Master Bedroom with Red Bed Frame and custom drapery and bedding.
Bedroom - traditional master light wood floor bedroom idea in Charlotte

Daylight is a very important factor that influences plant growth and reproduction. Gardeners need to make sure that they measure the length of daylight hours that a plant gets within a 24-hour period. This way, growth can be monitored and regulated. For sun-loving plants, changes in the length of each day serve as the guide that helps plants transition from vegetative growth to reproductive stages. Changes in seasons and daylight hours have an impact on the adjustment of growth hormones that are responsible for flowering. Therefore, it’s very important for gardeners to make sure that they conduct thorough research on long-season plants that are adapted to extended sunlight exposure. During this research, it’s not uncommon for gardeners to come across topics related to sativa seeds for sale because these plants are studied for their adaptation to bright, extended growing seasons. For gardeners that want to experiment with these kinds of plants, sativa seeds for sale can be a good starting point. But in all cases of plant growth for sun-loving plants, the principle is always the same: it’s that daylight acts as a calendar that plants use so they can determine when it’s time for them to reproduce. Long-Day, Short-Day, and Day-Neutral Responses Different plants have different responses to light cycles. This is why plants are grouped into long-day, short-day, and day-neutral categories. Long-day plants are those plants that thrive when daylight goes beyond the critical threshold. This is mostly common in late spring or early summer. A lot of sun-loving ornamental plants and vegetables fall within this category. They always take advantage of the longer days that support energy-intensive flower and seed production. On the other hand, short-day plants are those that usually flower and thrive when nights grow longer. When temperatures cool or the seasonal rainfall patterns change, these plants tend to thrive. Sure, these plants still require strong sunlight. However, it’s their uninterrupted time in the dark that triggers their reproductive phase. For day-neutral plants, it’s age and environmental stress that impacts their reproductive phase. However, they still do benefit from adequate sunlight. It’s very important for gardeners to understand these categories so that they can plan what to grow in their garden with each turn of the season. By doing this, it’s easier to guarantee better results in one’s garden. Why Sunlight Duration Matters More Than Intensity Alone It’s not only the sun’s intensity that should be taken into account when growing a garden. It’s also very important to take note of sunlight duration, which is actually more important for plants. Sure, light intensity does influence photosynthesis. However, it’s the duration of sunlight exposure that plays an important regulatory role. When plants are exposed to sunlight longer, they are able to produce more carbohydrates through photosynthesis. This helps them build the energy reserves they need to grow buds and flowers. However, if a plant does not get enough sunlight time, there is a huge chance that the plant will not bloom at all. If you have observed plants that grow very quickly but do not flower, the reason is that it doesn’t get enough sunlight time. Therefore, it’s very important to monitor sunlight duration in order to make sure that plants will actually grow buds and flowers. Practical Implications for Garden Planning When gardeners understand the impact of daylight hours on plants, they are able to plan their gardens more effectively. After all, seasons do change and the conditions brought by each season will definitely have a huge impact on plant growth. Once gardeners have the right knowledge in terms of which categories plants belong to, they can easily decide which plants to grow at any given time. It’s not enough to just rely on sunlight intensity and then expect plants to grow buds and flowers. It’s also very important to take into account the duration of sunlight time for each plant. By having this understanding, gardeners will become more effective when it comes to making sure that flowering occurs.

Powder room with glam geometric wallpaper complimented with a vessel sink rustic vanity with riveted hardware. Counter top is quartz Viatera - Truffle. Mirror framed wall mirror. Ryan Hainey

Great room - tropical great room idea in Miami with white walls

We used: Custom cherry cabinetry in Arts & Crafts Shaker style by Kabinart in Boulder and Espresso stains. Liberty Hardware Venetian bronze 1-1/2" cabinet knobs. KitchenAid Architect II Series 22 CF counter-depth French door refrigerator. KitchenAid Architect Series II 27" convection single wall oven. KitchenAid 36" 6-burner dual fuel freestanding commercial-style range. KitchenAid Architect II Series 24" dishwasher. Sharp Insight Pro Series 24" built-in microwave drawer (Model #KB6524PS). Crystorama Solaris 12" wide pendant lights in English bronze. Granite countertops in Brown Fantasy. 3"x6" polished marble backsplash. Paint colors: Walls: Glidden Silver Cloud 30YY 63/024 Ceilings/Trims/Doors: Glidden Swan White GLC23 Robert B. Narod Photography

Travis Mark
Inspiration for a contemporary straight staircase remodel in New York

Two Birds Photography
Kids' room - transitional kids' room idea in Chicago

Gorgeous master bath finished with Dal-Tile's Fabrique porcelain tile in the color Noir Linen polished. Tile size is 12"x24" installed in a brick joint pattern. The floor boasts underfloor heating on a timed thermostat.

