Sandra Costa approaches every property as a one-of-a-kind design experience—never repeated, never predictable. Each project is treated as a standalone vision, carefully shaped around the client's individuality, the architecture, and the lifestyle it is meant to elevate. Her work is not driven by trends, but by an instinctive ability to translate personality into environments that feel both effortless and extraordinary. Over the years, Sandra Costa has built a reputation for delivering highly customized designs with precision and integrity—consistently completing projects on time and often under budget. This rare combination of creativity and discipline gives clients exceptional design and confidence throughout the process. The result is more than a finished space—it is a signature environment that reflects a level of thought, care, and originality that cannot be replicated.A great room featuring LED lighting and remote control recliner seating. The floors are imported Italian porcelain tile with radiant heated areas.

Why is Snow Melting on My Chimney? We all get a bit excited when the predictions call for warmer temperatures. It’s a welcome relief from the layers of sweaters, thick socks and gloves that we need to wear to protect from the cold. When that warmth hits, it is amazing. But, are chimney’s ‘happy’ in their own way when the temperatures are rising? Homeowners sometimes take notice of the changes going on outside and call us to ask, why is snow melting on my chimney? Why is Snow Melting on My Chimney? It sounds like a silly question to ask, but there is a reason for it. Once you understand what causes it, you will then know if your chimney is starting to have a problem or not. Let’s take a look at a few of the causes for melting slow. 1. Transfer of Heat: Let’s get the most obvious out of the way. When you use your fireplace, the firebox heats up and as we all know, heat rises. Meaning, it will go through the chimney and out through the top. As the heat continues, the snow around the chimney begins to melt and turn into water. 2. Attic Insulation: Warm air from the room your fireplace resides, rises and can get into the attic. The warm air settles around the roof deck causing it to warm up around the chimney. It will melt the snow around the chimney. 3. Condensation: It is true when the warm air meets cold air, condensation, or a wet moisture forms. When the warm air makes it way up to the chimney top and it meets the cold outside air, condensation forms. The only problem with this cycle is that it can be concerning when it forms ice and can be dangerous. What Can Be Done? Now’s the time to schedule a chimney inspection. As the snow melts quickly with the warmer temperatures, you want to watch for water leaks. However, if you ‘see’ the results from a water leak, you’re too late, damage is done. This is where a chimney inspection can catch the water leak before it begins or before it can do any real damage. Superior Chimney will conduct a 14 point inspection. The 14-point inspection is for you to gain a better understanding of the thorough check that we do each and every time, inside and outside of the home. This is critical as water leaks loom when the chimney is not functioning at its fullest capacity. A certified chimney technician has been fully trained to identify chimney leaks, or when creosote buildup can be dangerous to the safety of the home. Contact us today to get your chimney cleaned and checked.

