Tiffany Crystal quartzite is one of those stones that earns its keep in a kitchen. It's got that cool, crystalline background, whites and grays moving quietly across the surface with enough sparkle in the light to keep it from feeling flat. It reads clean and bright without going stark, which is why it works so well in a kitchen where people actually cook and gather, not just admire counters from across the room. Quartzite is real stone, not engineered, so it comes with natural hardness that holds up to daily kitchen abuse. It resists scratching and handles heat well, though we still tell folks to use a trivet, because no counter needs a hot pan set straight on it just to prove a point. Sealing it right after install and keeping up with it over the years keeps the surface performing the way it should, and Tiffany Crystal takes a seal well because of its tight, dense structure. Fabricating a slab like this takes some care in the layout. We spend real time bookmatching and dry-fitting pieces so the movement in the stone flows across seams instead of fighting itself at the corners. On a kitchen island or a run of perimeter counters, getting that continuity right is what separates a good installation from one that just gets the measurements correct. We kept the edge eased here, which is the right call on a stone with this much personality. It doesn't need extra shaping to draw the eye, the stone's already doing that work. Day to day, this is a kitchen counter that's going to live hard and look good doing it. Quartzite shrugs off knife marks, stands up to acidic spills, and cleans up with regular dish soap and water. It's the kind of surface you stop babying after the first few months because it simply holds up. Jobs like this one in Lexington are what we like seeing come through the shop. It's a straightforward kitchen application done with a stone that's got real depth to it, installed by people who care about how the seams and the veining line up when the job's done. That's the kind of work that keeps the Midlands trade honest.

Tiffany Crystal quartzite is one of those stones that earns its keep in a kitchen. It's got that cool, crystalline background, whites and grays moving quietly across the surface with enough sparkle in the light to keep it from feeling flat. It reads clean and bright without going stark, which is why it works so well in a kitchen where people actually cook and gather, not just admire counters from across the room. Quartzite is real stone, not engineered, so it comes with natural hardness that holds up to daily kitchen abuse. It resists scratching and handles heat well, though we still tell folks to use a trivet, because no counter needs a hot pan set straight on it just to prove a point. Sealing it right after install and keeping up with it over the years keeps the surface performing the way it should, and Tiffany Crystal takes a seal well because of its tight, dense structure. Fabricating a slab like this takes some care in the layout. We spend real time bookmatching and dry-fitting pieces so the movement in the stone flows across seams instead of fighting itself at the corners. On a kitchen island or a run of perimeter counters, getting that continuity right is what separates a good installation from one that just gets the measurements correct. We kept the edge eased here, which is the right call on a stone with this much personality. It doesn't need extra shaping to draw the eye, the stone's already doing that work. Day to day, this is a kitchen counter that's going to live hard and look good doing it. Quartzite shrugs off knife marks, stands up to acidic spills, and cleans up with regular dish soap and water. It's the kind of surface you stop babying after the first few months because it simply holds up. Jobs like this one in Lexington are what we like seeing come through the shop. It's a straightforward kitchen application done with a stone that's got real depth to it, installed by people who care about how the seams and the veining line up when the job's done. That's the kind of work that keeps the Midlands trade honest.

Tiffany Crystal quartzite is one of those stones that earns its keep in a kitchen. It's got that cool, crystalline background, whites and grays moving quietly across the surface with enough sparkle in the light to keep it from feeling flat. It reads clean and bright without going stark, which is why it works so well in a kitchen where people actually cook and gather, not just admire counters from across the room. Quartzite is real stone, not engineered, so it comes with natural hardness that holds up to daily kitchen abuse. It resists scratching and handles heat well, though we still tell folks to use a trivet, because no counter needs a hot pan set straight on it just to prove a point. Sealing it right after install and keeping up with it over the years keeps the surface performing the way it should, and Tiffany Crystal takes a seal well because of its tight, dense structure. Fabricating a slab like this takes some care in the layout. We spend real time bookmatching and dry-fitting pieces so the movement in the stone flows across seams instead of fighting itself at the corners. On a kitchen island or a run of perimeter counters, getting that continuity right is what separates a good installation from one that just gets the measurements correct. We kept the edge eased here, which is the right call on a stone with this much personality. It doesn't need extra shaping to draw the eye, the stone's already doing that work. Day to day, this is a kitchen counter that's going to live hard and look good doing it. Quartzite shrugs off knife marks, stands up to acidic spills, and cleans up with regular dish soap and water. It's the kind of surface you stop babying after the first few months because it simply holds up. Jobs like this one in Lexington are what we like seeing come through the shop. It's a straightforward kitchen application done with a stone that's got real depth to it, installed by people who care about how the seams and the veining line up when the job's done. That's the kind of work that keeps the Midlands trade honest.

