Search results for "Operating costs" in Home Design Ideas

This modern farmhouse located outside of Spokane, Washington, creates a prominent focal point among the landscape of rolling plains. The composition of the home is dominated by three steep gable rooflines linked together by a central spine. This unique design evokes a sense of expansion and contraction from one space to the next. Vertical cedar siding, poured concrete, and zinc gray metal elements clad the modern farmhouse, which, combined with a shop that has the aesthetic of a weathered barn, creates a sense of modernity that remains rooted to the surrounding environment.
The Glo double pane A5 Series windows and doors were selected for the project because of their sleek, modern aesthetic and advanced thermal technology over traditional aluminum windows. High performance spacers, low iron glass, larger continuous thermal breaks, and multiple air seals allows the A5 Series to deliver high performance values and cost effective durability while remaining a sophisticated and stylish design choice. Strategically placed operable windows paired with large expanses of fixed picture windows provide natural ventilation and a visual connection to the outdoors.

Brooklyn backyard patio design in Prospect Heights for a young, professional couple who loves to both entertain and relax! This space includes a West Elm outdoor sectional and round concrete outdoor coffee table.

Clopay Canyon Ridge Collection faux wood carriage house garage doors are made from a durable, low-maintenance composite material that won't rot, warp or crack. Can be painted or stained. Overhead operation.
Find the right local pro for your project

Michelle Ruber
Enclosed kitchen - small modern u-shaped linoleum floor enclosed kitchen idea in Portland with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, concrete countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island
Enclosed kitchen - small modern u-shaped linoleum floor enclosed kitchen idea in Portland with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, concrete countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island

This modern farmhouse located outside of Spokane, Washington, creates a prominent focal point among the landscape of rolling plains. The composition of the home is dominated by three steep gable rooflines linked together by a central spine. This unique design evokes a sense of expansion and contraction from one space to the next. Vertical cedar siding, poured concrete, and zinc gray metal elements clad the modern farmhouse, which, combined with a shop that has the aesthetic of a weathered barn, creates a sense of modernity that remains rooted to the surrounding environment.
The Glo double pane A5 Series windows and doors were selected for the project because of their sleek, modern aesthetic and advanced thermal technology over traditional aluminum windows. High performance spacers, low iron glass, larger continuous thermal breaks, and multiple air seals allows the A5 Series to deliver high performance values and cost effective durability while remaining a sophisticated and stylish design choice. Strategically placed operable windows paired with large expanses of fixed picture windows provide natural ventilation and a visual connection to the outdoors.

Call us at 805-770-7400 or email us at info@dlglighting.com.
We ship nationwide.
Photo credit: Jim Bartsch
Inspiration for a large craftsman beige wood exterior home remodel in Santa Barbara
Inspiration for a large craftsman beige wood exterior home remodel in Santa Barbara

The peaked main wall, painted in a dark gray lends understated drama to a decidedly masculine room, and acts as a beautiful backdrop for a Robert Kingston painting.
Custom designed, extra long sofa flanked by period-perfect sconces, comfortable swivel chair, and leather bench. A vintage game table, also gets plenty of use.
Surrounding walls, painted in lighter gray complement the custom woven tan, indigo and rust-colored Navajo rug.

Sponsored
Delaware, OH
Buckeye Basements, Inc.
Central Ohio's Basement Finishing ExpertsBest Of Houzz '13-'21

Designed for large, custom applications, the Marquee fireplaces feature a 30" tall, and full brick-to-face design with no visible sheet metal. Mosaic Masonry™ system is available in traditional Warm Red or Ivory brick color in four different patterns or choose one of our many refractory liner options. All models are fully insulated, clean faced and outside air ready. When only an authentic masonry fireplace will do, the Marquee presents a tremendous opportunity with the benefit of 99% heating efficiency at a fraction of the site built cost.
Aesthetics
30” tall, full brick to-face-design opening on all models.
Firebrick lined featuring either the patented Mosaic Masonry ™ technology offering the real look of a site-built masonry fireplace, or beautifully detailed Estate panels.
Available in a variety of 16 brick liner options.
Mesh fire screens included.
Comfort
Radiant heat provides relaxing heat to the room environment.
99.9% heating efficiency when paired with a vent-free gas log set.
Optional blower kit helps circulate warm air into a large room for maximum comfort.
Ease of Operation
Easy-access gas line features knockouts on both sides for quick and simple installation.
Compatible with any listed ANSI Z21.11.2 vent-free log set . Choose an Astria vent-free unit for the best results.
Performance
Durable powder-coat finish creates scratch resistant surfaces and carefree handling.
Fully insulated fireplace for trouble free operation in colder climates.

