Large minimalist l-shaped ceramic tile eat-in kitchen photo in Tampa with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, solid surface countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Ritz-Carlton PH Miami Beach Our Britto Charette interior design team is thrilled to be designing a penthouse at the award-winning Ritz-Carlton Residences in Miami Beach, Florida. In collaboration with the Miami architecture firm, Stantec, architect Piero Lissoni has designed an exciting new level of luxury living in Miami. The Ritz-Carlton Residences in Miami Beach boasts 111 condominium residences and 15 single-family villas and promises residents breathtaking views, Italian craftsmanship, and absolutely decadent amenities, including deeded boat slips. Our clients’ penthouse is comprised of nearly 6,000 sqft of luxury living space and a terrace that provides captivating views. We have created a design for them that is simultaneously modern and elegant, honoring Lissoni’s architectural vision for the adaptive reuse building the penthouse sits atop.

Ritz-Carlton PH Miami Beach Our Britto Charette interior design team is thrilled to be designing a penthouse at the award-winning Ritz-Carlton Residences in Miami Beach, Florida. In collaboration with the Miami architecture firm, Stantec, architect Piero Lissoni has designed an exciting new level of luxury living in Miami. The Ritz-Carlton Residences in Miami Beach boasts 111 condominium residences and 15 single-family villas and promises residents breathtaking views, Italian craftsmanship, and absolutely decadent amenities, including deeded boat slips. Our clients’ penthouse is comprised of nearly 6,000 sqft of luxury living space and a terrace that provides captivating views. We have created a design for them that is simultaneously modern and elegant, honoring Lissoni’s architectural vision for the adaptive reuse building the penthouse sits atop.

Stunning bi-level modern two bedroom plus den with two and half bath Penthouse condo features soaring 20 foot ceiling. Relax or entertain with two private outdoor terraces. Open floor plan with hard wood throughout. Floor to ceiling triple pane Weru windows. Luxury kitchen with Bosch appliances. Bedrooms offer a ton of natural light while master bedroom includes en-suite. Parking space for two (tandem) and located one block from Metro, restaurants, shops and more. Low condo fee includes Satellite TV, internet and more.

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPING & LAWN SERVICES IN VA & NC Web www.commanderva.com Ph (804)683-6691 Email Office@commanderva.com • COMPETITIVE SERVICES & ANNUAL CONTRACTS • TOTAL PLANT PACKAGE & ENHANCEMENTS • PROFESSIONAL LAWN MOWING, TRIMMING, EDGING & MULCHING • COMPLETE IRRIGATION INSTALLATIONS – ADD-ONS, MAINTENANCE & REPAIR - ALL SYSTEMS • COMPREHENSIVE CHEMICAL APPLICATIONS & TREATMENTS • GENERAL SITE CLEAN-UP • EXTENSIVE SITE WORK, GRADING & DRAINAGE SOLUTIONS • BUSH HOGGING & TRENCHING • TREE TRIMMING & REMOVAL • FREE ESTIMATES & DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS Call to schedule your appointment today. PHONE (804)683-6691 LICENSED & INSURED CLASS “A” CONTRACTOR 40+ YEARS EXPERIENCE IN CENTRAL VA & NC REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

We were asked to create a new interior for a recently purchased 1970s house. The owners wanted to open up the living area spaces with quiet settings for their art collection. The big changes included removing walls, a new kitchen and finishes, and introducing a two-story, light filled space off the entry. A simple, elegant staircase was constructed in the space to connect the upper level. Its glass railings and open white oak treads allow for unobstructed views and the passage of light. LED lights recessed in the stair tread illuminate their stone fountain, positioned below. Dale Christopher Lang, PhD, AIAP, NW Architectural Photography

We were asked to create a new interior for a recently purchased 1970s house. The owners wanted to open up the living area spaces with quiet settings for their art collection. The big changes included removing walls, a new kitchen and finishes, and introducing a two-story, light filled space off the entry. A simple, elegant staircase was constructed in the space to connect the upper level. Its glass railings and open white oak treads allow for unobstructed views and the passage of light. LED lights recessed in the stair tread illuminate their stone fountain, positioned below. Dale Christopher Lang, PhD, AIAP, NW Architectural Photography

