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/

This is an example of a farmhouse landscaping in Denver.

Diehl Concrete is a local Denver business that prides itself in quality decorative work such as custom stamped concrete patios. The owner, Ryan Diehl, plays a hands-on part throughout the entire process. With over 15 years of experience in creating beautiful outdoor spaces, along with his un-compromised integrity, Diehl Concrete is a wise choice for your project. There are countless examples of his work throughout Colorado, including Denver, Aurora, Brighton, Boulder, and Evergreen. Call today and Ryan Diehl will personally evaluate your project, answer your questions, and provide a free quote. Benefits of Stamped Concrete Patios: Affordability: Stamped concrete patios are much more affordable when compared to brick pavers or natural stone. Fortunately, This lower cost doesn’t lack durability or beauty. Longevity: Concrete typically lasts longer than alternative patio materials. To ensure durability, Diehl Concrete will take the extra steps to reduce cracking. We will take great care in preparing your concrete sub-grade with proper compaction, and road base as well as rebar reinforcement within the concrete. Finally, expansion joints will be strategically placed to minimize and prevent cracking. Color and Pattern Options: The sky is truly the limit on color choices and patterns for stamped concrete patios. Shape: Due to its versatility of the substance, concrete offers homeowners the ability to create any type of shape they would like. Would you like curves, planting beds, or even a fire pit incorporated into your stamped concrete patio? No problem. Low Maintenance: To maintain the look and uphold the durability, a once yearly sealer may be applied. This is something you can do yourself, or we can seal your patio for you. Increased home resale value. Decorative concrete adds curb appeal and aesthetic value to your home, allowing you to maximize the return on your investment.

Poolside luxury meets architectural precision with Techo-Bloc's Industria Smooth Slabs. Designed for bold lines, crisp geometry, and effortless sophistication, this material is a top choice for clients who want to make a design statement while prioritizing safety, longevity, and low maintenance. Each slab features a smooth, ultra-modern surface that is barefoot-friendly, slip-resistant, and available in a wide palette of neutral tones. When paired with darker linear accents; As seen in this grid pattern the visual contrast elevates the space to resort-quality refinement. Industria Smooth is more than just style. It's built from premium, high-density concrete that resists salt, chlorine, and freeze-thaw cycles making it ideal for pool decks and coastal properties. The large-format slabs reduce joint lines, creating a clean look and a smoother walking surface, while still allowing for proper drainage and permeability when installed with the right base system. Whether you’re creating a high-end residential escape or a hospitality-grade landscape, Industria Smooth delivers performance, polish, and peace of mind. Let’s build your outdoor masterpiece call 516-522-8249 for a consultation.

Owning a property with beautiful trees is a blessing, especially when those trees are more than a decade old. Established trees are often a selling point due to their aesthetic appeal and natural environmental benefits. Not only will trees create a sense of serenity, but they will also offer privacy for your family in the form of green foliage. Trees can do a lot for your property, but it is really important to invest in tree care to ensure that they thrive. Hiring the professionals here at Five Star Tree Services will keep your trees healthy and well pruned, and here are a few reasons why. Professional Tree Care Advantages There are various species of trees all of which need specialized care. Some may thrive in full sun while others need partial or full shade. Moisture needs will vary from season to season in addition to species to species. Even the age of a tree can dictate the type of care it needs to thrive. Professional tree care services are able to properly care for your trees in a way that ensures they get the best care possible. Tree care specialists are trained in the care of hundreds if not thousands of tree species which gives them the knowledge to offer customized services for every yard. Professional Tree Care Equipment A professional tree service will also have all of the right tools needed to get the job done. Equipping your shed for proper tree care can get expensive, and chances are you won’t have the right skills required to operate all of the equipment needed for professional tree care. Hiring the professionals will ensure that the right tools and the right knowledge is used to care for the trees on your property. Consistent Maintenance As we already mentioned, different types of trees need different care. They also need their care to be administered on a regular basis. Homeowners no matter how well-meaning can become lax on regular maintenance, but with a professional service, you never have to worry. Tree care services can come out on a set schedule to prune, water, feed, and care for your trees. This will ensure they are always healthy and will better enable you to spot problems that develop before they are too serious to treat. Your trees will also get trimmed properly and on schedule which will add to the overall aesthetic appeal of your yard. Neat Yard Keeping your yard neat and tidy is very important. It will help reduce the chance of pests hanging out on your property and increase the curb appeal of your home. Working with a professional company gives you years worth of experience that will come into play when landscaping and shaping the look of your yard. Safe Tree Care Trimming a tree and other tree care can be dangerous if you don’t know what you are doing. Not only can you get hurt in a fall, but improper tool operation can also result in injuries. A professional tree care company will have the training and the safety equipment needed to minimize the risks while caring for the trees on your property. If you are in need of Tree Care in Toronto, a specialist here at Five Star Tree Services can help. Give us a call at (416) 990-3355 to find out more today.