Raza and Baneen purchased their home in Schaumburg IL. knowing it needed work, but they saw the incredible potential it had with its expanse of beautiful kitchen windows and spacious floor plan. The kitchen technically functioned fine, but was desperately outdated with its honey oak cabinets and plain countertops. This family loved to cook and host parties so it was an easy decision that the kitchen remodel was the first project they needed to tackle to make their home come to life. Baneen had very specific ideas for her new dream kitchen and had been thinking about it for over 10 years! When they met Advance Design’s Project Designer Claudia Pop, Baneen felt an instant connection. “From the first meeting, I knew that Claudia would guide us without putting down our ideas,” Baneen said. The couple had two fears common among remodeling home owners: Would the project be done on time? And, would the project stay on budget? Advance Design was able to alleviate their fears early on, as Claudia shared the “Common Sense Remodeling” process. Raza and Baneen absolutely loved the custom project analysis that helped them understand how a budget could be accurately predicted and then safeguarded during the design process. “Advance Design was spot on with both the budget and the project timeframe,” Baneen said. “Overall there were no surprises, and the budget was exactly what we were quoted. The experience was phenomenal, everybody was professional, everybody was courteous, everyone was nice, everyone was friendly. It wasn't stressful for us, they still left the house in a presentable state. It wasn't like we would come home and we were bring the kids in and it was going to be hazardous." After the relationship was cemented, Raza, Baneen and Claudia began to finalize the kitchen design. The main objective was to create a functional space for preparing meals and to create an inviting space for their family and friends to enjoy, while incorporating interesting design elements such as the iconic blue island and reclaimed Chicago brick walls. Sufficient storage space was really important to Baneen, and high quality appliances were a priority. As the overall layout was being completed, together they reviewed each cabinet to determine exactly what would be stored there. Because cooking was a high priority for this family, Claudia incorporated spice racks close to the range and included two mixer lift shelves for their larger countertop appliances. The focal point of the kitchen is the striking blue island constructed from custom colored Dura Supreme cabinets. Designed with decorative shelving and a highly functional prep sink. The couple loves the “galley” prep sink, it adds even more functionality and significantly shortens preparation and cleaning time. This island also includes a 24" Bosch Dishwasher with matching panel to blend in. "Aesthetically, and in terms of functionality, the island everything I imagined," Baneen said. "I love how beautiful it looks and how functional it is. It just brings everybody together." The Praa Sands Quartz countertop with an ogee edge profile provides excellent contrast by blending it's subtle tones with the outer cabinetry. It ties the island together with the rest of the space. Overlooking the beautiful backyard through spacious windows, the crisp white farmhouse sink is something that Baneen envisioned in her kitchen for years. Two tones of Dura Supreme Cabinetry were used throughout the rest of the kitchen. Chestnut Cherry cabinets grace the range and decorative range hood and as panels over the Wolf refrigerator and freezer. Antique White cabinets surround the perimeter, creating a warm balance that beckons guests into the softly rounded space. Drawing the eye immediately to the custom wood hood hiding a powerful 1,500 CFM ventilation system and spectacular 60” Duel Fuel Wolf range, a creatively patterned Tessen in Café & Brine backsplash detail stands out from the white subway tile backsplash spanning the outer walls. The vibrant space reflects the lively personality of the family who now loves spending time both cooking and enjoying this kitchen as a family. “The end result is a beautiful and extremely functional kitchen that is able to handle a growing family, lots of parties and lots of cooking,” Claudia said. “Advance Design was wonderfully professional and a pleasure to work with. They catered to what my needs and ideas were, while skillfully guiding us to make the right choices where we seemed lost,” Baneen said.

Exterior painting and decorating work to the doors are not easy - unseen damage are hard to predict... The repair is not easy but with right knowledge, tools, and specialist product the door and frame will last at least 20 more years. For any enquire regarding exterior work please visit . https://midecor.co.uk/door-painting-services-in-putney/

The use of grey and white creates a subtle beauty that's not overwhelmingly traditional. It gives your home a clean and fresh appearance both inside and out! However, if you use too many shaded grays, certain sections will appear dominating and predictable. As a result, we chose to design and include cedar siding to complement the color palette with a strong and brilliant Burnished Amber tint. The front entry accentuated the wood siding, which is surrounded by a uniformly beautiful gray and white palette. The window appeared to be moving onto this light side of the home as well. The overall exterior concept is a modern gray and white home with a burnished amber tone.

"I strove to accentuate the historic character, intricate millwork and details of the original house, while implementing a more updated aesthetic in the kitchen. We chose a fresh palette that modernized the kitchen's style, added a workhorse engineered-stone countertop and island, custom cabinetry, sophisticated tile, and superior appliances." Mindy O'Connor Melinda Kelson O’Connor Design, LLC

Exterior painting and decorating work to the doors are not easy - unseen damage are hard to predict... The repair is not easy but with right knowledge, tools, and specialist product the door and frame will last at least 20 more years. For any enquire regarding exterior work please visit . https://midecor.co.uk/door-painting-services-in-putney/

