Lisa Romerein
Example of a country dining room design in San Francisco with gray walls

Bunk Bed are great for small houses, specially if inspired by the ocean. // TEAM //// Architect: Design Associates, Inc. //// Builder: Daily Construction //// Interior Design: Kristin Paton Interiors //// Photos: Eric Roth Photography

Throw pillows add visual interest, pop of color and texture. Elizabeth Mitaro Photography
Example of a transitional bedroom design in Charleston

Mark Lohman for HGTV Magazine
Small beach style single-wall dark wood floor kitchen photo in Los Angeles with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, green backsplash and glass tile backsplash

ye-h photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary wooden u-shaped staircase remodel in Seattle with wooden risers

This contemporary kitchen design is a dream come true, full of stylish, practical, and one-of-a-kind features. The large kitchen is part of a great room that includes a living area with built in display shelves for artwork. The kitchen features two separate islands, one for entertaining and one for casual dining and food preparation. A 5' Galley Workstation, pop up knife block, and specialized storage accessories complete one island, along with the fabric wrapped banquette and personalized stainless steel corner wrap designed by Woodmaster Kitchens. The second island includes seating and an undercounter refrigerator allowing guests easy access to beverages. Every detail of this kitchen including the waterfall countertop ends, lighting design, tile features, and hardware work together to create a kitchen design that is a masterpiece at the center of this home. Steven Paul Whitsitt

Here’s what some people may refer to as the “fun part” of a redesign—picking out all the pretty stuff. First, choose your appliances. Many higher-end brands such as Sub-Zero and Wolf currently have a lead time of six to 12 months due to COVID. The cabinets, which have a shorter lead time of eight to 12 weeks on average, says Frederick, will then be built around them. From there, you’ll work with your designer to solidify all the details, such as cabinet door style, countertop material, decorative hardware, fixtures, flooring, backsplash and the sink. “This is the stage where you finalize the design and prepare final floor plans, elevations, details and, if applicable, mechanical and electrical drawings, lighting switch plans and exterior elevations,” says Terrill. It’s essentially an extension of step No. 4, except here you’re confirming all the details and making sure everything is going as scheduled. For example, at this point your builder will give the interior designers a schedule so the designer can make sure everything (such as the countertop marble) is on-site and ready for installation. Assuming you’re changing the footprint of the kitchen, you’ll need to figure out specific details as they pertain to the construction, our designers note, such as: How will the construction team remove debris? With a dumpster or will they keep it in your garage or yard? Will there be a staging area for cutting wood and tile? When will you need to be out of the house, and for how long? Where can crew members use the bathroom? Can/should the crew work on weekends and if so, during what hours? Keep in mind too that certain requests might require more money, such as having the crew clean-up their dusty mess daily rather than, say, once a week.

A perfect match in any entryway, this fresh herb wallpaper adds a fun vibe to walls that makes preparing meals much more enjoyable!
Inspiration for a mid-sized cottage light wood floor mudroom remodel in Boston with green walls and a white front door

Shaker style cabinets with ovolo sticking, revere pewter (BM), custom stain on oak top), hardware is satin brass from Metek Image by @Spacecrafting
Inspiration for a mid-sized coastal built-in desk medium tone wood floor and brown floor study room remodel in Minneapolis with white walls

Concrete can be made to look like any substance. Tile, stone, wood, brick, etc. With unlimited color options, Ky-Kan Coatings can transform any room in your home or business using lightweight, beautiful concrete.

John Lennon
Example of a small urban vinyl floor kitchen design in Miami with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, black cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and an island

Displaying attractive toys and art helps teach a child respect and care for his/her environment and others. Elizabeth Mitaro Photography
Kids' room - transitional kids' room idea in Charleston

Our Brush Mountain Wreath brims with lifelike mountain ash leaves, black currant and pomegranate to create a spectacle of seasonal elements that honors the fall harvest.