Tiffany Crystal quartzite is one of those stones that earns its keep in a kitchen. It's got that cool, crystalline background, whites and grays moving quietly across the surface with enough sparkle in the light to keep it from feeling flat. It reads clean and bright without going stark, which is why it works so well in a kitchen where people actually cook and gather, not just admire counters from across the room. Quartzite is real stone, not engineered, so it comes with natural hardness that holds up to daily kitchen abuse. It resists scratching and handles heat well, though we still tell folks to use a trivet, because no counter needs a hot pan set straight on it just to prove a point. Sealing it right after install and keeping up with it over the years keeps the surface performing the way it should, and Tiffany Crystal takes a seal well because of its tight, dense structure. Fabricating a slab like this takes some care in the layout. We spend real time bookmatching and dry-fitting pieces so the movement in the stone flows across seams instead of fighting itself at the corners. On a kitchen island or a run of perimeter counters, getting that continuity right is what separates a good installation from one that just gets the measurements correct. We kept the edge eased here, which is the right call on a stone with this much personality. It doesn't need extra shaping to draw the eye, the stone's already doing that work. Day to day, this is a kitchen counter that's going to live hard and look good doing it. Quartzite shrugs off knife marks, stands up to acidic spills, and cleans up with regular dish soap and water. It's the kind of surface you stop babying after the first few months because it simply holds up. Jobs like this one in Lexington are what we like seeing come through the shop. It's a straightforward kitchen application done with a stone that's got real depth to it, installed by people who care about how the seams and the veining line up when the job's done. That's the kind of work that keeps the Midlands trade honest.

Tiffany Crystal quartzite is one of those stones that earns its keep in a kitchen. It's got that cool, crystalline background, whites and grays moving quietly across the surface with enough sparkle in the light to keep it from feeling flat. It reads clean and bright without going stark, which is why it works so well in a kitchen where people actually cook and gather, not just admire counters from across the room. Quartzite is real stone, not engineered, so it comes with natural hardness that holds up to daily kitchen abuse. It resists scratching and handles heat well, though we still tell folks to use a trivet, because no counter needs a hot pan set straight on it just to prove a point. Sealing it right after install and keeping up with it over the years keeps the surface performing the way it should, and Tiffany Crystal takes a seal well because of its tight, dense structure. Fabricating a slab like this takes some care in the layout. We spend real time bookmatching and dry-fitting pieces so the movement in the stone flows across seams instead of fighting itself at the corners. On a kitchen island or a run of perimeter counters, getting that continuity right is what separates a good installation from one that just gets the measurements correct. We kept the edge eased here, which is the right call on a stone with this much personality. It doesn't need extra shaping to draw the eye, the stone's already doing that work. Day to day, this is a kitchen counter that's going to live hard and look good doing it. Quartzite shrugs off knife marks, stands up to acidic spills, and cleans up with regular dish soap and water. It's the kind of surface you stop babying after the first few months because it simply holds up. Jobs like this one in Lexington are what we like seeing come through the shop. It's a straightforward kitchen application done with a stone that's got real depth to it, installed by people who care about how the seams and the veining line up when the job's done. That's the kind of work that keeps the Midlands trade honest.

Tiffany Crystal quartzite is one of those stones that earns its keep in a kitchen. It's got that cool, crystalline background, whites and grays moving quietly across the surface with enough sparkle in the light to keep it from feeling flat. It reads clean and bright without going stark, which is why it works so well in a kitchen where people actually cook and gather, not just admire counters from across the room. Quartzite is real stone, not engineered, so it comes with natural hardness that holds up to daily kitchen abuse. It resists scratching and handles heat well, though we still tell folks to use a trivet, because no counter needs a hot pan set straight on it just to prove a point. Sealing it right after install and keeping up with it over the years keeps the surface performing the way it should, and Tiffany Crystal takes a seal well because of its tight, dense structure. Fabricating a slab like this takes some care in the layout. We spend real time bookmatching and dry-fitting pieces so the movement in the stone flows across seams instead of fighting itself at the corners. On a kitchen island or a run of perimeter counters, getting that continuity right is what separates a good installation from one that just gets the measurements correct. We kept the edge eased here, which is the right call on a stone with this much personality. It doesn't need extra shaping to draw the eye, the stone's already doing that work. Day to day, this is a kitchen counter that's going to live hard and look good doing it. Quartzite shrugs off knife marks, stands up to acidic spills, and cleans up with regular dish soap and water. It's the kind of surface you stop babying after the first few months because it simply holds up. Jobs like this one in Lexington are what we like seeing come through the shop. It's a straightforward kitchen application done with a stone that's got real depth to it, installed by people who care about how the seams and the veining line up when the job's done. That's the kind of work that keeps the Midlands trade honest.

