This close-up view captures the true character of Hand Hewn Timbers, crisscrossing the dining room ceiling as exposed beams and posts against smooth plaster above. Every axe mark, adze cut, and weathered notch tells the story of the hand tools once used to shape these timbers, bringing genuine 19th century craftsmanship into the heart of this Minnesota barnhouse. Hand Hewn Timbers of Ash, Elm, Oak, Maple, and Hemlock are salvaged from our neighboring Wisconsin, true relics of the American Midwest. As farmers spread across the area, they built their homes and barns with whatever trees were on their property, using axes and adzes to hewe the logs by hand. That process left behind truly unique timbers covered in the marks and dents created by the inexact hand tools, visible in every beam captured here. Whether you are a homebuilder, a home remodeling contractor, or a homeowner drawn to authentic Hand Hewn Timbers, Manomin Resawn Timbers can help bring that one of a kind rustic style into your own home. Visit our showroom in Hugo, MN or reach out to us with a call or a message.

Stainless steel cable railing systems are at their best when placed in the middle of stunning exterior views. The North Carolina coast is just one of many places where cable railing is the perfect exterior option for preserving views. In these photos, you can see that the glistening water is completely visible through the cable railing. In addition, the cables are spaced in such a way that the ocean breeze can travel through, making the deck a pleasant place to sit and relax as the tide ebbs and flows.

Stainless steel cable railing systems are at their best when placed in the middle of stunning exterior views. The North Carolina coast is just one of many places where cable railing is the perfect exterior option for preserving views. In these photos, you can see that the glistening water is completely visible through the cable railing. In addition, the cables are spaced in such a way that the ocean breeze can travel through, making the deck a pleasant place to sit and relax as the tide ebbs and flows.

Our clients, a couple in their 40’s, approached us to remodel their Kitchen, which felt cramped and closed off from the rest of the Main Floor. They felt especially isolated when entertaining guests. They love to cook and entertain, but the lack of space made both of those things difficult for them to do. We removed the walls surrounding the Kitchen, opening it up to the rest of the Main Floor. We expanded the Kitchen across the new open area, allowing for a lot more counter space for preparing and serving food. This also gave room for an enormous island, which is perfect for guests to gather around while entertaining. During the planning stage, it was discovered that beams and posts needed to remain in the space for structural support. Our talented designer, Chantal, was able to incorporate the beams and posts in the design of the Kitchen, so they served a logical purpose, rather than feeling like they were in the way. Featured in the new Kitchen are classic black and white cabinets, complemented by brass fixtures and accents. Ample task and ambient lighting was installed in order to brighten up this new space and allow for better visibility when cooking in the Kitchen. We also installed luxury vinyl flooring throughout the space, which is not only stylish,but incredibly durable. From the beginning of the project, our Clients shared with us their concerns about the project staying within the budget, and the accuracy of the timeline for construction. Ultimately, we were able to ease those concerns, as we finished the renovation on time, and within the allotted budget without compromising on the quality or design wishes of our clients. If you’re ready to make your forever home feel like it’s been made just for you, contact us to get started! We’re the Renovator You Can Count On! Sosna Inc 7250 Keele Street, Unit 372 Vaughan, ON L4K 1Z8 416-888-7366 (RENO) Website: sosna.ca Email: contact@sosna.ca

