Designed by Katherine Dashiell of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Annapolis, MD in collaboration with Emory Construction, this coastal transitional inspired project features cabinet designs for the kitchen, bar, powder room, primary bathroom and laundry room. The kitchen design features Merillat Classic Tolani in a Cotton finish on the perimeter kitchen cabinets. For the kitchen island, the cabinets are Merillat Masterpiece Montresano Rustic Alder in a Husk Suede finish. The design also includes a Kohler Whitehaven sink. The bar design features Green Forest Cabinetry in the Park Place door style with a White finish. The powder room bathroom design features Merillat Classic in the Tolani door style in a Nightfall finish. The primary bathroom design features Merillat Masterpiece cabinets in the Turner door style in Rustic Alder with a Husk Suede finish. The laundry room features Green Forest Cabinetry in the Park Place door style with a Spéciale Grey finish. “This was our second project working with Reico. The overall process is overwhelming given the infinite layout options and design combinations so having the experienced team at Reico listen to our vision and put it on paper was invaluable,” said the client. “They considered our budget and thoughtfully allocated the dollars.” “The team at Reico never balked if we requested a quote in a different product line or a tweak to the layout. The communication was prompt, professional and easy to understand. And of course, the finished product came together beautifully – better than we could have ever imagined! Katherine and Angel at the Annapolis location were our primary contacts and we can’t thank them enough for all of their hard work and care they put into our project.” Photos courtesy of BTW Images LLC.

After living in this home for a decade, Crystal Lake residents Ken & Bonnie needed an update to their tired original kitchen to meet the needs of their busy family. Together with the expertise of designer Scott Christensen at Advance Design Studio they planned to completely reconfigure the entire space. They began by removing the restrictive peninsula and replaced it with a generous island designed to house an expansive farmhouse sink, convenient pull out trash receptacles, and a hidden dishwasher. Now there was ample room to add island seating to accommodate family gatherings, or for just “hanging out” with teenagers. A dramatic new focal point was created with the design of an elegant range area featuring a beautiful custom wood mantle hood detailed with crushed glass handmade tile. Hidden storage houses every spice imaginable right at the cook’s fingertips. Double-stacked glass cabinetry emphasizes the impressive height of the room that was a wonderful architectural element that previously went unnoticed in the original kitchen. The entire kitchen and breakfast nook was opened up to the 2 story family room by integrating enlarged arched openings. An outdated desk area was transformed into a beautiful breakfront bar with beverage refrigeration, glass display cabinets and plenty of new storage for entertainment pieces. An espresso nook was tucked neatly between tall cabinetry, and an old fashioned closet with shelves was converted into an efficient chef’s dream of organized custom pull out pantries. “I am the leader of the Scott Christensen fan club,” says Bonnie. “With my busy family and a full time career, Scott made the process of designing this space so easy for me. He didn’t overwhelm me, but carefully determined what I liked and offered me two thoughtful solutions for just about everything - complete with his expert opinion that I really respected.” Bright white Jay Rambo custom made maple cabinets are accented by Cambria quartz counter tops and simple subway tiles. Original hardwood floors were refinished and stained a darker shade, and stair risers and balusters were painted white to coordinate with the smart wainscot details throughout the first floor. The end effect is a cohesive first floor that flows together with grace and a level of elegance perfectly suitable for this stately Crystal Lake home. Designer: Scott Christensen Photographer: Joe Nowak

