Evernatural Classic offers the most realistic, all-in-one product on the synthetic grass market today, next only to our Evernatural Premium. This product offers a 96-ounce weight and 1-3/4” height offering a variation to the Evernatural Premium for customers who want a more economical option with slightly less density and shorter blade height. But all the benefits are still the same! The blades are designed to reduce shine, reduce heat, and act as a memory foam so blades return to their original shape after bent by foot traffic. More specifically: Double W Blade (Lime color) is designed to diffuse light, making it look more realistic with less shine. The ability to deflect light also helps keep the turf cooler. In addition, it is great for high traffic as it can withstand high wear and pressure. Double S Blade (Field color) is designed to replicate natural grass in both appearance and function. The Double S has an uneven surface, consisting of seven sublayers. This provides effective insulation and reflection of the sunlight. Diamond Blade (Emerald and Brown colors) is designed to make the grass look more realistic and gives it a soft touch. The Evernatural Classic has all these benefits, all while looking and feeling like real lawn!

A complete two bath & kitchen renovation in a condo. Client wanted a larger kitchen area and better layout for bathrooms. We removed a wall near the entrance and extended the kitchen with additional cabinetry and storage area. Laundry room was reduced to accommodate the larger kitchen. The shared and primary bathrooms were gutted and fully remodeled as well. Enlarged shower enclosure in shared bath for more space. Layout of primary bathroom was changed for better accessibility and flow in the area. Vanity and shower was relocated to create a more spacious and inviting environment. Client didn’t like the current floors, we replaced it with luxury vinyl planks for durability.

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Having a space for their teenage kids to hang out after school, study and interact with Mom & Dad was at the top of the list for this remodel. The 1928 home, sits in a lovely Glen Ellyn neighborhood, near downtown and near all the action of the local high school and lake. It’s was a great house with great bones but the kitchen was in need of some TLC. The remodel project had been a long time coming, and since both the homeowners work from home, they had been nervous about disrupting their bustling daily schedules to get the project in motion. Once we had a plan in place, we dug in and got to work. The first step was to remove a non-load bearing wall between the kitchen and dining room. We then reworked the space a bit, eliminating a redundant passage way to the hall, and reworking a closet to allow for a large galley style kitchen and small bar area open to the dining room. The new kitchen has a small peninsula for the family to have casual meals and for the kids to hang out after school. A window was eliminated to give more space for cabinetry and storage, and another window was made larger to allow for a grander view into the backyard. We decided upon a layered approach to this space to provide character appropriate to the older home. White painted cabinetry provides a backdrop for interesting touches such as gray herringbone tile, a reeded farmhouse sink and bronze hardware and lighting. The bar has its own unique look featuring gray cabinetry with a patterned cement tile backsplash and walnut top. A bar fridge, glass cabinets and baskets for tucking away homework give this little multi-functional area loads of character. A miniature mudroom area was also added to the dining room so that the new space can be kept neat and tidy. The stylish result looks both appropriate to the 1928 home and provides loads of functionality for this active family that can now take advantage of every square inch their home. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Alan Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