This early 20th century Indianapolis, IN basement remodel was in desperate need of help. The original and still operating hydronic radiant heating system had its plumbing configured without regard to any other use of the space. Fearful of harming the aged system and the high cost of doing so, these Clients were adamant that the existing system remain intact. Architect Lee Constantine developed a design that maintained the existing heating system while creating "niches" around the perimeter that would conceal the unsightly plumbing. Additionally, by removing free-standing structural supporting posts, amore flexible and inviting space was achieved. Because of an already low ceiling condition, the floor-ceiling structure above was kept exposed, painted and highlighted with indirect lighting to avoid further reducing the ceiling height. Constantine incorporated "clouds" on this ceiling to conceal certain existing components that either were cost prohibitive to relocate or couldn't be relocated. These "clouds"become a "visual element" through their geometry and hidden "indirect" light source rather than an undesirable complication. Now this family entertains frequently in the basement and reports "it doesn't feel like we're in a basement anymore"

The FINNE Svendsen Building is a striking and highly energy-efficient loft building in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood.
The design and building process was unusual, since architect Nils Finne was both designer and builder owner. The client-architect meetings were brief!
The building occupies a corner lot, with street facades on the south and west. The two street facades have a nuanced play of light and shadow. The walls of glass and wood are treated as folded planes, with each façade folding back and forth within an overall depth dimension of about 10”. On floors one and three, the large glass panels project forward, while on floor two, the glass is recessed. The pattern on floor two is an inverted version of floors one and three. The wood spandrel panels are custom-milled Western Red Cedar with a blackened stain.
The live-work building creates large, open loft spaces on three floors, with high ceilings, huge windows and exposed long-span steel structure. The building can accommodate a range of uses, both present and future.
The three floors of the building have 12-ft ceilings and 11-ft high windows with exposed structural steel supports and steel decking ceilings. The floors are clear-span without internal columns interrupting the work space. Mechanical air distribution is limited to the linear core on the northern side of the building, so work areas have clean metal decking ceilings with no ductwork. The building has in-floor radiant heating and cooling, resulting in minimal energy usage.
Operating windows are placed strategically throughout the façade, allowing the building to be naturally ventilated in Seattle’s mild climate. The oversized window walls on the south and west also allow natural lighting to penetrate deeply onto the floor plate, keeping lights turned off for much of the daylight hours.
A custom sapele wood front door presents a warm contrast to the building’s blackened wood cladding. A delicate screen of wood slats filters light into the main building lobby. The 3-story stair opens directly from the lobby and has been designed to encourage use on a daily basis, keeping elevator usage to a minimum. A three-story glass wall floods the stairwell with natural light, and the all-steel stair floats in the space. Custom-designed perforations in the steel stair railing panels provide unexpected shadow patterns when the late-afternoon sun shines into the stairwell.
The building was designed to be a sustainable structure from the start, with 40% higher insulation values than required by code, efficient natural ventilation, large amounts of natural lighting, water-conserving plumbing fixtures, LED lighting, and locally sourced materials. Windows have high-performance Low-E insulated glazing and are equipped with concealed shades. The building roof has been equipped with photovoltaic panels for electrical production, averaging about 850 Kwh per year. The modest initial amount of PV panels will be expanded over time.
The radiant hydronic heating and cooling system allows lower operating temperatures and higher occupant comfort levels. The 6” thick concrete slabs for the radiant tubes conserve both heat in the winter and cooling in the summer and provide great comfort for the feet. During the winter months, the radiant heating system keeps overall energy consumption to a very low level. The 9000 SF building costs about $35/month to heat! During the summer, the passive strategies of natural ventilation combine with the radiant slab cooling to minimize air conditioning load. Deep roof overhangs, built-in shades and high operating clerestory windows are also used to reduce heat gain in summer months.
During the winter, the lower sun angle is able to penetrate into work spaces and passively warm the concrete floor. Low VOC paints and stains have been used throughout the building. The high level of craft evident in the building reflects another key principle of sustainable design: eschew “throw-away-ism” and make the building last many years!