Title: Exterior Metal Porch & Staircase Restoration in West Town, Chicago Project Overview: In Chicago’s West Town and Near West Side neighborhoods, multi-unit two-flats, three-flats, and rear coach houses feature heavy-duty steel and iron porches, fire escapes, and railings. Over time, road salt, rain, and extreme freeze-thaw cycles strip away the protective finish, leading to unsightly rust and structural pitting. Windy City Painters recently completed this multi-tier metal staircase and deck railing repainting project in West Town, Chicago. Here is how proper prep work extends the lifespan of Chicago metalwork by 5 to 8 years. Why Exterior Metal Prep Matters in Chicago Rust never stops at the surface. Once moisture penetrates a cracked paint film, oxidation spreads laterally underneath. By the time orange bleeding or paint bubbling is visible, damage is far more extensive. Our 4-Step Metal Restoration Process: Mechanical Rust Removal & Scraping: Stripping loose, flaking paint down to solid, bonded metal. Chemical Rust Conversion: Applying Ospho or Corroseal to chemically convert active surface oxidation into a stable, paintable iron phosphate barrier. Rust-Inhibitive Priming: Locking out moisture with industrial-grade DTM (Direct-To-Metal) primer. Protective Topcoat: Finishing with a weather-resistant DTM enamel engineered to withstand heavy foot traffic and Chicago winter conditions. 4 Warning Signs Your Metal Railings or Porch Need Painting: Orange Bleeding: Rust staining pushing through topcoat paint. Bubbling or Blistering: Trapped moisture lifting paint from the base metal. Pitting Metal: Soft, flaking areas when tested with a screwdriver. Cracked Welds: Structural joints separating (requires welding repair before painting). Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: How much does exterior metal porch or railing painting cost in Chicago? A: Residential metal railings and porch stairs typically range between $500–$2,500+ depending on linear footage, height, rust severity, and detail work. Windy City Painters offers free, transparent per-project estimates. Q: Can rusty metal stairs and railings be saved? A: Yes! Most iron and steel structures can be fully restored with proper mechanical prep and rust converters. Only severely pitted or structurally compromised sections require welding repair prior to painting. Q: How long does a DTM paint job last on exterior metal? A: A properly prepped and coated metal porch or railing holds up for 5 to 8 years in Chicago. Skipping rust conversion reduces paint life to just 2 to 3 years. Q: Do you work with property managers and multi-unit buildings? A: Yes, Windy City Painters works with homeowners, landlords, HOA boards, and property management companies across West Town, Ukrainian Village, Logan Square, and the North Side. Work with West Town’s trusted local painting specialists. ? Windy City Painters | Chicago, IL ? windypainters.com | ? 773-818-6331