u2014 ALE: Wayne Rain Garden Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association u2014 ALE: Wayne Rain Garden Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence winner Category: Residential Up to $15,000 Award Level: Gold Project Description: Our company was contracted by the client to provide a creative solution to an ongoing drainage problem. Their property is located within 30 feet of a local stream that collects storm water from the surrounding area. The nearby stream and high water table caused the lawn area at the side of their home to flood and to remain waterlogged for a few days after each storm. The client not only had difficulty growing plants in the existing conditions, but also had a problem with mosquitoes due to standing water. Our goal was to design a self-contained, naturalistic rain garden that slowed storm water runoff, allowed for percolation, and promoted infiltration while permitting excess clean water to enter the nearby stream with diminished force. As designed, the rain garden allows the earth to slowly and more naturally absorb excess storm water while filtering out toxins such as excess nitrogen and phosphorous which are frequently found in the landscape, therefore reducing the contaminants entering the stream. A percolation test was conducted with criteria of absorbing a one-inch rainstorm within four hours without overflow. The one-inch storm calculation included an existing downspout from the home, which would be piped into the rain garden to reduce roof runoff. The first test failed due to a deep layer of high clay-content soil. Excavation continued until a layer of sandy loam was reached, the percolation test was repeated, and a successful test result was achieved. Next, the entire rain garden basin was excavated to the sandy loam layer and the soil amended with compost and sand to create a highly porous planting media. Geotextile fabric was placed to help reduce migration of the surface stone into the soil and allow for minimal maintenance. Gravel, river stone and small boulders were carefully placed to achieve the look of a natural streambed. A palette of mostly native plants with a few non-invasive ornamentals were chosen for their ability to survive in extreme conditions ranging from floods to drought and were placed according to their specific preferences. Wetland plants were chosen for the lowest portion of the rain garden as that area remains saturated for longer periods of time, with a Chionanthus virginicus as a focal point surrounded by irises and ferns at the lowest depth. Plants tolerant of drier conditions were chosen for the upper edges of the garden. The beautiful colors of Monarda, Ligularia, Eupatorium, Solidago, Chelone, and Rudbeckia were scattered within the upper edge, while movement and softness were incorporated by use of the graceful Nassella that lines the border. Finally, winter interest was provided with a backdrop of Cornus sericea. As built, this small rain garden creates tremendous impact by decreasing the amount of storm water runoff not only on our client's property, but also in the neighboring stream. It serves as a means of slowing the water and providing an area for infiltration back into the earth. The plants provide a habitat for birds, butterflies, and insects, working in harmony with nature and providing beautiful visual interest year-round. Photo Credit: Lisa C. Falls

This awesome study space is located on the second floor of the Woodbridge model. The built-in desk and bookcase is perfect for the kids after school homework or crafts or maybe a little getaway space for mom or dad. This home is built by Robert Thomas Homes located in Minnesota. Our showcase models are professionally staged. FOR STAGING PRODUCT QUESTIONS please contact Ambiance at Home for information on furniture - 952.440.6757

u2014 ALE: Wayne Rain Garden Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association u2014 ALE: Wayne Rain Garden Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence winner Category: Residential Up to $15,000 Award Level: Gold Project Description: Our company was contracted by the client to provide a creative solution to an ongoing drainage problem. Their property is located within 30 feet of a local stream that collects storm water from the surrounding area. The nearby stream and high water table caused the lawn area at the side of their home to flood and to remain waterlogged for a few days after each storm. The client not only had difficulty growing plants in the existing conditions, but also had a problem with mosquitoes due to standing water. Our goal was to design a self-contained, naturalistic rain garden that slowed storm water runoff, allowed for percolation, and promoted infiltration while permitting excess clean water to enter the nearby stream with diminished force. As designed, the rain garden allows the earth to slowly and more naturally absorb excess storm water while filtering out toxins such as excess nitrogen and phosphorous which are frequently found in the landscape, therefore reducing the contaminants entering the stream. A percolation test was conducted with criteria of absorbing a one-inch rainstorm within four hours without overflow. The one-inch storm calculation included an existing downspout from the home, which would be piped into the rain garden to reduce roof runoff. The first test failed due to a deep layer of high clay-content soil. Excavation continued until a layer of sandy loam was reached, the percolation test was repeated, and a successful test result was achieved. Next, the entire rain garden basin was excavated to the sandy loam layer and the soil amended with compost and sand to create a highly porous planting media. Geotextile fabric was placed to help reduce migration of the surface stone into the soil and allow for minimal maintenance. Gravel, river stone and small boulders were carefully placed to achieve the look of a natural streambed. A palette of mostly native plants with a few non-invasive ornamentals were chosen for their ability to survive in extreme conditions ranging from floods to drought and were placed according to their specific preferences. Wetland plants were chosen for the lowest portion of the rain garden as that area remains saturated for longer periods of time, with a Chionanthus virginicus as a focal point surrounded by irises and ferns at the lowest depth. Plants tolerant of drier conditions were chosen for the upper edges of the garden. The beautiful colors of Monarda, Ligularia, Eupatorium, Solidago, Chelone, and Rudbeckia were scattered within the upper edge, while movement and softness were incorporated by use of the graceful Nassella that lines the border. Finally, winter interest was provided with a backdrop of Cornus sericea. As built, this small rain garden creates tremendous impact by decreasing the amount of storm water runoff not only on our client's property, but also in the neighboring stream. It serves as a means of slowing the water and providing an area for infiltration back into the earth. The plants provide a habitat for birds, butterflies, and insects, working in harmony with nature and providing beautiful visual interest year-round. Photo Credit: Lisa C. Falls

A complete two bath & kitchen renovation in a condo. Client wanted a larger kitchen area and better layout for bathrooms. We removed a wall near the entrance and extended the kitchen with additional cabinetry and storage area. Laundry room was reduced to accommodate the larger kitchen. The shared and primary bathrooms were gutted and fully remodeled as well. Enlarged shower enclosure in shared bath for more space. Layout of primary bathroom was changed for better accessibility and flow in the area. Vanity and shower was relocated to create a more spacious and inviting environment. Client didn’t like the current floors, we replaced it with luxury vinyl planks for durability.

