An Arts & Crafts Bungalow is one of my favorite styles of homes. We have quite a few of them in our Stockton Mid-Town area. And when C&L called us to help them remodel their 1923 American Bungalow, I was beyond thrilled. As per usual, when we get a new inquiry, we quickly Google the project location while we are talking to you on the phone. My excitement escalated when I saw the Google Earth Image of the sweet Sage Green bungalow in Mid-Town Stockton. "Yes, we would be interested in working with you," I said trying to keep my cool. But what made it even better was meeting C&L and touring their home, because they are the nicest young couple, eager to make their home period perfect. Unfortunately, it had been slightly molested by some bad house-flippers, and we needed to bring the bathroom back to it "roots." We knew we had to banish the hideous brown tile and cheap vanity quickly. But C&L complained about the condensation problems and the constant fight with mold. This immediately told me that improper remodeling had occurred and we needed to remedy that right away. The Before: Frustrations with a Botched Remodel The bathroom needed to be brought back to period appropriate design with all the functionality of a modern bathroom. We thought of things like marble countertop, white mosaic floor tiles, white subway tile, board and batten molding, and of course a fabulous wallpaper. This small (and only) bathroom on a tight budget required a little bit of design sleuthing to figure out how we could get the proper look and feel. Our goal was to determine where to splurge and where to economize and how to complete the remodel as quickly as possible because C&L would have to move out while construction was going on. The Process: Hard Work to Remedy Design and Function During our initial design study, (which included 2 hours in the owners’ home), we noticed framed images of William Morris Arts and Crafts textile patterns and knew this would be our design inspiration. We presented C&L with three options and they quickly selected the Pimpernel Design Concept. We had originally selected the Black and Olive colors with a black vanity, mirror, and black and white floor tile. C&L liked it but weren’t quite sure about the black, We went back to the drawing board and decided the William & Co Pimpernel Wallpaper in Bayleaf and Manilla color with a softer gray painted vanity and mirror and white floor tile was more to their liking. After the Design Concept was approved, we went to work securing the building permit, procuring all the elements, and scheduling our trusted tradesmen to perform the work. We did uncover some shoddy work by the flippers such as live electrical wires hidden behind the wall, plumbing venting cut-off and buried in the walls (hence the constant dampness), the tub barely balancing on two fence boards across the floor joist, and no insulation on the exterior wall. All of the previous blunders were fixed and the bathroom put back to its previous glory. We could feel the house thanking us for making it pretty again. The After Reveal: Cohesive Design Decisions We selected a simple white subway tile for the tub/shower. This is always classic and in keeping with the style of the house. We selected a pre-fab vanity and mirror, but they look rich with the quartz countertop. There is much more storage in this small vanity than you would think. The Transformation: A Period Perfect Refresh We began the remodel just as the pandemic reared and stay-in-place orders went into effect. As C&L were already moved out and living with relatives, we got the go-ahead from city officials to get the work done (after all, how can you shelter in place without a bathroom?). All our tradesmen were scheduled to work so that only one crew was on the job site at a time. We stayed on the original schedule with only a one week delay. The end result is the sweetest little bathroom I've ever seen (and I can't wait to start work on C&L's kitchen next). Thank you for joining me in this project transformation. I hope this inspired you to think about being creative with your design projects, determining what works best in keeping with the architecture of your space, and carefully assessing how you can have the best life in your home.

Carolina Lanterns & Lighting carolinalanterns.com
Inspiration for a coastal deck remodel in Charleston

Having evergreens on your property is an extraordinary way to include color that will stay fresh all year long. Knowing how to take care of your evergreens is also important if you want them to thrive long-term. How you plant your evergreens and where you plant them is important, but their maintenance equally critical. You should always fortify your evergreens by watering them liberally and mulching their soil beds. This will help reduce any damage caused by winds, cold weather, and intense sun exposure. Pruning on a consistent schedule will also ensure that your evergreen always looks neat, healthy, and green. How to Properly Care for Evergreens Evergreens are very low-maintenance trees but they still require care. Neglected plants will dry out and wither which has the contrary effect of what you intended for when you planted them. Mulching & Watering The level of moisture in the soil will determine how well an evergreen can handle winter conditions and dry conditions. Adding wood chips or shredded bark mulch around the bottom of your plant will help lock in soil moisture. Make sure this is close to the tree’s drip line. Adding organic materials to your mulch, such as compost, will further boost the nutrient levels in the soil. This, in turn, will help your evergreen grow strong, healthy and green. Make sure you water your plant regularly to maintain soil moisture levels. Read More: https://www.fivestartreecare.ca/blog/best-way-to-care-for-evergreens/