Transitional exterior home photo in Toronto

Richard Herman is in the hospitality business and owns several upscale hotels in Florida and in other states as well as cattle ranches in both Florida and Missouri. Their farm in Ocala is by farm their most unique. The property serves as a 4-H demonstration project for the purpose of children’s education. They have been working with the Academy Prep of St. Pete which is dedicated to inner-city youths that are selected on the basis of need and achievement. Wife Diane spends her time on the farm raising Gypsy Vanners, a diminutive draft horse named after the job they did in Eastern Europe, pulling the wagons (vans) for gypsies that wandered across the continent. On the Ocala farm, there are several mules with a unique profession. Richard had visited the Hearthstone display at a Log & Timber Home Shows at the Orlando Convention Center many years ago. He was impressed that Hearthstone had stayed in touch with him over the years by mailings, invitations to shows, and periodic phone calls. When the time came to start serious consideration of the design of barn, Hearthstone responded promptly and professionally to Richard and Diane’s requests for information and a review of their ideas for their barn, which would serve as the centerpiece for their new farm. They wanted a multipurpose facility that could accommodate an educational environment and a large hall suitable for the fundraising events for his charities. Richard wanted a barn that reflected the look and feel of barns built at the dawn of the 20th century. Besides the rustic chicken houses and vegetable gardens, they have completely renovated a 1020’s era farmhouse to be as historically correct as possible and serves as the entry to the farm. “They very careful to feel us out, get comfortable with our capabilities, and be convinced that we could perform as promised,” said Project Manager John Ricketson of Hearthstone. Design Process There were some initial drawings that gave us a start on the basic shape and size of the barn. From there, it was a process of narrowing down the uses of each area and the spans that could be achieved. The barn was going to have the traditional “board & batten” exterior siding and a metal roof. There is a cantilevered ‘hay hood” on the north gable end above the large sliding barn doors that open into the foyer and horse stalls. The wings house a combination of areas, beginning with the large restrooms to accommodate crowds for events. Other parts of the wings have garage areas for the farm vehicles, feed room, tack room, wash rack, storage, offices, and smaller restrooms. Keeping with the look and feel of the turn of the century, Hearthstone developed a process for giving the timbers a surface texture that mimicked the circular cuts of timbers that had just come out of an old sawmill. This was easier said than done. Randy Giles guided his millwright (Wolfgang) in designing a machine that would do this effectively. The barn was delivered in October of 2014 and was erected over the course of two weeks, thanks to a hardworking crew (Eric Foster) and near-perfect weather. After the Hearthstone crew completed the erection and roof dry-in, it was time for the local carpenters to step up and install some light conventional framing on the gable ends before applying the roof fascia and exterior board & batten siding. Next came the big sliding barn doors, plumbing, electrical, heating, and cooling. Large rustic fixtures were hung from the great hall roof timbers. Exterior The board & batten siding was cypress and allowed to turn color naturally as rain hit it and the sun started working on it with UV rays. This method causes a much grayer look closer to the ground and less so where the roof overhang provides protection. The North end has some large limestone boulders and planters arranged around the pad with tall pampas grass. The planters provide casual seating before events and during outside receptions. The entire area was sodded with lush St. Augustine grass and split rail fences were added to enclose the barn area. The corrugated metal roof was a special order material that immediately rusted after being exposed to moisture. The layer of rust protects the metal from the elements. Interior The board & batten theme was carried throughout most of the interior with the timbers left natural to show off the circular saw texture. All of the tongue & groove decking was shipped in advance to allow the local painter to pre-stain it with a dark brown transparent stain that is a beautiful background to the light color Eastern White Pine timbers. “Everything was unique in this project” said Project Manager John Ricketson. “The setting on a small demonstration farm close to Ocala, the multipurpose design, the circular saw texture on the timbers.” The Hermans are very proud of their farm’s outcome. Richard sent a note to Randy Giles, owner of Hearthstone: “The Barn is fantastic, not a single problem, period. Next month, we have Jo Dee Messina coming in to help with a fundraiser for a local center for abused kids. Folks love the farm, ...... but that barn gets all of the attention. I would encourage you to use me as a reference for your sales team, feel free to extend my cell phone to any prospective purchasers.”