The Challenge This beautiful waterfront home was begging for an update. Our clients wanted a contemporary design with modern finishes. They craved improved functionality in the kitchen, hardwood flooring in the living areas, and a spacious walk-in closet in the master bathroom. With two children in school, our clients also needed the project completed during their summer vacation – leaving a slim 90 days for the entire remodel. Could we do it? …Challenge accepted! Our Solution With their active summer travel schedule, our clients elected to vacate their home for the duration of the project. This was ideal for the intrusive nature of the scope of work. In preparation, our design team created a project plan to suit our client’s needs. With such a clear timeline, we were able to select and order long-lead items in plenty of time for the project start date. In the kitchen, we rearranged the layout to provide superior ventilation for the cooktop on the exterior wall. We added two large storage cabinets with glass doors, accented by a sleek mosaic backsplash of glass tile. We also incorporated a large contemporary waterfall island into the room. With seating at one end, the island provides both increased functionality and an eye-catching focal point for the center of the room. On the interior wall of the kitchen, we maximized storage with a wall of built-in cabinetry – complete with pullout pantry cabinets, a double oven, and a large stainless refrigerator. Our clients wisely chose rich, dark-colored wood flooring to add warmth to the contemporary design. After installing the flooring in the kitchen, we brought it into the main living areas as well. In the great room, we wrapped the existing gas fireplace in a neutral stack stone. The effect of the stone on the media and window wall is breathtaking. In the master bathroom, we expanded the closet by pushing the wall back into the adjacent pass-through hallway. The new walk-in closet now includes an impressive closet organization system. Returning to the master bathroom, we removed the single vanity and repositioned the toilet, allowing for a new, curb-less glass shower and a his-and-hers vanity. The entire vanity and shower wall is finished in white 12×24 porcelain tile. The vertical glass mosaic accent band and backlit floating mirrors add to the clean, modern style. To the left of the master bathroom entry, we even added a matching make-up area. Finally, we installed a number of elegant enhancements in the remaining rooms. The clients chose a bronze metal relief accent wall as well as some colorful finishes and artwork for the entry and hallway. Exceptional Results Our clients were simply thrilled with the final product! Not only did they return from their summer vacation to a gorgeous home remodel, but we concluded the project a full week ahead of schedule. As a result, the family was able to move in sooner than planned, giving them plenty of time to acclimate to the renovated space before their kids returned to school. Ultimately, we provided the outstanding results and customer experience that our clients had been searching for. “We met with many other contractors leading up to signing with Progressive Design Build. When we met Mike, we finally felt safe. We had heard so many horror stories about contractors! Progressive was the best move we could have made. They made our dream house become a reality. Vernon was in charge of our project and everything went better than we expected. Our project was completed earlier than expected, too. Our questions and concerns were dealt with quickly and professionally, the job site was always clean, and all subs were friendly and professional. We had a wonderful experience with Progressive Design Build. We’re so grateful we found them.” – The Mader Family

This parkway was transformed from a traditional turf that required traditional maintenance on a regular basis to a low maintenance, habitat friendly planting of native Buffalo Grass with a butterfly garden. The Buffalo Grass was planted with plugs and after established requires mowing only once a year and minimal water.

This shows the surface of 3 thermally modified Ash deck boards after being in full southern exposure for 8 months. The clear Cutek Extreme slowed down the silvering process and dramatically reduced the amount of surface checking and cracking. Note the transition above the 6" line where the Extreme penetrated beyond and didn't allow black mold to grow.

