Built for the Bluff, A Sea Ranch Home is Remade from the Inside Out The house had always been grounded, on an ocean bluff at The Sea Ranch. It sits unencumbered, adjacent to one of the most dramatic stretches of the Sonoma coast with protected commons meadow to the east, uninterrupted Pacific views to the west, and a bluff trail running alongside. What it lacked was the feeling of home, one that could hold up its own against the natural landscape. The owners are entrepreneurs with deep involvement across tech, real estate, and development and they know how things are built. The Sea Ranch house had been in their lives for years, a second residence and a place for family to gather. Built for a different time, it felt more compromising than comfortable. Sitting in a closed off nook, the kitchen fit one cook at a time and turned its back on the rest of the house. The entry was dim and compressed, divided by a structural column that presented itself at exactly the wrong moment. The primary suite was small relative to the view outside it. A large rear bedroom sat behind a lowered ceiling with a bathroom that had never been added. The house was certainly worth the trouble of doing it right. What followed was not one project but four, each with its own design challenge, each addressed over a period of time. Where the House Meets the Ocean The most complex piece of the project, in both structural and spatial terms, was the kitchen expansion. The existing room was a single-person galley squeezed in as an afterthought with no meaningful connection to the dining room, the living space, or the deck outside. To make it useful for a family that cooks and gathers, it needed to grow outward into an existing patio and flow into the rooms around it. A big challenge was the roofline. Several planes at different pitches and angles converged directly where additional volume was needed. A new form had to join that geometry without reading as a correction. The solution found the simplest possible connection between the existing angles, a roofline that from outside the structure, appears entirely original. From the bluff trail where the addition is visible, there is no discernible seam. Inside, the kitchen is now open to the living and dining rooms without interruption. A large sliding glass door connects the space onto the rear deck. The deck itself was expanded and oriented so that the body of the house shields it from the coastal wind which is a common consideration that determines whether outdoor space at The Sea Ranch actually gets used. The result is a room that works for large family gatherings where no one feels cutoff, and one that makes the boundary between being inside and outside easy to ignore. Welcoming Light A structural column stood at the convergence of eight distinct roof planes in the entry. It was load-bearing, but it was also the reason the entry had always felt like a hallway rather than a welcoming arrival. With the structural engineer, a custom steel connector was designed to receive beams from six separate directions, redistributing the load through a single new continuous beam. The column was surgically removed. Three triangular skylights were then cut into the roof above, their shapes drawn from the existing geometry of the planes around them. The entry is now bright and open. The skylights feel native to the structure because they follow the logic already present in the roof. Two Suites, Two Views At opposite ends of the house, the two bedroom suites were each reconfigured, and each found a different way to introduce more of the landscape into the room. An addition to the primary suite extended the structure outward to create a wraparound plan with a loop from the bedroom through bath and closet that had not been possible before. The expansion opened a slot view from the tub and shower toward the ocean. The view is precise and private. The ocean view is present and deliberate. The rear bedroom absorbed an adjacent storage room to transform it into a full second suite with a vaulted ceiling, a large bathroom with a tub, a shower, and a sauna. A private fenced garden courtyard sits just beyond the glass bringing the outdoors inside. The tub was placed so that, looking past the courtyard and through the bedroom beyond, the ocean is visible at the far end. It is a long view and it makes the room feel larger and more settled than its footprint would suggest. Glass on Four Sides, Fire at the Center The main living and gathering room had always been caught between two competing facts: glass on four sides meant exceptional views but at The Sea Ranch, it also meant a cold room. A 360-degree cylindrical fireplace was added at the center on a raised stone base, providing radiant heat in every direction and giving the room a focal point around which a group naturally orients itself, whether that means two people at the end of the day or the whole family after dinner. Owners Who Picked Up the Tools The owner was not a passive client. they came with construction knowledge, specific ideas, and the desire to be an active part of the process, a dynamic that other architects may had found difficult, which Klopf Architecture accepted as an asset. They took it upon themselves to complete some of the work during construction, including the installation of a new radiant heating system beneath the floors. The radiant system added to the older and less-desirable forced-air setup. At The Sea Ranch, that change matters as the house sits close enough to the ocean and moving air competes with the sound of it, where radiant heat does not. Solar panels were added to the roof as part of the new system. Insulation was upgraded throughout the walls, roof, and crawl space. The house that had always had the right setting now holds warmth the way a house on the bluff should. They were also deeply involved in the design and selections throughout, and the finished house reflects both of them in ways that are specific rather than generic. The process took longer and moved through more iterations than a more arms-length relationship might have allowed. The result is more defined and personal because of it. The Landscape Holds Priority Every exterior decision was shaped by The Sea Ranch Design Standards, which require that buildings defer to the landscape around them rather than compete with it. Because this house sits on the bluff and is visible from the public trail, the additions faced a close review. Existing materials were matched. Geometries were resolved. The additions had to become indistinguishable from the original building. From the trail, the house reads exactly as it always has — low, cedar-clad, secondary to the meadow and the water. The setting holds priority. Inside, the house has been remade. Klopf Architecture Project Team: Geoff Campen and Trenton Jewett
Contractor: Shawn Bettega Construction
Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed
Year Completed: 2023
Location: The Sea Ranch, CA

Add a frame to your existing bathroom mirror in just minutes. The do-it-yourself frame kit is easy to install on your pre-existing mirror. It'll transform your builder's grade mirror and add quality, custom detailing to the room and is designed to cover the clips that hold your mirror. It also covers the de-silvering edge in the process. See all 65+ frames styles available and order samples to help pick the right look for your room. This customer chose Broadway Brushed Chrome for their frame. What a completed look it creates.