Flooring needs vary widely depending on the space. A homeowner seeking beautiful floors for their living room has different priorities than a business owner outfitting a commercial space. Yet in both cases, the right flooring well chosen and well installed makes an enormous difference. This guide looks at hardwood flooring for homes and flooring for commercial spaces, including the increasingly popular option of engineered hardwood, and what those in the Chicago area should know about each. The enduring appeal of hardwood Hardwood flooring has an enduring appeal that few other materials can match. It brings warmth, beauty, and a sense of quality to a home, complementing a wide range of styles from traditional to modern. Hardwood floors add character and elegance to a space, and they're often seen as a desirable feature that can enhance a home's appeal and value. For many homeowners, hardwood represents the ideal flooring choice. Part of hardwood's appeal is its longevity. Quality hardwood floors, properly cared for, can last for decades, and they can often be refinished over time to restore their appearance, extending their life even further. This durability makes hardwood a worthwhile long-term investment. Combined with its timeless beauty, this longevity explains why hardwood remains so popular despite the many flooring options available. Homeowners seeking this classic look often invest in quality hardwood flooring chicago for their homes. Understanding the enduring appeal of hardwood helps homeowners appreciate why it remains a favorite and consider it for their spaces. Flooring for commercial spaces Commercial spaces have their own distinct flooring needs, quite different from those of a typical home. A commercial environment whether an office, retail space, restaurant, or other business often sees high traffic, heavy use, and demands that residential flooring might not withstand. Commercial flooring must be durable, functional, and appropriate for the specific business and its needs, while also contributing to the space's appearance and atmosphere. Choosing flooring for a commercial space involves considering factors like durability, maintenance requirements, safety, appearance, and suitability for the particular use. The flooring in a commercial space affects not just its look but its functionality and the impression it makes on customers and clients. Because commercial spaces have demanding requirements, selecting appropriate, durable flooring and having it properly installed is especially important. Business owners in the Chicago area often work with professionals for their commercial flooring chicago needs. Understanding that commercial spaces have distinct flooring needs helps business owners make appropriate choices for their spaces. The rise of engineered hardwood For those who love the look of hardwood but want added versatility, engineered hardwood has become an increasingly popular option. Engineered hardwood features a real wood surface layer over a constructed core, offering the beauty of hardwood with some practical advantages. It provides the appearance of traditional hardwood while offering enhanced stability and versatility in certain applications. Engineered hardwood's construction gives it greater dimensional stability than solid hardwood in some respects, which can make it suitable for a wider range of applications and conditions. This versatility, combined with the authentic wood appearance, makes engineered hardwood an appealing option for many homeowners and even some commercial applications. It offers a way to enjoy the beauty of hardwood in situations where solid hardwood might be less ideal. Homeowners considering this option often explore engineered hardwood flooring Chicago for their spaces. Understanding the rise of engineered hardwood helps people consider whether it offers the right combination of beauty and practicality for their needs. Matching flooring to the space and use Whether for a home or a commercial space, matching flooring to the specific space and its use is key to a good result. Different spaces and uses have different requirements, and the ideal flooring for one situation may be unsuitable for another. A residential living room, a busy commercial space, and an area exposed to particular conditions all call for flooring suited to their needs. This is why understanding the demands of a space is so important in choosing flooring. Factors like the level of traffic, the type of use, exposure to moisture or other conditions, maintenance considerations, and the desired appearance all factor into the choice. Matching the flooring to these factors ensures a result that performs well and looks good over time. For commercial spaces in particular, the demands can be significant, making appropriate flooring choices essential. Understanding the importance of matching flooring to the space and its use helps both homeowners and business owners make choices that serve their needs well and provide lasting satisfaction. The value of quality installation For any flooring project, whether residential or commercial, quality installation is essential. Even the best flooring won't perform or look its best if it's not installed properly. Proper installation ensures the flooring is laid correctly, looks its best, and lasts as it should, standing up to the demands placed on it. This is especially important in commercial settings, where flooring endures heavy use. Different flooring types have their own installation requirements, and skilled installers know how to handle each properly, from preparing the space to executing the correct techniques. Quality installation involves attention to the details that make the difference between a lasting, attractive result and a disappointing one. Given the investment that flooring represents and, for businesses, its impact on operations and impressions ensuring quality installation is well worth it. Understanding the value of quality installation helps homeowners and business owners recognize why the choice of who does the work matters as much as the flooring itself. Making the right choice Ultimately, making the right flooring choice whether for a home or a business involves understanding the options, considering the specific needs of the space, and ensuring quality installation. Hardwood offers timeless beauty for homes, commercial flooring meets the demanding needs of business spaces, and engineered hardwood provides a versatile option combining beauty and practicality. The right choice depends on the particular space, use, and goals. Taking the time to understand the options and match them to the specific situation, rather than making a hasty choice, pays off in the quality and longevity of the result. Flooring is a significant investment that shapes a space for years, so getting it right matters. Whether outfitting a home or a commercial space, thoughtful choices and quality installation lead to results that look good, perform well, and provide lasting value. Understanding how to make the right choice empowers homeowners and business owners to achieve flooring results they'll be happy with for years to come. The bottom line Flooring needs vary widely between residential and commercial spaces, and understanding the options helps in making the right choice for each. Hardwood offers timeless beauty and longevity for homes, commercial flooring meets the demanding requirements of business spaces, and engineered hardwood provides a versatile option combining the beauty of wood with practical advantages. Matching flooring to the specific space and use, and ensuring quality installation, are essential to a good result in any setting. By understanding these options and priorities, those in the Chicago area can make flooring choices that serve their spaces well and provide lasting satisfaction. Whether the goal is timeless beauty at home or durable performance in a demanding commercial setting, thoughtful choices paired with quality installation deliver results that last.