Photo by Pete Veilleux, East Bay Wilds. 'Island Pink' yarrow (Achillea millefolium 'Island Pink') with woolly blue curls (Trichostema lanatum).

Green Home Systems provides reliable solar power solutions to residential and commercial customers all over the country. Recently, we had the opportunity to work with Bruce D. in Jacksonville, IL to provide a 19kW solar system for his home. We were able to complete this job quickly and efficiently, delivering a high quality product at an affordable price. At Green Home Systems, our mission is to provide our customers with the best customer service in the industry as well as unparalleled solar solutions at the most economical price. We understand that not everyone can afford large upfront costs associated with installing solar systems and we are proud to offer competitive financing options that make it easier for our customers to go solar without breaking the bank. This was certainly true for Bruce D., who took advantage of our financing options and was able to have his new solar system installed within a couple of weeks time. Our team worked hard to ensure everything went smoothly when installing Bruce’s new system. We began by inspecting his roof to determine if it was suitable for installation and if there were any potential problems that needed addressing before beginning work. Once we determined everything was in order we then moved on to designing and installing the system itself. Our team of experienced professionals worked diligently to ensure each component was installed properly and securely so that it would be able to withstand years of exposure to the elements without issue. We also made sure that Bruce was aware of all the financial benefits associated with having a photovoltaic system installed on his home. He was now able to take advantage of numerous tax credits available in Illinois as well as decreased utility bills due to reduced consumption from his local electricity provider. Additionally, he will be able to increase the value of his home by having a solar power system installed which will make it more attractive should he decide he wants to sell it down the line. In conclusion, we are proud of our work with Bruce D. in Jacksonville, IL and were happy to provide him with an efficient and cost-effective way to add renewable energy sources into his home’s power grid. Our team worked diligently throughout every stage of this project from design through installation until completion and we are thrilled with the results. We look forward to continuing our work throughout Illinois providing reliable solar solutions at competitive prices so that more people can benefit from this clean source of energy!

Green Home Systems provides reliable solar power solutions to residential and commercial customers all over the country. Recently, we had the opportunity to work with Bruce D. in Jacksonville, IL to provide a 19kW solar system for his home. We were able to complete this job quickly and efficiently, delivering a high quality product at an affordable price. At Green Home Systems, our mission is to provide our customers with the best customer service in the industry as well as unparalleled solar solutions at the most economical price. We understand that not everyone can afford large upfront costs associated with installing solar systems and we are proud to offer competitive financing options that make it easier for our customers to go solar without breaking the bank. This was certainly true for Bruce D., who took advantage of our financing options and was able to have his new solar system installed within a couple of weeks time. Our team worked hard to ensure everything went smoothly when installing Bruce’s new system. We began by inspecting his roof to determine if it was suitable for installation and if there were any potential problems that needed addressing before beginning work. Once we determined everything was in order we then moved on to designing and installing the system itself. Our team of experienced professionals worked diligently to ensure each component was installed properly and securely so that it would be able to withstand years of exposure to the elements without issue. We also made sure that Bruce was aware of all the financial benefits associated with having a photovoltaic system installed on his home. He was now able to take advantage of numerous tax credits available in Illinois as well as decreased utility bills due to reduced consumption from his local electricity provider. Additionally, he will be able to increase the value of his home by having a solar power system installed which will make it more attractive should he decide he wants to sell it down the line. In conclusion, we are proud of our work with Bruce D. in Jacksonville, IL and were happy to provide him with an efficient and cost-effective way to add renewable energy sources into his home’s power grid. Our team worked diligently throughout every stage of this project from design through installation until completion and we are thrilled with the results. We look forward to continuing our work throughout Illinois providing reliable solar solutions at competitive prices so that more people can benefit from this clean source of energy!