Like many homes today with unused dining room/living spaces, this homeowner had a plan to repurpose her unused dining space by creating an open concept large cooks’ kitchen/dining area. The new design included removing a wall between the existing kitchen and dining room to enlarge the kitchen space. A new wall was built with a corner walk-in pantry for additional storage. A large island was designed into the kitchen with room for additional seating, more cabinetry space and a wine refrigerator. To improve the flow in the room, we also created a new entry into the kitchen. To create ample seating, space was designated for a dining room table and an island bar. The dropped ceiling in the kitchen was raised and a new window was added to open up the space and let in more natural light. To accommodate the homeowner’s hutch, additional room was added along the outer wall of the kitchen. For beauty and aesthetics, a new powder-coated steel stair railing was installed to guide people from the entry to the upper floor. The stair case risers were completed with a contrasting white and dark wood finish and matching posts were added to the island bar area. Knotty Alder cabinets and a New World stain complete this Rustic Napa-inspired look. The light color counter tops are Kashmire Cream granite. The contrast between the dark cabinets with beautiful visible grain detail and light countertops gives this kitchen a timeless, rustic feel. The Blanco apron front sink, in white SiliGranite material is surrounded by antique nickel finish faucets and Antique Pewter hardware. The steel posts are powder coated to match the Antique Nickel faucets. Behind the cooktop in 4” x 16” Pumice color Portcelain tile, is a full height-tiled backsplash—a perfect backdrop for floating shelves that match the cabinets. Beautiful!

"Laura" Style stainless steel railings feature square posts and flat bar intermediate posts for maximum visibility. The ideal choice for seaside decks with stunning panoramic views. G&E Steel stainless steel railings are made with grade 316 (marine grade) materials and they are meticulously polished for maximum durability in harsh sea-spray environments.

This deck resurface project retained the original pressure-treated frame, existing post caps, and railings while installing new Trex Transcend composite decking in Spiced Rum, rebuilding both sets of stairs as needed, and adding Trex LED rectangle riser lights on every other lower stair riser for improved safety and nighttime visibility.

Example of a beach style kitchen design in San Francisco

Baron CertaGrain PVC fence in Brazilian Blend color. Fence if 4' high and installed by Dakota Unlimited.
Photo of a large craftsman full sun backyard formal garden in Minneapolis.

I built this on my property for my aging father who has some health issues. Handicap accessibility was a factor in design. His dream has always been to try retire to a cabin in the woods. This is what he got. It is a 1 bedroom, 1 bath with a great room. It is 600 sqft of AC space. The footprint is 40' x 26' overall. The site was the former home of our pig pen. I only had to take 1 tree to make this work and I planted 3 in its place. The axis is set from root ball to root ball. The rear center is aligned with mean sunset and is visible across a wetland. The goal was to make the home feel like it was floating in the palms. The geometry had to simple and I didn't want it feeling heavy on the land so I cantilevered the structure beyond exposed foundation walls. My barn is nearby and it features old 1950's "S" corrugated metal panel walls. I used the same panel profile for my siding. I ran it vertical to math the barn, but also to balance the length of the structure and stretch the high point into the canopy, visually. The wood is all Southern Yellow Pine. This material came from clearing at the Babcock Ranch Development site. I ran it through the structure, end to end and horizontally, to create a seamless feel and to stretch the space. It worked. It feels MUCH bigger than it is. I milled the material to specific sizes in specific areas to create precise alignments. Floor starters align with base. Wall tops adjoin ceiling starters to create the illusion of a seamless board. All light fixtures, HVAC supports, cabinets, switches, outlets, are set specifically to wood joints. The front and rear porch wood has three different milling profiles so the hypotenuse on the ceilings, align with the walls, and yield an aligned deck board below. Yes, I over did it. It is spectacular in its detailing. That's the benefit of small spaces. Concrete counters and IKEA cabinets round out the conversation. For those who could not live in a tiny house, I offer the Tiny-ish House. Photos by Ryan Gamma Staging by iStage Homes Design assistance by Jimmy Thornton

