New windows, floors, powder room and basement: We gave the home new windows, new hardwood floors, and paint throughout. We created a new main floor powder room and a new finished basement containing a living area, three-piece bathroom and new bedroom with egress (tilt and turn) windows. Flipped around and redesigned kitchen: We created a new kitchen. The footprint of the kitchen stayed the same, but we flipped it around and redesigned it. Now it has a walk-in pantry area and more floorspace going in and out, which optimized the flow of traffic. We replaced the old non-functioning mudroom with a new one. Disappearing balcony and drafty door: To create a new space using a balcony in a bedroom, we extended the second storey out to line up with the first floor, and this increased the square footage. In that room we turned a drafty door into a window. We reinstated the rear deck, using as many of the original pieces as we could: There was a leaking roof problem because the original roof pitches were causing ice damming. We designed a new roof to prevent that in the future. New windows, stucco, and the challenge of asbestos: Another challenge was installing new windows in the original stucco finish, which contained asbestos. We waterproofed those properly, future proofing them from leaks. We solved the situation by installing a 5-inch trim around the perimeter of the window. Specialists cut the asbestos back (we had to set up a containment perimeter around each window), and then we placed windows that are five inches wider than the window frames. We used special flashing tapes and sealed them all up behind the stucco.

Make the Smart Choice! Smart people pay attention to what matters. When people visit your home they won’t be impressed as easily, but they will notice shoddy furniture immediately. It’s human nature to find flaws and problems quicker than solutions. Whenever you enter a home, you look at the furniture. Sadly people often overlook a key piece which is dining chairs. And this thing can be a big problem once you actually sit on the chair. Most chairs look good but when you sit on them, they are actually quite uncomfortable. Imagine having guests over. They love your home and compliment you on your fine taste. When it comes to dinner, they approach the dining table and take their seats. And bam, they start fidgeting in their chairs. Uncomfortable dining chairs can ruin the best dinners and make your home look dull. With these fine dining chairs, you can avoid both a dull look and uncomfortable seats. Designed with a combo of stainless steel and bi-cast leather, these dining chairs provide an interesting design with the incorporation of arm rests. The chairs have a modern look over all and will definitely look great with any modern artsy looking dining table.

We completely remade this luxury home’s interior by tearing everything down to its studs and rebuilding it to create soft, contemporary spaces throughout that invite and fascinate. This space was filled with heavy ornate architectural features inside and outside, including a dated chunky wooden staircase that weighed down the entire front of the home. By reformatting and replacing the fully exposed staircase and loft railing with glass, we were able to open the space and brighten the two-story living room. The oversized diamond-dropping chandelier over the entry doesn’t hurt either! The dining area appears much larger and contemporary with squared-off moldings, metallic wallpaper, unique light fixture, and bold artwork. Bold exciting choices were made in both bathrooms when choosing tiles and slabs. These stone pieces are focal points and statement pieces garnering attention from everyone who enters. And, speaking of bold stone choices, the 10ft. book-matched porcelain slab installation in the living room is nothing less than a striking work of art. Our client gave us a 7-month deadline. No problem we love a challenge and as you can see, we delivered and on budget!

We completely remade this luxury home’s interior by tearing everything down to its studs and rebuilding it to create soft, contemporary spaces throughout that invite and fascinate. This space was filled with heavy ornate architectural features inside and outside, including a dated chunky wooden staircase that weighed down the entire front of the home. By reformatting and replacing the fully exposed staircase and loft railing with glass, we were able to open the space and brighten the two-story living room. The oversized diamond-dropping chandelier over the entry doesn’t hurt either! The dining area appears much larger and contemporary with squared-off moldings, metallic wallpaper, unique light fixture, and bold artwork. Bold exciting choices were made in both bathrooms when choosing tiles and slabs. These stone pieces are focal points and statement pieces garnering attention from everyone who enters. And, speaking of bold stone choices, the 10ft. book-matched porcelain slab installation in the living room is nothing less than a striking work of art. Our client gave us a 7-month deadline. No problem we love a challenge and as you can see, we delivered and on budget!