Example of a large trendy dining room design in San Francisco

Acton, MA 2008 sq ft varies Visioning, programming, concept design, schematic design, construction documentation and construction administration The HingeHouse project was the result of a unique partnership between an independent architect and a pre-fabricated home manufacturer – a partnership among the first of its kind in the country. Today, many pre-fab companies have adopted this collaborative approach recognizing that homeowners are looking for unique, custom homes while taking advantage of reliable and predictable construction methods and costs. In 2008, the partnership was created to rethink pre-engineered post-and-beam and panelized systems to connect clients to a more modern and integrated set of design values. By integrating systems, factory design approach, manufacturing methodologies and construction sequences with design criteria grounded in sustainable planning and rigorous implementation, HingeHouse was developed. HingeHouse is a fully-customizable pre-fab home which can be configured to meet the needs of any site, and any family. It is flexible and expandable using Deck House engineered building components. Starting with basic floor plans that are optimized spatially to Deck’s standard components, the living spaces are rotated around a "hinge” point. This design solution addresses the limitations and challenges of a particular site, while highlighting the best aspects of it. HingeHouse considers passive solar orientation depending on where the home is placed on the site and how it is “hinged”. It provides for maximum cross-ventilation from prevailing winds, preserves existing site formations and trees, and works on sloping grades. It addresses specific desired views while mitigating unwanted adjacencies, and provides great flexibility for entry sequences. HingeHouse uses Deck’s standard sloped roof post-and-beam component system to create a lyrical, light-filled home. The western red cedar exterior is sculptural and dynamic. Interior spaces are lofty, with great view potential using Deck’s own custom-made mahogany windows. The “hinge” of the home, where the two building forms come together, has the added benefit of creating a desirable outdoor living room, complete with an outdoor fireplace. The "hinge” provides both a tool for maximizing customization and spatial orientation and a center of activity at the heart of the home. Since this partnership in 2008, Maryann Thompson Architects and MATHISON | MATHISON ARCHITECTS have worked with Acorn Deck House Company on numerous full or partial pre-fab projects in the Boston Area, Western Massachusetts, Maryland and Michigan. We have become an advocate for their services and products because it offers advantages on a variety of levels including schedule, cost and quality. Services provided included visioning, programming, concept design, schematic design, construction documentation and construction administration. Evan’s Role: Project Designer & Project Manager

The "Illusionist" kitchen is a 2nd place winner in the prestigious Subzero and Wolf kitchen design contest in the state of Ohio. This tremendous house, which is situated on the lake, boasts a main kitchen and a prep kitchen. Its name was generated from the complete invisibility of the main kitchen's working components, whereas all of the appliances were completely concealed to provide a seamless look allowing for an unconventional look that is streamlined yet completely functional. The goal of the homeowners in the design stages were to simplify a more conventional house layout. A more predictable formal dining room was eliminated creating a merge of the main kitchen with a central eating area. The combining of these two spaces helped to develop the concept that the kitchen was an 'illusion'; accessible when necessary but unnoticed in every other way so there was less of a feel of being in a kitchen and more of a sense of being in a gathering area for family and friends to enjoy. The main kitchen boasts three ovens, a 36" Subzero refrigerator and a 36" Subzero freezer, all of which are paneled with white glass, providing a perfect reflective surface for the lake in the backdrop. The island is dual purposed, housing a sink and a 36" induction Wolf cooktop on one side and providing seating for 10 in a custom built banquette. The light fixture above the custom glass and stainless steel table is the "Etoile" from Terzanni while the massive light fixture over the island is the "Sospesa" from Fabbian and boasts a 2" sheet of glass with inset halogen lighting that is nearly invisible suspended from the 10' ceiling that features a drop ceiling with cove lighting. The prep kitchen, which was the 'workhorse' for everyday use is also a fully functional space, featuring additional 36" Subzero refrigerator and freezer, a 36" oven, microwave, two prep sinks (one in the island and one to the left of the freezer) and a concealed barstool which pulls out from the island and 'disappears' when not in use. A built-in dog feeding station allows for conveniences for all family members of this modern household.