This article is posted here with the consent of the author. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, view, or opinion of Crestron Electronics, Inc., or of any of its employees. Crestron Electronics is not responsible for, and does not verify the accuracy of, any of the information contained in this article.
By Jeff Singer
The “smart” revolution began several years ago with smartphones (a.k.a phones) and has extended in recent years to thermostats, doorbells, alarm systems, and kitchen appliances. Smart devices are so ubiquitous that the term “smart” is overused to the point that it is almost meaningless. Companies are eager to jump on the bandwagon and claim their products are “smart,” and consumers proudly claim they have a smart home because they have lighting control. Misconceptions about smart homes are prevalent and create confusion in the marketplace. This can have deleterious effects on businesses and underserve consumers. Here are seven of the most popular misconceptions about smart homes:
1. Apps are smart
Apps are convenient and easy to use. Yes, it seems there’s an app for everything. People expect to be able to download an app and do just about anything. App developers and many companies do not disavow consumers of this myth. On the contrary, they promote this idea with carefully worded descriptions. The promise of having the world at your fingertips for $1.99 is very enticing. Although it sounds too good to be true, it is also too good to pass up for many people. This leads to undervaluing home control and disappointment when the apps don’t work, which undermines confidence in our industry. The fact is that apps are not smart. They do not control anything. They must connect to and communicate with a control system or cloud service that processes, prioritizes, and executes commands. That’s the real magic and what most people do not understand.
2. Smart devices work together
With so many smart appliances and devices on the market today, it’s understandable that the average consumer might think that they actually communicate and work together. This is simply not the case. Smart devices are not that smart. They are designed and manufactured by different, often competing, companies. There are no national or industry standards governing these products. Even if they all operate using Wi-Fi® communications, that doesn’t mean they work together. Some companies promote a home control platform, which unites different devices from different companies – in theory. The platform is yet another third-party software totally dependent on other companies developing APIs and writing control modules for their hardware to run on that piece of software. The devices are not independently compatible. Also, when updates are made to either the hardware or the software, functionality may be affected for some period. That’s a nice way of saying the device or system won’t work and there’s no way of knowing for how long.
3. It’s a DIY project
Which brings us to the next myth, which is that the average person can do it themselves. Unless you are a skilled professional, I would not advise taking on a smart home project. You want to make a light turn on and off with your Alexa® or Google Assistant™ virtual assistant software, go for it. A smart home takes much more planning and expertise. I have no problem changing a light bulb or hanging a light fixture in my dining room; however, I am not going to rewire my house. I may change the flush valve in my toilet, but I’m not going to replace the pipes in my house. You get it. Integrating devices and systems, establishing different zones, creating scenes, designing the UI with a balance between control, feedback, and simplicity – all takes experience and skill.
4. Need a programmer to make changes
Early adopters may have experienced the pain of trying to make a simple change or update to their home control system. Years ago, if the cable provider changed the channel line-up, the homeowner would have to call the dealer or programmer to make an appointment for them to come out to the house to reprogram the system. The system wouldn’t work as expected until it was updated, which often took several days and beaucoup bucks. Not anymore. Technology has evolved so now it’s easy for system owners to change favorite channels, create scenes, rename buttons, update images, and more. While a professional is needed for the initial installation and setup, the system is easy to manage once it’s up and running. This makes life so much easier for both dealer and customer.
5. Tech becomes obsolete quickly
Similar to updating the UI, updating firmware or hardware used to be a stressful process. A smart home should be intelligent enough to update itself. Apps don’t become obsolete. Updates are constantly pushed out from the cloud, making them better all the time. The same is true for a good smart home system. New features, functions, and device support gets added in the background consistently, so the system you installed (or purchased) yesterday gets better over time. Swapping out decorative elements, such as keypads, dimmers, and touch screens is also seamless. When a new device is added, all the settings are pulled down from the cloud and it just works. No system interruptions. No sunk costs. No imposing house calls. No surprise bills.
6. Lighting control saves energy and money
Lighting control is one of the most popular smart systems, but it takes more than just one system to make a home smart. On the surface, it makes sense that if you dim the lights ten percent, then you save ten percent of energy costs. If the shades are raised during the day to take advantage of sunlight so the lights don’t need to be on (or at least not 100%), but that causes the room temperature to rise a few degrees, which triggers the air conditioner to run longer and more often, was energy usage (or cost) reduced? A smart home integrates all the various systems and technology to optimize comfort, convenience, safety, and sometimes energy.
7. Home technology is easy to hack
Security is at the forefront of people’s minds these days. Personal identities are stolen; email accounts hacked; private photos publicized; and more. A smart home must outsmart those who don’t respect privacy. Crestron control systems adhere to the strictest security standards. The same Crestron control system that goes into a home is also installed in secure government and military facilities, global banking institutions, hospitals, and other mission critical applications. When installed correctly by a trained professional, a Crestron smart home is the gold standard for security, comfort, and convenience.