Green Home Systems provides reliable solar power solutions to residential and commercial customers all over the country. Recently, we had the opportunity to work with Bruce D. in Jacksonville, IL to provide a 19kW solar system for his home. We were able to complete this job quickly and efficiently, delivering a high quality product at an affordable price. At Green Home Systems, our mission is to provide our customers with the best customer service in the industry as well as unparalleled solar solutions at the most economical price. We understand that not everyone can afford large upfront costs associated with installing solar systems and we are proud to offer competitive financing options that make it easier for our customers to go solar without breaking the bank. This was certainly true for Bruce D., who took advantage of our financing options and was able to have his new solar system installed within a couple of weeks time. Our team worked hard to ensure everything went smoothly when installing Bruce’s new system. We began by inspecting his roof to determine if it was suitable for installation and if there were any potential problems that needed addressing before beginning work. Once we determined everything was in order we then moved on to designing and installing the system itself. Our team of experienced professionals worked diligently to ensure each component was installed properly and securely so that it would be able to withstand years of exposure to the elements without issue. We also made sure that Bruce was aware of all the financial benefits associated with having a photovoltaic system installed on his home. He was now able to take advantage of numerous tax credits available in Illinois as well as decreased utility bills due to reduced consumption from his local electricity provider. Additionally, he will be able to increase the value of his home by having a solar power system installed which will make it more attractive should he decide he wants to sell it down the line. In conclusion, we are proud of our work with Bruce D. in Jacksonville, IL and were happy to provide him with an efficient and cost-effective way to add renewable energy sources into his home’s power grid. Our team worked diligently throughout every stage of this project from design through installation until completion and we are thrilled with the results. We look forward to continuing our work throughout Illinois providing reliable solar solutions at competitive prices so that more people can benefit from this clean source of energy!

Inspiration for a rustic brown one-story wood gable roof remodel in Seattle

Green Home Systems provides reliable solar power solutions to residential and commercial customers all over the country. Recently, we had the opportunity to work with Bruce D. in Jacksonville, IL to provide a 19kW solar system for his home. We were able to complete this job quickly and efficiently, delivering a high quality product at an affordable price. At Green Home Systems, our mission is to provide our customers with the best customer service in the industry as well as unparalleled solar solutions at the most economical price. We understand that not everyone can afford large upfront costs associated with installing solar systems and we are proud to offer competitive financing options that make it easier for our customers to go solar without breaking the bank. This was certainly true for Bruce D., who took advantage of our financing options and was able to have his new solar system installed within a couple of weeks time. Our team worked hard to ensure everything went smoothly when installing Bruce’s new system. We began by inspecting his roof to determine if it was suitable for installation and if there were any potential problems that needed addressing before beginning work. Once we determined everything was in order we then moved on to designing and installing the system itself. Our team of experienced professionals worked diligently to ensure each component was installed properly and securely so that it would be able to withstand years of exposure to the elements without issue. We also made sure that Bruce was aware of all the financial benefits associated with having a photovoltaic system installed on his home. He was now able to take advantage of numerous tax credits available in Illinois as well as decreased utility bills due to reduced consumption from his local electricity provider. Additionally, he will be able to increase the value of his home by having a solar power system installed which will make it more attractive should he decide he wants to sell it down the line. In conclusion, we are proud of our work with Bruce D. in Jacksonville, IL and were happy to provide him with an efficient and cost-effective way to add renewable energy sources into his home’s power grid. Our team worked diligently throughout every stage of this project from design through installation until completion and we are thrilled with the results. We look forward to continuing our work throughout Illinois providing reliable solar solutions at competitive prices so that more people can benefit from this clean source of energy!