This Fishtown rowhome refresh started with a familiar challenge: a sea of flat, builder-grade finishes in predictable “millennial gray.” Our clients wanted a home that felt layered, lived-in, and full of personality. They desired something that reflected their style, not just a resale checklist. We reworked two full floors to bring in warmth, character, and thoughtful details. On the main level, we introduced rich textures, vintage accents, and a more intentional palette that made a statement. Powerful punches of wallpaper, uniquely different but graciously coordinating, transformed key moments into standout spaces. Upstairs, updates to the kitchen and dining area emphasized comfort, functionality, and bold sophistication. Throughout, we layered in materials with soul: natural woods, warm metals, and handcrafted touches, all while keeping the overall footprint and layout intact. Built-ins in the living area brought much-needed storage, style, and a grounded focal point to anchor the space. The result is a home that feels personal yet timeless. A clear departure from the gray-washed norm.

The mix of Hummingbird Sage and Island Buckwheat bordering the bioswale predictably draws pollinators. Intoxicating for humans, the fragrance of Hummingbird Sage keeps hummingbirds dancing! When its blooms fade, the seed heads continue to serve as a birdfeeder, while its sun-or-shade, evergreen foliage helps retain slopes.

Leni is the Best AI for Real Estate, created to improve and streamline all aspects of the real estate industry. From automating lead creation and nurturing to providing meaningful market analytics, Leni enables real estate professionals to work smarter, not harder. Leni uses powerful predictive analytics to analyze market trends and property values, giving agents a competitive advantage in making informed judgments. The AI also personalizes client interactions, resulting in faster responses and a more engaging experience. By effortlessly integrating with existing CRM systems, Leni assists agents in increasing workflow efficiency and sales. Whether you're a seasoned agent or new to the market, Leni provides the resources you need to take your firm to new heights.

Michael Moran/OTTO photography We took a predictable suburban spec house and transformed it into a unique home of enduring value and family-centered design. The existing footprint was expanded where it needed it most: in the family and kitchen area, creating a large square room with open views to a protected nature preserve abutting the property. An unexpected glass canopy and teak entry door are clues that what lies beyond is hardly commonplace. The design challenge was to infuse modern-day functionality and architectural quality into a spec house. Working in partnership with Gary Cruz Studio, we designed the pared down, art-filled interiors with the goal of creating comfortable, purposeful living environments. We also sought to integrate the existing pool and rear deck into the overall building design, extending the usable space outside as a screened-in porch, a dining terrace, and a seating area around a stone fire pit.

Sandra Costa approaches every property as a one-of-a-kind design experience—never repeated, never predictable. Each project is treated as a standalone vision, carefully shaped around the client's individuality, the architecture, and the lifestyle it is meant to elevate. Her work is not driven by trends, but by an instinctive ability to translate personality into environments that feel both effortless and extraordinary. Over the years, Sandra Costa has built a reputation for delivering highly customized designs with precision and integrity—consistently completing projects on time and often under budget. This rare combination of creativity and discipline gives clients exceptional design and confidence throughout the process. The result is more than a finished space—it is a signature environment that reflects a level of thought, care, and originality that cannot be replicated.

Sandra Costa approaches every property as a one-of-a-kind design experience—never repeated, never predictable. Each project is treated as a standalone vision, carefully shaped around the client's individuality, the architecture, and the lifestyle it is meant to elevate. Her work is not driven by trends, but by an instinctive ability to translate personality into environments that feel both effortless and extraordinary. Over the years, Sandra Costa has built a reputation for delivering highly customized designs with precision and integrity—consistently completing projects on time and often under budget. This rare combination of creativity and discipline gives clients exceptional design and confidence throughout the process. The result is more than a finished space—it is a signature environment that reflects a level of thought, care, and originality that cannot be replicated.

Hirsch Bedner Associates is an international hospitality design firm that has been leading the hotel design industry and is renowned to be the biggest design firm in the world. The one that can identify trends and predict new directions and innovations. Familiar with Boca do Lobo’s name the design firm stepped up its game. PROJECT BY HBA SINGAPORE

Exterior painting and decorating work to the doors are not easy - unseen damage are hard to predict... The repair is not easy but with right knowledge, tools, and specialist product the door and frame will last at least 20 more years. For any enquire regarding exterior work please visit . https://midecor.co.uk/door-painting-services-in-putney/

A screened porch with a wood paneled ceiling and outdoor kitchen area. Courtesy of Lake Nona Realty.
Mid-sized minimalist tile back porch idea in Orlando with a roof extension