Greg Hadley Photography This charming 1900s home was purchased by the clients and within a year they contacted us to remodel the kitchen, add a powder room on the main level, and add a bathroom on the 2nd level. As they wanted to expand the kitchen with a small addition on the rear of the home, we worked with the city of Takoma Park’s Historic Review Board to make sure it fit with the historic structure. The addition is built on piers to protect some tree roots on the property. The depth of the addition was also dictated by the location of that tree. The addition is set 6-inches in from the side of the house to differentiate historic from new. We could not change or move any of the windows on the front and sides of the house. Requirement was a steel window in the addition. We painted the stucco HardiePanel on the addition the same color gray as the original house. We matched the paneling detail at the top of the home by adding TruExterior trim. The owners wanted a screened porch adjacent to the addition, but the board limited the size of the porch, which would have been too small to enclose, so we built a deck instead.

NYC designer Megan Pflug and her husband J. Penry purchased a 1962 mid-century lodge in Greenville, New York and revived the tired property to become the Woodhouse Lodge. Threading through it all are natural materials reflective of the environment, starting with the soapstone countertops quarried in Virginia and then fabricated on site with nothing more than a steel straight edge, a measuring tape, a wet saw and a few other basic tools. "In decorating the space, we were really interested in working with a lot of local vendors and makers," Pflug said. "I thought it was really cool that we were able to source soapstone from the east coast. I also think that regional materials are often the most appropriate choice. If I was in Santa Fe, maybe soapstone wouldn't make the most sense architecturally." Like Pflug, Hudson Valley based fabricator Anson R. Tollefson, of A.R.T. Restoration and Remodeling, has a background in art. Working with just two slabs of Alberene Soapstone, Tollefson, crafted the countertops, backsplash, shelving and supports. A job he describes as, “Like a very heavy puzzle.” Photo: Genevieve Garruppo

This gem of a house was built in the 1950s, when its neighborhood undoubtedly felt remote. The university footprint has expanded in the 70 years since, however, and today this home sits on prime real estate—easy biking and reasonable walking distance to campus. When it went up for sale in 2017, it was largely unaltered. Our clients purchased it to renovate and resell, and while we all knew we'd need to add square footage to make it profitable, we also wanted to respect the neighborhood and the house’s own history. Swedes have a word that means “just the right amount”: lagom. It is a guiding philosophy for us at SYH, and especially applied in this renovation. Part of the soul of this house was about living in just the right amount of space. Super sizing wasn’t a thing in 1950s America. So, the solution emerged: keep the original rectangle, but add an L off the back. With no owner to design with and for, SYH created a layout to appeal to the masses. All public spaces are the back of the home--the new addition that extends into the property’s expansive backyard. A den and four smallish bedrooms are atypically located in the front of the house, in the original 1500 square feet. Lagom is behind that choice: conserve space in the rooms where you spend most of your time with your eyes shut. Put money and square footage toward the spaces in which you mostly have your eyes open. In the studio, we started calling this project the Mullet Ranch—business up front, party in the back. The front has a sleek but quiet effect, mimicking its original low-profile architecture street-side. It’s very Hoosier of us to keep appearances modest, we think. But get around to the back, and surprise! lofted ceilings and walls of windows. Gorgeous.

In this project, our clients purchased an existing restaurant fraught with stormwater management issues on the property. Runoff from an adjacent state highway and parking lot regularly flooded the kitchen. Additionally, a man-made pond on the property had become a problematic breeding ground for mosquitos that virtually prohibited outdoor dining during the summer. Both challenges restricted the restaurant from operating at its fullest potential. Our design/build team’s goals were to address the water runoff and mosquito issues using environmentally and financially sustainable practices. Lowering the grades around the building and parking, we were able to direct the runoff into a dry streambed enriched with water-worn cobbles and river stones and planted banks. We addressed the mosquito problem by increasing the pond’s depth, adding an aeration system, and planting the banks with wildflowers. By raising the outdoor dining, guests now overlook the pond and pleasing landscape. Natural breezes at this higher level help alleviate mosquitosl.

When Is the Best Time to Sell a Home in Magnolia, TX? List Now or Wait Until Spring? If you are thinking about selling your home in Magnolia, TX, one of the first questions is often the hardest to answer: Should you sell now or wait until spring? There is no universal answer. Spring is traditionally considered one of the busiest times of year for real estate, but that does not automatically make it the best time to sell every home. November and December can bring serious buyers, while waiting until spring gives homeowners additional time to prepare their property and plan their move. The right decision depends on your home, your timeline, the competition in your area, and what you hope to accomplish with the sale. For Magnolia homeowners considering a move, here is how to think through the decision. Should I Sell My Magnolia Home Now or Wait Until Spring? Start with your reason for selling. If you need to move for a job, are purchasing another property, have already found your next home, or simply want to move forward with your plans, waiting several months may not provide much benefit. On the other hand, if your home needs repairs, landscaping work, painting, or other preparation, the additional time could make a spring listing more attractive. The important question is not simply, "Is spring a better time to sell?" It is "What timing gives this particular property the best opportunity to attract the right buyer at a price that makes sense?"

