Reclaimed Wood Paneling from Manomin Resawn Timbers lines the vaulted ceiling of this rustic lodge entryway, with warm, natural grain and texture running across every plank. Reclaimed Wood Timbers form dramatic curved trusses overhead, radiating outward beneath a striking antler chandelier and framing a brick accent column below. Every piece of our reclaimed wood paneling and timbers is salvaged from 19th century barns, factories, and warehouses, carrying the marks and character of its original life into a new space. Through our detailed process of denailing, kiln drying, and precision milling, we preserve the natural grain, knots, and texture that give reclaimed wood its distinctive look while preparing it for a prominent place in a modern home. Whether you are a homebuilder, a home remodeling contractor, or a homeowner shopping for ceiling paneling or timbers with real depth and character, Manomin Resawn Timbers has stunning reclaimed wood to suit your needs. Visit our showroom in Hugo, MN or reach out to us with a call or a message to discover the antique charm of reclaimed wood.

Rick Jacobson did everything possible to make the existing footprint of the kitchen seem bigger and improve traffic flow, while respecting the original Tudor design and materials. The remodeling design moved plumbing, removed part of a wall to create a pass-through to the main hallway, added an island, and enlarged an archway. The remodeler tapped into his creativity to replicate the detail of arches and millwork that would have been used in the late 1920s. The new kitchen created a warm inviting environment for entertaining guests and family while respecting the home’s contemporary architecture. There’s even a faucet dedicated to preparing pasta located where it makes the most sense: At the stove.

Reclaimed Wood Paneling from Manomin Resawn Timbers lines the vaulted ceiling of this modern rustic lakeside porch, showing off warm, natural grain and texture overhead. Reclaimed Wood Beams add structural character alongside steel truss framing, tying the space together beneath a soaring stone fireplace and a wall of windows overlooking the lake. Every piece of our reclaimed wood paneling and beams is salvaged from 19th century barns, factories, and warehouses, carrying the marks and character of its original life into a new space. Through our detailed process of denailing, kiln drying, and precision milling, we preserve the natural grain, knots, and texture that give reclaimed wood its distinctive look while preparing it for a prominent place in a home like this one. Whether you are a homebuilder, a home remodeling contractor, or a homeowner shopping for ceiling paneling or beams with real depth and character, Manomin Resawn Timbers has stunning reclaimed wood to suit your needs. Visit our showroom in Hugo, MN or reach out to us with a call or a message to discover the antique charm of reclaimed wood.

This young couple came to us with a strong desire to create a gathering space that would reflect their style by putting the ‘fun’ in function. They wanted to expand their original, cramped, 1950s kitchen. Taking down the wall between the dining room and kitchen allowed for a roomy island adjacent to a large dining table. The antique reproduction tiger maple island ties into the history of the home, while the simple, painted perimeter cabinetry and Fireclay Tile ogee drop backsplash give a nod to the homeowners’ personal flair for mixing midcentury modern and transitional styles. Shiplap detailing was added to the sink wall to provide another layer of texture and finish. Pental Lattice quartz kept the countertops, and the room, light and airy. The kitchen cabinetry is chock full of organizing accessories that make meal preparation and entertaining a breeze. Thoughtfully eclectic and ‘fun’ctional - this kitchen is sure to be a backdrop for lots of good times! Matt Villano Photography

This casita was completely renovated from floor to ceiling in preparation of Airbnb short term romantic getaways. The color palette of teal green, blue and white was brought to life with curated antiques that were stripped of their dark stain colors, collected fine linens, fine plaster wall finishes, authentic Turkish rugs, antique and custom light fixtures, original oil paintings and moorish chevron tile and Moroccan pattern choices.

Weathered Antique Box Beams run across a dramatic dark shiplap tray ceiling in this contemporary living room, their warm reddish-brown tones and naturally aged patina creating a stunning contrast against the deep dark ceiling while white walls and light flooring keep the space feeling open and bright below. The combination of dark shiplap and antique timber beams gives this tray ceiling a depth and richness that feels both modern and timeless at once. Originally cut with giant saws around 1880 by American farming families, Weathered Antique timbers carry a brown to grayish-brown patina earned over more than a century of natural aging that no manufactured material can replicate. Through our process of denailing, kiln drying, and precision milling, Manomin Resawn Timbers prepares these antique timbers to make a dramatic statement on any ceiling. Whether you are a homebuilder, a home remodeling contractor, or a homeowner looking to add Weathered Antique Box Beams to a tray ceiling in a contemporary living room, Manomin Resawn Timbers has been helping people discover the antique charm of reclaimed wood since 2002. We ship nationwide and are happy to help you find the right pieces from anywhere in the country. Visit our showroom in Hugo, MN or reach out to us with a call or a message to get started.