Your front door is your best defender. It protects you, your family, and your most valuable personal belongings from theft and damage. Furthermore, VDom Doors insulate your home from extreme weather conditions, as well as unwanted animals, insects, and dust from entering. Due to its versatility, metal-plastic entrance doors are perfect for both private houses and shops, offices and administrative buildings. Our doors have several superior features: - Metal-plastic doors – lighter (around 120lbs for a door unit) than iron and steel doors, but no less strong and reliable! Scratch and impact resistance, easy of care and environmentally friendly - In principle, we use only all-welded reinforcement, 1/10" thick (!) for the entrance doors. Such reinforcement is a necessary condition for real burglary resistance. - We use an aluminum threshold with a special thermal insert that cuts off the cold from the room. We also complete with an amplifier to securely fix the bottom of the door and cut off the cold. - 1 1/4" thick HPL sandwich panel, consists of foamed extruded Styrofoam, with rigid PVC overlays high pressure on both sides. - Energy savings double-glazed safety windows. - Stiffening Ribs: These non-visible details add to our door's security. - Quality insulation serves to reduce unwanted external noise, as well as protect against extreme heat, and severe cold. Introducing the Manux collection of modern metal-plastic doors in a sleek matte black color. These doors are expertly crafted from durable metal-plastic material and feature European roller hinges and an aluminum threshold, ensuring both longevity and security for your home. The exterior design features stainless steel strips on the solid part and clear glass lines on the frosted glass panel, creating a bold and contemporary look that will enhance the curb appeal of any home. The matte black color provides a sophisticated and modern feel, perfect for those who want to make a statement with their entrance. The interior design also features stainless steel strips on the solid part and clear glass lines on the frosted glass panel, creating a cohesive and stylish look throughout the home. With the Manux collection, you can have both style and function. These modern front doors are perfect for homeowners who want to elevate the look of their home's exterior while also ensuring their property's safety and security. And with our easy ordering process and user-friendly website, you can have your new door delivered right to your doorstep. Upgrade your home's curb appeal and make a bold statement with the Manux collection of modern metal-plastic doors in sleek matte black with stainless steel strips and clear glass lines. Order yours today and experience the perfect combination of style and function. Model - 8088 Manux Core - Metal-plastic Color – Matte Black Door thickness - 2 1/3" Frame thickness – 2 1/3" Design – stainless steel strips on solid part; clear glass lines on frosted glass panel Swing direction – Inswing only – right or left Hardware included: - Metal-plastic 2 1/3" thick frame - Aluminum threshold. - European roller hinges (3D adjustment). - Handle set with lock Vorne and cylinder (5 keys included) - Sealants - 2 rows of seals protect against blowing.

As written in Northern Home & Cottage by Elizabeth Edwards Sara and Paul Matthews call their head-turning home, located in a sweet neighborhood just up the hill from downtown Petoskey, “a very human story.” Indeed it is. Sara and her husband, Paul, have a special-needs son as well as an energetic middle-school daughter. This home has an answer for everyone. Located down the street from the school, it is ideally situated for their daughter and a self-contained apartment off the great room accommodates all their son’s needs while giving his caretakers privacy—and the family theirs. The Matthews began the building process by taking their thoughts and needs to Stephanie Baldwin and her team at Edgewater Design Group. Beyond the above considerations, they wanted their new home to be low maintenance and to stand out architecturally, “But not so much that anyone would complain that it didn’t work in our neighborhood,” says Sara. “We were thrilled that Edgewater listened to us and were able to give us a unique-looking house that is meeting all our needs.” Lombardy LLC built this handsome home with Paul working alongside the construction crew throughout the project. The low maintenance exterior is a cutting-edge blend of stacked stone, black corrugated steel, black framed windows and Douglas fir soffits—elements that add up to an organic contemporary look. The use of black steel, including interior beams and the staircase system, lend an industrial vibe that is courtesy of the Matthews’ friend Dan Mello of Trimet Industries in Traverse City. The couple first met Dan, a metal fabricator, a number of years ago, right around the time they found out that their then two-year-old son would never be able to walk. After the couple explained to Dan that they couldn’t find a solution for a child who wasn’t big enough for a wheelchair, he designed a comfortable, rolling chair that was just perfect. They still use it. The couple’s gratitude for the chair resulted in a trusting relationship with Dan, so it was natural for them to welcome his talents into their home-building process. A maple floor finished to bring out all of its color-tones envelops the room in warmth. Alder doors and trim and a Doug fir ceiling reflect that warmth. Clearstory windows and floor-to-ceiling window banks fill the space with light—and with views of the spacious grounds that will become a canvas for Paul, a retired landscaper. The couple’s vibrant art pieces play off against modernist furniture and lighting that is due to an inspired collaboration between Sara and interior designer Kelly Paulsen. “She was absolutely instrumental to the project,” Sara says. “I went through two designers before I finally found Kelly.” The open clean-lined kitchen, butler’s pantry outfitted with a beverage center and Miele coffee machine (that allows guests to wait on themselves when Sara is cooking), and an outdoor room that centers around a wood-burning fireplace, all make for easy, fabulous entertaining. A den just off the great room houses the big-screen television and Sara’s loom— making for relaxing evenings of weaving, game watching and togetherness. Tourgoers will leave understanding that this house is everything great design should be. Form following function—and solving very human issues with soul-soothing style.

