John and Lynn's kitchen original kitchen had honey oak raised panel cabinetry. The typical 1990s floor plan had a u-shaped work area, a lack of pantry cabinets, and a small countertop desk area that went unused. Additionally, the countertop peninsula caused two problems. It prevented access to the dinette table and it contained the dishwasher. Having the dishwasher in the peninsula meant that when it was open,it prevented them from using the kitchen sink.

With the interplay of 304 Stainless Steel and Teak Wood, the Vogue Sideboard combines traditional craftsmanship and modern design. Constructed with a stainless steel frame, door pulls, hinges, and solid teak panels, its bold clean lines complement any style. It provides abundant space for outdoor storage needs, from tableware and cushions to pool accessories and towels, while keeping contents dry and readily available. The Vogue Sideboard easily doubles as a serving station. Part of the Vogue Collection Sikaflex, a high-grade polyurethane sealant, caulked between the slats provides a bold nautical sense of style while preventing any liquids from seeping through. Plastic glides on the stainless steel legs prevent scratches on any surface, indoors or out. Crafted with SVLK Certified Grade A Teak harvested from sustainable plantations in Indonesia, and stainless steel. Every piece is precision manufactured to standard specifications for commercial and residential use.

A rectangle pool with an internal sundeck providing an area for lounging, enjoying a cocktail, and keeping cooThe Opulence, an ever trending rectangle pool with a custom sundeck in the shallow end provides ample space for children and adults to cool off while still catching sun rays. (The steps and sundeck span the width of the pool). This pool also encompasses a custom bench in the deep end of the pool. This pool also boasts an auto cover, which provides safety for children and pets and encloses heat for late night swims. The auto cover also prevents leaves and other debris from falling into the pool, which reduces the upkeep of the pool significantly. The perimeter of this pool is the highly sought after Norwegian Buff perfectly complimented by Bluestone Coping. This yard also has a custom pool house, conversational lounge area, and lounge chaises proving the perfect outdoor entertaining space. The luscious greenery, vibrant plants, and patio stepping stones, create a secret garden like feel in Essex County. l on a scorching summer day. This pool also encompasses a custom bench in the deep end of the pool. This pool also boasts an auto cover, which provides safety for children and pets and encloses heat for late night swims. The auto cover also prevents leaves and other debris from falling into the pool, which reduces the upkeep of the pool significantly. The perimeter of this pool is the highly sought after Norwegian Buff perfectly complimented by Bluestone Coping. This yard also has a custom pool house, conversational lounge area, and lounge chaises proving the perfect outdoor entertaining space. The luscious greenery, vibrant plants, and patio stepping stones, create a secret garden like feel in Essex County.

2010 NARI CAPITAL COTY MERIT AWARD WINNER Baby boomers residing in this single-family colonial in Mclean, Virginia, wanted to make big changes indoors and out. First, they were tired of their back yard and old wooden deck. The neighboring lot sloped steeply downward, creating significant run-off that prevented any semblance of a lawn or landscaping from taking hold. Worse, it prevented the couple from letting their grandchildren or dog out to play. To address the issue, Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes excavated their entire yard so it was level. Then they designed and built a 5’ x 40’ retaining wall covered with ledger stone to separate the lots, installing an underground drainage system to keep runoff away from a new flagstone patio and surrounding plants and shrubs. Above the stone patio is a large no-maintenance deck reached via a wide stairway with matching railing. A 12’ x 18’ screened in porch sits to one side featuring cedar beaded ceiling panels and French doors that lead into the home’s dining room. Highlighting the interior renovations is a new gourmet kitchen with a custom-made wood cabinets and exotic granite countertops. The room’s focal point is a large island with a two-tier countertop and bar seating. Professional-grade stainless steel appliances include a gas cooktop, double-wall ovens, built-in microwave and dishwasher and large refrigerator. Other features include a porcelain tile floor, tile backsplash and a tray ceiling. A new master bathroom features floor-to-ceiling cabinets, a dark marble countertop and his and hers sinks. Contrasting light-colored marble floor and wall tile leads to a glass-enclosed shower. An adjoining walk-in closet completes the design.