BROOKLYN OFFICE Inserts Options • Inserts provide stylish or colorful accents to your storage system, creating a highly personalized design feature to suit you and your home. • Choose from a wide range of options like leather, glass, acrylic, and more. • Accents of color provide a high-end look and make your storage system unique to your home. • Inserts are durable and easy to maintain. • Inserts provide an opportunity to add texture and depth to a design palette. Our Products At California Closets, we constantly pursue opportunities to provide our clients with environmentally sustainable options, and our products reflect this commitment. All of our board is compliant with the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which consists of some of the most rigorous regulations for emission standards, and is available in a variety of substrates, including low-emitting formaldehyde. This certification applies to our three finishes - Classic, Lago®, and TesoroTM - which come in a wide range of beautiful colors and textures. All of our composite wood doors and drawers are made from recycled or reclaimed wood fiber and can contribute toward achieving credit in both the LEED® 2009 and LEED v4 standards. LEED, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a nationally recognized system for green building that is administered by the U.S. Green Building Council. We offer a selection of translucent accents door/drawer inserts, back panels and countertops, designed with solid finishes or organic material that contain between 38 - 40 percent recycled content and can be reclaimed at their end-of-life stage through the supplier. They are also certified by GREENGUARD, an environmental institute that seeks to improve indoor air quality and reduce human exposure to chemicals and other pollutants. As an industry leader, California Closets continually seeks to increase our environmental commitment. Your design consultant can provide more details to determine which products best suit your sustainability needs. Revisit us as we continue to source new products with sustainable features.

Andropogon gerardii / Big Bluestem Photo: Matt Lavin, via Flickr, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic

UltraMedia featured in Electronic House magazine: "Reaching this point of acoustical nirvana required plenty of calculations, CAD drawings and calibration, says Mike Brock of custom electronics design and installation firm UltraMedia, Richardson, Texas. His company worked directly with the manufacturer—Auralex—to make sure every inch of wall surface, both inside and out, was covered with the perfect type and amount of acoustical material. “We sent the room dimensions and the planned locations of the video projector, speakers and other equipment to the engineers at Auralex,” Brock explains. Using this information, the company was able to specify products and determine their proper placement. “This was the first time where I actually had the manufacturer come down and take an active role in the project and it really worked to everyone’s advantage,” Brock continues. Home-Theater-Wolf-Projector.jpg Auralex’s help with the design of the acoustical treatments afforded Brock the time to implement other sound-enhancing solutions. For example, he filled the hollow metal legs of the bar with sand to prevent them from resonating during loud passages in movie soundtracks. A thick, heavily padded carpet was added, and the general contractor constructed the shell of the room with sound-reducing drywall and installed a solid core door to prevent audio from seeping out into other areas of the house. Lastly, the sound system was calibrated. Unlike many acoustically treated theaters, where the speakers are installed within the walls and covered with special fabric, in this room UltraMedia kept the nine Vienna Acoustic speakers completely exposed. The front three Vienna Acoustics Klimt Music speakers (as well as two REL sub bass units) were positioned on the floor, and the back six speakers were mounted to the surface of the walls. “The cherry in this theater are the Klimts,” says Brock. “We really dialed them in for the best possible sound.” By “dialing in,” Brock means using his and his team’s critical listening skills to position the speakers properly, then using the Integra receiver’s built-in Audyssey technology (a combination of sophisticated software and microphones) to calibrate the speakers to compensate for any acoustical anomalies. The end result: audio perfection." Photo credit: UltraMedia, Inc.