Rollscreens paired with roll down storm shutters on a beach front application. Retractable Screens, also known as Roll-up Screens and Vertical Rolling Screens are completely customized to meet the needs of the space. Easy to see through and completely retractable, exterior Retractable Screens create a cool, comfortable, insect-free environment without sacrificing your view. Designed to provide superior solar protection, they mitigate UV damage, optimize comfort and provide daytime privacy even in windy settings. Extra sun control can be achieved by increasing thread counts and weave density. Retractable Solar Shades provide energy-efficient sun shading, shelter against bugs and mosquitoes, climate control and rain/wind reduction while allowing outward visibility. Depending on screen fabric selection, our solar shade fabric selections are capable of blocking up to 95% of ultra-violet (UV) rays–saving up to 50% of the energy used to heat and cool homes. Motorize Retractable Screens provide control at the touch of a button. Somfy Motors allow activation by wall mounted toggle switch or several different types of remote control options. These Retractable Screens will stop at upper and lower limits and are able to stop any where along the travel path on command. Optional Manual Override features allow for operation in case of power outage for motorized units. Manual Operations are available on most models. Motorized Retractable Screens equipped with Somfy RTS motors may be upgraded for use in Smart Homes and operated via Smartphone or other Mobile Devices. Retractable Screens should be retracted when not in use. The screens are raised and housed inside the aluminum housing. All major components of the system are powder coated aluminum for durability, ease of operations, and longevity. All Retractable Screens from Shade & Shutter Systems come with a 5 year Warranty, to include the Somfy Motor. Retractable Screens offer wind and rain abatement for breezy days. Many of our clients enjoy outdoor patio settings along coastal areas and beach front properties. Those areas also endure regular breezes that can be knocked down with retractable Screens for a more enjoyable experience. Although these screens are not designed for storm protection, winds to 40 mph are easily abated. If you would like more information about Retractable Screens or Rolling Shutters, our Product Specialists can be reached at 800-522-1599.

This Greek Revival row house in Boerum Hill was previously owned by a local architect who renovated it several times, including the addition of a two-story steel and glass extension at the rear. The new owners came to us seeking to restore the house and its original formality, while adapting it to the modern needs of a family of five. The detailing of the 25 x 36 foot structure had been lost and required some sleuthing into the history of Greek Revival style in historic Brooklyn neighborhoods. In addition to completely re-framing the interior, the house also required a new south-facing brick façade due to significant deterioration. The modern extension was replaced with a more traditionally detailed wood and copper- clad bay, still open to natural light and the garden view without sacrificing comfort. The kitchen was relocated from the first floor to the garden level with an adjacent formal dining room. Both rooms were enlarged from their previous iterations to accommodate weekly dinners with extended family. The kitchen includes a home office and breakfast nook that doubles as a homework station. The cellar level was further excavated to accommodate finished storage space and a playroom where activity can be monitored from the kitchen workspaces. The parlor floor is now reserved for entertaining. New pocket doors can be closed to separate the formal front parlor from the more relaxed back portion, where the family plays games or watches TV together. At the end of the hall, a powder room with brass details, and a luxe bar with antique mirrored backsplash and stone tile flooring, leads to the deck and direct garden access. Because of the property width, the house is able to provide ample space for the interior program within a shorter footprint. This allows the garden to remain expansive, with a small lawn for play, an outdoor food preparation area with a cast-in-place concrete bench, and a place for entertaining towards the rear. The newly designed landscaping will continue to develop, further enhancing the yard’s feeling of escape, and filling-in the views from the kitchen and back parlor above. A less visible, but equally as conscious, addition is a rooftop PV solar array that provides nearly 100% of the daily electrical usage, with the exception of the AC system on hot summer days. The well-appointed interiors connect the traditional backdrop of the home to a youthful take on classic design and functionality. The materials are elegant without being precious, accommodating a young, growing family. Unique colors and patterns provide a feeling of luxury while inviting inhabitants and guests to relax and enjoy this classic Brooklyn brownstone. This project won runner-up in the architecture category for the 2017 NYC&G Innovation in Design Awards and was featured in The American House: 100 Contemporary Homes. Photography by Francis Dzikowski / OTTO

Photo: Faith Towers Media © 2015 Houzz
Inspiration for a transitional kitchen remodel in Boston