Levi’s 4 Floors opened for business in 1986, and ever since we have been creating a pleasant and comfortable shopping environment for each and every customer. We have the top sales consultants and designers in Central Ohio, with an average of 25 years experience in providing our customers with premier service. In addition, Levi’s 4 Floors is the only authorized STAINMASTER FLOORING CENTER in Columbus, and one of the largest independently owned specialty flooring stores in the United States. We only carry the latest fashions; no seconds or discontinued styles. Being a STAINMASTER FLOORING CENTER is more than just a name. It means that our sales staff has extensive product knowledge so that you can focus on choosing the correct style and color for your home, as well as your individual lifestyle. Along with our wide selection of products, we offer exclusive warranties, a customer satisfaction plan, and a low price guarantee. Levi’s 4 Floors will help you find the exact floor for you, whether you are looking for residential, commercial or even custom-builder flooring. Our commitment to your satisfaction doesn’t end with just our flooring choices. We have been given top ratings by the Better Business Bureau and numerous other consumer organizations because our salespeople personally guide you through the purchasing process. Our expert advice and no-pressure sales style guarantees that you will get the best product at the best price. Levi’s 4 Floors continues our service to you by offering the finest installation available, and our installation warranties and cleaning services assure that your floor will continue looking great long after your purchase. Value means getting the products you want at the lowest prices, and at Levi’s we consider it our number one priority to deliver the highest value to every customer. We don’t sell every brand of flooring, only the proven best quality and highest value products. The perfect floor, low prices and easy, professional installation… that’s why we say, “because your home deserves the very best!”

Our clients wanted to increase the size of their kitchen, which was small, in comparison to the overall size of the home. They wanted a more open livable space for the family to be able to hang out downstairs. They wanted to remove the walls downstairs in the front formal living and den making them a new large den/entering room. They also wanted to remove the powder and laundry room from the center of the kitchen, giving them more functional space in the kitchen that was completely opened up to their den. The addition was planned to be one story with a bedroom/game room (flex space), laundry room, bathroom (to serve as the on-suite to the bedroom and pool bath), and storage closet. They also wanted a larger sliding door leading out to the pool. We demoed the entire kitchen, including the laundry room and powder bath that were in the center! The wall between the den and formal living was removed, completely opening up that space to the entry of the house. A small space was separated out from the main den area, creating a flex space for them to become a home office, sitting area, or reading nook. A beautiful fireplace was added, surrounded with slate ledger, flanked with built-in bookcases creating a focal point to the den. Behind this main open living area, is the addition. When the addition is not being utilized as a guest room, it serves as a game room for their two young boys. There is a large closet in there great for toys or additional storage. A full bath was added, which is connected to the bedroom, but also opens to the hallway so that it can be used for the pool bath. The new laundry room is a dream come true! Not only does it have room for cabinets, but it also has space for a much-needed extra refrigerator. There is also a closet inside the laundry room for additional storage. This first-floor addition has greatly enhanced the functionality of this family’s daily lives. Previously, there was essentially only one small space for them to hang out downstairs, making it impossible for more than one conversation to be had. Now, the kids can be playing air hockey, video games, or roughhousing in the game room, while the adults can be enjoying TV in the den or cooking in the kitchen, without interruption! While living through a remodel might not be easy, the outcome definitely outweighs the struggles throughout the process.

Levi’s 4 Floors opened for business in 1986, and ever since we have been creating a pleasant and comfortable shopping environment for each and every customer. We have the top sales consultants and designers in Central Ohio, with an average of 25 years experience in providing our customers with premier service. In addition, Levi’s 4 Floors is the only authorized STAINMASTER FLOORING CENTER in Columbus, and one of the largest independently owned specialty flooring stores in the United States. We only carry the latest fashions; no seconds or discontinued styles. Being a STAINMASTER FLOORING CENTER is more than just a name. It means that our sales staff has extensive product knowledge so that you can focus on choosing the correct style and color for your home, as well as your individual lifestyle. Along with our wide selection of products, we offer exclusive warranties, a customer satisfaction plan, and a low price guarantee. Levi’s 4 Floors will help you find the exact floor for you, whether you are looking for residential, commercial or even custom-builder flooring. Our commitment to your satisfaction doesn’t end with just our flooring choices. We have been given top ratings by the Better Business Bureau and numerous other consumer organizations because our salespeople personally guide you through the purchasing process. Our expert advice and no-pressure sales style guarantees that you will get the best product at the best price. Levi’s 4 Floors continues our service to you by offering the finest installation available, and our installation warranties and cleaning services assure that your floor will continue looking great long after your purchase. Value means getting the products you want at the lowest prices, and at Levi’s we consider it our number one priority to deliver the highest value to every customer. We don’t sell every brand of flooring, only the proven best quality and highest value products. The perfect floor, low prices and easy, professional installation… that’s why we say, “because your home deserves the very best!”

