range pricing may be for those who are balancing aesthetics with a budget. National franchise and or box stores may not offer an in-house expert or designer. Look to local companies that specialize in plantation shutters looking online may offer a low-cost brand for budget-minded DIYers. Available in both faux and real wood, the affordability combines with the visual appeal to make this a very popular choice for plantation shutters. Regardless of which line you go with, be sure to ask about frames. Generally all manufactures offer frame choices and may add to the cost, but they add an unsurpassed beauty and warmth to a room with plantation shutters. Plantation shutters look like similar to wooden blinds, but there are significant differences. Blinds are often narrow, made of aluminum or vinyl, and the slats tilt based on a gear and pulley mechanism and they hang in the window with cords. By contrast, plantation shutters have wide compound louvers that fit into a frame and are controlled by way of a wooden rod running up the middle. When not needed, they can be manufactured to swing back onto the wall. Options to are available to build a more contemporary look with a larger view with a “hidden tilt” feature. Cost of Plantation Shutters Nationally, the cost of plantation shutters, depending on their size and the material, whether or not they are custom arches and colors or stains, may vary. Most manufacturers want their shutters to be professionally installed to keep the warranty intact which is a benefit to the customer in the long run. They will usually have a limited lifetime warranty. Cost of Installation Costs for having plantation shutters installed by a contractor are a bit more predictable. Contractors who have installed plantation shutters before can quickly get accurate measurements and suggest which materials would work best in different rooms. For example, while natural wood may look beautiful in your living room, it might not be so practical in a bathroom where moisture will cause the wood to warp. The size, material, and quality of the shutter will have a significant effect on the cost. Contractors usually go through a shutter supplier and can get various sizes that are not normally available at home improvement stores. Hiring a professional team of knowledgeable suppliers and installers is a good choice. Here are some sample prices of the shutters most contractors use for standard-sized windows: In general, plantation shutters should cost approximately $20 to $26 per square foot. Labor costs depend on factors such as the contractor's workload, remoteness of the location, environment, and the contractor's overhead. Labor generally runs about $100 per hour and will be added to the shutter cost. • 16x20 -- Faux wood $120. Real wood $156 • 24x50 -- Faux wood $160. Real wood $208 • 36x54 -- Faux wood $270. Real wood $351 • 36x60 -- Faux wood $300 Real wood $390 • 42x72 -- Faux wood $420. Real wood $546 • 48x82 -- Faux wood $550. Real wood $715 DIY Plantation shutters can be purchased and installed by the homeowners. How much they cost will depend on size and material. Faux wood shutter’s cost depends on size and wooden shutter’s cost will depend on size and whether or not they are painted or stained. • Natural wood is $90-$600 depending on size. Many companies offer standard stained selection but custom color matching may be available from $175 -$250. • Faux wood will be from $120-$500. • Additional tools include: Hang Strips $4-$15 and about $4 for mounting hardware. Locks or closures can cost up to $15 for each shutter. Finally, if you order them online, you can expect to pay $30-$70 shipping per shutter or per set of shutters per window depending on the supplier. Keep in mind that even if you're handy with tools, installing shutters can be time-consuming if you've never done it before there is defiantly a learning curve.