Coco coir is a versatile and sustainable growing medium that is gaining popularity among gardeners. Made from the fibrous husk of coconuts, it’s an eco-friendly alternative to peat moss and can greatly enhance the quality of your soil. In gardening, it is often utilized in systems like Coco Coir Hydroponic, where it helps create an efficient water and nutrient delivery system. What is Coco Coir? Coco coir is a natural fiber extracted from coconut husks. It has a neutral pH, excellent water retention, and is reusable, making it a favorite among gardeners who prefer organic and sustainable practices. It is available in different forms such as blocks, bricks, or loose coir, each requiring some preparation before use in gardening. Benefits of Using Coco Coir in Gardening Coco coir offers several advantages for gardening. Here are the benefits of using coco coir in gardening: Holds up to 10 times its weight in water, ensuring plants have consistent moisture. Promotes oxygen flow to plant roots, leading to healthier root systems. Coco coir is a renewable and eco-friendly alternative to peat moss. It can be washed, rehydrated, and reused, reducing waste. Naturally pH neutral, making it suitable for various plants without major adjustments. Enhances the texture and moisture retention of garden soil. How to Prepare Coco Coir for Planting Preparing coco coir for planting involves a few essential steps. First, you need to hydrate the coir block, as it typically comes in a compressed form. Place the block in a large container and add warm water, allowing the block to expand and absorb the water. Once fully expanded, the coir should be fluffed up by breaking it apart with your hands or a tool to ensure it becomes loose and airy. After the coir has been fluffed, it is important to drain any excess water, as overly wet coir can lead to root suffocation. Finally, since coco coir is inert and does not contain nutrients, it’s a good idea to add organic compost or liquid fertilizer to enrich the coir before planting. Do You Need to Soak Coco Coir Before Planting? Yes, soaking coco coir before planting is necessary. Since it comes in a compressed form, it needs to be broken down and hydrated for proper use. The soaking process allows the coir to expand and release the fibers, making it usable as a growing medium. After soaking, the coir should be fluffed to ensure the water is evenly distributed. Draining any excess water is crucial because overly wet coir may impede plant root health. How to Prepare Coco Peat for Planting Coco peat, a fine, powdery form of coco coir, is highly beneficial for seed starting and improving water retention in soil. To prepare coco peat, it first needs to be hydrated, similar to how you prepare coir blocks. Slowly add water to the peat in a container and allow it to absorb and fluff up. Once hydrated, coco peat can be used on its own or mixed with other growing media such as perlite or vermiculite for added aeration and drainage. It is advisable to check the pH level of your final mix, as coco peat generally has a neutral pH, but adjustments may be necessary depending on the plants being grown. Can You Use Just Coco Coir for Plants? Yes, coco coir can be used by itself to grow plants, especially in hydroponic systems or as a seed-starting medium. However, because coco coir does not naturally contain nutrients, you will need to provide regular fertilizer to support plant growth. This makes it particularly suitable for plants grown in controlled environments, such as hydroponics, where nutrient solutions can be carefully managed. In traditional soil-based gardening, mixing coco coir with other organic materials like compost is recommended to provide essential nutrients and improve the overall soil structure. How to Use Coco Coir in Hydroponics Coco coir is widely used in hydroponic systems due to its water retention and aeration properties. To use coco coir in hydroponics, it first needs to be soaked and hydrated, as discussed earlier. Once the coir is fully prepared, it can be placed in the hydroponic system. Since coco coir does not contain natural nutrients, you will need to supply a balanced nutrient solution tailored for hydroponic plants. Regular monitoring of water and nutrient levels is essential to prevent nutrient imbalances or root rot. One of the benefits of coco coir in hydroponics is its reusability. After completing a growing cycle, the coir can be washed, rehydrated, and used again in future plantings. Using Coco Coir as a Soil Amendment Coco coir is also an excellent soil amendment, as it improves the texture and moisture retention of garden soil. To use coco coir in this way, mix loose coir with your existing garden soil at a ratio of one part coco coir to two parts soil. This will help retain moisture without compacting the soil, improving both water drainage and root growth. For optimal results, you can also add organic compost to the mix, ensuring that the nutrient levels are sufficient for plant growth. Coco coir works particularly well in raised beds, where it helps maintain proper soil structure over time. Advantages of Using Coco Coir Over Peat Moss While peat moss has been traditionally used as a growing medium, coco coir offers several advantages over it. Coco coir is a renewable resource, as it is a byproduct of coconut processing, while peat moss is harvested from peat bogs that take centuries to regenerate. Coco coir is also more durable, as it can be reused multiple times without breaking down, while peat moss disintegrates after a single use. Another key benefit is its neutral pH, whereas peat moss is more acidic and may require balancing to meet the needs of specific plants. Conclusion Coco coir is a highly versatile and sustainable growing medium that benefits both novice and experienced gardeners alike. Whether you are using it for hydroponics, as a soil amendment, or as a standalone medium for growing plants, knowing how to properly prepare and use it is key to maximizing its benefits. By following the steps detailed above, you can improve water retention, aeration, and overall plant health in your garden, all while contributing to eco-friendly gardening practices.