New windows, floors, powder room and basement: We gave the home new windows, new hardwood floors, and paint throughout. We created a new main floor powder room and a new finished basement containing a living area, three-piece bathroom and new bedroom with egress (tilt and turn) windows. Flipped around and redesigned kitchen: We created a new kitchen. The footprint of the kitchen stayed the same, but we flipped it around and redesigned it. Now it has a walk-in pantry area and more floorspace going in and out, which optimized the flow of traffic. We replaced the old non-functioning mudroom with a new one. Disappearing balcony and drafty door: To create a new space using a balcony in a bedroom, we extended the second storey out to line up with the first floor, and this increased the square footage. In that room we turned a drafty door into a window. We reinstated the rear deck, using as many of the original pieces as we could: There was a leaking roof problem because the original roof pitches were causing ice damming. We designed a new roof to prevent that in the future. New windows, stucco, and the challenge of asbestos: Another challenge was installing new windows in the original stucco finish, which contained asbestos. We waterproofed those properly, future proofing them from leaks. We solved the situation by installing a 5-inch trim around the perimeter of the window. Specialists cut the asbestos back (we had to set up a containment perimeter around each window), and then we placed windows that are five inches wider than the window frames. We used special flashing tapes and sealed them all up behind the stucco.

I think that many carpenters today consider nails and screws to be what holds a structure together. As a result, I think that many structures today are held together by little more than nails and screws. I often see knee braces bolted to the side of a post for a pergola when they should be positioned between the post and beam to take the load directly. Fasteners should not be load-bearing! They should be used to pin a piece of lumber into a position that allows it to shoulder the load directly. Nails and screws are fast. When used appropriately, they can keep costs down by reducing the time it takes to build something. But they are not the answer to everything. Joist hangars do little to stop a deck from pulling away from a house, just as nailing from the side is not a replacement for putting a post directly under a beam. On more than one occasion I've solved a challenging framing problem by employing lap-joints. I've used lap-jointed framing to build curves without having to bend wood, and in the example shown I've used them simply to avoid having to look at an unsightly beam underneath a raised section of deck. I cut notches half way through my beam where the joists will go, then I cut a corresponding notch into each joist that allows it to fit into the notch in the beam. This allows the joists to cantilever 'through' the beam, which gives me a number of advantages. Using this technique, I can build deck frames tight to the ground without having to rim the structure with joist-hangared beams. I can also use the cantilever to sculpt the edge of the deck into nearly any shape. As the lumber is locked in from every direction, it is also a far stronger joint than a joist-hangared butt-end, as it resists pulling away, and it is stronger than joist-on-beam because it does not allow for any twisting or 'flopping' of the joists. The beam and joist are locked together, and they each replace the missing pieces of one another, so there is no strength lost in either member. -Tyler Collins, Operations Manager

New windows, floors, powder room and basement: We gave the home new windows, new hardwood floors, and paint throughout. We created a new main floor powder room and a new finished basement containing a living area, three-piece bathroom and new bedroom with egress (tilt and turn) windows. Flipped around and redesigned kitchen: We created a new kitchen. The footprint of the kitchen stayed the same, but we flipped it around and redesigned it. Now it has a walk-in pantry area and more floorspace going in and out, which optimized the flow of traffic. We replaced the old non-functioning mudroom with a new one. Disappearing balcony and drafty door: To create a new space using a balcony in a bedroom, we extended the second storey out to line up with the first floor, and this increased the square footage. In that room we turned a drafty door into a window. We reinstated the rear deck, using as many of the original pieces as we could: There was a leaking roof problem because the original roof pitches were causing ice damming. We designed a new roof to prevent that in the future. New windows, stucco, and the challenge of asbestos: Another challenge was installing new windows in the original stucco finish, which contained asbestos. We waterproofed those properly, future proofing them from leaks. We solved the situation by installing a 5-inch trim around the perimeter of the window. Specialists cut the asbestos back (we had to set up a containment perimeter around each window), and then we placed windows that are five inches wider than the window frames. We used special flashing tapes and sealed them all up behind the stucco.