The Dallas Builders Association’s Parade of Homes — presented by Atmos Energy — will hold open six luxury Dallas residences from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 7. This scattered-site, self-guided tour benefits Operation FINALLY HOME, an organization that provides custom mortgage-free homes to combat-wounded U.S. military veterans and their families. The Association’s eighth project is currently underway in Irving. Featured homes are situated in several neighborhoods in Dallas, including Briarwood, Midway Hollow, and East Dallas near White Rock Lake, as well as in West Dallas just south of the Trinity River. Hoffmann Homes builds award-winning innovative green homes using quality materials, sustainable building practices, smart technologies, and reliable and efficient energy sources for maximum comfort. Pioneering home builder and residential developer Alan Hoffmann was first inspired to pursue alternative construction methods after visiting his ancestral home on the Spanish island of Ibiza. The 400 year old home had three-foot thick perimeter walls comprised of stone excavated from the building site. The mass of these walls allowed the ground’s ambient temperature to conduct up through the walls to keep the house cool in the summer and warmer in the winter. Hoffmann replicates this elegantly simple system today in his distinctive mode of construction with Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs). Our Parade of Homes build in the Abode @ White Rock community is 2111 Autumn Sage Place. Old-world features such as thick thermal mass walls, breezeways and whitewashed cement finishes are reimagined in a modern context in Hoffmann Homes’ newest build. Situated in the Abode @ White Rock green community, the home features high-performance windows, proper housing orientation and a storm shelter/pantry. Each home in the community is certified with the Department of Energy’s Net Zero Ready program, Energy Star Program and Green Built Texas. While every Hoffmann Home starts with a high-performance building envelope (ICF), they also include conditioned attics, seal combustion furnaces, whole house dehumidification, whole house water filtration for indoor air and water quality. The homes are also solar-ready and are pre-wired for rapid electric vehicle charging. Other features include a natural gas tankless water heater, high-efficiency gas furnace, sealed combustion gas fireplace. These natural gas appliances help reduce energy use, lower utility costs and reduce emissions while increasing homeowner comfort. For more info visit www.hoffmannhomes.com. Tickets for the Parade of Homes are $25 for ages 12 and older. They are available at ParadeofHomesDallas.com. Tour maps will be emailed to ticket holders a week prior to the event.

Pepper plants are a delightful addition to any garden, offering a vibrant burst of color and spice to your culinary creations. However, even experienced gardeners can encounter challenges when growing pepper plants. In this blog, we'll explore some common issues you might face and provide practical solutions to help your pepper plants thrive. 1. Slow or Stunted Growth Issue: Slow or stunted growth in pepper plants can be discouraging, but there are specific steps you can take to address this issue effectively. Solution: a. Soil Health: - Well-Draining Soil: Ensure your pepper plants are in well-draining soil to prevent waterlogged roots, which can inhibit growth. - Organic Matter: Incorporate plenty of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, into the soil to improve its texture and nutrient content. - pH Level: Test the soil pH and adjust it to the ideal range between 6.0 and 6.8 using lime or sulfur as needed. b. Fertilization: - Balanced Fertilizer: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer designed for vegetables to provide essential nutrients steadily throughout the growing season. - Compost: Amend the soil with compost to enhance nutrient availability and soil structure. This can promote healthier growth. c. Watering: - Consistent Moisture: Maintain consistent soil moisture levels by watering your pepper plants regularly but avoid waterlogging. Aim for 1-2 inches of water per week, adjusting based on your local climate and weather conditions. - Mulching: Apply mulch around the base of the plants to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature. 2. Yellowing Leaves Issue: Yellowing leaves can be a sign of various underlying problems, but addressing them promptly can restore the vibrancy of your pepper plants. Solution: a. Nutrient Deficiencies: - Balanced Fertilization: Use a well-balanced fertilizer that includes micronutrients to address nutrient deficiencies. - Specific Nutrients: If you suspect a particular deficiency, such as magnesium, iron, or nitrogen, apply the appropriate nutrient supplement following package instructions. b. Pest and Disease Control: - Pest Inspection: Regularly inspect the leaves and stems for common pests like aphids and mites. Remove affected leaves and treat with organic pesticides if necessary. - Disease Management: Look out for signs of diseases like bacterial leaf spot or fungal issues. Apply organic fungicides or bactericides as recommended. 3. Blossom Drop Issue: When pepper plants drop their blossoms prematurely, it can hinder fruit development and lead to disappointment. Solution: a. Temperature Control: - Stable Temperatures: Ensure your pepper plants are exposed to consistent temperatures between 70°F and 80°F (21°C to 27°C) during flowering. Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations by providing shelter or using row covers. b. Pollination: - Assist with Pollination: If growing peppers indoors or in a greenhouse, help with pollination by gently shaking the plants or using a small brush to transfer pollen between flowers. Outdoor pepper plants are usually pollinated by insects. 4. Wilting Plants Issue: Wilting or drooping pepper plants can be a sign of various problems, but proper care can revive them. Solution: a. Watering: - Consistent Moisture: Adjust your watering routine to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water early in the day to prevent fungal issues. - Drainage: Ensure proper soil drainage by amending the soil or using raised beds to prevent waterlogged roots. b. Pest Control: - Pest Inspection: Examine the undersides of leaves for signs of pests like aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies. Treat infestations promptly with biological insecticides. 5. Curling Leaves Issue: Curling or misshapen leaves indicate stress in pepper plants, which can be caused by various factors. Solution: a. Environmental Stress: - Stable Conditions: Ensure your pepper plants are in an environment with stable humidity, temperature, and adequate air circulation. Avoid sudden changes in conditions. - Proper Ventilation: Adequate air circulation can reduce humidity and prevent fungal issues. b. Pest and Disease Management: - Pest Inspection: Regularly inspect your plants for pests and diseases, addressing them promptly with organic remedies as needed. 6. Sunscald Issue: Sunscald can lead to discolored, leathery patches on pepper fruits when exposed to intense sunlight. Solution: a. Shade Cloth: - Sun Protection: Shield your pepper plants from harsh sunlight during the hottest part of the day using shade cloth or by planting them where they receive some filtered sunlight. b. Pruning: - Fruit Shading: Prune excess foliage to allow better fruit shading, reducing the risk of sunscald. Ensure that there's a balance between foliage and fruit. 7. Pepper Plant Pests and Diseases Issue: Aphids, mites, whiteflies, and various diseases can affect pepper plants, but you can manage them effectively. Solution: a. Regular Inspection: - Vigilant Monitoring: Regularly inspect your pepper plants for signs of pests or diseases, paying close attention to the undersides of leaves and stems. b. Organic Remedies: - Pest Control: Use organic remedies like neem oil, insecticidal soap, or diatomaceous earth for pest control. - Disease Management: Apply organic fungicides or bactericides as recommended to manage diseases like powdery mildew or bacterial spot. While growing pepper plants can present various challenges, these common issues are manageable with the right knowledge and care. Regular monitoring, proper soil preparation, and timely intervention can help you enjoy a bountiful harvest of vibrant, spicy peppers. Remember that gardening is a learning experience, and each challenge you face is an opportunity to improve your skills and enjoy the rewards of homegrown peppers in your favorite dishes.