I prefer drawers instead of cabinets because they are more convenient and functional. No more awkward doors to get in the way, and accessing your cookware is a one-step process – just pull and your kitchen necessities are at hand. The sleekly styled, nickel hardware boosts the transitional feeling of the space, too, and the large pulls are easy to grab. Photo by Jeff Mateer

FINISH: PRIMED The advantages of this approach – of this type of interior door finish – are fairly obvious. Pick a color, any color that suits your projects best. Mix and apply. Re- coat whenever you feel it is necessary to do so. Touch it up. It gives you, the proud owner of these interior doors, complete freedom of choice, and the significant savings, especially where it comes to bulk orders, can be a true source of joy. As Kurt Vonnegut mentions in one of his novels (Bluebeard, unless I’m mistaken … check it out when you get a chance), the thrill of laying on colors is a large part of the artist’s professional satisfaction. In other words, a keen pleasure. When back in the remote past visual arts became a field dominated by professionals rather than hobbyists, the main problem of “just laying on paint” became obvious: you can’t. The medium of choice back then was egg tempera, a permanent, fast-drying substance consisting of colored pigments mixed with a water-soluble binder medium, usually glutinous material such as egg yolk. Portraits and ornaments were executed in this medium, and the wood panel was the surface of choice. One of tempera’s interesting features is that it is not as easily absorbed by wood as other mediums. Some sort of primer was necessary, of course, but pretty much any substance that dried evenly could be used. The drawbacks of tempera, or pintura al temple, as the Spanish call it, only became obvious with the advent of the Renaissance, when the leading representatives of the trade turned to oil (and interior doors suddenly became a great deal less crude, but that’s a story for another day). Oil painting is the process of “painting with pigments with a medium of drying oil as the binder.” Commonly used types include linseed (highly preferable in art, though not necessarily in interior doors, mind you), poppy seed, walnut, and safflower. Today, five hundred years later, it is safe to say that oil is more versatile than pintura al temple – by orders of magnitude. Specifically, the contrasts achieved through the former are much greater, the darks are far deeper, and three- dimensional, highly realistic images are much easier to achieve. Next time you visit a museum, take a closer look at pintura al temple portraits. All of them, without exception, come off as a bit “flat” as opposed to their latter-day counterparts. Also, where glazing is concerned … Glazing: a painting technique in which a transparent layer, with just a touch of pigment, is laid over a previously painted surface, allowing light to travel through the glaze and be reflected back off of the opaque layer below. Gentle shadows, subtle changes of color, smooth transitions – all these can be achieved through glazing, which was used by all artists up until the middle of the Nineteenth Century, when artist tubes were invented, revolutionizing the field, and other techniques began to be explored. Tempera enthusiasts (it takes all kinds to make a world) will assure you that glazing is not just possible in pintura al temple but is actually the basis of the whole enterprise. Well, what are you going to do? They’re enthusiasts. Anyway, la peinture à l'huile, as the French call it, re-introduced the ancient problem of most surface’s propensity to absorb dipingere, as the Italians call the stuff. Wood or canvas, it is all the same: you’re not going to get very far without a good primer. Experiments were conducted, and soon rabbit skin glue emerged as the least expensive and most effective solution. It was easy to apply. It dried evenly. It made the application of the l’huile stuff on top of it a walk in the park. There were drawbacks. Today, rabbit skin glue is considered to be a major cause of cracking by most modern conservators. (Remember, when you visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art – and did you see those interior doors? … some of them are quite something … - most “old masters” pictures are completely covered with a cobweb of cracks? There you go). Because the glue is hygroscopic, it continually absorbs moisture from the atmosphere, causing the glue to swell and shrink as ambient humidity levels change. Over many humidity cycles, this repeated flexing causes the brittle oily layers to crack. To combat this problem, modern primers are made of acrylic materials which are guaranteed not to cause any damage to the dipingere. No bubbling, no cracks. Your interior doors are safe.