Complete siding replacement project featuring Double 4.5" Encore Dutch Lap siding in Natural Clay, selected for its classic profile and long-lasting performance. The Dutch lap design adds subtle shadow lines, giving the home a more dimensional and upscale appearance. Our team handled full removal of the existing siding, proper surface preparation, and precision installation to ensure durability and weather resistance. Attention to detail was key throughout the project, especially around trim, corners, and transitions. All existing shutters and exterior moldings were carefully reinstalled, maintaining the home’s original architectural style while enhancing its overall look with the new siding color and finish. The finished result is a clean, modernized exterior with improved curb appeal and long-term protection.

This 1758 restored farmhouse was modernized with a kitchen that matches the beauty of this historic home located in Brentwood, New Hampshire. Bright white cabinetry paired with quartz countertops are a perfect balance of traditional and modern. The subway tile backsplash woven with neutrals brings warmth and dimension and compliments the classic design . A working island featuring The Galley Workstation and Wolf cooktop makes this the ultimate space for food preparation and entertaining. By keeping the same functional floorplan as the original kitchen there is seamless flow to the living room, and within the kitchen a beautiful space for casual dining with a view of the gardens. The classic and cozy design of this kitchen will make it a beautiful gathering place for years to come.

This full interior re-paint transformed a farmhouse in Grant Park, Illinois into a clean, modern, and elevated living space. Our team at Decorators Touch delivered a high-end finish using premium materials and precise application techniques to ensure smooth, consistent coverage throughout. Soft neutral gray tones were selected to complement the natural light and vaulted ceilings, creating a bright, open atmosphere while maintaining a timeless farmhouse aesthetic. All trim was finished in crisp White and doors were finished in Black for contrast, enhancing the architectural details and overall craftsmanship of the home. From detailed prep work to final coat, every surface was carefully handled to achieve a flawless result that reflects both durability and design. Services Included: Interior wall repainting Trim, baseboard, and door finishing Staircase refinishing - transforming the original stained oak to painted two tone Surface preparation and patching Premium paint application for a smooth, even finish Decorators Touch specializes in high-end residential painting in Grant Park, IL and surrounding areas, delivering results that combine durability, precision, and modern design.

Photography by Jim Tetro This house, built in the 1960s, sits southfacing on a terrific wooded lot in Bethesda, Maryland. The owners desire a whole-house renovation which would improve the general building fabric and systems, and extend the sense of living out of doors in all seasons. The original sixties-modern character is preserved and the renovation extends the design forward into a contemporary, modern approach. Connections to and through the site are enhanced through the creation of new larger window and door openings. Screened porches and decks perch above the sloped and wooded site. The new kitchen and bathrooms allow for opportunities to feel out-of -doors while preparing, cooking, dining, and bathing. Smart passive strategies guide the environmental choices for this project, including envelope improvements, updated mechanical systems, and on-site stormwater management.

  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.  

My clients wanted a kitchen where they could gather together, prepare meals, and catch up on the latest news of the day. They had two children that wanted a space to do homework while grabbing a snack to eat. The scope of the project included a facelift for the cabinets, new dining table, chairs, countertop, backsplash, island, flooring, appliances, installing a range hood, lighting and barstools. My challenge was designing a kitchen that was functional, efficient and aesthetically pleasing while addressing the specific needs of my clients. We had a good foundation to work with but, the original kitchen was dated and needed an upgrade. We addressed the cabinets, floors, island and lighting first. We wanted to keep with the overall floorplan of the kitchen. The color palette we choose was a cool gray color scheme with warm wood accents. The custom island is a one-of-a-kind feature with an exotic granite slab. The island provides the best way to maximize the kitchen efficiency and storage capacity. Technology was also important addition in the kitchen so we installed smart technology and USB cable outlets. Lighting was another factor—under the counter lighting and in cabinet lighting was installed. In the end, my clients were very happy with the kitchen we designed for them.