At Green Home Systems, we provide our customers with top tier solar solutions at the most economical price. Recently, we had the pleasure of helping Ian V. in Woodland Hills, CA with a 10 kW solar system that was completed in less than a month. Here’s a closer look at why Ian chose us and what made this project a success. Competitive Pricing When it comes to solar solutions, pricing is the biggest factor that drives customer decisions. We understand this better than anyone else and strive to make sure that our prices are low enough to remain competitive while still maintaining our high quality of service and products. We believe that this is why Ian chose us for his project in Woodland Hills – he wanted quality services and products at an unbeatable price point. Superior Customer Service Aside from pricing, another important factor for customers when choosing a solar solution provider is customer service. We take great pride in providing our customers with the best service in the industry. Our team of experts works closely with each customer to ensure that their needs are met and their expectations exceeded. From the beginning to end of every project, we strive to provide unmatched attention to detail and excellent communication so that no stone goes unturned and no questions go unanswered. This level of service is exactly why Ian chose us for his project in Woodland Hills – he knew he could trust us with his project and would receive superior customer service throughout the process. Unparalleled Solar Solutions In addition to providing competitive pricing and superior customer service, we also offer unparalleled solar solutions that meet each individual customer’s needs and budget. As part of this process, we work closely with our customers to help them understand their options and make informed decisions about which products are best for them. For Ian’s project in Woodland Hills, we worked together to determine which type of system was best for his home – a 10 kW system – as well as which specific products would work best for his needs and budget. With our expertise and guidance, Ian was able to make an informed decision about what type of system was best for him and his home. Project Results The results of Ian’s project were nothing short of amazing! The entire project went smoothly from start to finish thanks to our team’s expertise and attention to detail throughout the process. We were able to complete the 10 kW solar system within a month despite numerous obstacles such as weather delays and scheduling issues – all while providing top notch customer service every step of the way! With his new solar system now up and running, Ian is now saving money on energy bills while helping reduce his carbon footprint - proving that going green can also be economical! Conclusion At Green Home Systems, we are proud to offer our customers unparalleled solar solutions at an unbeatable price point along with superior customer service throughout each project’s completion! Thanks to our team’s hard work, dedication, expertise - as well as Ian's trust - we were able to complete this 10 kW solar system within a month while helping him save money on energy bills while reducing his carbon footprint! If you're looking for quality services and products at an unbeatable price point along with top notch customer service throughout your project's completion - then look no further than Green Home Systems!

At Green Home Systems, we provide our customers with top tier solar solutions at the most economical price. Recently, we had the pleasure of helping Ian V. in Woodland Hills, CA with a 10 kW solar system that was completed in less than a month. Here’s a closer look at why Ian chose us and what made this project a success. Competitive Pricing When it comes to solar solutions, pricing is the biggest factor that drives customer decisions. We understand this better than anyone else and strive to make sure that our prices are low enough to remain competitive while still maintaining our high quality of service and products. We believe that this is why Ian chose us for his project in Woodland Hills – he wanted quality services and products at an unbeatable price point. Superior Customer Service Aside from pricing, another important factor for customers when choosing a solar solution provider is customer service. We take great pride in providing our customers with the best service in the industry. Our team of experts works closely with each customer to ensure that their needs are met and their expectations exceeded. From the beginning to end of every project, we strive to provide unmatched attention to detail and excellent communication so that no stone goes unturned and no questions go unanswered. This level of service is exactly why Ian chose us for his project in Woodland Hills – he knew he could trust us with his project and would receive superior customer service throughout the process. Unparalleled Solar Solutions In addition to providing competitive pricing and superior customer service, we also offer unparalleled solar solutions that meet each individual customer’s needs and budget. As part of this process, we work closely with our customers to help them understand their options and make informed decisions about which products are best for them. For Ian’s project in Woodland Hills, we worked together to determine which type of system was best for his home – a 10 kW system – as well as which specific products would work best for his needs and budget. With our expertise and guidance, Ian was able to make an informed decision about what type of system was best for him and his home. Project Results The results of Ian’s project were nothing short of amazing! The entire project went smoothly from start to finish thanks to our team’s expertise and attention to detail throughout the process. We were able to complete the 10 kW solar system within a month despite numerous obstacles such as weather delays and scheduling issues – all while providing top notch customer service every step of the way! With his new solar system now up and running, Ian is now saving money on energy bills while helping reduce his carbon footprint - proving that going green can also be economical! Conclusion At Green Home Systems, we are proud to offer our customers unparalleled solar solutions at an unbeatable price point along with superior customer service throughout each project’s completion! Thanks to our team’s hard work, dedication, expertise - as well as Ian's trust - we were able to complete this 10 kW solar system within a month while helping him save money on energy bills while reducing his carbon footprint! If you're looking for quality services and products at an unbeatable price point along with top notch customer service throughout your project's completion - then look no further than Green Home Systems!

