Transitional kitchen photo in Minneapolis

The 864™ TRV Clean Face gas fireplace is the perfect solution for anyone looking to have a big, beautiful fire that provides supplemental heat. Ideal for small to mid-sized homes or zone heating in large living spaces such as great rooms and living rooms, the 864™ clean face gas fireplace allows you to comfortable display a gorgeous, glowing fire all year-round while being able to control the heat output to a setting that is just right for you. The large 864 square inch clean face fire view showcases the highly detailed Dancing-Fyre™ log set and glowing embers from any angle in the room. Its high quality all-glass appearance shows no visible face, grills or louvers and features the 2015 ANSI approved low visibility safety barrier to increase the overall safety of this unit for you and your family without detracting from the fire view. This deluxe gas fireplace comes with the GreenSmart® 2 system that features Comfort Control™, allowing you to turn the heat down while still maintaining the fire and glowing embers. All of the components on this fireplace can be operated simply by accessing the easy-to-use GreenSmart® 2 wall mounted remote control. With the 864™ TRV clean face gas fireplace, you are truly getting a beautiful fire view while being able to control the heat output

Agastache rupestris / Threadleaf giant hyssop

Potting mixes for container gardens need to drain freely, but still retain moisture. My base potting soil mix contains (clockwise from upper left) coarse builder's sand, high-quality organic compost or worm castings, coconut coir, and small lava rock. I supplement this with additional compost, fresh worm castings, and organic soil amendments, with the amounts varying depending on what I'm planting. Photo by Steve Masley

The 864™ TRV Clean Face gas fireplace is the perfect solution for anyone looking to have a big, beautiful fire that provides supplemental heat. Ideal for small to mid-sized homes or zone heating in large living spaces such as great rooms and living rooms, the 864™ clean face gas fireplace allows you to comfortable display a gorgeous, glowing fire all year-round while being able to control the heat output to a setting that is just right for you. The large 864 square inch clean face fire view showcases the highly detailed Dancing-Fyre™ log set and glowing embers from any angle in the room. Its high quality all-glass appearance shows no visible face, grills or louvers and features the 2015 ANSI approved low visibility safety barrier to increase the overall safety of this unit for you and your family without detracting from the fire view. This deluxe gas fireplace comes with the GreenSmart® 2 system that features Comfort Control™, allowing you to turn the heat down while still maintaining the fire and glowing embers. All of the components on this fireplace can be operated simply by accessing the easy-to-use GreenSmart® 2 wall mounted remote control. With the 864™ TRV clean face gas fireplace, you are truly getting a beautiful fire view while being able to control the heat output

Example of a trendy exterior home design in Portland

This timeless Shingle-style residence sits on seven rural acres, providing a natural landscape that informs much of the design. The residence overlooks a windswept valley that inspires the large, sweeping overhangs on the façade. An open floor plan supplements a traditional interior layout that accommodates family gatherings and evening entertaining. Marvin’s Ultimate line of double-hung and casement units provides quality and operational ease while providing flexibility and aesthetic benefits that enhance the design. The exterior bronze cladding and the windows and doors provide a nice contrast to the white trim work. Marvin Windows & Doors Photographer: Kevin Colquhoun

©toddhaiman2014
Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional partial sun backyard gravel formal garden in New York for spring.

Home office - home office idea in Seattle

Firelite Foto
Example of a large classic l-shaped medium tone wood floor home design design with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, blue backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Learn seed starting basics and get a jump start on growing the flower garden of your dreams. In this striking guide you will find everything you need to grow, harvest, and arrange stunning seasonal blooms. With equal parts instruction and inspiration, Floret Farm’s Cut Flower Garden welcomes you into Erin Benzakein’s abundant, bloom-filled world, and is a feast for every flower lover’s eyes and soul. Floret Farm's Cut Flower Garden. Written by Erin Benzakein with Julie Chai. Photos by Michèle M. Waite. Published by Chronicle Books.