Earlier this year I was invited over to a property in the village of Silfield near Wymondham in Norfolk to inspect a Limestone tiled floor. Now I don’t usually quote my clients, but this is how the owner of the property had described the floor in the enquiry I received from Tile Doctor. “Grout Black, where tiles have divots, dirt is encased, plus no shine to floor, sealant non-existent.” The problems listed were quite comprehensive and having had chance to survey the floor we found them to be quite accurate and really could not disagree with her comments! The Limestone tiles had been laid throughout the Kitchen diner and it was clear the sealer had worn off completely allowing dirt to become ingrained in the Limestone tiles and especially the grout which had turned black. I understood from the owner that the grout lines should have been a pale cream colour rather than the black it was now, additionally the natural pitting in the Limestone was full of the same black contaminants. I ran a quick water test on the tiles to see if there was a seal present and it confirmed that if there had ever been one it was now completely compromised. The lack of sealer had allowed all liquid spills and dirt to soak straight into the tile making it dirty and exceedingly difficult to clean. A large birthday celebration party had been planned and our client was desperate for the floor to be brought back to life beforehand. Although I couldn’t start immediately due to other commitments, it was able to return in time to get the floor clean for the party. Our first job was to tackle the severe soiling trapped in the pits and grout lines. To do this a very strong dilution (2:1 ratio) of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean was applied to the floor and left to soak into the tile and grout for about 10 minutes. Then is was scrubbed into the tiles with help from a rotary buffer fitted with a soft/medium long-bristled nylon brush. The resulting slurry was then power rinsed with 60-degree hot water and extracted with our 400psi machine which jetted out all the black, oily contaminants from the grout and pits. The floor was speed dried with the assistance of a large air mover. Once dry to the touch our attention was turned to filling the now exposed pitts in the Limestone tiles and two cracks with an appropriately coloured fast cure epoxy compound. Having allowed the filler time to reach full hardness, we ground down the excess material with 100 and 200 grit hand burnishing blocks in preparation for the next stage. We find the best way to renovate the appearance of stone is to use a process called burnishing which hones the stone and beings up the polish. For this you need a set of 17-inch diamond encrusted burnishing pads. The pads fit the rotary buffer and are applied to the floor in sequence from 400, 800 and then 1500 grit using water to lubricate the process. The waster turns into a slurry as you work, and this is then rinsed off the floor with water after each pad and extracted using a wet vacuum. The floor was then left to dry thoroughly overnight with the assistance of our large capacity dehumidifier. Returning the following day, we thoroughly vacuumed the floor to remove any remaining powder and grit left from the previous day’s wet work before spray burnishing the surface with a Tile Doctor 3000-grit diamond pad. This last pad really beings up the polished appearance of the Limestone and gave the tiles a deep and rich shine. This last pad is applied without water and so leaves the floor dry and ready to for a new sealer to be applied. Our sealer of choice was Tile Doctor Ultra Seal, it’s a premium penetrating sealer that soaks into the pores of the stone protecting it from within. Ultra-Seal doesn’t alter the natural appearance of the stone giving it undetectable protection from staining. Having allowed the sealed floor to dry with the assistance of our air mover, the whole area was buffed using a white buffing pad and a small amount of finely sprayed water to remove any light smearing before vacuuming once again to finish. My client was delighted with the result and left the following feedback for us: “Totally renewed two flooring areas in our house to what looks like a recently laid floor. I have already had so many compliments without even telling people it had been professionally cleaned! Nick and Sue are always very easy to have about, inconspicuous and hard working. Absolutely delighted with the outcome and would recommend without hesitation. Thank you so much!” For aftercare cleaning I recommended Tile Doctor Stone Soap, its designed for cleaning polished stone floors and will help build-up the patina. It’s a neutral pH product so won’t prematurely erode the sealer like many tile cleaning products you find in supermarkets which are really sold for cleaning glazed ceramic tiles not sealed natural stone. Nick White Norfolk Tile Doctor

Built for the Bluff, A Sea Ranch Home is Remade from the Inside Out The house had always been grounded, on an ocean bluff at The Sea Ranch. It sits unencumbered, adjacent to one of the most dramatic stretches of the Sonoma coast with protected commons meadow to the east, uninterrupted Pacific views to the west, and a bluff trail running alongside. What it lacked was the feeling of home, one that could hold up its own against the natural landscape. The owners are entrepreneurs with deep involvement across tech, real estate, and development and they know how things are built. The Sea Ranch house had been in their lives for years, a second residence and a place for family to gather. Built for a different time, it felt more compromising than comfortable. Sitting in a closed off nook, the kitchen fit one cook at a time and turned its back on the rest of the house. The entry was dim and compressed, divided by a structural column that presented itself at exactly the wrong moment. The primary suite was small relative to the view outside it. A large rear bedroom sat behind a lowered ceiling with a bathroom that had never been added. The house was certainly worth the trouble of doing it right. What followed was not one project but four, each with its own design challenge, each addressed over a period of time. Where the House Meets the Ocean The most complex piece of the project, in both structural and spatial terms, was the kitchen expansion. The existing room was a single-person galley squeezed in as an afterthought with no meaningful connection to the dining room, the living space, or the deck outside. To make it useful for a family that cooks and gathers, it needed to grow outward into an existing patio and flow into the rooms around it. A big challenge was the roofline. Several planes at different pitches and angles converged directly where additional volume was needed. A new form had to join that geometry without reading as a correction. The solution found the simplest possible connection between the existing angles, a roofline that from outside the structure, appears entirely original. From the bluff trail where the addition is visible, there is no discernible seam. Inside, the kitchen is now open to the living and dining rooms without interruption. A large sliding glass door connects the space onto the rear deck. The deck itself was expanded and oriented so that the body of the house shields it from the coastal wind which is a common consideration that determines whether outdoor space at The Sea Ranch actually gets used. The result is a room that works for large family gatherings where no one feels cutoff, and one that makes the boundary between being inside and outside easy to ignore. Welcoming Light A structural column stood at the convergence of eight distinct roof planes in the entry. It was load-bearing, but it was also the reason the entry had always felt like a hallway rather than a welcoming arrival. With the structural engineer, a custom steel connector was designed to receive beams from six separate directions, redistributing the load through a single new continuous beam. The column was surgically removed. Three triangular skylights were then cut into the roof above, their shapes drawn from the existing geometry of the planes around them. The entry is now bright and open. The skylights feel native to the structure because they follow the logic already present in the roof. Two Suites, Two Views At opposite ends of the house, the two bedroom suites were each reconfigured, and each found a different way to introduce more of the landscape into the room. An addition to the primary suite extended the structure outward to create a wraparound plan with a loop from the bedroom through bath and closet that had not been possible before. The expansion opened a slot view from the tub and shower toward the ocean. The view is precise and private. The ocean view is present and deliberate. The rear bedroom absorbed an adjacent storage room to transform it into a full second suite with a vaulted ceiling, a large bathroom with a tub, a shower, and a sauna. A private fenced garden courtyard sits just beyond the glass bringing the outdoors inside. The tub was placed so that, looking past the courtyard and through the bedroom beyond, the ocean is visible at the far end. It is a long view and it makes the room feel larger and more settled than its footprint would suggest. Glass on Four Sides, Fire at the Center The main living and gathering room had always been caught between two competing facts: glass on four sides meant exceptional views but at The Sea Ranch, it also meant a cold room. A 360-degree cylindrical fireplace was added at the center on a raised stone base, providing radiant heat in every direction and giving the room a focal point around which a group naturally orients itself, whether that means two people at the end of the day or the whole family after dinner. Owners Who Picked Up the Tools The owner was not a passive client. they came with construction knowledge, specific ideas, and the desire to be an active part of the process, a dynamic that other architects may had found difficult, which Klopf Architecture accepted as an asset. They took it upon themselves to complete some of the work during construction, including the installation of a new radiant heating system beneath the floors. The radiant system added to the older and less-desirable forced-air setup. At The Sea Ranch, that change matters as the house sits close enough to the ocean and moving air competes with the sound of it, where radiant heat does not. Solar panels were added to the roof as part of the new system. Insulation was upgraded throughout the walls, roof, and crawl space. The house that had always had the right setting now holds warmth the way a house on the bluff should. They were also deeply involved in the design and selections throughout, and the finished house reflects both of them in ways that are specific rather than generic. The process took longer and moved through more iterations than a more arms-length relationship might have allowed. The result is more defined and personal because of it. The Landscape Holds Priority Every exterior decision was shaped by The Sea Ranch Design Standards, which require that buildings defer to the landscape around them rather than compete with it. Because this house sits on the bluff and is visible from the public trail, the additions faced a close review. Existing materials were matched. Geometries were resolved. The additions had to become indistinguishable from the original building. From the trail, the house reads exactly as it always has — low, cedar-clad, secondary to the meadow and the water. The setting holds priority. Inside, the house has been remade. Klopf Architecture Project Team: Geoff Campen and Trenton Jewett
Contractor: Shawn Bettega Construction
Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed
Year Completed: 2023
Location: The Sea Ranch, CA