The stained glass panels for the doors were designed in prairie style fashion. This look was made popular in the early 1900’s by famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Wright was known for creating designs that took the entire room into account as opposed to focusing on one aspect. The geometric shapes and thick leaded lines that you see here were very typical of his designs. Though prairie styles originated nearly one hundred years ago, they continue to remain popular today among art enthusiasts and have a powerful influence on modern architecture. You too can bring the look of Frank Lloyd Wright artwork into your home with prairie style stained glass from Stained Glass Denver. We work with local artisans that are very talented in creating a wide range of stained glass designs. Not only can stained glass enhance the physical appearance of your home, but it can also increase its resale value and provide your family with privacy. To learn more about what we can do for your home, just contact our office. We look forward to working with you on your next home improvement project.

Staircase - mid-sized contemporary wooden l-shaped staircase idea in Venice with metal risers

Example of a small classic 3/4 white tile and stone tile mosaic tile floor alcove shower design in Chicago with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, black cabinets, quartzite countertops, a two-piece toilet and gray walls

Metal Porch Stairs Painting in Lakeview, Chicago | Windy City Painters Lakeview is one of Chicago's most architecturally diverse neighborhoods — vintage courtyard buildings, rooftop-deck condos, newly converted three-flats, and classic brick two-flats all line the same block. What they share is this: exposed metal. Back porch stairs, handrails, balconies, and exterior landings define the rear streetscape of nearly every building in the neighborhood. And in Chicago, exposed metal without proper protective coatings doesn't last. Windy City Painters recently completed a full metal porch stairs painting project in Lakeview that illustrates exactly what professional metal refinishing looks like — and why preparation is everything. The Problem: Years of Chicago Weather Had Done Their Damage The client's back porch stairs were structurally sound — the diamond-plate steel treads were solid underfoot and the handrails were stable. However, the original paint system had long since failed. Surface rust had spread across the treads and risers. The old coating was peeling at every seam, edge, and weld point. Meanwhile, the black handrails were chalky and beginning to show rust at the bases. Notably, this is a pattern Windy City Painters sees constantly in Lakeview. The neighborhood's diverse housing stock — ranging from pre-war courtyard buildings to 1990s condo conversions — often features original metal porch work that has never received a proper professional refinish. Homeowners and property managers patch-paint over rust for years, which ultimately accelerates the problem rather than solving it. The solution isn't more paint. It's a complete system: mechanical rust removal, chemical treatment, primer, and a durable topcoat engineered for exterior metal. The Windy City Painters Process for Metal Porch Stairs Painting Windy City Painters approaches every metal porch stairs painting project with the same disciplined sequence. Consequently, our finishes outlast the competition by years. Step 1 — Mechanical Preparation Our crew wire-brushes all loose rust, flaking paint, and surface contamination from every tread, riser, stringer, and handrail section. For heavier rust accumulation, we use grinding discs to cut down to clean, bare metal. This step is non-negotiable. Additionally, we pay particular attention to weld seams, bolt plates, and edge returns — the spots where moisture consistently hides and rust reliably starts. Step 2 — Chemical Rust Treatment After mechanical prep, we apply a rust-converting primer to any remaining rust residue. This chemically neutralizes active rust and converts it into a stable, paintable surface. Moreover, the converter bonds to the metal and creates an additional barrier against future oxidation. Step 3 — Rust-Inhibiting Primer Windy City Painters then applies a full coat of oil-based, rust-inhibiting primer to all prepared metal surfaces. This primer penetrates bare metal and creates the critical bond layer that everything else depends on. Skipping this step — or substituting a latex primer — is the single biggest reason DIY metal paint jobs fail within one season. Step 4 — Two Topcoats of Industrial Enamel We apply two full coats of oil-based industrial enamel in the client's chosen color. For this Lakeview project, the stairs received a deep red finish and the handrails received gloss black — a classic combination that reads beautifully against the surrounding brick. Each coat is allowed to cure fully before the next is applied. Furthermore, we back-roll every surface to eliminate lap marks and ensure consistent film build. Step 5 — Final Inspection and Cleanup Windy City Painters inspects every inch of the completed work before calling a project done. We remove all masking, clean up the work area completely, and walk the client through the finished result. In addition, we advise on a maintenance schedule to maximize the life of the coating system. Why Metal Porch Stairs Painting Matters for Lakeview Properties Metal porch stairs are among the most visible exterior features of Chicago residential buildings. Therefore, their condition directly affects curb appeal, property value, and — most importantly — structural safety. Rust that penetrates deeply enough will compromise the structural integrity of stairs and railings. Meanwhile, peeling paint signals to buyers, renters, and neighbors that a property is deferred. In contrast, freshly refinished metal porch stairs signal exactly the opposite. They say the property is maintained, the owner takes pride in the building, and the structure is safe. For Lakeview landlords and homeowners alike, metal porch stair refinishing delivers an exceptional return on investment. Professional Advice for Lakeview Homeowners Before starting a metal porch stairs painting project, Windy City Painters recommends the following: Don't paint over rust. Any rust left beneath a topcoat will continue to spread and will lift the new paint within months. Mechanical removal is essential. Choose oil-based products for exterior metal. Latex paints don't adhere to metal as reliably and lack the film hardness needed to withstand foot traffic and freeze-thaw cycles. Time your project right. Ideal conditions for metal painting are 50°F–90°F with low humidity. Chicago's spring and early fall are perfect windows. Don't skip the primer. A properly applied rust-inhibiting primer is what separates a seven-year finish from a one-year failure. Budget for full prep. Preparation typically represents 60–70% of the labor on a metal refinishing project. That's where the money is well spent. Windy City Painters: Lakeview's Trusted Metal Refinishing Contractor Windy City Painters has refined the process of exterior metal painting and refinishing across Chicago's North Side and Near West Side. We work in Lakeview regularly — on courtyard buildings, two-flats, coach houses, and commercial properties — and we understand the unique demands that Chicago's climate places on exterior metal. As a result, our coating systems are selected and applied for maximum longevity in this specific environment. See more of our work and request a free estimate at www.windypainters.com. Ready to transform your Lakeview home? Contact Windy City Painters for a free estimate — visit www.windypainters.com today. Proudly serving Wicker Park, West Town, Lincoln Park, Roscoe Village, Lakeview, Ukrainian Village, River North, and all of Chicago.