New windows, floors, powder room and basement: We gave the home new windows, new hardwood floors, and paint throughout. We created a new main floor powder room and a new finished basement containing a living area, three-piece bathroom and new bedroom with egress (tilt and turn) windows. Flipped around and redesigned kitchen: We created a new kitchen. The footprint of the kitchen stayed the same, but we flipped it around and redesigned it. Now it has a walk-in pantry area and more floorspace going in and out, which optimized the flow of traffic. We replaced the old non-functioning mudroom with a new one. Disappearing balcony and drafty door: To create a new space using a balcony in a bedroom, we extended the second storey out to line up with the first floor, and this increased the square footage. In that room we turned a drafty door into a window. We reinstated the rear deck, using as many of the original pieces as we could: There was a leaking roof problem because the original roof pitches were causing ice damming. We designed a new roof to prevent that in the future. New windows, stucco, and the challenge of asbestos: Another challenge was installing new windows in the original stucco finish, which contained asbestos. We waterproofed those properly, future proofing them from leaks. We solved the situation by installing a 5-inch trim around the perimeter of the window. Specialists cut the asbestos back (we had to set up a containment perimeter around each window), and then we placed windows that are five inches wider than the window frames. We used special flashing tapes and sealed them all up behind the stucco.

New windows, floors, powder room and basement: We gave the home new windows, new hardwood floors, and paint throughout. We created a new main floor powder room and a new finished basement containing a living area, three-piece bathroom and new bedroom with egress (tilt and turn) windows. Flipped around and redesigned kitchen: We created a new kitchen. The footprint of the kitchen stayed the same, but we flipped it around and redesigned it. Now it has a walk-in pantry area and more floorspace going in and out, which optimized the flow of traffic. We replaced the old non-functioning mudroom with a new one. Disappearing balcony and drafty door: To create a new space using a balcony in a bedroom, we extended the second storey out to line up with the first floor, and this increased the square footage. In that room we turned a drafty door into a window. We reinstated the rear deck, using as many of the original pieces as we could: There was a leaking roof problem because the original roof pitches were causing ice damming. We designed a new roof to prevent that in the future. New windows, stucco, and the challenge of asbestos: Another challenge was installing new windows in the original stucco finish, which contained asbestos. We waterproofed those properly, future proofing them from leaks. We solved the situation by installing a 5-inch trim around the perimeter of the window. Specialists cut the asbestos back (we had to set up a containment perimeter around each window), and then we placed windows that are five inches wider than the window frames. We used special flashing tapes and sealed them all up behind the stucco.

We completely remade this luxury home’s interior by tearing everything down to its studs and rebuilding it to create soft, contemporary spaces throughout that invite and fascinate. This space was filled with heavy ornate architectural features inside and outside, including a dated chunky wooden staircase that weighed down the entire front of the home. By reformatting and replacing the fully exposed staircase and loft railing with glass, we were able to open the space and brighten the two-story living room. The oversized diamond-dropping chandelier over the entry doesn’t hurt either! The dining area appears much larger and contemporary with squared-off moldings, metallic wallpaper, unique light fixture, and bold artwork. Bold exciting choices were made in both bathrooms when choosing tiles and slabs. These stone pieces are focal points and statement pieces garnering attention from everyone who enters. And, speaking of bold stone choices, the 10ft. book-matched porcelain slab installation in the living room is nothing less than a striking work of art. Our client gave us a 7-month deadline. No problem we love a challenge and as you can see, we delivered and on budget!

Main House: Hallway. Client had a difficult time deciding what to put in this wall nook. We tried various pieces but they did not look right underneath the spotlight. We finally settled on this miniature Chinese warrior statue because the lighting highlighted his face. Problem: he was the same tone as the walls and blended in. Solution: I had my handyman create a padded board that I covered with a red/gold weave silk fabric from Duralee, which accented the statue like a museum piece, and gave some 3-D dimension behind it.. It really makes the inset nook and statue "pop" out of the beige walls.