Create an oasis like this one in your own backyard with an American Louvered Roof Patio Cover. Experience 15 - 20 degrees cooler underneath. When closed, it blocks, heat, sun glare, UV Radiation, and rain. When partially opened, it allows the escape of hot air, while still blocking sun. Open to enjoy a beautiful starry night, an overcast day, or warm solar rays during cooler months.
Create that outdoor room you always dreamed of with this state of the art patio cover that operates by remote. Sun when you want it and Shade when you need it.
Made in the USA by Cardinal Aluminum in Louisville, Kentucky. Keep the party going even after the weather takes a turn for the worse.

John Evans
Example of a classic u-shaped dark wood floor home design design in Columbus with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops and an island
Example of a classic u-shaped dark wood floor home design design in Columbus with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops and an island

Chicology Room Darkening Eclipse Privacy Adjustable Cordless Sliding Panels are timeless and ideal for bringing stunning modern style and design into any home as well as being a safer solution for homes with children and pets. These versatile blackout blinds create an ideal solution to blocking out all light and it gives you 100% protection from harmful UV rays. The Eclipse Privacy Adjustable Cordless Sliding Panels block out glare and virtually all light. Control solar heat and create a sunscreen to protect your furniture, flooring as well as protecting artwork from fading. Chicology's Eclipse Privacy Cordless Adjustable Sliding Panels also help insulate homes from harsh winter tempatures making our privacy panels the best energy-efficient window treatments. The Eclipse Privacy Adjustable Cordless Sliding Panels are today's number one solution to creating a darker space. Highly versatile, effortless operated, sleek styled, energy-efficient, eco-friendly Eclipse Privacy Adjustable Cordless Sliding Panels are ideal for all window coverings from patio and French doors to contemporary stunning room dividers and closet doors. Create modern drama to any room with these versatile solid color privacy blackout cordless sliding panels.
Available in a wide variety of durable and modern natural woven materials with bold vibrant colors and fabrics, they are sleek, elegant, energy-efficient, cost effective, child and pet friendly. Pick a modern elegant material rich in texture that comes alive and hangs beautifully. Chicology Eclipse Room Darkening Adjustable Sliding Panels inspire a feeling of peace and harmony while also becoming an exploration or opt for a sleek, smooth, flowing, elegant fabric perfect for a ideal minimalist design. They are a designed to compliment your home decor and become a modern day solution to vertical blinds, with color-coordinated wider fabric panels, free of clacking sounds.
Designed with the customer in mind, we made installation a breeze. Included in the packing is all the hardware for ceiling and wall installation, and inside and outside frame mounts. The versatile telescopic gliding track is adjustable anywhere from 44 to 80-inches wide. For wider needs, two tracks can be installed next to each other for a unique and seamless appearance. Each of the four panels are 22-inches wide and 96 inches tall. Simply trim the panel height to what you need and install the bottom rails to coordinate with your panels and create a custom-look finish. Eliminate operating cords with our child and pet safe wand control. Slide the panels gracefully with effortless operation on a smooth durable track, these panels can open from right to left, left to right, and right down the center. Our safety features include the feature wand which make this an modern cordless panel system that is safe for young children and pets.
Measurement: Customizable Size. This product is adjustable in both Width and Height. Width is adjustable from 44" to 80". Height is trimmable up to a maximum of 96"".

Spacecrafting Photography
Inspiration for a transitional exterior home remodel in Minneapolis
Inspiration for a transitional exterior home remodel in Minneapolis

This modern farmhouse kitchen features a beautiful combination of Navy Blue painted and gray stained Hickory cabinets that’s sure to be an eye-catcher. The elegant “Morel” stain blends and harmonizes the natural Hickory wood grain while emphasizing the grain with a subtle gray tone that beautifully coordinated with the cool, deep blue paint.
The “Gale Force” SW 7605 blue paint from Sherwin-Williams is a stunning deep blue paint color that is sophisticated, fun, and creative. It’s a stunning statement-making color that’s sure to be a classic for years to come and represents the latest in color trends. It’s no surprise this beautiful navy blue has been a part of Dura Supreme’s Curated Color Collection for several years, making the top 6 colors for 2017 through 2020.
Beyond the beautiful exterior, there is so much well-thought-out storage and function behind each and every cabinet door. The two beautiful blue countertop towers that frame the modern wood hood and cooktop are two intricately designed larder cabinets built to meet the homeowner’s exact needs.
The larder cabinet on the left is designed as a beverage center with apothecary drawers designed for housing beverage stir sticks, sugar packets, creamers, and other misc. coffee and home bar supplies. A wine glass rack and shelves provides optimal storage for a full collection of glassware while a power supply in the back helps power coffee & espresso (machines, blenders, grinders and other small appliances that could be used for daily beverage creations. The roll-out shelf makes it easier to fill clean and operate each appliance while also making it easy to put away. Pocket doors tuck out of the way and into the cabinet so you can easily leave open for your household or guests to access, but easily shut the cabinet doors and conceal when you’re ready to tidy up.
Beneath the beverage center larder is a drawer designed with 2 layers of multi-tasking storage for utensils and additional beverage supplies storage with space for tea packets, and a full drawer of K-Cup storage. The cabinet below uses powered roll-out shelves to create the perfect breakfast center with power for a toaster and divided storage to organize all the daily fixings and pantry items the household needs for their morning routine.
On the right, the second larder is the ultimate hub and center for the homeowner’s baking tasks. A wide roll-out shelf helps store heavy small appliances like a KitchenAid Mixer while making them easy to use, clean, and put away. Shelves and a set of apothecary drawers help house an assortment of baking tools, ingredients, mixing bowls and cookbooks. Beneath the counter a drawer and a set of roll-out shelves in various heights provides more easy access storage for pantry items, misc. baking accessories, rolling pins, mixing bowls, and more.
The kitchen island provides a large worktop, seating for 3-4 guests, and even more storage! The back of the island includes an appliance lift cabinet used for a sewing machine for the homeowner’s beloved hobby, a deep drawer built for organizing a full collection of dishware, a waste recycling bin, and more!
All and all this kitchen is as functional as it is beautiful!
Request a FREE Dura Supreme Brochure Packet:
http://www.durasupreme.com/request-brochure