Photography by Jim Tetro This house, built in the 1960s, sits southfacing on a terrific wooded lot in Bethesda, Maryland. The owners desire a whole-house renovation which would improve the general building fabric and systems, and extend the sense of living out of doors in all seasons. The original sixties-modern character is preserved and the renovation extends the design forward into a contemporary, modern approach. Connections to and through the site are enhanced through the creation of new larger window and door openings. Screened porches and decks perch above the sloped and wooded site. The new kitchen and bathrooms allow for opportunities to feel out-of -doors while preparing, cooking, dining, and bathing. Smart passive strategies guide the environmental choices for this project, including envelope improvements, updated mechanical systems, and on-site stormwater management.

A wall of green cabinets with natural wood shelves adds to this kitchens organic vibe.
Example of a mid-sized danish medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen design in Chicago with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, green cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, an island and white countertops

Attractive living as an architectural experiment: a 136-year-old water tower, a listed building with a spectacular 360-degree panorama view over the City of London. The task, to transform it into a superior residence, initially seemed an absolute impossibility. But when the owners came across architect Mike Collier, they had found a partner who was to make the impossible possible. The tower, which had been empty for decades, underwent radical renovation work and was extended by a four-storey cube containing kitchen, dining and living room - connected by glazed tunnels and a lift shaft. The kitchen, realised by Enclosure Interiors in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, with furniture from LEICHT is the very heart of living in this new building. Shiny white matt-lacquered kitchen fronts (AVANCE-LR), tone-on-tone with the worktops, reflect the light in the room and thus create expanse and openness. The surface of the handle-less kitchen fronts has a horizontal relief embossing; depending on the light incidence, this results in a vitally structured surface. The free-standing preparation isle with its vertical side panels with a seamlessly integrated sink represents the transition between kitchen and living room. The fronts of the floor units facing the dining table were extended to the floor to do away with the plinth typical of most kitchens. Ceiling-high tall units on the wall provide plenty of storage space; the electrical appliances are integrated here invisible to the eye. Floor units on a high plinth which thus appear to be floating form the actual cooking centre within the kitchen, attached to the wall. A range of handle-less wall units concludes the glazed niche at the top. LEICHT international: “Architecture and kitchen” in the centre of London. www.LeichtUSA.com