AirField installed an AirPave grass fire lane for their porous flexible paving at Baptist Trinity Residential Hospice, creating a beautiful, functional, ecological friendly solution to facility access. An installation of an AirField Systems grass fire lane at Baptist Trinity Residential Hospice brings green building benefits and incredible strength to a beautiful new facility. A time lapse photo series highlight the installation process of the 6,747 PSI sand filled 100% recycled geocell technology, providing the strength of asphalt and concrete while relieving some of the burden of costly storm sewers and drainage. This new installation highlights the benefits of paving with grass, as well as the comparative ease of installation. Concrete and asphalt surfaces occupy twice the area of buildings and are the most detrimental to clean water. Concrete and asphalt surfaces dominate the landscape of our urban environments and prevent rainwater from being filtered naturally. They send harmful polluted water straight into our streams, rivers and lakes. In urban America, concrete and asphalt pavements produce two thirds of our excess water runoff. They are responsible for significant hydrocarbon pollutants on our ground and in our water, causing ground water decline, and resulting in local water shortages. These concrete and asphalt surfaces also create huge increases in temperature known as the urban “heat island effect”. The pollution caused by impervious surfaces deteriorate the quality of our storm water runoff and create large overflows that our storm sewer systems cannot handle. It is also important to realize that the urban forest force is drastically diminishing, causing CO2 levels to rise, which in turn causes global warming. With all the negative influences of impervious pavements now is the time to turn our attention to alternatives for the benefit of the environment. From fire lanes, overflow, and event parking, to temporary and stadium parking, reinforced grass parking systems deliver the same strength and durability of asphalt and concrete without the negative affects mentioned above. These incredibly strong geocells reinforce grass parking, prevent rutting from traffic, protect turf roots, and promote beautiful grass. Reinforced grass parking structures, also know as grass pavements, enhance the environment by naturally filtering auto and truck liquids such as oil drippings, antifreeze overflows and many other leaks and spills. They also help with air pollutants after they have been knocked to the ground by rainwater and greatly reduce hot surface temperatures thus fighting global warming and the “heat island effect”. Grass pavements allow our groundwater to be naturally replenished, the roots of trees to breathe, and they help our streams and rivers flow cleanly in dry hot summers. A large part of the solution to urban environmental problems is under our feet. By paying appropriate attention to the everyday materials on which we walk and drive, we can replenish renewable resources, restore the natural regenerative processes, and produce a cleaner, healthier, safer, more sustainable world in which we must live. Porous pavements are potentially the most important development in urban watersheds since the invention of storm sewers. By routing rainwater directly into the earth as nature intended, the need for costly storm water structures can be drastically reduced. Reinforced grass parking has built in permeable spaces through which water and air can pass. Although some porous paving materials are nearly indistinguishable from nonporous materials in construction and superficial appearance, their environmental effects are qualitatively exponential. They allow air, water and heat to dissipate into the environment naturally helping to save the planet. AirField reinforced grass parking provides beauty and comfort, and with the unbeatable price and performance of AirDrain you can’t go wrong. AirDrain is the reinforced grass pave system the industry has trusted for years !!! Airfield Systems, LLC 8028 North May Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73120 405-359-3775 Installer – GREENPRO Landscapes Kevin James 9847 Stewart Rd Arlington, TN 38002

Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Residential $30,000-$60,000 Award Level: Silver Project Description: Our company was contracted to do a master plan for the family who was in desperate need of a rear yard renovation. The existing lawn area remained saturated throughout most of the year and the runoff from the neighboring property ran across their back yard, down the side of their property and all the way to the sidewalk in front of their house. The water was so intense that it had begun to cut through the back yard and erode the soil across the sidewalk and into the nearby storm drain. By identifying these drainage problems and discussing solutions with the homeowner, we were able to design and create the aesthetically pleasing and sustainable solution of a rain garden. The goal was to slow down storm water runoff, and catch pollution and sediment by creating a rain garden that acts as a filter prior to entering the storm drain, while enhancing the aesthetics of the property. The rain garden created was a shallow depression, 12 - 16" deep that collects rainfall runoff from all downspouts of the home and water collected into perforated pipes underneath the lawn area. The perforated pipe begins at the highest elevation in the yard and ends in the rain garden, the new lowest elevation that has been excavated down to an 8" depth. The perforated pipe captures the runoff water and allows the water to seep slowly back into the ground as it runs across the property and into the garden. The garden was lined with a geotextile filter fabric to aide in removing contaminants from the water, prevent migration of the stone in to the soil, and minimalize maintenance. A large variety of plant material was chosen, focusing mainly on native wetland species for their tolerance of our local soil types, moisture conditions and the habitat they provide for wildlife. The garden was abundant with native wildlife and was a sustainable ecosystem for birds and butterflies upon completion of the project. After planting, we arranged decorative stone throughout the garden to slow the flow of water and help prevent erosion. The combination of vegetative and stone surfaces provides temporary storage for runoff before the water either evaporates or infiltrates the soil. The surrounding beds throughout the property were also all amended with compost and replanted with plants that work in harmony with the rain garden. The front, side, and rear yards are a beautiful display of colors that bloom throughout the seasons and the plants throughout the entire property provide food and shelter for native wildlife. The rear yard that was once a muddy play space for the kids is now a dry lawn space that can be utilized by the family and their neighbors. This multi­ functional garden has become the focal point of the residence. Photo Credit: Terren Landscapes