Diehl Concrete is a local Denver business that prides itself in quality decorative work such as custom stamped concrete patios. The owner, Ryan Diehl, plays a hands-on part throughout the entire process. With over 15 years of experience in creating beautiful outdoor spaces, along with his un-compromised integrity, Diehl Concrete is a wise choice for your project. There are countless examples of his work throughout Colorado, including Denver, Aurora, Brighton, Boulder, and Evergreen. Call today and Ryan Diehl will personally evaluate your project, answer your questions, and provide a free quote. Benefits of Stamped Concrete Patios: Affordability: Stamped concrete patios are much more affordable when compared to brick pavers or natural stone. Fortunately, This lower cost doesn’t lack durability or beauty. Longevity: Concrete typically lasts longer than alternative patio materials. To ensure durability, Diehl Concrete will take the extra steps to reduce cracking. We will take great care in preparing your concrete sub-grade with proper compaction, and road base as well as rebar reinforcement within the concrete. Finally, expansion joints will be strategically placed to minimize and prevent cracking. Color and Pattern Options: The sky is truly the limit on color choices and patterns for stamped concrete patios. Shape: Due to its versatility of the substance, concrete offers homeowners the ability to create any type of shape they would like. Would you like curves, planting beds, or even a fire pit incorporated into your stamped concrete patio? No problem. Low Maintenance: To maintain the look and uphold the durability, a once yearly sealer may be applied. This is something you can do yourself, or we can seal your patio for you. Increased home resale value. Decorative concrete adds curb appeal and aesthetic value to your home, allowing you to maximize the return on your investment.