This gorgeous property just hit the market. I love the vaulted ceilings and original entranceway. Rather than sell this home without furniture, we brought all the accessories and furniture in to help purchasers feel at home as they imagine their own furniture in the spaces. Generally, homes with open concepts are more difficult for buyers to separate the living areas if they do not see actual furniture in the space. If you are thinking about selling your home, or you have just moved into a house and need help, give us a call if you live in the Montreal area. 514-222-5553

When Is the Best Time to Sell a Home in Magnolia, TX? List Now or Wait Until Spring? If you are thinking about selling your home in Magnolia, TX, one of the first questions is often the hardest to answer: Should you sell now or wait until spring? There is no universal answer. Spring is traditionally considered one of the busiest times of year for real estate, but that does not automatically make it the best time to sell every home. November and December can bring serious buyers, while waiting until spring gives homeowners additional time to prepare their property and plan their move. The right decision depends on your home, your timeline, the competition in your area, and what you hope to accomplish with the sale. For Magnolia homeowners considering a move, here is how to think through the decision. Should I Sell My Magnolia Home Now or Wait Until Spring? Start with your reason for selling. If you need to move for a job, are purchasing another property, have already found your next home, or simply want to move forward with your plans, waiting several months may not provide much benefit. On the other hand, if your home needs repairs, landscaping work, painting, or other preparation, the additional time could make a spring listing more attractive. The important question is not simply, "Is spring a better time to sell?" It is "What timing gives this particular property the best opportunity to attract the right buyer at a price that makes sense?"

When Is the Best Time to Sell a Home in Magnolia, TX? List Now or Wait Until Spring? If you are thinking about selling your home in Magnolia, TX, one of the first questions is often the hardest to answer: Should you sell now or wait until spring? There is no universal answer. Spring is traditionally considered one of the busiest times of year for real estate, but that does not automatically make it the best time to sell every home. November and December can bring serious buyers, while waiting until spring gives homeowners additional time to prepare their property and plan their move. The right decision depends on your home, your timeline, the competition in your area, and what you hope to accomplish with the sale. For Magnolia homeowners considering a move, here is how to think through the decision. Should I Sell My Magnolia Home Now or Wait Until Spring? Start with your reason for selling. If you need to move for a job, are purchasing another property, have already found your next home, or simply want to move forward with your plans, waiting several months may not provide much benefit. On the other hand, if your home needs repairs, landscaping work, painting, or other preparation, the additional time could make a spring listing more attractive. The important question is not simply, "Is spring a better time to sell?" It is "What timing gives this particular property the best opportunity to attract the right buyer at a price that makes sense?"

When Is the Best Time to Sell a Home in Magnolia, TX? List Now or Wait Until Spring? If you are thinking about selling your home in Magnolia, TX, one of the first questions is often the hardest to answer: Should you sell now or wait until spring? There is no universal answer. Spring is traditionally considered one of the busiest times of year for real estate, but that does not automatically make it the best time to sell every home. November and December can bring serious buyers, while waiting until spring gives homeowners additional time to prepare their property and plan their move. The right decision depends on your home, your timeline, the competition in your area, and what you hope to accomplish with the sale. For Magnolia homeowners considering a move, here is how to think through the decision. Should I Sell My Magnolia Home Now or Wait Until Spring? Start with your reason for selling. If you need to move for a job, are purchasing another property, have already found your next home, or simply want to move forward with your plans, waiting several months may not provide much benefit. On the other hand, if your home needs repairs, landscaping work, painting, or other preparation, the additional time could make a spring listing more attractive. The important question is not simply, "Is spring a better time to sell?" It is "What timing gives this particular property the best opportunity to attract the right buyer at a price that makes sense?"

When Is the Best Time to Sell a Home in Magnolia, TX? List Now or Wait Until Spring? If you are thinking about selling your home in Magnolia, TX, one of the first questions is often the hardest to answer: Should you sell now or wait until spring? There is no universal answer. Spring is traditionally considered one of the busiest times of year for real estate, but that does not automatically make it the best time to sell every home. November and December can bring serious buyers, while waiting until spring gives homeowners additional time to prepare their property and plan their move. The right decision depends on your home, your timeline, the competition in your area, and what you hope to accomplish with the sale. For Magnolia homeowners considering a move, here is how to think through the decision. Should I Sell My Magnolia Home Now or Wait Until Spring? Start with your reason for selling. If you need to move for a job, are purchasing another property, have already found your next home, or simply want to move forward with your plans, waiting several months may not provide much benefit. On the other hand, if your home needs repairs, landscaping work, painting, or other preparation, the additional time could make a spring listing more attractive. The important question is not simply, "Is spring a better time to sell?" It is "What timing gives this particular property the best opportunity to attract the right buyer at a price that makes sense?"