Style and Quality at an amazing Value. Try Chicology Curtain Rods as the perfect complement to your new curtains or drapes. The finial designs and finishes are versatile without being plain, and allow you to create a stunning accent to your home. Each drapery rod is made of high quality 100% steel, and will be a lasting addition to your home décor update. Each curtain rod is flexible with a telescoping design. You can easily pick the range that will fit your windows, and it will be easy to install them to create the look you want. Install them wider and taller than your windows to create a more dramatic look. It will also prevent side lights from coming in by creating enhanced privacy and maximum coverage. They are available in 3 different width types: 24 to 48-inches, 48 to 86-inches, and 66 to 120-inches. For the larger two sizes (greater than 48 inches), additional center support bracket is included for more stability. Please note different styles come in either 3/4 inch diameter or 1 1/8 inch diameter. Installation is a very easy 3-step process of simply installing the brackets at their appropriate height and width – make sure they are level! They will of course work perfectly well with any type of curtains or drapery, from tailored pleats, pinch pleat, inverted pleat, grommet, goblet, rod pocket, back tab & tab top curtains. Check out Chicology Blinds & Shades, as they can be the perfect backdrop to your dramatic curtain overlay. Highly versatile, efortlessly operated, and sleek styled, Chicology Curtain Rods are ideal for all window coverings from living room, dining room, bedroom, office, pool house & sunroom.

The Home While looking for space where their active family could expand, these homeowners turned to Black Forest, with trees that remind them of their Indiana years. A stunning Pikes Peak view underscores how fortunate they are to live in Colorado. This home features classic nods to the owner’s French heritage while embracing a thoroughly of-the-moment Colorado lifestyle. Priorities for these homeowners included blending outdoor and indoor spaces wherever possible with generously proportioned windows and doors, porches, patios and balconies. A gracious lime-washed brick entry punctuates a simplified white stucco and black-frame-windowed exterior with traditional rooflines. Dramatic open spaces on the main floor comfortably accommodate the everyday activities of this busy family of four, while providing for welcomed visits from family and friends. A functional, open kitchen is designed for serious cooking, a butler’s pantry for staples, and serveware storage and dining spaces that effortlessly host after-school snacking to multi-course meals. A main-level, Peak-view office comfortably supports working at home, complete with a beer cave and tasting nook for hosting fellow aficionados after work is done. Guests will find comfort and privacy in a ma in-level guestroom suite or sleepover fun in the built-in bunks of the expansive over-garage bonus room. This home is a true collaboration that blends the homeowner’s long-held vision of their ideal home brought to life by the builder’s vision and design/build process that achieves something truly…Warm and welcoming in the Forest. The Builder Stauffer & Sons Construction is a true Design-Build team creating some of the finest living spaces in the Pikes Peak region for over twenty years. We’ve developed an easy point-of-entry to the Design-Build process that begins with our very popular Conceptual Design and Budgeting Agreement. This affordable, low-commitment step provides answers to the early-stage questions of “what and how much?” With this critical information in place, a robust collaboration between client and builder ensues, resulting in a thoughtfully designed home that strikes a balance between size and scope and budget. The Interior Design Family, friends and soon-to-be friends are welcomed into this updated version of a French country farmhouse through a bricked archway and a solid arch-top entry door. Once inside, a sweeping gallery of windows adorned with flower-filled window boxes sets a nice foreground to the ponderosa pine forest. A great room with a two-story, lime-washed, brick fireplace sits juxtaposed to a cozy farm-styled kitchen with large island, plenty of storage and a Pikes Peak view. This family home features a simple, clean design with warm, wooden beams and solid, white-oak flooring. This home is designed to be lived in. Wherever you go, downstairs, upstairs or out on the porch, this home wraps around you and is a delightful place to enjoy.