This modern bathroom wall is a very dark grey tile made from recycled stone dust. Its color is PB 3106 Dark Grey and is in the brushed texture.
Example of a mid-sized minimalist master gray tile and stone tile bathroom design in Miami with gray walls

Exterior, brick, lime, limewash, painted brick, architectural finish

Concrete wall paneling
Home design - mid-sized industrial one-story concrete gray home design idea in New York

Budget Blinds blackout roller shades, photo credit installer Adam Brannick
Example of a mid-sized transitional guest bedroom design in Cedar Rapids with gray walls and no fireplace

Our daily routine begins and ends in the closet, so we believe it should be a place of peace, organization and beauty. When it comes to the custom design of one of the most personal rooms in your home, we want to transform your closet and make space for everything. With an inspired closet design you are able to easily find what you need, take charge of your morning routine, and discover a feeling of harmony to carry you throughout your day.

Landscape & Pool Design: Root Design Company Photo credits: Jessica Carr
Design ideas for a mediterranean landscaping in Austin.

This 3 BR, 3 1/2 bath home allows the owners to live on one level most of the time. The Master Suite is on the main level along with the Living Room, Kitchen, Dining, pantries, Sun Room and service areas. The upper level houses two ample bedrooms while the lower level supports a rec center, media room, wine cellar, shop and full wet bar. Conceived as a Great Room house, the main level is designed as one seamless space that flows onto an ample deck overlooking the rear yard. We also incorporated a variety of green building techniques - photo-voltaic shingles on the roof of the garage to generate a portion of the home's energy, a super insulated building envelope, rain water harvesting, high performance windows and doors, a high efficiency heat pump, low flow bath & kitchen fixtures, Energy Star appliances and LED lighting - that greatly reduced this structure's carbon footprint. All of the strategies amounted to a 30% reduction in the energy consumption in this home relative to comparable structures.