this dog wash is a great place to clean up your pets and give them the spa treatment they deserve. There is even an area to relax for your pet under the counter in the padded cabinet.

The view of the kitchen from the great room with the fireplace. Photo: Chibi Moku
Example of a small trendy galley medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Los Angeles with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, wood countertops, stainless steel appliances, white walls and no island
Example of a small trendy galley medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Los Angeles with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, wood countertops, stainless steel appliances, white walls and no island

This modern farmhouse kitchen features a beautiful combination of Navy Blue painted and gray stained Hickory cabinets that’s sure to be an eye-catcher. The elegant “Morel” stain blends and harmonizes the natural Hickory wood grain while emphasizing the grain with a subtle gray tone that beautifully coordinated with the cool, deep blue paint.
The “Gale Force” SW 7605 blue paint from Sherwin-Williams is a stunning deep blue paint color that is sophisticated, fun, and creative. It’s a stunning statement-making color that’s sure to be a classic for years to come and represents the latest in color trends. It’s no surprise this beautiful navy blue has been a part of Dura Supreme’s Curated Color Collection for several years, making the top 6 colors for 2017 through 2020.
Beyond the beautiful exterior, there is so much well-thought-out storage and function behind each and every cabinet door. The two beautiful blue countertop towers that frame the modern wood hood and cooktop are two intricately designed larder cabinets built to meet the homeowner’s exact needs.
The larder cabinet on the left is designed as a beverage center with apothecary drawers designed for housing beverage stir sticks, sugar packets, creamers, and other misc. coffee and home bar supplies. A wine glass rack and shelves provides optimal storage for a full collection of glassware while a power supply in the back helps power coffee & espresso (machines, blenders, grinders and other small appliances that could be used for daily beverage creations. The roll-out shelf makes it easier to fill clean and operate each appliance while also making it easy to put away. Pocket doors tuck out of the way and into the cabinet so you can easily leave open for your household or guests to access, but easily shut the cabinet doors and conceal when you’re ready to tidy up.
Beneath the beverage center larder is a drawer designed with 2 layers of multi-tasking storage for utensils and additional beverage supplies storage with space for tea packets, and a full drawer of K-Cup storage. The cabinet below uses powered roll-out shelves to create the perfect breakfast center with power for a toaster and divided storage to organize all the daily fixings and pantry items the household needs for their morning routine.
On the right, the second larder is the ultimate hub and center for the homeowner’s baking tasks. A wide roll-out shelf helps store heavy small appliances like a KitchenAid Mixer while making them easy to use, clean, and put away. Shelves and a set of apothecary drawers help house an assortment of baking tools, ingredients, mixing bowls and cookbooks. Beneath the counter a drawer and a set of roll-out shelves in various heights provides more easy access storage for pantry items, misc. baking accessories, rolling pins, mixing bowls, and more.
The kitchen island provides a large worktop, seating for 3-4 guests, and even more storage! The back of the island includes an appliance lift cabinet used for a sewing machine for the homeowner’s beloved hobby, a deep drawer built for organizing a full collection of dishware, a waste recycling bin, and more!
All and all this kitchen is as functional as it is beautiful!
Request a FREE Dura Supreme Brochure Packet:
http://www.durasupreme.com/request-brochure
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