This casita was completely renovated from floor to ceiling in preparation of Airbnb short term romantic getaways. The color palette of teal green, blue and white was brought to life with curated antiques that were stripped of their dark stain colors, collected fine linens, fine plaster wall finishes, authentic Turkish rugs, antique and custom light fixtures, original oil paintings and moorish chevron tile and Moroccan pattern choices.

In this kitchen, we wanted to tie in the classic black and white palette to the homes character. To do so, the home's original molding details were recreated throughout crown molding and doorways. We incorporated brushed brass and matte black hardware, as well as sand-in-place oak flooring. Our client wanted to continue her tradition of giving her grandchildren weekly gourmet cooking and baking lessons. A paneled refrigerator was designed into the back nook of the kitchen, opening up treasured countertop space for cooking, prepping, and gourmet baked-good preparation. The lowered countertop area create an ideal baking station. To make use of the countertop space, we installed a large 3' galley workstation with dry dock. An elegant gloss black and brass range ties into the classic charm of this 1910's bungalow. The adjacent dining nook is the perfect place for morning coffee and a fresh baked croissant.

A Sussex family hired us as the design build remodel company to makeover this kitchen. This remodeling project had three main goals: improve storage, update the layout/style and enhance the functionality. IMPROVE STORAGE The original home builder put in very narrow cabinets. The small, narrow cabinets made it difficult for the homeowners to store items. They also said it was important to have a kitchen that works for their children. The new design incorporates an appliance cabinet and wide drawers for storing items. The kids have easy access to snack drawers and lower dish storage for plastic cups and plates. Also, we added two built-in cabinets in the dining room for more storage. UPDATE THE LAYOUT & STYLE While the area was large, it didn’t maximize the space or fit their contemporary style. They wanted plenty of counter prep space and enough room for friends and family to gather. We added a large wood island with seating – perfect for hosting parties and family dinners. The space is bright with white shaker cabinetry and subway tile backsplash. Warm touches include satin bronze light fixtures and hardware. ENHANCE THE FUNCTIONALITY This Sussex kitchen features a Galley Sink Workstation. Having a sink workstation facing the center of the room allows the homeowners to stay part of the conversation while preparing a meal or cleaning up. Sink workstations are one of the hottest kitchen trends. HOMEOWNER REVIEW “We recently completed our kitchen remodel with Kowalske and we can’t say enough good things about our experience. Not only was every member of the team amazing, the work that was done in our kitchen was very high quality. We have recommended Kowalske to all of our friends and plan to use them for our master bath remodel in the future!” – Nicole, homeowner (Houzz Review)

This beautiful tri level townhome nestled in the heart of Lincoln Park Chicago needed some of our design love and TLC. The owners were ready to sell, so The Dowell Group at Berkshire Hathaway hired us to come in and help. We redid all the finishes top to bottom with refreshed original wood flooring, paint, lighting, new kitchen cabinets, updating the master bathroom, painting the bar and bath cabinets, quartz counters and more. We gave it a facelift to show a little love for our clients home that was about to hit the market. The finishes we chose were not what they personally liked, however what buyers are looking for and willing to pay more for. We are proud to present our Lincoln Park Modern Farmhouse.