Our clients wanted to increase the size of their kitchen, which was small, in comparison to the overall size of the home. They wanted a more open livable space for the family to be able to hang out downstairs. They wanted to remove the walls downstairs in the front formal living and den making them a new large den/entering room. They also wanted to remove the powder and laundry room from the center of the kitchen, giving them more functional space in the kitchen that was completely opened up to their den. The addition was planned to be one story with a bedroom/game room (flex space), laundry room, bathroom (to serve as the on-suite to the bedroom and pool bath), and storage closet. They also wanted a larger sliding door leading out to the pool. We demoed the entire kitchen, including the laundry room and powder bath that were in the center! The wall between the den and formal living was removed, completely opening up that space to the entry of the house. A small space was separated out from the main den area, creating a flex space for them to become a home office, sitting area, or reading nook. A beautiful fireplace was added, surrounded with slate ledger, flanked with built-in bookcases creating a focal point to the den. Behind this main open living area, is the addition. When the addition is not being utilized as a guest room, it serves as a game room for their two young boys. There is a large closet in there great for toys or additional storage. A full bath was added, which is connected to the bedroom, but also opens to the hallway so that it can be used for the pool bath. The new laundry room is a dream come true! Not only does it have room for cabinets, but it also has space for a much-needed extra refrigerator. There is also a closet inside the laundry room for additional storage. This first-floor addition has greatly enhanced the functionality of this family’s daily lives. Previously, there was essentially only one small space for them to hang out downstairs, making it impossible for more than one conversation to be had. Now, the kids can be playing air hockey, video games, or roughhousing in the game room, while the adults can be enjoying TV in the den or cooking in the kitchen, without interruption! While living through a remodel might not be easy, the outcome definitely outweighs the struggles throughout the process.

Our client purchased what had been a custom home built in 1973 on a high bank waterfront lot. They did their due diligence with respect to the septic system, well and the existing underground fuel tank but little did they know, they had purchased a house that would fit into the Three Little Pigs Story book. The original idea was to do a thorough cosmetic remodel to bring the home up to date using all high durability/low maintenance materials and provide the homeowners with a flexible floor plan that would allow them to live in the home for as long as they chose to, not how long the home would allow them to stay safely. However, there was one structure element that had to change, the staircase. The staircase blocked the beautiful water/mountain few from the kitchen and part of the dining room. It also bisected the second-floor master suite creating a maze of small dysfunctional rooms with a very narrow (and unsafe) top stair landing. In the process of redesigning the stairs and reviewing replacement options for the 1972 custom milled one inch thick cupped and cracked cedar siding, it was discovered that the house had no seismic support and that the dining/family room/hot tub room and been a poorly constructed addition and required significant structural reinforcement. It should be noted that it is not uncommon for this home to be subjected to 60-100 mile an hour winds and that the geographic area is in a known earthquake zone. Once the structural engineering was complete, the redesign of the home became an open pallet. The homeowners top requests included: no additional square footage, accessibility, high durability/low maintenance materials, high performance mechanicals and appliances, water and energy efficient fixtures and equipment and improved lighting incorporated into: two master suites (one upstairs and one downstairs), a healthy kitchen (appliances that preserve fresh food nutrients and materials that minimize bacterial growth), accessible bathing and toileting, functionally designed closets and storage, a multi-purpose laundry room, an exercise room, a functionally designed home office, a catio (second floor balcony on the front of the home), with an exterior that was not just code compliant but beautiful and easy to maintain. All of this was achieved and more. The finished project speaks for itself.