Chris Golden
Inspiration for a transitional carpeted living room remodel in Phoenix with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace

Natural colour sisal carpet with black edging on wood stairs. Custom workmanship,
Example of a large classic wooden straight staircase design in Toronto with wooden risers

Miele Ranges at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center 26767 Agoura Road, Calabasas, CA 91302 Phone 818.880.0011 Fax 818.880.0411 12050 Ventura Blvd.,Studio City, CA 91604 Phone 818.755.1111 Fax 818.755.9111 www.uakc.com Miele focuses on delivering precise, reliable, gourmet cooking results – compromise is simply not an option when it comes to performance. Miele ranges offering different size configurations (30", 36" and 48") and power configurations (dual fuel, gas, electric and induction). All aligning perfectly with Miele Generation 6000 built-in appliances in terms of design, function and user interface. Key Features of Miele ranges: M Touch Miele's new M Touch controls are both easy-to-operate and navigate. An intuitive swipe of the screen will quickly lead you to your desired selection. Whether choosing an automatic Chicken program or calling up one of your Favorites, the screen with provide a pleasing visual with easy to read touch controls. M Pro Dual Stacked Burner System The M Pro Dual Stacked Burner System enables each of the burners on a Miele Range or Rangetop to both simmer and sear. Regular burners reaching up to 19,000 BTUs and the True Simmer burner reaching a maximum of 12,000 BTU, offers a wide range of precision temperatures for any recipe. Moisture Plus Increasing the humidity in the oven optimizes the cooking of a variety of foods: soft bread with a shiny, appetizing crust; dinner rolls and croissants as if from the local baker; succulent, tender meat with a nicely browned crust, perfect casseroles, delicious pastries and so much more. MasterChef and MasterChef Plus Both found in the Gourmet Center, MasterChef allows you to choose from over 100 easy-to-use programs for items such as baked goods, pizza, turkey and much more making preparation a breeze. Miele will deliver menu options that guide you step by step to the desired oven mode and temperature to create the perfect dish. MasterChef Plus Programs feature 15 Automatic bread programs bake as if from a bakery, guiding you to the correct mode, temperature, time and integration of Moisture Plus to create the perfect bread. Wireless Roast Probe Enjoy individualized and accurate roasting of meat, fish and poultry with the wireless roast probe, which measures the core temperature and displays the time remaining. No need to monitor the cooking process. Easy to use - and great for poultry, fish and roasts.

Miele Ranges at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center 26767 Agoura Road, Calabasas, CA 91302 Phone 818.880.0011 Fax 818.880.0411 12050 Ventura Blvd.,Studio City, CA 91604 Phone 818.755.1111 Fax 818.755.9111 www.uakc.com Miele focuses on delivering precise, reliable, gourmet cooking results – compromise is simply not an option when it comes to performance. Miele ranges offering different size configurations (30", 36" and 48") and power configurations (dual fuel, gas, electric and induction). All aligning perfectly with Miele Generation 6000 built-in appliances in terms of design, function and user interface. Key Features of Miele ranges: M Touch Miele's new M Touch controls are both easy-to-operate and navigate. An intuitive swipe of the screen will quickly lead you to your desired selection. Whether choosing an automatic Chicken program or calling up one of your Favorites, the screen with provide a pleasing visual with easy to read touch controls. M Pro Dual Stacked Burner System The M Pro Dual Stacked Burner System enables each of the burners on a Miele Range or Rangetop to both simmer and sear. Regular burners reaching up to 19,000 BTUs and the True Simmer burner reaching a maximum of 12,000 BTU, offers a wide range of precision temperatures for any recipe. Moisture Plus Increasing the humidity in the oven optimizes the cooking of a variety of foods: soft bread with a shiny, appetizing crust; dinner rolls and croissants as if from the local baker; succulent, tender meat with a nicely browned crust, perfect casseroles, delicious pastries and so much more. MasterChef and MasterChef Plus Both found in the Gourmet Center, MasterChef allows you to choose from over 100 easy-to-use programs for items such as baked goods, pizza, turkey and much more making preparation a breeze. Miele will deliver menu options that guide you step by step to the desired oven mode and temperature to create the perfect dish. MasterChef Plus Programs feature 15 Automatic bread programs bake as if from a bakery, guiding you to the correct mode, temperature, time and integration of Moisture Plus to create the perfect bread. Wireless Roast Probe Enjoy individualized and accurate roasting of meat, fish and poultry with the wireless roast probe, which measures the core temperature and displays the time remaining. No need to monitor the cooking process. Easy to use - and great for poultry, fish and roasts.