A guest bath lavatory area by Doug Walter , Architect. Custom alder cabinetry holds a copper vessel sink. Twin sconces provide generous lighting, and are supplemented by downlights on dimmers as well. Slate floors carry through the rustic Colorado theme. Construction by Cadre Construction, cabinets fabricated by Genesis Innovations. Photography by Emily Minton Redfield

Aesthetic Value: Six flights of stacked curved stairways wind up this 80’ tall stair tower. The handrail adds elegance to the overall design as it flows continuously through all floors and pitch change transitions without any interruptions. Stair Safety: The sturdy rail system provides safe guard which is especially crucial at these great heights. Quality: Pre-built stairway and balustrade prior to delivery to jobsite. Solid hardwood staircase and supplemental structural iron work for securing the freestanding stair all done in house. Curved stringer and handrail transitions at all pitch changes. Technical Challenge: Assisting with engineering freestanding floor systems and integrated stairways. Rigging and hoisting stairways up multiple floors. Designing floor areas and transitions to accommodate flights becoming narrower as they went higher. Logistics of working in Manhattan.

McLean, Virginia Modern Kitchen design by #JenniferGilmer See more designs on www.gilmerkitchens.com
Example of a mid-sized trendy galley dark wood floor eat-in kitchen design in DC Metro with light wood cabinets, metallic backsplash, metal backsplash, stainless steel appliances, beige walls, an island, an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets and granite countertops

Energy Efficiency: Every effort has been utilized to reduce and minimize energy use through an effective strategy of both passive heating and cooling, as well as state-of-the-art active solar thermal and photovoltaic on site off-grid energy production. Optimal solar orientation with an attached thermal mass food production greenhouse on the Lower Floor enables hot air to be introduced into the house during the winter, and rise via. a thermal chimney “stack effect” and distributed throughout the house. In the summer the same thermal chimney is used to channel hot air to rise up to the Upper Loft vegetated Roof Terrace, where it is exhausted. This condition provides a positive air pressure in the Winter, and a negative pressure in the summer, drawing in cooler outside air from every open window. In addition carefully proportioned roof eave overhangs provide deep passive solar gain and additional day lighting in the winter, and cooling shade in the summer. Active mechanical systems include solar thermal which produces domestic hot water and is integrated into hydronic radiant heated floors. This is supplemented with a multi-split heatpump, on demand backup hot water, and an ERV, which collectively provide active heating, cooling, dehumidification, and healthful indoor air quality. The entire house and detached Barn are off-grid with a 14.4 kW solar array, whole-house batteries, and backup generator. Further, the home is super insulated and extremely tight with high energy performing windows and doors and LED lighting throughout, and even a high efficiency woodstove. Integrated Design: From the beginning and throughout construction, this home demonstrates a close collaboration between the Architect, Contractor, and Owners. Healthful materials and finishes standards, autonomy and energy efficiency, and environmental impact and sustainability were primary goals and stressed throughout. Careful attention was paid to finishes which will require minimal long term maintenance such as the galvalume metal roof (which also provides for rainwater harvesting) and fiber cement siding for longevity. Resource Efficiency / Conservation: Resource conservation began with Schematic Design which utilizes a 2 ft. grid of modular components, thereby optimizing construction efficiency and minimizing on site waste. The site was cleared with the trees stockpiled for future lumber harvesting and firewood. The foundation walls are “Ideal Walls” which use less than half the concrete of a conventional poured wall or block, and do not require extensive concrete footings, exterior insulation, or waterproofing. These panels are prefabricated off site and set in only a few days, which further reduces on site impact and construction lead time. Resiliency: Respect for climate change and mitigating its impact were primary considerations in the design and selection of materials and systems. The home is sited high on a south facing slope as protection from high water or flood and to optimize both passive and active solar opportunity. With remarkably tight construction and super insulation the interior is buffered from both outdoor heat and cold extremes. The metal roof and fiber cement siding are fireproof and resistant to the impact of high winds. And these materials are specified for minimal maintenance and longevity. Further, the attached Greenhouse and Upper Roof Terrace is landscaped and suitable for a vegetable garden with abundant sunshine, easy to water, and with no need for fencing to keep deer at bay. All this being a notable case study for Regenerative Design. Innovation: This home exemplifies Biophilic Design principles to facilitate symbiotic living in harmony with Nature. This incorporates careful attention to natural day lighting, indoor air quality, rainwater catchment and wastewater reclamation, garden food production with vegetated roofs, the home hearth and fire, and connected interaction with the weather and the surrounding natural ecosystems. Community Impact: This EcoHome project has already been presented at several Sustainable Building lectures as a model case study for “Green Building”, including USGBC at Brock Environmental Center in Virginia Beach, VA. Plans are underway for an Open House tour for area Architects and students.