Laundry rooms and mudrooms can be a headache for many homeowners. They are usually cramped with poor functionality and little storage space. Joe and Kristin suffered all those aches and more, as their laundry room lacked clothing storage. Shoes were crammed in every corner. There was nowhere to fold clothes without taking them to the kitchen. They were ready for a complete laundry room remodel project. Joe and Kristin interviewed several local remodeling companies but didn’t connect with anyone who could understand their vision. During the summer, when they were attending their son’s race venue, they noticed fellow kart racers Todd and Christine Jurs’ sponsor banner for their remodeling company, Advance Design Studio. Immediately they were thrilled that they knew someone they trusted who could handle the renovation. “We wanted someone that we actually knew, who has a little bit more invested than an outside person that we don’t have any ties to,” Kristin said. Project Designer Nicole Ryan came to their home in Warrenville for the initial consultation. Kristin, an avid HGTV viewer, brought her ideas to Nicole. Throughout the design process, they worked together designing the space, selecting materials, and choosing colors. Nicole made sure to incorporate Kristin’s must-haves into the finished laundry room remodel. “It was really easy. Nicole made the transition very easy,” Kristin said of Nicole’s work in the design phase of the project. With the materials selected and the drawings finalized, it was time to begin construction. Kristin and Joe were impressed with how quickly and cleanly this phase went. “Everyone that came in was very respectful, very neat, and that was a big part for me because I didn’t want dust going through the rest of my house,” Kristin said. The new combination mudroom/laundry room is everything Kristin and Joe hoped. There is plenty of storage, three pull-out laundry hampers for presorting laundry, a large central island for folding clothes, a designated bar to hang dry, and even a unique rotating shoe rack to keep shoes from cluttering the space. “My rotating shoe rack,” Kristin said when asked what her favorite part of her new laundry room was. “We have four kids. We have a lot of shoes and sporting events. So it makes sense to have all that space for shoes.” The center island has an exceptional feature as well. It has wheels. Kristin wanted to be able to move the island out of the way for different functions in the room. An island with wheels can be placed wherever needed in the space. The two existing closets were reconfigured with built-in closet storage systems to make them more functional than before with shelves for baskets holding gloves and hats, umbrellas, and coats. “They love it,” Project Designer Nicole Ryan said. “They had a vision of how they wanted the space to function but didn’t know exactly how to get it there. My design took all their needs and used the most efficient products to get them the desired outcome. Tons of function, while still looking beautiful!” The “White” Hudson Panel Dura Supreme cabinetry on the perimeter brightens the space and contrasts the popular blue “Gale Force” Dura Supreme cabinetry of the rolling island. The black and white encaustic design porcelain tile backsplash adds visual interest to the room above the white quartz countertops. Additionally, an oil-rubbed bronze bar for hanging clothes is conveniently located above the washer/dryer, and a stainless-steel under-mount sink with a matching Kohler faucet offers perfect functionality. “I would definitely recommend Advance Design; they’ve been wonderful. They were so helpful. Any little changes we had, they were able to accommodate,” Kristin said.

The frame and parts are strenghtened with Mortise & Tenon joinery and finished with non toxic 5-step process. Urban trundle bed on caster for easy mobility makes it easy for providing extra sleeping surface for sleepovers. furniturenyc.net/product/metro-platform-bed-flat-panel-footboard-urban-trundle-bed-white

Add a frame to your existing bathroom mirror in just minutes. The do-it-yourself frame kit is easy to install on your pre-existing mirror. It'll transform your builder's grade mirror and add quality, custom detailing to the room and is designed to cover the clips that hold your mirror. It also covers the de-silvering edge in the process. See all 65+ frames styles available and order samples to help pick the right look for your room. This customer chose Cherokee Rustic in Old Vermont Grey.

Style and Quality at an amazing Value. Try Chicology Curtain Rods as the perfect complement to your new curtains or drapes. The finial designs and finishes are versatile without being plain, and allow you to create a stunning accent to your home. Each drapery rod is made of high quality 100% steel, and will be a lasting addition to your home décor update. Each curtain rod is flexible with a telescoping design. You can easily pick the range that will fit your windows, and it will be easy to install them to create the look you want. Install them wider and taller than your windows to create a more dramatic look. It will also prevent side lights from coming in by creating enhanced privacy and maximum coverage. They are available in 3 different width types: 24 to 48-inches, 48 to 86-inches, and 66 to 120-inches. For the larger two sizes (greater than 48 inches), additional center support bracket is included for more stability. Please note different styles come in either 3/4 inch diameter or 1 1/8 inch diameter. Installation is a very easy 3-step process of simply installing the brackets at their appropriate height and width – make sure they are level! They will of course work perfectly well with any type of curtains or drapery, from tailored pleats, pinch pleat, inverted pleat, grommet, goblet, rod pocket, back tab & tab top curtains. Check out Chicology Blinds & Shades, as they can be the perfect backdrop to your dramatic curtain overlay. Highly versatile, efortlessly operated, and sleek styled, Chicology Curtain Rods are ideal for all window coverings from living room, dining room, bedroom, office, pool house & sunroom.

