Mahogany decking and the clad roof access wall after sealing on a Back Bay rooftop. A penetrating, non-film-forming sealer like this one can be refreshed later without sanding the deck down. Rooftop deck sealing and staining by ALP Home Services, Greater Boston.

Perforated steel stairs allow light to penetrate through the house.
Inspiration for a large modern metal straight staircase remodel in Chicago with metal risers

In the dining room, we created a dramatic arched entrance with stained walnut raised-paneling. We added a painted beam ceiling with tongue and groove V-notch slats to add interest and texture to the 10 ’ ceiling. To create trim with a flowing, seamless appearance, we integrated drapery cornices into the crown molding. Intense sun penetrates the room and led to the creation of a three-part window treatment. We incorporated stationary drapery panels for acoustics and to soften edges. We added roman shades for solar control and a gothic-inspired arched valance in embossed linen for a formal accent. The valance is a soft echo of the gothic motif on the fireplace surround in the home’s adjacent keeping room. On the walls, we had the installer cut grass cloth into squares and alternate their direction when he was hanging. This creates a subtle visual effect that changes as the sun dances through the room and you walk around the space. Square nail heads punctuate the intersections by being turned and set on their tips, creating a 3-dimensional diamond shape. Chris Little Photography

Concrete Driveway Sealer is necessary to maintain the beauty of your investment and protect against staining and damage. Many people think of concrete as a highly durable material. While this is true, concrete is also a porous material that is highly susceptible to staining, salt & water damage. To prevent damage, a penetrating coating of protective sealant can be applied over the surface of the driveway. Surface Saver siloxane sealer creates an invisible, impenetrable barrier that shields driveways from staining, road salt and water damage. Over time sealant can be worn away, exposing the underlying concrete to stains & moisture penetration. As such, it is important to reapply Surface Saver Sealer on a regular basis. This is especially true in high-traffic areas. Concrete driveways should be re-sealed at least once every two to three years. Surface Saver Sealer can be purchased in 5 Gallon pails shipped via UPS ground to all 48 U.S. States EXCEPT Alaska & Hawaii at http://surfacerestoration.com/shop

A bright and spacious floor plan mixed with custom woodwork, artisan lighting, and natural stone accent walls offers a warm and inviting yet incredibly modern design. The organic elements merge well with the undeniably beautiful scenery, creating a cohesive interior design from the inside out. Warm and inviting dining room with natural materials, wood, glass, metal. Views of vineyards and hills. Designed by Design Directives, LLC., based in Scottsdale, Arizona and serving throughout Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Cave Creek, Carefree, and Sedona. For more about Design Directives, click here: https://susanherskerasid.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://susanherskerasid.com/modern-napa/

A Landmarked town home was destroyed by fire. After completely emptying the shell and working with city agencies to approve the reconstruction, a new house was re-built within the shell of the old. It retains the basic room layout the owners enjoyed pre-fire, but with much improved finishes, details, lighting and construction quality. The rear face was also reimagined in a modern vein with increased penetration of sunlight. Interior Design by Jen Going Interiors.

This home maximizes use of passive solar gain with a two-story wall of glass supported by braces that penetrate the exterior wall. Fabric pendant lights descend from the 10’ ceilings to light the kitchen surfaces. Cable lighting weaves in and out of the exposed structure to light the passageway. A cantilevered walkway provides access to the bedrooms on the second floor. photo by Jeff Scrogins

The addition we designed for this indoor therapy pool blends seamlessly with the existing traditional home. The heated floors and 102 degree water therapy pool make for welcome retreat all year round, even in Vermont winters. The addition was constructed with Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS) for maximum R-value and minimum air penetration in order to maintain 90 degree air temperature year round.

Photo: Kayla Stark © 2015 Houzz
Inspiration for a contemporary bedroom remodel in New Orleans

Jeremy Witteveen
Example of a classic kitchen design in Chicago

Phto By Derek Monson. On this project we used a special brick staining product made by PermaTint Ltd. Since the bricks on this home were very old, we opted to use a brick stain instead of a regular exterior paint. Using a brick stain allows the material to penetrate the brick surface while still allowing the substrate to breathe. Because of these properties, we would recommend anyone painting brick, old or new, to use PermaTint.

Decomposed granite – This paving material is popular for use as an informal path and is relatively easy to install and maintain. The benefits of decomposed granite include low installation cost, “soft” appearance and good porosity that allow water to penetrate through to the soil below. This is especially important when paving near older native trees such as oaks. https://southwestboulder.com/blog/how-to-install-a-decomposed-granite-pathway

Water saving paver project turned a high maintenance lawn that was rarely even walked on into an inviting extension of the indoor-outdoor interface. Top photo in album taken after rain shows what pavers will look like after coated with 'wet look' type penetrating sealer. Photos by siri :)

The addition we designed for this indoor therapy pool blends seamlessly with the existing traditional home. The heated floors and 102 degree water therapy pool make for welcome retreat all year round, even in Vermont winters. The addition was constructed with Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS) for maximum R-value and minimum air penetration in order to maintain 90 degree air temperature year round.

Antique Stain is a solvent based, semi-transparent blend of acrylics with pigments that deeply penetrate concrete substrates and create concrete acid stain look, without the use of acids. Antique Stain can be applied over Texture Deck, old and new concrete, brick pavers and SurfaceLogix’ Colorcrete Sealer. Antique Stain is also excellent product used to rejuvenate dull looking pavers and stamped concrete.

A key feature in the home’s energy efficiency is the use of the sun. Architect Christopher Briley designed the roof cutouts in the south-facing porch to capture the sun’s rays but angled them to let in the warm winter sun (which is lower in the sky) while blocking the hot, penetrating summer sun (which is higher in the sky).

This Custom Deck By Westbrook Restorations Master Carpenter Services here in Seattle has a 5/4 tight knot cedar decking, cedar tight knot fascia trim, d and better cedar railing, and vertical grain cedar bevel rail cap. Finnish is Sickkins penetrating stain.

Custom design rake windows showcase your home's architecture and allow you to add more more natural light. Here in the southern hemisphere, large span windows should ideally be located on the south side of your house to avoid heat penetration from direct sunlight. Double-glazed windows are a great solution to avoid heat gain in the summer months and heat loss during winter.