$799.99 Low-Pro. The Eago TB340 boasts a super unique lo-profile tank design which is hidden beneath the porcelain cover. The deep lid hides the seat away from view while matching the tank profile for the most modern toilet look ever. Every EAGO toilet features ULTRAGLAZE which created a super smooth ionized barrier that prevents bacteria, mold, and debris from adhering to ceramic surfaces. ULTRAGLAZE lines the trap channels of the toilet to prevent blockages and naturally assist with flushing. EAGO’s EASY-FIT rough-in adapter system simplifies the installation process of the skirted designed toilet. Model TB340 One-Piece Siphonic Dual Flush Toilet Water Consumption: 1.6 GPF / 6 LPF Rough-In: 12″ / 305mm Certification: cUPC / WaterSense Size: 29 3/8″ x 16 3/4″ x 5/8″ Eago Toilets | Modern Bathware Inc. | eago@modernbathware.com | 416-561-2430 or Toll Free 1-800-492-3980

Next Door Photos Lakeshore
Exterior home photo in Grand Rapids

This beautiful cedar gate was built using Coastal Bronze's Bronze Gate Hardware. 20-330 Bronze Band Hinges with Bronze Pintles (20-250). They have a lockable barrel bolt (80-200) for security, with a 40-300 Bronze Thumb Latch and a Bronze Drop Bar (50-100) for opening and closing, with a Bronze Gate Stop (50-250) to prevent gate damaging the hardware. And last but not least a Bronze Cane Bolt (80-100) to keep the gate closed during weather and to prevent unauthorized opening. Just like this gate, we can do any custom Bronze design, check us out at www.coastalbronze.com

Glass stairs are incomparable to any other stairs. Whether textured or clear, cast glass images provides stunning glass stair treads that will accentuate your home. Custom glass guardrails or glass handrails also add sophistication to your space. Featured texture is "CGI Coating" which is part of the slip prevention glass type exclusive to Cast Glass Images. (Slip Prevention glass is a custom permanent glass surface application that increases the amount of friction on a glass surface.) Glass color is low iron.

Ann Betten
Photo of a traditional landscaping in Baltimore.

The farm coop features an indoor coop and storage shed area with a predator proof run. Coop measures 12'L X 7'D X 10.5' H @ peak, run measures 7' W X 16' D X 7.5' T. Features an elevated floor, 6 clear story light widows, center clear story windows open to allow venting in summer months. A 24 x 30 double pain window on side, inside divider for coop/storage area, two 2x4 perches for cold weather foot protection. Electrical supply to water to prevent from freezing. Also allows for heat lamp when temperatures go below 25 degrees. Coop is generally not heated. Lamp takes the bitter cold out. Built from traditional siding on pressure treated frame set on two 6x8 beams so entire coop can be moved with a tractor to re-locate. Not a tractor coop. Galvanized corrugated roofing on coop and run. Run 1/2" galvanized wire is buried 8" below grade to prevent predators from digging into run.

This is a Techo Bloc product call 'Tundra. It is beautiful solution to prevent cars from parking on the grass, and prevents water run-off from the street from flowing into the yard.

Exterior Painters Tip: Get Rid Of Ice Dams read more https://soperfectpaint.com/exterior-painters-tip-get-rid-of-ice-dams/ #exteriorpainter #housepainter #painteratlanta #paintcontractor #commercialpainter #residentialpainter #housepainteratlanta #exteriorpainteratlanta #interiorpainter #MondayTips

Ann Betten
Inspiration for a traditional landscaping in Baltimore.