New windows, floors, powder room and basement: We gave the home new windows, new hardwood floors, and paint throughout. We created a new main floor powder room and a new finished basement containing a living area, three-piece bathroom and new bedroom with egress (tilt and turn) windows. Flipped around and redesigned kitchen: We created a new kitchen. The footprint of the kitchen stayed the same, but we flipped it around and redesigned it. Now it has a walk-in pantry area and more floorspace going in and out, which optimized the flow of traffic. We replaced the old non-functioning mudroom with a new one. Disappearing balcony and drafty door: To create a new space using a balcony in a bedroom, we extended the second storey out to line up with the first floor, and this increased the square footage. In that room we turned a drafty door into a window. We reinstated the rear deck, using as many of the original pieces as we could: There was a leaking roof problem because the original roof pitches were causing ice damming. We designed a new roof to prevent that in the future. New windows, stucco, and the challenge of asbestos: Another challenge was installing new windows in the original stucco finish, which contained asbestos. We waterproofed those properly, future proofing them from leaks. We solved the situation by installing a 5-inch trim around the perimeter of the window. Specialists cut the asbestos back (we had to set up a containment perimeter around each window), and then we placed windows that are five inches wider than the window frames. We used special flashing tapes and sealed them all up behind the stucco.

New windows, floors, powder room and basement: We gave the home new windows, new hardwood floors, and paint throughout. We created a new main floor powder room and a new finished basement containing a living area, three-piece bathroom and new bedroom with egress (tilt and turn) windows. Flipped around and redesigned kitchen: We created a new kitchen. The footprint of the kitchen stayed the same, but we flipped it around and redesigned it. Now it has a walk-in pantry area and more floorspace going in and out, which optimized the flow of traffic. We replaced the old non-functioning mudroom with a new one. Disappearing balcony and drafty door: To create a new space using a balcony in a bedroom, we extended the second storey out to line up with the first floor, and this increased the square footage. In that room we turned a drafty door into a window. We reinstated the rear deck, using as many of the original pieces as we could: There was a leaking roof problem because the original roof pitches were causing ice damming. We designed a new roof to prevent that in the future. New windows, stucco, and the challenge of asbestos: Another challenge was installing new windows in the original stucco finish, which contained asbestos. We waterproofed those properly, future proofing them from leaks. We solved the situation by installing a 5-inch trim around the perimeter of the window. Specialists cut the asbestos back (we had to set up a containment perimeter around each window), and then we placed windows that are five inches wider than the window frames. We used special flashing tapes and sealed them all up behind the stucco.

We completely remade this luxury home’s interior by tearing everything down to its studs and rebuilding it to create soft, contemporary spaces throughout that invite and fascinate. This space was filled with heavy ornate architectural features inside and outside, including a dated chunky wooden staircase that weighed down the entire front of the home. By reformatting and replacing the fully exposed staircase and loft railing with glass, we were able to open the space and brighten the two-story living room. The oversized diamond-dropping chandelier over the entry doesn’t hurt either! The dining area appears much larger and contemporary with squared-off moldings, metallic wallpaper, unique light fixture, and bold artwork. Bold exciting choices were made in both bathrooms when choosing tiles and slabs. These stone pieces are focal points and statement pieces garnering attention from everyone who enters. And, speaking of bold stone choices, the 10ft. book-matched porcelain slab installation in the living room is nothing less than a striking work of art. Our client gave us a 7-month deadline. No problem we love a challenge and as you can see, we delivered and on budget!

We completely remade this luxury home’s interior by tearing everything down to its studs and rebuilding it to create soft, contemporary spaces throughout that invite and fascinate. This space was filled with heavy ornate architectural features inside and outside, including a dated chunky wooden staircase that weighed down the entire front of the home. By reformatting and replacing the fully exposed staircase and loft railing with glass, we were able to open the space and brighten the two-story living room. The oversized diamond-dropping chandelier over the entry doesn’t hurt either! The dining area appears much larger and contemporary with squared-off moldings, metallic wallpaper, unique light fixture, and bold artwork. Bold exciting choices were made in both bathrooms when choosing tiles and slabs. These stone pieces are focal points and statement pieces garnering attention from everyone who enters. And, speaking of bold stone choices, the 10ft. book-matched porcelain slab installation in the living room is nothing less than a striking work of art. Our client gave us a 7-month deadline. No problem we love a challenge and as you can see, we delivered and on budget!