Evernatural Classic offers the most realistic, all-in-one product on the synthetic grass market today, next only to our Evernatural Premium. This product offers a 96-ounce weight and 1-3/4” height offering a variation to the Evernatural Premium for customers who want a more economical option with slightly less density and shorter blade height. But all the benefits are still the same! The blades are designed to reduce shine, reduce heat, and act as a memory foam so blades return to their original shape after bent by foot traffic. More specifically: Double W Blade (Lime color) is designed to diffuse light, making it look more realistic with less shine. The ability to deflect light also helps keep the turf cooler. In addition, it is great for high traffic as it can withstand high wear and pressure. Double S Blade (Field color) is designed to replicate natural grass in both appearance and function. The Double S has an uneven surface, consisting of seven sublayers. This provides effective insulation and reflection of the sunlight. Diamond Blade (Emerald and Brown colors) is designed to make the grass look more realistic and gives it a soft touch. The Evernatural Classic has all these benefits, all while looking and feeling like real lawn!

This beautiful North Vancouver home belongs to a nature-loving and health-conscious couple, Emma and Vince (names changed), their two young children, and their dog, Jasper. When they contacted us about renovating and furnishing their kitchen and family room, we walked in and saw a world of potential waiting to be uncovered. Before: Larkhall Crescent Home: Like many original North Vancouver homes, the interior was definitely dated. We encountered late ‘80s finishes in powder pink and teal green, old carpet, and a kitchen that wasn’t maximized to suit this family’s modern-day lifestyle. However, the size of the rooms offered us a ton of space with which to get creative. Knowing our clients’ love of cooking, need for work spaces (Emma and Vince both work remotely), and growing family, we developed a design concept that would increase usable space, optimize storage, and create intimacy in this large area. As for the style, we were inspired by their European roots, inventing a new and modern take on “Belgian Farmhouse” style. Now, the home is truly one-of-a-kind. After: Warm & Cozy Family Room: Fresh, bright, and comfortable, this living area has been transformed! We started with the fireplace as a focal point, selecting aged brick tiles for added texture and a crisp wood mantle. The taupe-coloured sectional infuses the room with visual warmth and serves the added purpose of separating the family room from the kitchen. Emma and Vince were also keen on using non-toxic materials in their home, and we were happy to oblige. To meet their needs, we sourced natural wood elements and sought out Canadian-made products - that adhere to high health standards - whenever possible. Look closer at the elements of this space, and you will find this stunning, honeycomb-patterned rug in earthy gold, beige, and charcoal tones. It’s plush to the touch and full of visual texture that brings this room’s colour palette together. We sourced these two-tone chairs with caning, petrified wood side table, black sconces, and botanical prints in greyscale from local artist, Heather Johnston. We topped off the space with this dark wood and rattan console that offers storage facing the kitchen and presents an opportunity to display cherished items. The result is a cozy lounging space brimming with comfort and functionality. It’s perfect for enjoying quality family time, or Emma can simply slide the coffee table away to make room for her morning yoga practice. Now, let’s turn around and give some attention to the kitchen. Do you remember what the original kitchen looked like? If not, scroll back up, because the transformation is shocking… Moody & Welcoming Kitchen for Healthy Living: This kitchen looks very different from how it started, right? Though we didn’t touch any walls, the kitchen has almost doubled in usable space! We created a long, extended island with storage, an outlet for small appliances, and seating for comfortable prep, after-school snacking, or mingling among friends. On the other side of the island, the family has even more storage and an integrated dishwasher within easy reach of the sink, perfect for quick clean-up. From this angle, you can also see the expansive custom Shaker cabinetry in white and the integrated double ovens. These facilitate their cooking experience and gave us the opportunity to add an additional surprise… A coffee garage station and more hidden storage! Keeping these items located along the perimeter allows them to be accessed by the family or their guests without someone getting under the cook’s feet. These are the little details that make everyday life easier and more enjoyable. Moving deeper into the kitchen, the seamless induction cooktop topped with a freestanding concealed hood fan commands attention in a soft yet prominent way. The natural wood accent mirrors the fireplace mantle, and the choice of off-black wood-grain cabinets not only continues our black-and-white colour palette but adds a sense of depth and contrast. The corner sink is located to the right and perfectly positioned with a view of their thriving backyard. To invite more of this family’s character into the space, we mixed metals for interest — matte black, dark pewter, and warm brass — and created open shelves in white oak for their plants and decor. You can also glimpse the tumbled edge of the backsplash tile, which echoes the rustic brick of the fireplace. It adds that farmhouse charm while still feeling timeless and sophisticated. Last but not least, we designed this dining banquette in the bay window (with integrated bench storage, of course), where the family can share a meal together, the kids can do homework, or Emma and Vince can work and enjoy a change of scenery from their offices. Like the other spaces in the home, it was designed to be beautiful, multi-functional, and long-lasting. Praise from Our Clients: It is clear that we love this home, but what did our clients have to say? “Lori is a visionary and masters execution to the finest detail all at the same time. When she first met us to know more about who we are and how we live, she could right away envision how we could use the space in our kitchen and living room…The results exceeded our expectations. Lori and her team were also a delight to work with — coordination with all the trades, fast problem-solving, regular updates, professional and friendly attitude of her entire team — made it the dream team. Thank you SHD for making our space so beautiful!” In turn, we are so grateful for this family’s trust, their open communication, and for being wonderful people with whom to work. (So, thank you!)