Retractable Screens, also known as Roll-up Screens and Vertical Rolling Screens are completely customized to meet the needs of the space. Easy to see through and completely retractable, exterior Retractable Screens create a cool, comfortable, insect-free environment without sacrificing your view. Designed to provide superior solar protection, they mitigate UV damage, optimize comfort and provide daytime privacy even in windy settings. Extra sun control can be achieved by increasing thread counts and weave density. Retractable Solar Shades provide energy-efficient sun shading, shelter against bugs and mosquitoes, climate control and rain/wind reduction while allowing outward visibility. Depending on screen fabric selection, our solar shade fabric selections are capable of blocking up to 95% of ultra-violet (UV) rays–saving up to 50% of the energy used to heat and cool homes. Motorize Retractable Screens provide control at the touch of a button. Somfy Motors allow activation by wall mounted toggle switch or several different types of remote control options. These Retractable Screens will stop at upper and lower limits and are able to stop any where along the travel path on command. Optional Manual Override features allow for operation in case of power outage for motorized units. Manual Operations are available on most models. Motorized Retractable Screens equipped with Somfy RTS motors may be upgraded for use in Smart Homes and operated via Smartphone or other Mobile Devices. Retractable Screens should be retracted when not in use. The screens are raised and housed inside the aluminum housing. All major components of the system are powder coated aluminum for durability, ease of operations, and longevity. All Retractable Screens from Shade & Shutter Systems come with a 5 year Warranty, to include the Somfy Motor. Retractable Screens offer wind and rain abatement for breezy days. Many of our clients enjoy outdoor patio settings along coastal areas and beach front properties. Those areas also endure regular breezes that can be knocked down with retractable Screens for a more enjoyable experience. Although these screens are not designed for storm protection, winds to 40 mph are easily abated. If you would like more information about Retractable Screens, our Product Specialists can be reached at 800-522-1599.

The wrought iron rails on this porch fence is a good complement to the cable railing on the rest of the porch but creates a more solid fence against the screened porch.

This is a new covered patio addition in a craftsman style that transformed the front of a basic 1950’s era Bozeman home. This project was a 2019 Bozeman Beautification Award of Excellence Winner. To see the VIDEO about this project: https://youtu.be/tgMnxU9HN3E This patio design features heavy wood posts, exposed ceiling joists and structural beams that are visible from the street. The symmetrical composition of stylish light fixtures, siding details, and bench seating gives the front entry of this home an appealing combination of elegance and beauty.

Photo Credits: Pixil Studios
Inspiration for a small rustic loft-style medium tone wood floor living room remodel in Denver with beige walls, a wood stove, a metal fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

CHIPPER HATTER PHOTOGRAPHY
Example of a large classic l-shaped dark wood floor kitchen design in Omaha with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, black backsplash, cement tile backsplash, black appliances and an island

This mid-century modern kitchen was developed with the original architectural elements of its mid-century shell at the heart of its design. Throughout the space, the kitchen’s repetition of alternating dark walnut and light wood uses in the cabinetry and framework reflect the contrast of the dark wooden beams running along the white ceiling. The playful use of two tones intentionally develops unified work zones using all modern day elements and conveniences. For instance, the 5’ galley workstation stands apart with grain-matched walnut cabinetry and stone wrap detail for a furniture-like feeling. The mid-century architecture continued to be an emphasis through design details such as a flush venting system within a drywall structure that conscientiously disappears into the ceiling affording the existing post-and-beams structures and clerestory windows to stand in the forefront. Along with celebrating the characteristic of the mid-century home the clients wanted to bring the outdoors in. We chose to emphasis the view even more by incorporating a large window centered over the galley kitchen sink. The final result produced a translucent wall that provokes a dialog between the outdoor elements and the natural color tones and materials used throughout the kitchen. While the natural light and views are visible because of the spacious windows, the contemporary kitchens clean geometric lines emphasize the newly introduced natural materials and further integrate the outdoors within the space. The clients desired to have a designated area for hot drinks such as coffee and tea. To create a station that could house all the small appliances & accessories and was easily accessible we incorporated two aluminum tambours together with integrated power lift doors. One tambour acting as the hot drink station and the other acting as an appliance garage. Overall, this minimalistic kitchen is nothing short of functionality and mid-century character. Photo Credit: Fred Donham of PhotographerLink