At Green Home Systems, we provide our customers with top tier solar solutions at the most economical price. Recently, we had the pleasure of helping Ian V. in Woodland Hills, CA with a 10 kW solar system that was completed in less than a month. Here’s a closer look at why Ian chose us and what made this project a success. Competitive Pricing When it comes to solar solutions, pricing is the biggest factor that drives customer decisions. We understand this better than anyone else and strive to make sure that our prices are low enough to remain competitive while still maintaining our high quality of service and products. We believe that this is why Ian chose us for his project in Woodland Hills – he wanted quality services and products at an unbeatable price point. Superior Customer Service Aside from pricing, another important factor for customers when choosing a solar solution provider is customer service. We take great pride in providing our customers with the best service in the industry. Our team of experts works closely with each customer to ensure that their needs are met and their expectations exceeded. From the beginning to end of every project, we strive to provide unmatched attention to detail and excellent communication so that no stone goes unturned and no questions go unanswered. This level of service is exactly why Ian chose us for his project in Woodland Hills – he knew he could trust us with his project and would receive superior customer service throughout the process. Unparalleled Solar Solutions In addition to providing competitive pricing and superior customer service, we also offer unparalleled solar solutions that meet each individual customer’s needs and budget. As part of this process, we work closely with our customers to help them understand their options and make informed decisions about which products are best for them. For Ian’s project in Woodland Hills, we worked together to determine which type of system was best for his home – a 10 kW system – as well as which specific products would work best for his needs and budget. With our expertise and guidance, Ian was able to make an informed decision about what type of system was best for him and his home. Project Results The results of Ian’s project were nothing short of amazing! The entire project went smoothly from start to finish thanks to our team’s expertise and attention to detail throughout the process. We were able to complete the 10 kW solar system within a month despite numerous obstacles such as weather delays and scheduling issues – all while providing top notch customer service every step of the way! With his new solar system now up and running, Ian is now saving money on energy bills while helping reduce his carbon footprint - proving that going green can also be economical! Conclusion At Green Home Systems, we are proud to offer our customers unparalleled solar solutions at an unbeatable price point along with superior customer service throughout each project’s completion! Thanks to our team’s hard work, dedication, expertise - as well as Ian's trust - we were able to complete this 10 kW solar system within a month while helping him save money on energy bills while reducing his carbon footprint! If you're looking for quality services and products at an unbeatable price point along with top notch customer service throughout your project's completion - then look no further than Green Home Systems!

At Green Home Systems, we provide our customers with top tier solar solutions at the most economical price. Recently, we had the pleasure of helping Ian V. in Woodland Hills, CA with a 10 kW solar system that was completed in less than a month. Here’s a closer look at why Ian chose us and what made this project a success. Competitive Pricing When it comes to solar solutions, pricing is the biggest factor that drives customer decisions. We understand this better than anyone else and strive to make sure that our prices are low enough to remain competitive while still maintaining our high quality of service and products. We believe that this is why Ian chose us for his project in Woodland Hills – he wanted quality services and products at an unbeatable price point. Superior Customer Service Aside from pricing, another important factor for customers when choosing a solar solution provider is customer service. We take great pride in providing our customers with the best service in the industry. Our team of experts works closely with each customer to ensure that their needs are met and their expectations exceeded. From the beginning to end of every project, we strive to provide unmatched attention to detail and excellent communication so that no stone goes unturned and no questions go unanswered. This level of service is exactly why Ian chose us for his project in Woodland Hills – he knew he could trust us with his project and would receive superior customer service throughout the process. Unparalleled Solar Solutions In addition to providing competitive pricing and superior customer service, we also offer unparalleled solar solutions that meet each individual customer’s needs and budget. As part of this process, we work closely with our customers to help them understand their options and make informed decisions about which products are best for them. For Ian’s project in Woodland Hills, we worked together to determine which type of system was best for his home – a 10 kW system – as well as which specific products would work best for his needs and budget. With our expertise and guidance, Ian was able to make an informed decision about what type of system was best for him and his home. Project Results The results of Ian’s project were nothing short of amazing! The entire project went smoothly from start to finish thanks to our team’s expertise and attention to detail throughout the process. We were able to complete the 10 kW solar system within a month despite numerous obstacles such as weather delays and scheduling issues – all while providing top notch customer service every step of the way! With his new solar system now up and running, Ian is now saving money on energy bills while helping reduce his carbon footprint - proving that going green can also be economical! Conclusion At Green Home Systems, we are proud to offer our customers unparalleled solar solutions at an unbeatable price point along with superior customer service throughout each project’s completion! Thanks to our team’s hard work, dedication, expertise - as well as Ian's trust - we were able to complete this 10 kW solar system within a month while helping him save money on energy bills while reducing his carbon footprint! If you're looking for quality services and products at an unbeatable price point along with top notch customer service throughout your project's completion - then look no further than Green Home Systems!