Inspiration for a country bathroom remodel in Bridgeport

Formerly a very divided bathroom, our goal was to open the space up allowing the natural light from the window to pass through the entire bathroom while still providing privacy. We worked to creatively incorporate additional storage and to close off the toilet into a private closet. The homeowners were very interested in a Japanese soaking tub and maintaining a very clean and modern space to relax after working heavily in color and pattern with their work. We created a taller showering space by moving the plumbing into the floor. We used a floor length linear drain to allow for the large format tiles throughout reducing grout lines. All beams were original to the space and were important to keep visible for cohesiveness throughout the home. They really bring an element of warmth and a touch of rustic to an otherwise very modern space. With thoughtful modern finishes and a neutral color palette, we were able to create a space that is relaxing for the mind and body.

SEQUOIA - $3.23 / SF. Sequoia has been one of our top selling products year after year. This is due to it offering deep olive/emerald color tones, in addition to having an engineered “S” blade to diffuse light and reduce the shine of the turf. This product offers a 112-ounce weight and 1-3/4” blade height, making it a high quality, plush product. The Sequoia product is ideal for any front or backyard project where you will enjoy your yard in both sun and shade. There is no shine on this product, so no matter what time of day your synthetic lawn will look real with no artificial sheen. This product is also great for corporate rooftops and residential roof decks!

An unused office got a second life as spacious industrial loft-style apartment. Previously, the 66sqm office had a standard three-meter-high fake ceiling, a small internal toilet and was divided into rooms. However, this corner location on a commercial floor, between car parking and apartment floors of an older condominium building in the Huay Khwang area of Bangkok, has become a hidden gem. regroup architecture remodeled the space after reducing the old office to its bare shell. The basic design idea uses the central core provided by the kitchen and bathroom to separate the space into different zones. There is a more private zone behind the core for the bed, a living zone with a TV and sofa, and an in-between space for a multipurpose bar-height desk. This basic zoning could potentially also work for other functions like an artist atelier, yoga studio, exhibition space, or even for a small office once again.

Autumn Woods is a Brand New Luxury Townhome Condo Community Located in the heart of Great Bridge in the highly sought after Chesapeake School System. The community is conveniently located off Cedar Road within close proximity to shopping, dining, and all major interstates via Battlefield Blvd or Dominion Blvd. All homes include partial fencing of outdoor space, as well as access to a private community dog park. Our low maintenance floor plans include a 1 car attached garage with a 2 car driveway. Nine foot ceilings on both first and second floors. The optional third floor living space offers vaulted ceilings and a full bathroom. Standard features included in the price are: wide plank wood floors in the kitchen and foyer. Granite countertops in the kitchen and master bathroom. Soft close cabinets and drawers throughout the kitchen and baths. Double trash pull out cabinet in kitchen. Kenmore kitchen appliances. Ceramic tile flooring in master bathroom with oversized tile shower and separate alcove tub.

A complete two bath & kitchen renovation in a condo. Client wanted a larger kitchen area and better layout for bathrooms. We removed a wall near the entrance and extended the kitchen with additional cabinetry and storage area. Laundry room was reduced to accommodate the larger kitchen. The shared and primary bathrooms were gutted and fully remodeled as well. Enlarged shower enclosure in shared bath for more space. Layout of primary bathroom was changed for better accessibility and flow in the area. Vanity and shower was relocated to create a more spacious and inviting environment. Client didn’t like the current floors, we replaced it with luxury vinyl planks for durability.

Trendy kitchen photo in Toronto