Nautical-themed hybrid swimming pool with raised spa, sunshelf, slide, grotto, and pizza oven (September 2013) – Ask the Pool Guy and his team at Legendary Escapes recently unveiled the newest Legendary Escape, a stunning nautical-themed hybrid swimming pool. The hand-carved concrete waterfall, rock slide, and grotto are the focal point of this incredible project, and designer and builder Al Curtis has truly outdone himself this time. Behind the waterfall sits a grotto that seats 8-10 people comfortably. The waterfall, slide, and grotto area come complete with intricate details and additions that perfectly play into the project’s theme. An immense amount of creativity, talent, and skill is required to take ordinary materials like vinyl and concrete and turn them into the outstanding backyards that Curtis creates, but these details allow his creativity to shine in a different light. Curtis immerses himself completely in just one or two projects at a time, which allows him the opportunity to add those intricate details that take his extraordinary projects to the next level. Some of the details in the grotto area of this hybrid project include real ship portholes that open and close, as well as carvings and lanterns to add visual interest inside of the grotto. The project also includes a raised spillover spa and a sunshelf with a bubbling water feature. The sunshelf has steps leading into the main body of the pool, giving swimmers an easy entry point if they don’t feel the urge to jump off the top of the waterfall or take a ride down the hand-carved, hand-tiled slide. The shelf has just enough water to allow shallow wading or lounging, and the pebbled finish provides a perfect place to set a lounge chair without worrying about damaging the vinyl liner. With the spa nearby, this whole end of the pool is perfect for relaxing, talking, or watching the kids while they swim. This incredible hybrid swimming pool also includes a poolside pizza oven, so fresh, stone-fired pizza is never far away. The brick oven can cook a pizza in about 90 seconds, and produces authentic, outstanding pizzas. The homeowners have spent years perfecting their pizza crust and sauce recipes, as well as growing their own tomatoes and basil. The pizza oven adds another element of their own personality, and makes this project even more perfect for them. With a built-in countertop, it’s easy to get a couple of pies going at one time, or to prep ingredients for personal pizzas. The homeowners are very family-oriented and love to have friends and family over to their home. During the construction process, the Legendary Escapes crew met several friends and family members who stopped in for some quality time and to check out the progress of the pool. The finished product is a perfect place for entertaining, and it feels very comfortable and welcoming. With the sunshelf, spa, grotto, poolside seating, and the pool itself, there are plenty of different places to sit or soak and have conversations or splash around. Curtis is incredibly proud of this project, and he has high hopes for it. He was recently named a Master of Design by Pool & Spa News for a hybrid swimming pool he built in Brighton, MI. This new, nautical hybrid pool fits in beautifully with his portfolio, but also stands out as extraordinary. The team at Legendary Escapes anticipates positive feedback and recognition for this project, and looks forward to building more swimming pools that push the envelope and wow clients and fans.

The Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU was designed and built to remain resilient in the face of natural disasters. Fortunately, the same great building strategies and design that provide resilience also provide a home that is incredibly comfortable and healthy while also visually stunning. This home’s journey began with a desire to design and build a house that meets the rigorous standards of Passive House. Before beginning the design/ construction process, the homeowners had already spent countless hours researching ways to minimize their global climate change footprint. As with any Passive House, a large portion of this research was focused on building envelope design and construction. The wall assembly is combination of six inch Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs) and 2x6 stick frame construction filled with blown in insulation. The roof assembly is a combination of twelve inch SIPs and 2x12 stick frame construction filled with batt insulation. The pairing of SIPs and traditional stick framing allowed for easy air sealing details and a continuous thermal break between the panels and the wall framing. Beyond the building envelope, a number of other high performance strategies were used in constructing this home and ADU such as: battery storage of solar energy, ground source heat pump technology, Heat Recovery Ventilation, LED lighting, and heat pump water heating technology. In addition to the time and energy spent on reaching Passivhaus Standards, thoughtful design and carefully chosen interior finishes coalesce at the Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU into stunning interiors with modern farmhouse appeal. The result is a graceful combination of innovation, durability, and aesthetics that will last for a century to come. Despite the requirements of adhering to some of the most rigorous environmental standards in construction today, the homeowners chose to certify both their main home and their ADU to Passive House Standards. From a meticulously designed building envelope that tested at 0.62 ACH50, to the extensive solar array/ battery bank combination that allows designated circuits to function, uninterrupted for at least 48 hours, the Twin Peaks Passive House has a long list of high performance features that contributed to the completion of this arduous certification process. The ADU was also designed and built with these high standards in mind. Both homes have the same wall and roof assembly ,an HRV, and a Passive House Certified window and doors package. While the main home includes a ground source heat pump that warms both the radiant floors and domestic hot water tank, the more compact ADU is heated with a mini-split ductless heat pump. The end result is a home and ADU built to last, both of which are a testament to owners’ commitment to lessen their impact on the environment.