New windows, floors, powder room and basement: We gave the home new windows, new hardwood floors, and paint throughout. We created a new main floor powder room and a new finished basement containing a living area, three-piece bathroom and new bedroom with egress (tilt and turn) windows. Flipped around and redesigned kitchen: We created a new kitchen. The footprint of the kitchen stayed the same, but we flipped it around and redesigned it. Now it has a walk-in pantry area and more floorspace going in and out, which optimized the flow of traffic. We replaced the old non-functioning mudroom with a new one. Disappearing balcony and drafty door: To create a new space using a balcony in a bedroom, we extended the second storey out to line up with the first floor, and this increased the square footage. In that room we turned a drafty door into a window. We reinstated the rear deck, using as many of the original pieces as we could: There was a leaking roof problem because the original roof pitches were causing ice damming. We designed a new roof to prevent that in the future. New windows, stucco, and the challenge of asbestos: Another challenge was installing new windows in the original stucco finish, which contained asbestos. We waterproofed those properly, future proofing them from leaks. We solved the situation by installing a 5-inch trim around the perimeter of the window. Specialists cut the asbestos back (we had to set up a containment perimeter around each window), and then we placed windows that are five inches wider than the window frames. We used special flashing tapes and sealed them all up behind the stucco.

New windows, floors, powder room and basement: We gave the home new windows, new hardwood floors, and paint throughout. We created a new main floor powder room and a new finished basement containing a living area, three-piece bathroom and new bedroom with egress (tilt and turn) windows. Flipped around and redesigned kitchen: We created a new kitchen. The footprint of the kitchen stayed the same, but we flipped it around and redesigned it. Now it has a walk-in pantry area and more floorspace going in and out, which optimized the flow of traffic. We replaced the old non-functioning mudroom with a new one. Disappearing balcony and drafty door: To create a new space using a balcony in a bedroom, we extended the second storey out to line up with the first floor, and this increased the square footage. In that room we turned a drafty door into a window. We reinstated the rear deck, using as many of the original pieces as we could: There was a leaking roof problem because the original roof pitches were causing ice damming. We designed a new roof to prevent that in the future. New windows, stucco, and the challenge of asbestos: Another challenge was installing new windows in the original stucco finish, which contained asbestos. We waterproofed those properly, future proofing them from leaks. We solved the situation by installing a 5-inch trim around the perimeter of the window. Specialists cut the asbestos back (we had to set up a containment perimeter around each window), and then we placed windows that are five inches wider than the window frames. We used special flashing tapes and sealed them all up behind the stucco.

We completely remade this luxury home’s interior by tearing everything down to its studs and rebuilding it to create soft, contemporary spaces throughout that invite and fascinate. This space was filled with heavy ornate architectural features inside and outside, including a dated chunky wooden staircase that weighed down the entire front of the home. By reformatting and replacing the fully exposed staircase and loft railing with glass, we were able to open the space and brighten the two-story living room. The oversized diamond-dropping chandelier over the entry doesn’t hurt either! The dining area appears much larger and contemporary with squared-off moldings, metallic wallpaper, unique light fixture, and bold artwork. Bold exciting choices were made in both bathrooms when choosing tiles and slabs. These stone pieces are focal points and statement pieces garnering attention from everyone who enters. And, speaking of bold stone choices, the 10ft. book-matched porcelain slab installation in the living room is nothing less than a striking work of art. Our client gave us a 7-month deadline. No problem we love a challenge and as you can see, we delivered and on budget!

The waterfront can be seen from all the living areas in this stunning estate and serves as a backdrop to design around. Clean cool lines with soft edges and rich fabrics convey a modern feel while remaining warm and inviting. Beach tones were used to enhance the natural beauty of the views. Stunning marble pieces for the kitchen counters and backsplash create visual interest without any added artwork. Oversized pieces of art were chosen to offset the enormous windows throughoutt the home. Robert Brantley Photography