All adorne outlets include a tamper-resistant design featuring a patented shutter system, keeping children safe by preventing them from pushing small objects into the outlet. The shutters are molded a dark color that they fade into the background while keeping users safe. Patented shutter system helps prevent improper insertion of foreign objects. Configuration easily supports two plugs and offers the capacity of a standard outlet. Easy "1-for-1" installation lets you simply replace your existing outlet in just minutes. Fits in your existing electrical box and does not require new wires for typical installation. Innovative assembly and snap-in system make it fast and simple to install. ARTR152M4

Follow along as the Pontz boys start building a disappearing waterfall of EPIC proportions from a drab old feature. This project included removal of existing pondless waterfall, setting the rocks aside, removing the liner and plumbing and install all new mechanical components, liner, underlayment and rebuild the feature in a similar design that existed. The stream bed was excavated deeper to retain the water and prevent leaks. Various larger boulders were used to help retain the feature and prevent long-term movement. The bottom basin was constructed using aquablox instead of rock to allow for more water storage. The existing landscape lights were reinstalled and the feature was freshly mulched for a neat, finished appearance.

All brands of polymeric sand are NOT equal. Don’t waste money on inferior quality polymeric sand that will cause surface hazing or wash away during a heavy rain. Your brick paver patio, walkway or driveway deserves the best finish possible. Many types of polymeric sand rely on Portland cement, which often causes hazing, & cracking. Portland cement does not surpass a cohesion threshold that will prevent rain or strong wind from causing washout of the sand. All Surface Restoration has tested every major brand of polymeric sand on the market in Michigan’s climate for cohesion, adhesion & set up. The most durable, longest lasting type of polymeric sand is Poly Sweep. Poly Sweep is a different blend of sands with high quality synthetic polymers specially formulated to allow joints to expand & contract with extreme freeze thaw cycles common in Michigan. No sealer is required to keep the sand hard & stable. Poly Sweep Polymeric Sand has an advanced clear set technology, which uses high quality clear polymers that don’t leave a white haze. Poly Sweep proved it had a significantly stronger set up than ALL other brands. It reduces overall maintenance by inhibiting weed growth & deterring insects. Salt & deicing chemicals do not affect performance. Poly Sweep is available in Tan or Gray to blend with the color of your brick pavers. Searching for solution to prevent weeds, moss & water penetration in brick pavers in Michigan? Contact the paver maintenance experts at All Surface Restoration to request a free estimate today on cleaning & installing Poly Sweep Polymeric Sand. Michigan residents request a free estimate at: www.surfacerestoration.com/contact or call 248-475-0004

Sometimes great things come from small things and this entryway project was exactly like that. This very small yet interesting project started almost by accident. Entryway TileI had completed a tile job a few months before and had some high quality porcelain tile left over. It was nice tile so I was hesitant to toss it out but after moving the pile around my shop for several months I finally decided to throw it away. While loading my pickup with miscellaneous construction garbage – and this great tile – one of my neighbors stopped by for a chat about some of my recent projects. I showed him the great left over tile that I was throwing away and asked him if he had any interest in taking it off my hands – for free. He said he was actually thinking about replacing his existing tile landing at his house because although it had been redone just a few years ago, it had cracked. We went over and took a look at his landing and decided the scrap tile might be a perfect solution. tile floorI told my neighbor “you come up with any design you want, and I’ll bring that to life.” He came up with an idea and sketched out the idea within a couple of days. As soon as I looked at the sketches, I knew it was going to be a very challenging project, but I also knew it would be a rewarding project I would be proud to put the Corvus name on. We took the final sketch and imported it into a graphics design program to make the focal point of the design work within the existing space and fine tune the look of the project to fit the available space of the entryway. This was going to be a highly customized undertaking that was going to be all about the details. Because every tile had to be custom cut, I printed out the final design from the program to create a stencil to trace the outline on each tile. After all of the painstaking tile cutting, I laid it out in a mock-up on the entry floor. Then we were ready to overcome our next challenge – the flexing and moving sub floor. The existing tile landing that we were replacing had been installed just a few years earlier but had already cracked down the center. This fracture made me realize that we needed to find a way to somehow decouple the substrate from the finished tile surface to prevent the same problem from cropping up again. tile floor entrywayI decided to go with a Schluter-DITRA™ tile underlay for this job. Working with DITRA™ was surprisingly simple. The only thing you need to remember is to use unmodified thinset mortar when setting tile over this substrate, because modified thinset would take a very long time to cure. We also decided to use QuartzLock™ urethane grout for the floor because it expands and contracts when the floor flexes under foot traffic and could help prevent future cracking. In the end the project came out great! My neighbor is thrilled and can’t wait to show it off to anyone that stops by. This is a great example of how custom work can really amp up the appeal of your home and how a small change can make a big difference in the look of your home.