Maintaining a pest-free home requires attention throughout the year. Seasonal changes affect pest behavior, and understanding these patterns can save homeowners from costly damage and health hazards. In this guide, we will explore practical strategies for spring pest prevention tips, ensuring your property stays protected through every season. From spotting early signs to implementing proactive measures, these steps empower homeowners to take control before infestations occur. Understanding Seasonal Pest Patterns Pests adapt to changing weather, and knowing their patterns helps prevent infestations effectively. Spring: Awakening Pests Spring signals the end of winter dormancy for many pests. Rodents, ants, and termites start seeking food and warmth. Effective spring pest prevention tips include: ● Cleaning gutters and removing debris ● Sealing cracks and gaps in exterior walls ● Inspecting wood piles and compost areas ● Monitoring early signs of termite activity Pro Tip: Conduct a termite inspection or a professional evaluation to catch infestations early before they spread. Summer: Peak Pest Season Warm temperatures accelerate pest breeding cycles. For a comprehensive summer pest prevention guide: ● Maintain lawns and trim vegetation away from homes ● Check window and door screens for tears ● Store food in sealed containers ● Inspect water sources that attract mosquitoes Do You Know? Mosquitoes can lay eggs in a teaspoon of water. Eliminating stagnant water is crucial to reducing their population. Fall: Preparing for Winter As temperatures drop, pests search for warm indoor spaces. Key actions include: ● Inspecting for winter rodent entry points ● Sealing attic vents, crawl spaces, and foundation gaps ● Cleaning storage areas to minimize hiding spots ● Checking chimney and fireplace openings Quick Fact: Rodents can enter homes through openings as small as ¼ inch. Seasonal Pest Checklist for Homeowners Creating a structured seasonal pest checklist simplifies preventive measures and ensures nothing is overlooked. Season Key Actions Spring Inspect for termites, seal exterior gaps, clean gutters, and check compost Summer Repair screens, trim vegetation, remove standing water, and secure food Fall Seal entry points, inspect attic/crawlspace, clear debris, and prepare storage Winter Monitor indoor activity, keep firewood away from walls, and maintain traps Inspection & Maintenance Tips ● Schedule annual pest inspections by professional Virginia pest control consultation to detect hidden problems ● Keep a log of pest sightings and treatment dates ● Regularly replace weather stripping and caulk cracks Note: Even small preventive steps, when consistently applied, drastically reduce infestations. Common Pests and Their Seasonal Behaviors Understanding how different pests behave each season helps homeowners take timely action to protect their property. ● Ants and Termites: Ants emerge in spring seeking food, while termites become active and can damage wood unnoticed. Early detection is critical. ● Rodents and Mice: Fall and winter increase rodent intrusions. Block all entry points and keep food sealed. ● Mosquitoes and Flies: Summer creates the ideal breeding environment for mosquitoes. Eliminate standing water and use physical barriers like nets. ● Spiders and Other Insects: Seasonal shifts cause spiders to move indoors. Regular vacuuming and decluttering reduce hiding spots. Eco-Friendly Prevention Methods ● Use natural repellents like peppermint oil or diatomaceous earth ● Encourage beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, to reduce pest populations ● Plant pest-deterring plants near home boundaries, like marigolds or lavender Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Adopt an IPM approach by combining physical barriers, monitoring, and environmentally safe treatments. This minimizes chemical use while maintaining a pest-free home. Quote: “Prevention is the most effective form of pest control.” – National Pest Management Association Seasonal Pest Prevention Tools ● Snap traps and humane rodent traps ● Sticky traps for insects ● Outdoor perimeter sprays (eco-friendly) ● Moisture meters to detect early termite or mold problems Pro Tip: Keep tools organized and accessible to act quickly when pest activity is noticed. Planning: Annual Pest Calendar Month Recommended Action March-April Spring pest prevention tips: Inspect, seal, clean gutters June-July Summer pest prevention guide: Screens, standing water, food storage September Seasonal pest checklist: Seal entries, declutter, prep storage November Winter rodent entry points: Monitor indoors, maintain traps Key Takeaways ● Seasonal awareness prevents infestations and property damage ● Consistent inspections and maintenance are essential ● Simple eco-friendly measures can significantly reduce pests ● Use a structured checklist and calendar for effective prevention Conclusion Homeowners who stay proactive and follow spring pest prevention tips, along with year-round monitoring, ensure their properties remain safe and comfortable. Using a summer pest prevention guide, checking winter rodent entry points, and maintaining a seasonal pest checklist ensure your home remains safe and comfortable. Remember to combine inspections, physical barriers, and environmentally friendly methods for the best results. FAQs Q1: How often should I perform a termite inspection? A1: Conduct inspections annually, especially in spring, to detect early signs of termite activity and prevent extensive damage. Q2: Can pests enter my home during winter? A2: Yes, rodents and insects seek warmth and shelter indoors. Sealing entry points and monitoring for activity is crucial. Q3: What is the most effective eco-friendly method for pest prevention? A3: Using natural repellents, encouraging beneficial insects, and eliminating water sources effectively reduces pest populations without chemicals. Ensure your home is ready for every season. Schedule a professional Virginia pest control consultation or a termite inspection in Suffolk, VA, today and stay ahead of potential infestations.

A contrasting palette of grey concrete pavers meanders through the backyard of this Casey Key residence. The floating fence panels provide privacy while offering glimpses of the gulf frontage beyond. The opposing angle of each panel creates a visual chevron pattern.

3D rendering prepared for potential buyers of a new condominium development in Philadelphia.
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern master white tile and stone tile porcelain tile freestanding bathtub remodel in San Francisco with a vessel sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, wood countertops and brown walls