Miele Ranges at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center 26767 Agoura Road, Calabasas, CA 91302 Phone 818.880.0011 Fax 818.880.0411 12050 Ventura Blvd.,Studio City, CA 91604 Phone 818.755.1111 Fax 818.755.9111 www.uakc.com Miele focuses on delivering precise, reliable, gourmet cooking results – compromise is simply not an option when it comes to performance. Miele ranges offering different size configurations (30", 36" and 48") and power configurations (dual fuel, gas, electric and induction). All aligning perfectly with Miele Generation 6000 built-in appliances in terms of design, function and user interface. Key Features of Miele ranges: M Touch Miele's new M Touch controls are both easy-to-operate and navigate. An intuitive swipe of the screen will quickly lead you to your desired selection. Whether choosing an automatic Chicken program or calling up one of your Favorites, the screen with provide a pleasing visual with easy to read touch controls. M Pro Dual Stacked Burner System The M Pro Dual Stacked Burner System enables each of the burners on a Miele Range or Rangetop to both simmer and sear. Regular burners reaching up to 19,000 BTUs and the True Simmer burner reaching a maximum of 12,000 BTU, offers a wide range of precision temperatures for any recipe. Moisture Plus Increasing the humidity in the oven optimizes the cooking of a variety of foods: soft bread with a shiny, appetizing crust; dinner rolls and croissants as if from the local baker; succulent, tender meat with a nicely browned crust, perfect casseroles, delicious pastries and so much more. MasterChef and MasterChef Plus Both found in the Gourmet Center, MasterChef allows you to choose from over 100 easy-to-use programs for items such as baked goods, pizza, turkey and much more making preparation a breeze. Miele will deliver menu options that guide you step by step to the desired oven mode and temperature to create the perfect dish. MasterChef Plus Programs feature 15 Automatic bread programs bake as if from a bakery, guiding you to the correct mode, temperature, time and integration of Moisture Plus to create the perfect bread. Wireless Roast Probe Enjoy individualized and accurate roasting of meat, fish and poultry with the wireless roast probe, which measures the core temperature and displays the time remaining. No need to monitor the cooking process. Easy to use - and great for poultry, fish and roasts.

Richard Herman is in the hospitality business and owns several upscale hotels in Florida and in other states as well as cattle ranches in both Florida and Missouri. Their farm in Ocala is by farm their most unique. The property serves as a 4-H demonstration project for the purpose of children’s education. They have been working with the Academy Prep of St. Pete which is dedicated to inner-city youths that are selected on the basis of need and achievement. Wife Diane spends her time on the farm raising Gypsy Vanners, a diminutive draft horse named after the job they did in Eastern Europe, pulling the wagons (vans) for gypsies that wandered across the continent. On the Ocala farm, there are several mules with a unique profession. Richard had visited the Hearthstone display at a Log & Timber Home Shows at the Orlando Convention Center many years ago. He was impressed that Hearthstone had stayed in touch with him over the years by mailings, invitations to shows, and periodic phone calls. When the time came to start serious consideration of the design of barn, Hearthstone responded promptly and professionally to Richard and Diane’s requests for information and a review of their ideas for their barn, which would serve as the centerpiece for their new farm. They wanted a multipurpose facility that could accommodate an educational environment and a large hall suitable for the fundraising events for his charities. Richard wanted a barn that reflected the look and feel of barns built at the dawn of the 20th century. Besides the rustic chicken houses and vegetable gardens, they have completely renovated a 1020’s era farmhouse to be as historically correct as possible and serves as the entry to the farm. “They very careful to feel us out, get comfortable with our capabilities, and be convinced that we could perform as promised,” said Project Manager John Ricketson of Hearthstone. Design Process There were some initial drawings that gave us a start on the basic shape and size of the barn. From there, it was a process of narrowing down the uses of each area and the spans that could be achieved. The barn was going to have the traditional “board & batten” exterior siding and a metal roof. There is a cantilevered ‘hay hood” on the north gable end above the large sliding barn doors that open into the foyer and horse stalls. The wings house a combination of areas, beginning with the large restrooms to accommodate crowds for events. Other parts of the wings have garage areas for the farm vehicles, feed room, tack room, wash rack, storage, offices, and smaller restrooms. Keeping with the look and feel of the turn of the century, Hearthstone developed a process for giving the timbers a surface texture that mimicked the circular cuts of timbers that had just come out of an old sawmill. This was easier said than done. Randy Giles guided his millwright (Wolfgang) in designing a machine that would do this effectively. The barn was delivered in October of 2014 and was erected over the course of two weeks, thanks to a hardworking crew (Eric Foster) and near-perfect weather. After the Hearthstone crew completed the erection and roof dry-in, it was time for the local carpenters to step up and install some light conventional framing on the gable ends before applying the roof fascia and exterior board & batten siding. Next came the big sliding barn doors, plumbing, electrical, heating, and cooling. Large rustic fixtures were hung from the great hall roof timbers. Exterior The board & batten siding was cypress and allowed to turn color naturally as rain hit it and the sun started working on it with UV rays. This method causes a much grayer look closer to the ground and less so where the roof overhang provides protection. The North end has some large limestone boulders and planters arranged around the pad with tall pampas grass. The planters provide casual seating before events and during outside receptions. The entire area was sodded with lush St. Augustine grass and split rail fences were added to enclose the barn area. The corrugated metal roof was a special order material that immediately rusted after being exposed to moisture. The layer of rust protects the metal from the elements. Interior The board & batten theme was carried throughout most of the interior with the timbers left natural to show off the circular saw texture. All of the tongue & groove decking was shipped in advance to allow the local painter to pre-stain it with a dark brown transparent stain that is a beautiful background to the light color Eastern White Pine timbers. “Everything was unique in this project” said Project Manager John Ricketson. “The setting on a small demonstration farm close to Ocala, the multipurpose design, the circular saw texture on the timbers.” The Hermans are very proud of their farm’s outcome. Richard sent a note to Randy Giles, owner of Hearthstone: “The Barn is fantastic, not a single problem, period. Next month, we have Jo Dee Messina coming in to help with a fundraiser for a local center for abused kids. Folks love the farm, ...... but that barn gets all of the attention. I would encourage you to use me as a reference for your sales team, feel free to extend my cell phone to any prospective purchasers.”