This gorgeous property just hit the market. I love the vaulted ceilings and original entranceway. Rather than sell this home without furniture, we brought all the accessories and furniture in to help purchasers feel at home as they imagine their own furniture in the spaces. Generally, homes with open concepts are more difficult for buyers to separate the living areas if they do not see actual furniture in the space. If you are thinking about selling your home, or you have just moved into a house and need help, give us a call if you live in the Montreal area. 514-222-5553

Example of a mountain style exterior home design in Orange County

These long time clients have a beautiful home and property, but wanted to make their Living Room more functional for their large extended family. When they originally moved into their home, they furnished the space with lovely things from their previous home, but rarely used it. They recently decided to purchase a reclining sectional and add a television. We helped them finish off the space with accent tables, artwork and window treatments. This oversized club chair helps balance the sectional. The wood tray helps make the fun tufted ottoman more functional We added petite faux roman shades to the doors that lead out to the patio. We did not want to block the view of the pool and beyond! The sectional had a curved corner so we added this gorgeous black table with greek key motif to cover a poorly placed floor outlet and add additional lighting. This Living Room is now lovely and functional! Enjoy!

These long time clients have a beautiful home and property, but wanted to make their Living Room more functional for their large extended family. When they originally moved into their home, they furnished the space with lovely things from their previous home, but rarely used it. They recently decided to purchase a reclining sectional and add a television. We helped them finish off the space with accent tables, artwork and window treatments. This oversized club chair helps balance the sectional. The wood tray helps make the fun tufted ottoman more functional We added petite faux roman shades to the doors that lead out to the patio. We did not want to block the view of the pool and beyond! The sectional had a curved corner so we added this gorgeous black table with greek key motif to cover a poorly placed floor outlet and add additional lighting. This Living Room is now lovely and functional! Enjoy!

Michelle's Interiors: A new West Lake, Texas, residential property, adjacent to a private golf course and club, was a challenge for its new owners in terms of shape and grade, which made the home an unusual foot print and created several design challenges. Comprehensive planning from the adjustment of original construction plans to whole-house interior design created a well-appointed home that is now a true reflection of the homeowners' lifestyle and their love of travel and safaris. Michelle Rohrer-Lauer, founder and principal designer with Michelle’s Interiors, who has designed homes for clients in both Chicago and Dallas for many years, began working with the West Lake homeowners when the property was just purchased, but the house had not yet been fully designed and built. This led to full-scale design planning to create indoor and outdoor livable luxury, all of which was based upon unified design themes desired by the homeowners, and creatively conceptualized and inspired by Michelle. Michelle and her design team worked closely with their clients to envision the purpose for each room and space, numbering more than 30 different areas of the home to create, recreate or design. Photo credit: Brian Gassel.

This gorgeous property just hit the market. I love the vaulted ceilings and original entranceway. Rather than sell this home without furniture, we brought all the accessories and furniture in to help purchasers feel at home as they imagine their own furniture in the spaces. Generally, homes with open concepts are more difficult for buyers to separate the living areas if they do not see actual furniture in the space. If you are thinking about selling your home, or you have just moved into a house and need help, give us a call if you live in the Montreal area. 514-222-5553

These long time clients have a beautiful home and property, but wanted to make their Living Room more functional for their large extended family. When they originally moved into their home, they furnished the space with lovely things from their previous home, but rarely used it. They recently decided to purchase a reclining sectional and add a television. We helped them finish off the space with accent tables, artwork and window treatments. This oversized club chair helps balance the sectional. The wood tray helps make the fun tufted ottoman more functional We added petite faux roman shades to the doors that lead out to the patio. We did not want to block the view of the pool and beyond! The sectional had a curved corner so we added this gorgeous black table with greek key motif to cover a poorly placed floor outlet and add additional lighting. This Living Room is now lovely and functional! Enjoy!

Location: Cohasset, MA, USA When my clients purchased this historic house, they saw that this garden held great potential, even though the property had been somewhat neglected. They wanted the new landscape to evoke the feeling of an Olde Maine house that time had forgotten. Sitting on the front veranda in the shade of the treasured Horse Chestnut and Maple trees that flank each side of the house, we explored the possibilities together. The front yard sloped a bit too much for comfort, so we determined that building a stone wall in the middle would create a terrace, making both parts of the lawn more usable. Visions of parties and children's weddings came to mind. We put a set of elegant arching steps in the middle, leading down to the sunken garden. Large, mature Rhododendrons were planted at the base of the Horse Chestnut and Maple trees just off the front veranda. Boxwoods undulate beneath the trees with Vinca as a ground cover. Ticonderoga stone was used for the walls and steps, which was the closest match to the existing stone foundation. The exquisite masonry by Doug Brooks Masonry makes this staircase as elegant as a tiered wedding cake.

This gorgeous property just hit the market. I love the vaulted ceilings and original entranceway. Rather than sell this home without furniture, we brought all the accessories and furniture in to help purchasers feel at home as they imagine their own furniture in the spaces. Generally, homes with open concepts are more difficult for buyers to separate the living areas if they do not see actual furniture in the space. If you are thinking about selling your home, or you have just moved into a house and need help, give us a call if you live in the Montreal area. 514-222-5553