Rachael Stollar
Trendy open staircase photo in New York

Vegetated roof for increased insulation, water filtration, and decreased stormwater runoff. 5.9 Kw of PV solar panels for reducing reliance on the grid.

Stopping the Sun before it enters your windows, is one of the most effective ways of decreasing heat gain. A very smart choice for reducing cooling costs.

Photo by Jared Kuzia
Open concept kitchen - large transitional l-shaped brown floor and medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen idea in Boston with an undermount sink, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Elizabeth McGreevy The black gravel is about 3" deep and covers am 18" deep infiltration trench to sink runoff to reduce downslope flooding and erosion. The sunken waters then migrate into the terraced planting beds to add extra water for plants and decrease irrigation needs.

Bathroom - contemporary bathroom idea in San Diego

Garden 31 in La Canada Flintridge

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

To create a colonial outdoor living space, we gut renovated this patio, incorporating heated bluestones, a custom traditional fireplace and bespoke furniture. The space was divided into three distinct zones for cooking, dining, and lounging. Firing up the built-in gas grill or a relaxing by the fireplace, this space brings the inside out.

Featuring almost 600 architectural lights throughout the home, we focused on replacing the home’s halogen fixtures with superior efficiency LED versions and significantly decreasing wattages of the remaining luminaires. Intuitive control and efficiency were among the major goals of this project which succeeded in significantly increasing the homeowner’s control of the entire home as well as markedly reducing the environmental impact and energy costs to operate the home.

Example of a trendy home design design in Toronto

Whether it’s arthritis, joint or back pain, restless leg syndrome, muscle injuries or fibromyalgia, hot tubs are a proven form of chronic pain relief. The heat of the water increases blood flow and relaxes the body, while the massaging action of the jets and the water’s buoyancy loosen muscle tension and soothe sore joints. The New England Journal of Medicine (08-16-1999) found that, after just 10 days, patients with Type 2 Diabetes who used hot tubs 30 minutes a day/6 days per week required reduced doses of insulin, lost weight, slept better and showed distinct decreases in plasma glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin. Hot tubs can be a great fix for those suffering from insomnia, helping your body to wind down before bed and get the natural sleep you need. Even if you don’t suffer from chronic sleep problems, the Better Sleep Council recommends establishing a relaxing bedtime routine, such as soaking in hot water to help maintain a healthy sleep cycle. According to the Council’s findings, warm water releases muscle tension and increases blood flow, both of which contribute to a relaxed and deeper, more comfortable sleep. Whether it’s a new exercise routine or an unusually active day on your feet, most of us know the “day after” feeling of sore, overworked muscles that make it hurt to move, period. The water pressure from hot tub jets relieves muscle tightness and soreness by removing lactic acid, opening up the blood vessels and promoting the flow of endorphins. LPGA Sports Medicine Director Caroline Nichols and former President of the American Orthopedic Society of Sports Medicine Dr. James Andrews recommend hydrotherapeutic activity for athletes at every level. Nichols says that hot tubs especially help with recovery since jets focus on overused muscle and joint regions, while Andrews supports hydrotherapy as a good tool for improved circulation, sensory impulses and stiff joints. Whether you’re looking to alleviate stress, feel healthier or simply spend more time with your loved ones, you’d be amazed at how as little as 10 minutes in a hot tub can help you relax and put everything in perspective. There are hot tubs for every type of user, regardless of whether it’s just you or it’s the entire gang piling in, looking for some much-needed relief after a long day.

Inspiration for a country porch remodel in Charlotte

This project won in the 2013 Builders Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh Housing Excellence Award for Best Urban Renewal Renovation Project. The glass bowl was made in the glass studio owned by the owner which is adjacent to the residence. The mirror is a repurposed window. The door is repurposed from a boarding house. George Mendel

Rebecca Lehde
Example of a transitional 3/4 white tile and subway tile walk-in shower design with light wood cabinets, gray walls and an undermount sink

Wide and tall pull out rack for optimal pantry storage. Kitchen design and photography by Jennifer Hayes of Castle Kitchens and Interiors.
Inspiration for a large craftsman l-shaped kitchen pantry remodel in Denver with shaker cabinets and light wood cabinets

Custom made one of the kind modern Canadian Christmas tree. Design and fabrication Reach Design Photos: Reach Design
Example of a mid-sized mid-century modern light wood floor and brown floor living room design in Vancouver with white walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv

2800 SF Modern Mountain Retreat Home built in 2021 outside Sugarbush, VT. House features 3 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, a bonus room, and 2-car garage. The house also has two interior fire elements, two exterior fire elements, and a heated spa pool. The design takes advantage of the allowable site placement and views. The streetside view, which is South, focuses on diffuse ambient light year round in a Northern climate reduce increase interior light which increases occupant health and reduces SAD. 16 skylights, calculated overhangs, and window locations take advantage of low angle winter sun while also block hotter summer sun. Skylights also feature automatic climate controls to sun direct sun, open when air quality decreases, and close if rain occurs. 3 skylights on the north side bath the Primary Bedroom with diffuse light year round. Large patio expanses allow 4 season use in Vermont and keeps human connectivity through out the use of the house. Large sliding doors connect interior and exterior space. The see through fireplace not only extends the use of the enclosed three season porch but also extends the interior space outside. The heated spa pool has an automatic cover to reduce energy use and keep fall leaves at bay. Situated only 5 minutes from Sugarbush, views of Lincoln Peak abound so you can admirer winter skiers whether you are on the slope or not. ...

Intus Windows: Arcade, triple pane windows, STC40/OITC35 The low solar heat gain coefficient of Intus' Eforte glazing, combined with the low U-values, and reduced heating and cooling significantly decrease energy costs for this public charter school. According to the general contractor, MCN Build,, the cost of the Intus system was 30% less than the alternative aluminum double-pane system. Intus' solutions saved the builder on material costs, and more importantly, as much as $300,000.00 dollars and 49,000.00 estimated saving in energy consumption a year for Capital City Public Charter school!