We chose Jess after seeing several homes in the area that we really liked. Right from the start, Jess was easy to work with, a good listener and able to use our input while guiding the process in a professional manner. He surely helped us to create our dream home and bring our vision to life and we are thrilled with the collaborative outcome. Jess was sensitive to our budgetary guidelines and was flexible, creative, prompt and very responsive. We were especially focused on situating the house to fully take advantage of extraordinary views and Jess was diligent and helpful in getting it perfect , bringing the outside in as well as adding important energy efficiency. We happily recommend Jess Pedersen for your next project.

Soil- and dust-resistant Hunter Douglas window coverings require minimal cleaning, as they have been treated with proprietary processes to ensure they optimally repel dust, soil and stains. Regular dusting and periodic vacuuming is all that's required to keep them looking like new!

After purchasing their home this San Clemente couple began looking to have their dated kitchen refaced. Having explored other remodeling companies they hired APlus to build their dream kitchen. APlus offers competitive pricing which made the upgrade to new custom cabinets an easy choice. This thirteen year old kitchen was updated to Maple cabinets in a Swiss Coffee finish. They chose the Shaker doors and some of the upper cabinet doors are accented with seeded glass panels. APlus interior designers’ space planned the kitchen to incorporate a kitchen nook for the family of five. Although it was difficult to live without a kitchen, especially with three kids under the age of seven, the process was well worth having the kitchen of their dreams.

This Rochester, MA home added lots of outdoor living space just in time for warmer weather! Included in this sunroom addition is CertainTeed siding, GAF Timberline HD roofing in Charcoal, Harvey Classic Double Hung Windows and a Harvey Sliding Door leading out to AZEK deck and rails! The sunroom’s exterior features CertainTeed’s maintenance free vinyl siding in Granite Gray to match the existing home’s siding. GAF Timberline HD roofing in Charcoal was also chosen to match the home. The sunroom features Harvey Classic double hung, new construction windows featuring a transom for additional light. Both attractive and energy efficient, Harvey Classics are a Care Free customer favorite that feature easy, finger-tip operation and tilt in to make cleaning a breeze. If you’re considering replacing your windows – learn more about the installation process by reading our 4 W’s of Replacement Windows blog! Attached to the sunroom is an AZEK deck in Mahogony and AZEK Evolution rails in Black. Our most popular decking, AZEK resists mold, mildew, moisture, insects, stains, scratches, and splitting. With outstanding professional product warranties to back their exquisitely engineered products, AZEK provides homeowners with the peace of mind to truly unwind and enjoy their outdoor living space.

Introducing the "Ego Collection" with premium natural wood with honeycomb doors featuring a luxurious veneer coating. Clean lines and a discreet design characterize these doors, offering a simple yet elegant aesthetic. The multi-layer finishing process includes enamels followed by matte varnishes, resulting in a smooth and almost velvety surface. The premium decorative films used are based on polypropylene, providing an outstanding imitation effect of a painted surface. These films are free from solvents and formaldehyde, making them environmentally friendly and contributing to a healthier living climate. Additionally, the high-quality material surface ensures easy cleaning and outstanding resistance against mechanical stress and chemicals. Finish - natural wood with veneer coating. Door core - solid wood with honeycomb (engineered wood). Thickness of the door - 1 9/16". Doors are not pre-cut for the hardware. Assembly of frames and trims required. Doors work with all swing directions. Rough opening can be calculated: door width" + 2"; door height" + 1 9/16". What's included: - 2 door slabs; - trims (2.95" wide); - frames (for wall thickness from 4" to 5"); - 2 passage lever/knob; - non-mortise hinges; The "Ego Collection" offers doors that combine premium natural wood with exquisite veneer coating, providing a sophisticated touch to any interior space. These doors are designed to be both durable and visually appealing, ensuring they stand the test of time while enhancing the ambiance of your home or office. As a trusted supplier of interior doors in New York, we are committed to delivering top-quality products that exceed expectations. The "Ego Collection" is a testament to our dedication to craftsmanship and customer satisfaction. Experience the elegance and durability of our premium natural wood doors from the "Ego Collection" today!