Miele Appliances at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center 26767 Agoura Road, Calabasas, CA 91302 Phone 818.880.0011 Fax 818.880.0411 12050 Ventura Blvd.,Studio City, CA 91604 Phone 818.755.1111 Fax 818.755.9111 www.uakc.com Miele Generation 6000 is bringing design and innovation that exceed expectations. It includes two distinct design styles - PureLine and ContourLine - as well as several color options including Brilliant White and Truffle Brown. Design for Miele is not simply the exterior. Like the design principle, form follows function; the true beauty of the Generation 6000 series is highlighted by its intuitive user interface, which ensures unsurpassed performance and convenience in the kitchen. With these new color options and the uniform design of the Generation 6000 series, Miele has created a series of appliances that will seamlessly integrate into any kitchen or lifestyle. Whether appliances are installed vertically, horizontally, as a square or in a T-shape configuration, the design is fully resolved. M Touch – Top-class technology with a special touch Whether it’s creating a double cappuccino at the touch of a single button, finding the desired MasterChef automatic program on the Combi-Steam Oven in an instant or selecting the operating mode and temperature in just a few simple steps – Miele eliminates the guesswork. All of these operations are easier than ever because of M Touch. Reminiscent of smart phones and tablets, M Touch is an intuitive user interface that allows the user to swipe or scroll through the menu with the tip of a finger. A new high resolution control panel with white TFT (Thin Film Transistor) text brings a brilliant display. And because the interface is universal across all Gen 6000 appliances, the transition from appliance to appliance is easier than ever. Oven Innovations: Moisture Plus, Gourmet Center and MultiSteam Developed exclusively for Miele USA, Moisture Plus is a truly unique steam injection system featured in Miele M Touch 30” Convection Ovens. Moisture Plus automatically injects a burst of steam into the oven cavity at pre-determined points during the cooking process. The addition of moisture improves results when proofing dough, gives loaves of bread a crisp crust and glossy finish and makes cuts of meat particularly crisp on the outside and succulent inside. Also new to the 30” Convection Oven is the addition of MasterChef Plus programs. Ideal for the consummate baker at home, this exclusive new menu system houses 14 automatic bread programs and replicates results seen in artisan bakeries. Included are programs for sourdough, whole grain, rolls and baguettes. A pioneer in steam oven technology, Generation 6000 Steam and Combi-Steam Ovens are equipped with MultiSteam technology, a revolutionary new steam cooking generation. The addition of six steam inlets in the Steam Oven and eight steam inlets in the Combi-Steam Oven, delivers fast, even steam distribution and incredibly quick heat-up times for even cooking results through a more powerful steam generator. Long regarded for its ingredient-driven menu, Miele MasterChef programs are now located within the Gourmet Center. Choose from more than 100 easy to use programs for grains, vegetables, meats, fish and poultry. At just the touch of a button, the program will deliver menu options that guide the user step by step - from the desired oven mode to temperature - all resulting in the perfect dish. Generation 6000 Coffee Systems impress with comfort and innovation There are several new highlights to the Generation 6000 Whole Bean Coffee System including a new CupSensor, EasyClick Milk System and One Touch for Two features. Exclusive to Miele, the CupSensor automatically adjusts the height of the spout to the optimum position for different cup and glass sizes. Whether a tall latté macchiato or a dainty espresso is being prepared, the central spout automatically adjusts to the cup’s rim and eliminates splashing. The CupSensor even reacts precisely to beverages made with milk by raising the spout slightly to make room for the incoming espresso. Also new is the EasyClick milk system which is a dishwasher safe glass, milk flask that effortlessly clicks into place at the front of the machine. And for easy maintenance, the new Miele Coffee Systems now automatically rinse all milk spouts and hoses with water after each use. The One Touch for Two feature allows the user to prepare two coffee specialties such as cappuccino and latté macchiato at the same time, thus reducing prep time when two or more drinks are being served. Miele Generation 6000 series is distinguished by its elegant design and remarkable innovations to deliver unmatched results that can be seen, touched and tasted. German engineered and tested to last 20 years, Generation 6000 reinforces the Miele Design for Life philosophy and solidifies Miele at the forefront of residential culinary appliances.

Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Residential $60,000-$120,000 Award Level: Silver Project Description: We were contracted by the family to create a master plan for the property. They were experiencing extreme drainage and erosion problems due to the surrounding properties’ drastic grade changes. Erosion had caused the rear lawn to sink in various areas and the existing rear patio spaces were failing. The client wanted to rebuild their patios and walkways, repave their driveway and give their home more visual appeal. Most importantly, they wanted an environmentally friendly solution. Our design solution was to create a rain garden that would slow storm water runoff, allow for percolation, and promote infiltration, while permitting excess clean water to enter the storm drain at the street with slower velocity. The rain garden acts as a temporary holding space that allows the earth to slowly absorb water, rather than overwhelm the nearby storm drain. Our first objective was to conduct a percolation test to determine the amount of clay soil that needed to be removed before reaching the sandy loam layer. A percolation test and storm water calculations were generated to accommodate a 1” rain event. Based on our calculations and the small size of the property, we determined a depth of 18” was necessary for optimal holding capacity. We removed 18” of clay soil until a layer of sandy loam was encountered. Next, the soil was amended with compost and sand to create a highly porous planting media for the basin of the garden. We piped the three existing rear downspouts to the rain garden area to capture for infiltration and alleviate runoff throughout the rear lawn and patio space. We installed an 18” wide over-flow standpipe at a 24” depth into the ground that outlets to a stone swale that carries the water to the property edge. As an added means of holding the maximum amount of water, we designed the standpipe to sit 14” above grade. The height of this standpipe allows this rain garden to capture 14” of water before reaching the overflow capacity. We placed geotextile fabric to help reduce migration of the stones into the soil and aid in the prevention of weeds and erosion. We heavily planted the rain garden to further aid in absorption and to attract local wildlife. A native plant palette of butterfly weed, Panicum, Joe-Pye weed, and asters form a colorful backdrop while the basin was filled with obligate wetland plants such as royal ferns, irises and cardinal flowers. The upper edges in the foreground are planted with Echinacea, Rudbeckia and Monarda, satisfying the local bird community and adding bright seasonal colors. This garden effectively collects and cleanses rainwater while creating a habitat for birds, frogs, and butterflies. Our next challenge was to redesign the existing patios and walkways without increasing impervious surfaces. According to township regulations this property was currently at its maximum capacity, therefore we designed the front and rear patios with a slightly smaller footprint to decrease their existing impervious surfaces. New planting beds were designed throughout the entire property. Plants were chosen that were tolerant of specific site conditions. For the rear yard, we choose a backdrop of witch hazel and hollies to provide an evergreen screen as well as early spring color. We placed hydrangea throughout to add summer color. We planted ostrich fern under the existing spruce tree to create a lush floor. This area became an additional backdrop for the rain garden as well as a screen for the neighboring property. We choose a combination of ‘Blue Star’ juniper and creeping jenny to soften the existing rear wall with creepers. Around the rear patio areas we choose a combination of Liatris, Rudbeckia and ‘Lo and Behold’ butterfly bush. This combination of plants works in harmony with the rain garden and attracts additional butterflies. For the front of the property we worked with an existing Japanese maple that provided dense shade. We choose a shade-tolerant combination of Heuchera, Astilbe, ferns and hostas for this area. We added more hydrangeas to the front foundation of the house to provide lush layering of plant material and visual interest with additional summer blooms. Overall, we were able to exceed the client’s needs and expectations in transforming their property into a colorful paradise that attracts wildlife from season to season. The plant palette provides seasonal interest and the rain garden has successfully decreased storm water runoff. The new hardscape surfaces were designed and built with a slightly smaller footprint to decrease impervious surfaces. This project is a positive example of how all properties, regardless of size, can make an ecological difference by decreasing impervious surfaces and maintaining proper storm water management. Photo Credit: Terren Landscapes