These are a few pictures of what mottling looks like on the plaster. This plaster is only 6 months old. We have a product called Meta Max that we can add to the plaster to help REDUCE mottling. Mottling is a natural occurrence that can happen to all cementitious materials but mainly seen on white plaster or a white back ground. Scale occurs when the Ph is to high or the calcium level has reached its breaking point and drops out of the water onto your plaster. It is vital to keep your chemistry correct on an ongoing basis.

This 10,000 sf townhouse sits on one of Manhattan’s most beautiful Upper East Side streets and so the goal of the project was to return the house to its original grandeur. Previously a Kips Bay designer showcase house, the rooms were each designed in a differing style and therefore the lack of cohesion and flow made the house seem choppy. In addition, much of the interior was superficial in the sense that plumbing fixtures were not all connected, walls were “false walls” built in front of existing and much of the construction had to be rebuilt. The scope included creating a large gourmet kitchen in the rear of the ground floor by closing off the winding corridor and creating a new door opening centered on the main entry hall with a paneled arched pocket door mimicking the original detailing of the parlor floor. The kitchen has a Calacatta Gold stone center island and dinning area flanked by counters that run the length of the east and west walls with glass front upper cabinets. A built-in buffet on the south wall anchors the space. A mud room, with access to the delivery entrance and additional storage space was added off the kitchen. A new slim profile steel and glass French door provides access to a new steel rear deck and stairs to the rear yard. On the second floor, a new tile floor was added throughout and RRA designed new stone mantle pieces fabricated from England in the living and dining rooms. On the 3rd floor, a new wall was constructed in the 11’ wide central hallway to allow a new 135 sf master closet with custom designed built-in storage units and accessories. This concept was carried through to the 4th floor on a smaller scale and 4 new storage closets were added in the hallway. The existing bathroom on the 4th Floor was gutted and redesigned including a new 5’x5’ extra deep soaking tub and new fixtures. Silver travertine tiles were used throughout to give the room a durable, waterproof finish while also providing a warm, luxurious feel. The 5th floor was converted into a playroom and TV room for the family’s two young children and was outfitted with chalkboard paint along the entire east wall in the play area and a bold color block wall treatment in the TV room. A new cork floor was installed for durability and resilience to lots of activity yet providing a soft and sustainable floor treatment for its intended user. A full laundry room was also created floor with new cabinetry, plumbing, and floor and wall tile. Additionally, 3 full baths and a powder room were refitted with tumbled travertine tiles on the top two floors. The exterior of the building was refurbished and new lighting and painted doors and frames were installed in accordance with Landmark designation. An additional challenge on the project was that a previously built extension on the PH level was illegally overbuilt and the property had received a violation. A 9 month process of filing drawings, completing zoning analyses and meetings with the DOB Commissioners ensued to get the extension approved allowing us to obtain a permit for the remainder of the work and complete the Certificate of Occupancy. In spite of the complex process and scattered program, the completed townhouse has a cohesive aesthetic throughout, with upgraded amenities befitting this grand representation of elite New York living.

13' reclaimed trestle table Made by http://www.ecustomfinishes.com Ph: (978) 831-3106 If you are in the market for a 13’ foot long (or longer) reclaimed wood table you have come to the right place. Beautifully constructed from 2” thick reclaimed wide oak boards we sanded this table down to a smooth texture level to remove exterior weathering and expose the alluring soft and rich patina underneath. The arched end detail was added to “dress” it up a bit and compliment the custom turned trestle base. Finished to match their cabinetry, this is one magnificent casually-elegant farm table that is ready for the holidays!