Wolf 30" E Series Contemporary Convection Steam Oven Black | CSO30CM Available at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center | uakc.com Easy-access water tank: The oven’s large water tank provides 90 minutes of continuous steam cooking. Thoughtfully designed, it can be refilled when needed without opening the oven door and interrupting the cooking process. Largest interior capacity: More than 25 percent larger than similar units, large enough to roast a 15-pound turkey, Wolf’s steam oven lets you prepare larger items and even multiple dishes at once. Design flexibility: Install the unit flush with cabinetry to seamlessly integrate it into your kitchen design. And since the unit isn’t plumbed, it can be installed anywhere without requiring special water lines. 10 cooking modes: Precisely control heat, steam and airflow for the best results with any dish with 10 cooking modes: Steam, Reheat, Auto Steam Bake, Convection, Convection Humid, Convection Steam, Gourmet, Slow Roast, Recipes, and Keep Warm. Steam mode: Steam mode heats with steam and hot air, achieving a temperature range from 85°F-210°F. From vegetables, poultry and fish to grains, beans, pasta and egg dishes, gentle steam heat is ideal for capturing nutrition, color and flavor. Reheat mode: Reheat mode uses steam and hot air to rehydrate food gently. Using convection and the right amount of moisture, Reheat mode warms one to four pans of food evenly and without drying with a temperature range from 210°F to 300°F. Auto Steam Bake mode: By heating with steam first, then using convection heat to finish, bagels, breads, buns, rolls and pastries acquire a tender interior and a natural shine without the need for brushing with an egg wash. Auto Steam Bake mode temperatures range from 210°F to 445°F. Convection mode: A fan circulates hot air from a heating element at the back of the oven to distribute heat evenly around food for consistent results and browning. Convection mode temperatures range from 85°F to 445°F. Convection Humid mode: In Convection Humid mode, a heating element at the back of the oven produces heat and oven ventilation is sealed so that moisture produced during cooking remains in the oven. Convection Humid temperatures range from 85°F to 445°F. Convection Steam mode: Use Convection Steam for any foods you want to be tender inside and roasted or crisped outside. Convection steam mode temperatures range from 85°F to 445°F. Gourmet mode: Gourmet mode uses a climate sensor to adjust time, temperature and humidity for ideal results with no guesswork. Slow Roast mode: Slow Roast mode is an ultimate convenience. Insert the probe into your prepared meat, select a slow roast setting for the dish you're preparing, tell the oven what time you want it done, and come home to a perfectly cooked meal. Recipes mode: Use Recipes mode and the collection of built-in recipes to harness the power of the oven's many different cooking modes to easily cook entire meals from appetizers and entrees to desserts. Keep Warm mode: The combination of convection and steam heat preserves food’s taste, texture, looks and quality so every bite is as delicious as if it were fresh from the oven. Keep multiple dinner plates warm at once, making staggered meal times more convenient. Temperature probe: The temperature probe alerts you when your dish has reached the desired temperature, eliminating guesswork when preparing roasts and other meats. Multiple pans and rack positions: Two included pans can be placed in any of four rack positions. Both pans are stainles steel – one solid, and the other with a perforated bottom that is particularly well-suited for dishes prepared in Steam mode. Delayed start: What time would you like your dish to be ready? Simply program in a time. The oven turns on at the right moment and adjusts the cooking process so the food is ready to serve precisely when you want it. Technical Features: Shipping Weight (lbs): 80 Electrical Requirements: 220/240V, 60Hz, 20 amp dedicated circuit Dimensions: 29 7/8"W x 17 7/8"H x 21 1/2"D Star-K Kosher certified as Sabbath and holiday-compliant

Many people think about what they want their home to look like from the outside. But what if you had the chance to design your home from the inside out instead? You could solve your organizational problems before they start to ensure your new home has form AND function… along with all the pretty stuff that gets all the attention. An Organized, Forever Oasis Two-and-a-half years ago, Maureen and her husband, Michael, both in their 70s, embarked on the construction of their forever home, a project not many would take on in their golden years. Maureen knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but she also knew there were things she wanted. Top-to-bottom organization in her home’s numerous closets and pantries – and the ease of living that comes along with it – was on the top of the list. After a recommendation from her trusted Interior Designer, Maureen called us. Rebecca from our team quickly got to work helping Maureen imagine her new, organized forever oasis. Custom Organization for Unique Lifestyle Needs Maureen & Michael’s punch list for the new home buildout included their master closet, guest closets, food pantry, and their ‘dog pantry’ – which serves their 2 beloved furry family members. Following the initial consultation, Rebecca drew up 3D renderings of each space, mapping out layout, hardware, features, materials & colors to be used. From high-end shelving to drawer units, spaces for hanging items, cubbies for shoes & small belongings, and storage for dog leashes, pet supplies, cleaning supplies, and more – the goal was to maximize on the square footage of each space. Turning Stressful into Fun Along the way, Maureen experienced something surprising – what could have been a very stressful process was actually fun! Rebecca and the streamlined Inspired Closets consultation combined with our design process was a huge reason why. The couple completed construction on their new, forever home & moved in 6 months ago. Maureen was relieved when the big move went off without a hitch and unpacking was a dream. Everything had a place. She could see everything. Whether you’re embarking on your new construction, forever home or a renovation for the ages, just imagine how we can help you create your dream closets. Contact us today to get started: https://www.inspiredclosets.com/locations/baton-rouge/consultation/?sid=2550&ft=appointment

Nautical-themed hybrid swimming pool with raised spa, sunshelf, slide, grotto, and pizza oven (September 2013) – Ask the Pool Guy and his team at Legendary Escapes recently unveiled the newest Legendary Escape, a stunning nautical-themed hybrid swimming pool. The hand-carved concrete waterfall, rock slide, and grotto are the focal point of this incredible project, and designer and builder Al Curtis has truly outdone himself this time. Behind the waterfall sits a grotto that seats 8-10 people comfortably. The waterfall, slide, and grotto area come complete with intricate details and additions that perfectly play into the project’s theme. An immense amount of creativity, talent, and skill is required to take ordinary materials like vinyl and concrete and turn them into the outstanding backyards that Curtis creates, but these details allow his creativity to shine in a different light. Curtis immerses himself completely in just one or two projects at a time, which allows him the opportunity to add those intricate details that take his extraordinary projects to the next level. Some of the details in the grotto area of this hybrid project include real ship portholes that open and close, as well as carvings and lanterns to add visual interest inside of the grotto. The project also includes a raised spillover spa and a sunshelf with a bubbling water feature. The sunshelf has steps leading into the main body of the pool, giving swimmers an easy entry point if they don’t feel the urge to jump off the top of the waterfall or take a ride down the hand-carved, hand-tiled slide. The shelf has just enough water to allow shallow wading or lounging, and the pebbled finish provides a perfect place to set a lounge chair without worrying about damaging the vinyl liner. With the spa nearby, this whole end of the pool is perfect for relaxing, talking, or watching the kids while they swim. This incredible hybrid swimming pool also includes a poolside pizza oven, so fresh, stone-fired pizza is never far away. The brick oven can cook a pizza in about 90 seconds, and produces authentic, outstanding pizzas. The homeowners have spent years perfecting their pizza crust and sauce recipes, as well as growing their own tomatoes and basil. The pizza oven adds another element of their own personality, and makes this project even more perfect for them. With a built-in countertop, it’s easy to get a couple of pies going at one time, or to prep ingredients for personal pizzas. The homeowners are very family-oriented and love to have friends and family over to their home. During the construction process, the Legendary Escapes crew met several friends and family members who stopped in for some quality time and to check out the progress of the pool. The finished product is a perfect place for entertaining, and it feels very comfortable and welcoming. With the sunshelf, spa, grotto, poolside seating, and the pool itself, there are plenty of different places to sit or soak and have conversations or splash around. Curtis is incredibly proud of this project, and he has high hopes for it. He was recently named a Master of Design by Pool & Spa News for a hybrid swimming pool he built in Brighton, MI. This new, nautical hybrid pool fits in beautifully with his portfolio, but also stands out as extraordinary. The team at Legendary Escapes anticipates positive feedback and recognition for this project, and looks forward to building more swimming pools that push the envelope and wow clients and fans.