Furthermore, VDom Doors insulate your home from extreme weather conditions, as well as unwanted animals, insects, and dust from entering. Our doors have several superior features: - Single sheet of metal is used in construction. No welded seams are best as these can significantly weaken the structural integrity of the entranceway. Our doors are also more resilient to mechanic damage, such as sledgehammer strikes. - The advantage of a single, non-welded door is that it reduces interior internal condensation. Over time, condensation can negatively affect the door mechanisms. - 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. - Italian Hinges Combi Arialdo: Hacking are often carried out at the side of a door's hinges. A better feature is utilizing hinges with ball bearings and installed anti-cuts. Introducing the Deux collection of modern exterior entrance doors in a sleek black enamel color. These doors are expertly crafted from a single sheet of metal with a sturdy metal frame and threshold, ensuring both durability and security for your home. The exterior design boasts a vertical insert of stainless steel and black opaque glass, creating a bold and modern look that will enhance the curb appeal of any home. The black enamel color provides a sophisticated and contemporary feel, perfect for those who want to make a statement with their entrance. The interior design also features a vertical insert of stainless steel and black opaque glass, creating a cohesive and stylish look throughout the home. With the Deux collection, you don't have to compromise on style or function. These modern front doors offer both, making them the perfect choice for homeowners who want to elevate the look of their home's exterior. Plus, with our user-friendly website and easy ordering process, you can have your new modern exterior entrance door delivered right to your doorstep. Upgrade your home's curb appeal and make a bold statement with the Deux collection of modern exterior entrance doors in black enamel. Order yours today and experience the perfect combination of style and function. Model - 1755 Deux Color - Black Door thickness - 3 1/4" Frame thickness - 4" Exterior design - Vertical insert of the stainless steel and black opaque glass. Coating of the door - Moisture resistant MDF layer 2/3", black enamel. Interior design - Vertical insert of the stainless steel and black opaque glass. Coating of the door - black enamel. Hardware included: - Metal frame 4" thick - dimensions of the door with frame is 38" x 82". - Metal threshold. - Plate-type, primary lock for armoured type of steel doors, locked by 3 key turns, doors are captured in 3 places. The lock has replaceable core and 5 keys. - Cylinder K2. - Hinges Combi Arialdo. - Turnknob for lock. - Armor plate for the lock. - Stainless steel Handle To maintain the warranty, a canopy is required over the door.

These are returning clients of Sosna, who purchased a condo built in 2009 to be their forever home to enjoy now that they are retired . Although the area and views are beautiful, the condo felt small, dark, and dated. The layout was also not functional, and had a lot of wasted space. They wanted the space to fit their lifestyle and feel like it was their own. Having worked with Sosna previously, they knew they could put their full trust in Sosna. During the renovation, they were able to visit their cottage and relax, knowing their home was in good hands. Their only worry was that the condominium rules would restrict or delay the job. These worries were laid to rest, as Sosna developed a respectful and trusting relationship with the building management during construction. In the Kitchen and eating area, we kept the existing footprint, but installed plenty of new cabinetry to provide much more functional storage, ensuring every square inch of the space was used to its full potential as a useful space. A white marble countertop and lower cabinetry made the space feel bright and open. In the Master Bathroom, we re-worked the layout to allow for a larger, more functional and luxurious shower with a built in seat and nooks. During the design phase, we noticed that our clients had been hang drying clothing using a small rack in the bathtub. New hanging rods were installed above a new bathtub to provide a more functional solution for hang drying clothing that did not require having to move drying racks in and out of the space when needed. Beautiful patterned floor tiles were accented as well in the shower nooks to tie the bright new space together. The Guest Bathroom was dark and dated. We were able to give it a welcoming facelift, giving it a more open and airy feel and a pop of colour in the shower. Finally, we replaced the previously mismatched laminate flooring throughout the home with a darker vinyl flooring, all flowing in the same direction to provide a seamless and cohesive flow throughout the home, not to mention easy maintenance! In the end, our clients were delighted with the care and quality of work put into their home, as well as the ease of the process from design to completion. If you’re ready to make your forever home feel like it’s been made just for you, contact us to get started! We’re the Renovator You Can Count On! Sosna Inc 7250 Keele Street, Unit 372 Vaughan, ON L4K 1Z8 416-888-7366 (RENO) Website: sosna.ca Email: contact@sosna.ca