The 864™ TRV Clean Face gas fireplace is the perfect solution for anyone looking to have a big, beautiful fire that provides supplemental heat. Ideal for small to mid-sized homes or zone heating in large living spaces such as great rooms and living rooms, the 864™ clean face gas fireplace allows you to comfortable display a gorgeous, glowing fire all year-round while being able to control the heat output to a setting that is just right for you. The large 864 square inch clean face fire view showcases the highly detailed Dancing-Fyre™ log set and glowing embers from any angle in the room. Its high quality all-glass appearance shows no visible face, grills or louvers and features the 2015 ANSI approved low visibility safety barrier to increase the overall safety of this unit for you and your family without detracting from the fire view. This deluxe gas fireplace comes with the GreenSmart® 2 system that features Comfort Control™, allowing you to turn the heat down while still maintaining the fire and glowing embers. All of the components on this fireplace can be operated simply by accessing the easy-to-use GreenSmart® 2 wall mounted remote control. With the 864™ TRV clean face gas fireplace, you are truly getting a beautiful fire view while being able to control the heat output

Energy Efficiency: Every effort has been utilized to reduce and minimize energy use through an effective strategy of both passive heating and cooling, as well as state-of-the-art active solar thermal and photovoltaic on site off-grid energy production. Optimal solar orientation with an attached thermal mass food production greenhouse on the Lower Floor enables hot air to be introduced into the house during the winter, and rise via. a thermal chimney “stack effect” and distributed throughout the house. In the summer the same thermal chimney is used to channel hot air to rise up to the Upper Loft vegetated Roof Terrace, where it is exhausted. This condition provides a positive air pressure in the Winter, and a negative pressure in the summer, drawing in cooler outside air from every open window. In addition carefully proportioned roof eave overhangs provide deep passive solar gain and additional day lighting in the winter, and cooling shade in the summer. Active mechanical systems include solar thermal which produces domestic hot water and is integrated into hydronic radiant heated floors. This is supplemented with a multi-split heatpump, on demand backup hot water, and an ERV, which collectively provide active heating, cooling, dehumidification, and healthful indoor air quality. The entire house and detached Barn are off-grid with a 14.4 kW solar array, whole-house batteries, and backup generator. Further, the home is super insulated and extremely tight with high energy performing windows and doors and LED lighting throughout, and even a high efficiency woodstove. Integrated Design: From the beginning and throughout construction, this home demonstrates a close collaboration between the Architect, Contractor, and Owners. Healthful materials and finishes standards, autonomy and energy efficiency, and environmental impact and sustainability were primary goals and stressed throughout. Careful attention was paid to finishes which will require minimal long term maintenance such as the galvalume metal roof (which also provides for rainwater harvesting) and fiber cement siding for longevity. Resource Efficiency / Conservation: Resource conservation began with Schematic Design which utilizes a 2 ft. grid of modular components, thereby optimizing construction efficiency and minimizing on site waste. The site was cleared with the trees stockpiled for future lumber harvesting and firewood. The foundation walls are “Ideal Walls” which use less than half the concrete of a conventional poured wall or block, and do not require extensive concrete footings, exterior insulation, or waterproofing. These panels are prefabricated off site and set in only a few days, which further reduces on site impact and construction lead time. Resiliency: Respect for climate change and mitigating its impact were primary considerations in the design and selection of materials and systems. The home is sited high on a south facing slope as protection from high water or flood and to optimize both passive and active solar opportunity. With remarkably tight construction and super insulation the interior is buffered from both outdoor heat and cold extremes. The metal roof and fiber cement siding are fireproof and resistant to the impact of high winds. And these materials are specified for minimal maintenance and longevity. Further, the attached Greenhouse and Upper Roof Terrace is landscaped and suitable for a vegetable garden with abundant sunshine, easy to water, and with no need for fencing to keep deer at bay. All this being a notable case study for Regenerative Design. Innovation: This home exemplifies Biophilic Design principles to facilitate symbiotic living in harmony with Nature. This incorporates careful attention to natural day lighting, indoor air quality, rainwater catchment and wastewater reclamation, garden food production with vegetated roofs, the home hearth and fire, and connected interaction with the weather and the surrounding natural ecosystems. Community Impact: This EcoHome project has already been presented at several Sustainable Building lectures as a model case study for “Green Building”, including USGBC at Brock Environmental Center in Virginia Beach, VA. Plans are underway for an Open House tour for area Architects and students.

Kimberley Bryan
Eclectic green front door photo with a yellow front door