Wolf 30" M Series Contemporary Convection Steam Oven Black | CSO30CM Available at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center | uakc.com Easy-access water tank: The oven’s large water tank provides 90 minutes of continuous steam cooking. Thoughtfully designed, it can be refilled when needed without opening the oven door and interrupting the cooking process. Largest interior capacity: More than 25 percent larger than similar units, large enough to roast a 15-pound turkey, Wolf’s steam oven lets you prepare larger items and even multiple dishes at once. Design flexibility: Install the unit flush with cabinetry to seamlessly integrate it into your kitchen design. And since the unit isn’t plumbed, it can be installed anywhere without requiring special water lines. 10 cooking modes: Precisely control heat, steam and airflow for the best results with any dish with 10 cooking modes: Steam, Reheat, Auto Steam Bake, Convection, Convection Humid, Convection Steam, Gourmet, Slow Roast, Recipes, and Keep Warm. Steam mode: Steam mode heats with steam and hot air, achieving a temperature range from 85°F-210°F. From vegetables, poultry and fish to grains, beans, pasta and egg dishes, gentle steam heat is ideal for capturing nutrition, color and flavor. Reheat mode: Reheat mode uses steam and hot air to rehydrate food gently. Using convection and the right amount of moisture, Reheat mode warms one to four pans of food evenly and without drying with a temperature range from 210°F to 300°F. Auto Steam Bake mode: By heating with steam first, then using convection heat to finish, bagels, breads, buns, rolls and pastries acquire a tender interior and a natural shine without the need for brushing with an egg wash. Auto Steam Bake mode temperatures range from 210°F to 445°F. Convection mode: A fan circulates hot air from a heating element at the back of the oven to distribute heat evenly around food for consistent results and browning. Convection mode temperatures range from 85°F to 445°F. Convection Humid mode: In Convection Humid mode, a heating element at the back of the oven produces heat and oven ventilation is sealed so that moisture produced during cooking remains in the oven. Convection Humid temperatures range from 85°F to 445°F. Convection Steam mode: Use Convection Steam for any foods you want to be tender inside and roasted or crisped outside. Convection steam mode temperatures range from 85°F to 445°F. Gourmet mode: Gourmet mode uses a climate sensor to adjust time, temperature and humidity for ideal results with no guesswork. Slow Roast mode: Slow Roast mode is an ultimate convenience. Insert the probe into your prepared meat, select a slow roast setting for the dish you're preparing, tell the oven what time you want it done, and come home to a perfectly cooked meal. Recipes mode: Use Recipes mode and the collection of built-in recipes to harness the power of the oven's many different cooking modes to easily cook entire meals from appetizers and entrees to desserts. Keep Warm mode: The combination of convection and steam heat preserves food’s taste, texture, looks and quality so every bite is as delicious as if it were fresh from the oven. Keep multiple dinner plates warm at once, making staggered meal times more convenient. Temperature probe: The temperature probe alerts you when your dish has reached the desired temperature, eliminating guesswork when preparing roasts and other meats. Multiple pans and rack positions: Two included pans can be placed in any of four rack positions. Both pans are stainles steel – one solid, and the other with a perforated bottom that is particularly well-suited for dishes prepared in Steam mode. Delayed start: What time would you like your dish to be ready? Simply program in a time. The oven turns on at the right moment and adjusts the cooking process so the food is ready to serve precisely when you want it. Technical Features: Shipping Weight (lbs): 80 Electrical Requirements: 220/240V, 60Hz, 20 amp dedicated circuit Dimensions: 29 7/8"W x 17 7/8"H x 21 1/2"D Star-K Kosher certified as Sabbath and holiday-compliant

Style and Quality at an amazing Value. Try Chicology Curtain Rods as the perfect complement to your new curtains or drapes. The finial designs and finishes are versatile without being plain, and allow you to create a stunning accent to your home. Each drapery rod is made of high quality 100% steel, and will be a lasting addition to your home décor update. Each curtain rod is flexible with a telescoping design. You can easily pick the range that will fit your windows, and it will be easy to install them to create the look you want. Install them wider and taller than your windows to create a more dramatic look. It will also prevent side lights from coming in by creating enhanced privacy and maximum coverage. They are available in 3 different width types: 24 to 48-inches, 48 to 86-inches, and 66 to 120-inches. For the larger two sizes (greater than 48 inches), additional center support bracket is included for more stability. Please note different styles come in either 3/4 inch diameter or 1 1/8 inch diameter. Installation is a very easy 3-step process of simply installing the brackets at their appropriate height and width – make sure they are level! They will of course work perfectly well with any type of curtains or drapery, from tailored pleats, pinch pleat, inverted pleat, grommet, goblet, rod pocket, back tab & tab top curtains. Check out Chicology Blinds & Shades, as they can be the perfect backdrop to your dramatic curtain overlay. Highly versatile, efortlessly operated, and sleek styled, Chicology Curtain Rods are ideal for all window coverings from living room, dining room, bedroom, office, pool house & sunroom.