This interior remodel reimagined a dated kitchen and bathroom as one cohesive, light-filled living environment. The homeowners wanted a home that felt calm, organized, and effortless to live in — spaces that support everyday routines rather than complicate them. D&G managed the entire project under a single Design-Build process: design, material selections, engineering, permitting, construction, and final quality control handled by one team with one point of accountability. The Kitchen The galley kitchen was opened into an adjacent dining area to improve flow and natural light. Soft white cabinetry pairs with quartz countertops and a full-height marble-look quartz backsplash behind the induction cooktop, creating a clean, uninterrupted surface that's as practical as it is refined. A vertical shiplap accent wall introduces subtle texture and depth, balanced by a floating natural maple shelf that echoes the wood tones throughout the home. Integrated appliance placement — a wall oven, concealed microwave shelf, and under-cabinet ventilation — keeps countertops clear and sightlines uncluttered. Adjacent to the kitchen, a custom built-in storage wall blends natural maple upper cabinetry with white base cabinetry, delivering pantry-level capacity without the visual weight of a closed pantry. Timeless, functional, and designed to age well. The Bathroom The bathroom carries the same design language as the kitchen: a natural maple vanity with raised-panel doors, brushed nickel hardware, quartz countertop with integrated backsplash, and an undermount sink. A recessed medicine cabinet extends storage without intruding on the room, while a glass-enclosed shower with a low-threshold base and window-driven natural light keeps the space open, bright, and easy to maintain. Wood-look tile flooring ties the bathroom to the wide-plank flooring used throughout the home — a detail that makes the renovation read as one intentional project rather than a series of separate updates.

My client called me in for a "Design Perspective". She hated her floors and wanted my professional opinion. I questioned whether I should be brutally honest, and her response was "absolutely". Then truth be told, "your countertops bother me more than your floors". My client has a stunningly beautiful home and her countertops were not in "the same league". So the project scope expanded from new floors to include countertops, backsplash, plumbing fixtures and hardware. While we were at it, her overly froufrou corbels were updated along with dishwashers that "drove her crazy". Since there was plenty of "demo" in store, she elected to lower her breakfast bar to counter height at the same time to connect her nook more seamlessly with her kitchen. The process: at our first slab warehouse stop, within ten minutes, we uncovered the most beautiful slabs of Taj Mahal ever. No need to keep looking. The slabs had perfect coloration and veining. So different from any other slab of Taj Mahal, it really ought to have its own name. Countertop selection was easy as was the subway and Arabesque backsplash tile. Polished chrome, with its blend of warm and cool tones, was the obvious choice for her plumbing fixture and hardware finish. Finding the right floor tile was what proved to be most challenging, but my client was up to the task. Several weeks of shopping and numerous samples hauled home led us to the perfect limestone. Once her room was complete, better barstools were in order. Hancock and Moore with their huge assortment of leather colors and textures was our clear choice. The Ellie barstools selected embody the perfect blend of form and comfort. Her new limestone flooring extends into her Butler's pantry, pool bath, powder bath and sewing room, so wait, there is still more to do.

From my own garden, an over-grown, weed filled, perennial garden that had nothing left to do but take apart piece by piece. I discovered this heritage rose as a stump and was not sure I could bring it back. Transplanted in transformed and new rock garden 10 feet away, the old rose plant thrived. This is year one, using bone meal only in the planting hole.