Example of a classic garage design in Toronto

Staircase - mid-sized traditional carpeted and underground carpeted and gray floor staircase idea in Toronto with wooden risers, gray walls and no fireplace

Richard Herman is in the hospitality business and owns several upscale hotels in Florida and in other states as well as cattle ranches in both Florida and Missouri. Their farm in Ocala is by farm their most unique. The property serves as a 4-H demonstration project for the purpose of children’s education. They have been working with the Academy Prep of St. Pete which is dedicated to inner-city youths that are selected on the basis of need and achievement. Wife Diane spends her time on the farm raising Gypsy Vanners, a diminutive draft horse named after the job they did in Eastern Europe, pulling the wagons (vans) for gypsies that wandered across the continent. On the Ocala farm, there are several mules with a unique profession. Richard had visited the Hearthstone display at a Log & Timber Home Shows at the Orlando Convention Center many years ago. He was impressed that Hearthstone had stayed in touch with him over the years by mailings, invitations to shows, and periodic phone calls. When the time came to start serious consideration of the design of barn, Hearthstone responded promptly and professionally to Richard and Diane’s requests for information and a review of their ideas for their barn, which would serve as the centerpiece for their new farm. They wanted a multipurpose facility that could accommodate an educational environment and a large hall suitable for the fundraising events for his charities. Richard wanted a barn that reflected the look and feel of barns built at the dawn of the 20th century. Besides the rustic chicken houses and vegetable gardens, they have completely renovated a 1020’s era farmhouse to be as historically correct as possible and serves as the entry to the farm. “They very careful to feel us out, get comfortable with our capabilities, and be convinced that we could perform as promised,” said Project Manager John Ricketson of Hearthstone. Design Process There were some initial drawings that gave us a start on the basic shape and size of the barn. From there, it was a process of narrowing down the uses of each area and the spans that could be achieved. The barn was going to have the traditional “board & batten” exterior siding and a metal roof. There is a cantilevered ‘hay hood” on the north gable end above the large sliding barn doors that open into the foyer and horse stalls. The wings house a combination of areas, beginning with the large restrooms to accommodate crowds for events. Other parts of the wings have garage areas for the farm vehicles, feed room, tack room, wash rack, storage, offices, and smaller restrooms. Keeping with the look and feel of the turn of the century, Hearthstone developed a process for giving the timbers a surface texture that mimicked the circular cuts of timbers that had just come out of an old sawmill. This was easier said than done. Randy Giles guided his millwright (Wolfgang) in designing a machine that would do this effectively. The barn was delivered in October of 2014 and was erected over the course of two weeks, thanks to a hardworking crew (Eric Foster) and near-perfect weather. After the Hearthstone crew completed the erection and roof dry-in, it was time for the local carpenters to step up and install some light conventional framing on the gable ends before applying the roof fascia and exterior board & batten siding. Next came the big sliding barn doors, plumbing, electrical, heating, and cooling. Large rustic fixtures were hung from the great hall roof timbers. Exterior The board & batten siding was cypress and allowed to turn color naturally as rain hit it and the sun started working on it with UV rays. This method causes a much grayer look closer to the ground and less so where the roof overhang provides protection. The North end has some large limestone boulders and planters arranged around the pad with tall pampas grass. The planters provide casual seating before events and during outside receptions. The entire area was sodded with lush St. Augustine grass and split rail fences were added to enclose the barn area. The corrugated metal roof was a special order material that immediately rusted after being exposed to moisture. The layer of rust protects the metal from the elements. Interior The board & batten theme was carried throughout most of the interior with the timbers left natural to show off the circular saw texture. All of the tongue & groove decking was shipped in advance to allow the local painter to pre-stain it with a dark brown transparent stain that is a beautiful background to the light color Eastern White Pine timbers. “Everything was unique in this project” said Project Manager John Ricketson. “The setting on a small demonstration farm close to Ocala, the multipurpose design, the circular saw texture on the timbers.” The Hermans are very proud of their farm’s outcome. Richard sent a note to Randy Giles, owner of Hearthstone: “The Barn is fantastic, not a single problem, period. Next month, we have Jo Dee Messina coming in to help with a fundraiser for a local center for abused kids. Folks love the farm, ...... but that barn gets all of the attention. I would encourage you to use me as a reference for your sales team, feel free to extend my cell phone to any prospective purchasers.”