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPING & LAWN SERVICES IN VA & NC Web www.commanderva.com Ph (804)683-6691 Email Office@commanderva.com • COMPETITIVE SERVICES & ANNUAL CONTRACTS • TOTAL PLANT PACKAGE & ENHANCEMENTS • PROFESSIONAL LAWN MOWING, TRIMMING, EDGING & MULCHING • COMPLETE IRRIGATION INSTALLATIONS – ADD-ONS, MAINTENANCE & REPAIR - ALL SYSTEMS • COMPREHENSIVE CHEMICAL APPLICATIONS & TREATMENTS • GENERAL SITE CLEAN-UP • EXTENSIVE SITE WORK, GRADING & DRAINAGE SOLUTIONS • BUSH HOGGING & TRENCHING • TREE TRIMMING & REMOVAL • FREE ESTIMATES & DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS Call to schedule your appointment today. PHONE (804)683-6691 LICENSED & INSURED CLASS “A” CONTRACTOR 40+ YEARS EXPERIENCE IN CENTRAL VA & NC REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Stunning bi-level modern two bedroom plus den with two and half bath Penthouse condo features soaring 20 foot ceiling. Relax or entertain with two private outdoor terraces. Open floor plan with hard wood throughout. Floor to ceiling triple pane Weru windows. Luxury kitchen with Bosch appliances. Bedrooms offer a ton of natural light while master bedroom includes en-suite. Parking space for two (tandem) and located one block from Metro, restaurants, shops and more. Low condo fee includes Satellite TV, internet and more.

Ritz-Carlton PH Miami Beach Our Britto Charette interior design team is thrilled to be designing a penthouse at the award-winning Ritz-Carlton Residences in Miami Beach, Florida. In collaboration with the Miami architecture firm, Stantec, architect Piero Lissoni has designed an exciting new level of luxury living in Miami. The Ritz-Carlton Residences in Miami Beach boasts 111 condominium residences and 15 single-family villas and promises residents breathtaking views, Italian craftsmanship, and absolutely decadent amenities, including deeded boat slips. Our clients’ penthouse is comprised of nearly 6,000 sqft of luxury living space and a terrace that provides captivating views. We have created a design for them that is simultaneously modern and elegant, honoring Lissoni’s architectural vision for the adaptive reuse building the penthouse sits atop.

Stunning bi-level modern two bedroom plus den with two and half bath Penthouse condo features soaring 20 foot ceiling. Relax or entertain with two private outdoor terraces. Open floor plan with hard wood throughout. Floor to ceiling triple pane Weru windows. Luxury kitchen with Bosch appliances. Bedrooms offer a ton of natural light while master bedroom includes en-suite. Parking space for two (tandem) and located one block from Metro, restaurants, shops and more. Low condo fee includes Satellite TV, internet and more.

Patrick Reynolds
Inspiration for a contemporary slate floor kitchen/dining room combo remodel in Auckland

Beyond Beige Interior Design | www.beyondbeige.com | Ph: 604-876-3800 | Photography By Provoke Studios | Furniture Purchased From The Living Lab Furniture Co

Interactive Construction’s second Passive House shows that it is possible to achieve this high level of energy efficiency in even the tightest of lots. This build challenged the common assumption that you need a lot of south facing windows to achieve the Passive House certification. The relatively small solar gains from the limited southern exposure was made up for with an extremely tight air-barrier, a top of the line HRV, and higher R-values of insulation. To achieve the best indoor air quality, low-VOC products were used in the finishes. Solid Maple flooring was used throughout the upper levels to create a beautiful look without the chemicals found in engineered flooring. Aging-in-place was key to the design, with a central elevator and accessible door sizes and shower access. Smart design can make homes for versatile over their lifespan which reduces the need for costly renovations in the future. Both the indoor and outdoor areas blend to create tranquil and calm-inspiring spaces. What the homeowners had to say: Each area works well for its purpose. We love the stairs and the glass wall that separates the stairs from the living area. We love our windows, doors and skylights which give us so much light.

The north facing porch provides a great view of the valley and skyline drive beyond.
Deck - second story cable railing deck idea in DC Metro