Relationship: Client Project Date: March 2014 Project Price Range: more than $100,000 Having purchased our first house in Valley Glen, North Hollywood, we were aware it was in need of serious remodeling. A 1950s Ranch-style home, it came complete with peeling wallpaper, musty carpeting, and even some dilapidated walls. As first-time homeowners we were prepared to spend more money to improve it, but weary when we began meeting contractors. Buyer’s remorse already set in when we interviewed several contractors who were either aloof or unscrupulous. Then we were fortunate enough to find Mike Ross. He immediately allayed our stress with his professional and forthright demeanor and his integrity was as rock solid from the day we met him through the several months it took to complete our large renovation. While we had some specific things we wanted in our house, Mike and his team took our wish list and far exceeded our expectations to help truly realize the vision of our dream. Originally a three-bedroom, fourteen-hundred square foot home, our remodel brought an addition of a thousand square feet as well as an overhaul of the landscape; this prospect was particularly daunting for uninitiated owners such as us, but Mike’s consummate professionalism shone through and made the task exponentially less stressful for us. As well as a new 850 sf Master Bedroom, including a fireplace, and a steam unit in the bath, we added a cozy home theater room, laundry room, and the once forgotten backyard brought a new deck and patio with a trellis. Furthermore, because we went green and made it a smart home, we’re already more energy efficient. In several rooms, as well as the main hallway, for example, Mike installed solar tubes and the amount of natural light that bathes the house is amazing. Even my mom, when she came to visit, was always looking for a light-switch. As our contractor, Mike Ross took the reins to steer the project and keep it on course and he did so exceptionally. Mike and his team were as attentive to the quality of every nook and corner and he always sought our approval and happiness. Consistently communicative, he always kept us in the loop about progress and was always there to answer any questions and concerns. When an unforeseen contingency did arise, Mike assuaged our concerns by taking action ASAP to rectify the problem. Mike’s team, too, all take pleasure in their efforts. An eclectic group of skilled artisans and craftsmen, they are all polite, punctual, and proud of their work. Thank you, Mike Ross, for your outstanding leadership, your impeccable standards, and your commitment to our happiness. Dale & Helen Keis

We recently enjoyed the opportunity to remodel three floors of a nineteenth-century Cambridge home with our project partners, architect Tom Downer and designer Jayme Kennerknecht/LDa Architects. . • The owners – a family of four that includes both a teenager and a toddler - wanted a house better suited to entertaining but also appropriate for family together time. Specific improvements on their wish list included a playroom that could handle differing family needs, a custom bar for entertaining, a new fireplace, and an inviting kitchen that would remain distinct but be better connected to adjoining rooms. • Adding a fireplace to the living room involved rebuilding the entire back wall of the home. The fireplace mantel was custom designed to match an existing mantel in the nearby dining room, which is original to the home. • In the playroom, care was taken to create zones for three members of the family: The mother enjoys crafting and now has a station directly below existing skylights, the teenager has a semi-private nook at the back of the space for relaxing, and the youngest in the family can enjoy toys and games placed along one wall alongside a rug for playing on the floor. On the same level, we created a separate guest bedroom with a new closet and a window designed to match other windows throughout the home. • The kitchen is fully upgraded and custom designed to accommodate the mother’s cooking habits, with specific elements including a farmer’s sink in the island and a stainless steel counter with an integrated sink for food preparation placed behind it on the counter. To improve storage in the much-used room, corner drawer units were installed instead of lazy Susan cabinets. Also, the homeowners were not interested in an open floor plan, but did want to improve access to the living room and yard beyond. This was achieved by expanding the opening between the two rooms allowing the cook to engage with family and guests and have a clear view when children are playing in the yard. Photo by Shelly Harrison

This beautiful, 1,600 SF duplex three-bedroom, two-bath apartment in the heart of the West Village was originally a diamond in the rough with great potential. The coop is located on a quiet, tree-lined street and, as a top floor unit, boasts lovely southern and eastern exposures with views of this charming neighborhood overlooking the Hudson. Our clients were making a big move from the West Coast and wanted the new home to be ready in time for the start of the new school year, so Studioteka’s architecture and interior design team rolled up our sleeves and got to work! Construction documents were prepared for the coop board and NYC Department of Buildings approval and our team coordinated the renovation. The entire unit had new hardwood flooring, moldings, and doors installed, the stairs were gently refinished, and we took down a wall separating the living room from a small den on the lower level, making the living space much more open, light-filled, and inviting. The hot water heater was tucked away in an unused space under the stair landing, allowing for the creation of a new kitchen pantry with additional storage. We gut-renovated the upstairs bathroom, creating a built-in shower niche as well as a brand new Duravit tub, Mirabelle high-efficiency toilet, American Standard matte black fixtures, and a white Strasser Woodenworks vanity with black hardware. Classic white subway tile lines the walls and shower enclosure, while black and white basketweave tile is used on the floor. The matte black towel hooks, toilet roll holder, and towel rod contrast with the white wall tile, and a shower curtain with a delicate black and white pattern completes the room. Finally, new mid-century modern furnishings were combined with existing pieces to create an apartment that is both a joy to come home to and a warm, inviting urban oasis for this family of four.