From Mid-Century Classic to the Present An iconic design updated with comfort, function, and flow for today. A Remodel That Balances Past and Present What started as a desire to update a classic Eichler soon became an exploration of how Mid-Century Modern design can successfully evolve for today. The client, a tech professional with a passion for scuba diving and underwater photography, wanted a home that would both honor its original character and feel tailored to his daily life. A lifelong technology enthusiast, he still owns the very first Mac desktop he saved up for as a teenager working at Radio Shack, a detail that underscores his appreciation for design that melds function and form. Honoring Separation While Expanding Possibility Unlike many contemporary remodels where walls are opened up to create expansive living spaces, this project took a more restrained approach. The client valued the defined rooms of the original plan and wanted to preserve as much wall space as possible for displaying his large-format underwater photography. The emphasis was not on dramatic spatial reinvention, but on thoughtful refinements. Klopf Architecture shaped a gallery-like backdrop while also expanding the primary suite, modernizing materials and fixtures throughout the home, and improving the functionality and layout of the kitchen. The finished home feels at once timeless and renewed, an Eichler that continues to inspire while fully supporting the lifestyle of its present-day owner. A major turning point came mid-design. The original project brief had not included an addition, but as the reconfiguration of the primary bedroom and bath unfolded, it became clear that an expansion was the best approach to achieve the client’s vision of a more spacious suite. Fortunately, the adjustment came at a stage when revisions were still manageable and was integrated seamlessly, showing how thoughtful course corrections can strengthen a project rather than hinder it. Navigating Challenges With Precision The design development included multiple conceptual rounds, balancing preservation with subtle expansion. During construction, an existing post previously thought to be load-bearing turned out not to be. The structural engineer was able to pivot quickly, and both the post and the cross beam that had been intended to replace it could be omitted, allowing the original rhythm of the Eichler beam bays to be preserved. Sustainability was not just a checklist item, but a way to align the home with the client’s values of simplicity, efficiency, and long-term functionality. R-38 roof insulation reduced energy usage, solar panels with battery storage provided independence and resilience, and passive comfort strategies eliminated the need forenergy-intensive air conditioning. An electric vehicle charger and an on-demand hot water recirculation system (with call buttons as opposed to having constant circulation) add to the home’s long-term efficiency factors. Together, these moves created a home that is quieter, more comfortable, and better equipped for the future, qualities that supported the client’s pragmatic approach to design and living lightly. Details That Respect the Eichler DNA The remodel carries forward the Eichler’s original spirit while introducing new layers of modern livability. Originally, the house was approached along a deep, narrow walk, with the garage on one side and the house on the other, leaving the front door tucked far back within this chasm-like space. By pulling the entry forward, the design reshaped the arrival experience, creating a clearer threshold and a natural drop-off zone for bags, shoes, and keys. This shift also made room for a custom bench at the entry that extends seamlessly through the glass sidelight. The bench and drop-off zone now work together as a single, integrated sequence that supports everyday living while offering a tactile reminder of Eichler’s philosophy of connectedness. At the client’s request, Klopf reintroduced a classic Eichler gesture by extending the exterior siding into the entry and living room. The detail reinforces a sense of indoor/outdoor continuity while providing a subtle architectural surface that allows the client’s photography to take visual precedence. The signature concrete masonry wall at the front was reconstructed using blocks sourced to match the originals, now strengthened with rebar for seismic resilience while maintaining a private outdoor courtyard, visually extending the kitchen outward. A decorative trellis element, a detail borrowed from a neighboring Eichler, restores a familiar mid-century modern architectural motif. At the courtyard entry door, a custom etched glass sidelight with an ocean-themed design featuring kelp and jellyfish serves as a subtle homage to the client’s passion for deep-sea diving. Landscaping became an integral part of the overall transformation. The homeowner engaged landscape architect Randi Johnsen of Third Nature Studio to shape a series of calm, inviting outdoor rooms that read as a natural extension of the interiors. While technically outside of the core construction scope, the landscape design proved central to achieving a sense of completeness and connectedness across the property. Such whole-property considerations often emerge as design ideas take shape, underscoring the importance of flexibility in planning and budgeting, as well as close collaboration among the design team starting early in the process. The Value of Evolving Scope As with many custom residential projects, the scope evolved during the design process. What began as a targeted remodel grew to include a new/expanded primary suite, a rebuilt CMU patio wall for strength and longevity, and a solar panel array and battery storage for energy resilience and carbon-reduction. Each thoughtful decision represented a conscious investment in the home’s performance and character, rather than a cost overrun. The result was a project delivered on schedule, tailored precisely to the client’s lifestyle, and positioned to add long-term value both functionally and aesthetically. By embracing scope evolution as an opportunity rather than a challenge, and relying on good design paired with transparent communication, this remodel demonstrates how Eichler homes can be adapted for contemporary living without erasing their DNA. Klopf Architecture project team: John Klopf, AIA, and Klara Kevane, Elise Webb and Nicholas LaNasa. Contractor: Golden Cove Construction Landscape Design: Third Nature Studio Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao Design Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2024 Location: Sunnyvale, CA