Photo: Ten Ten Creative
Wet bar - transitional single-wall dark wood floor and brown floor wet bar idea in Dallas with shaker cabinets, black cabinets, black backsplash, subway tile backsplash and gray countertops

Trendy home design photo in Dallas

Diehl Concrete is a local Denver business that prides itself in quality decorative work such as custom stamped concrete patios. The owner, Ryan Diehl, plays a hands-on part throughout the entire process. With over 15 years of experience in creating beautiful outdoor spaces, along with his un-compromised integrity, Diehl Concrete is a wise choice for your project. There are countless examples of his work throughout Colorado, including Denver, Aurora, Brighton, Boulder, and Evergreen. Call today and Ryan Diehl will personally evaluate your project, answer your questions, and provide a free quote. Benefits of Stamped Concrete Patios: Affordability: Stamped concrete patios are much more affordable when compared to brick pavers or natural stone. Fortunately, This lower cost doesn’t lack durability or beauty. Longevity: Concrete typically lasts longer than alternative patio materials. To ensure durability, Diehl Concrete will take the extra steps to reduce cracking. We will take great care in preparing your concrete sub-grade with proper compaction, and road base as well as rebar reinforcement within the concrete. Finally, expansion joints will be strategically placed to minimize and prevent cracking. Color and Pattern Options: The sky is truly the limit on color choices and patterns for stamped concrete patios. Shape: Due to its versatility of the substance, concrete offers homeowners the ability to create any type of shape they would like. Would you like curves, planting beds, or even a fire pit incorporated into your stamped concrete patio? No problem. Low Maintenance: To maintain the look and uphold the durability, a once yearly sealer may be applied. This is something you can do yourself, or we can seal your patio for you. Increased home resale value. Decorative concrete adds curb appeal and aesthetic value to your home, allowing you to maximize the return on your investment.

I recently made a trip down to South Molton, a small town which sits on the River Mole. The river, actually a tributary of the River Taw, gets its name from the two small towns it runs by, North Molton and South Molton. Anyway I digress, my client asked me to take a look at a Chinese Slate floor in her house, as it was in dire need of a good clean due to the original sealer having worn off over time allowing the dirt to become ingrained in the tile. As this particular type of floor is naturally quite rough, I advised my client to have the Slate milled flat. This would not only make the floor easier to clean on a regular basis, but also it would reduce the hazard of people tripping over the exposed edges. However, the milling procedure is expensive due to the need to use a special grinding disc formed of diamond segments, which is then attached to a rotary machine and used on the stone. My client decided against this, instead opting for a thorough clean and seal. This would be the first time the floor had ever received a proper clean – it had not even been cleaned when the tilers first fitted it! My choice of product for the cleaning was Tile Doctor Pro-Clean, a high alkaline cleaner which, along with Slate, is suitable for use on other natural stone floors such as Limestone, Granite and Travertine. The product, diluted with clean water, was applied evenly to the floor using a Polybrush, as well as a rotary machine fitted with a buffing pad. This also helped to remove any remaining old sealer although, as aforementioned, the vast majority of the old sealer had already worn away. Following this, I cleaned the grout using Tile Doctor Grout Clean-Up and a long-handled stiff grout brush. Grout Clean-Up penetrates below the surface of the grout to lift out grout haze and general dirt. After completing the cleaning I rinsed the floor several times with clean water to remove any trace of cleaning product. The floor was then left to dry completely before sealing, as any moisture left over on the floor could have impacted on the sealer. When I returned to seal the floor I opted to use Tile Doctor High Shine Sealer, which is suitable for use on textured natural stone floors, as well as textured ceramic, textured porcelain, and a range of others. Five coats of High Shine Sealer were applied, providing the floor with durable surface protection and a nice high-sheen finish. This dramatically improved the appearance of the floor to the point that it is hard to believe this is the first time it has been treated to a proper clean and seal! Both myself and my client were very pleased with the results. Chinese Slate is one of the most beautiful and characterful types of stone for tiled floors, so it was very rewarding to be able to make such a difference here.

Diehl Concrete is a local Denver business that prides itself in quality decorative work such as custom stamped concrete patios. The owner, Ryan Diehl, plays a hands-on part throughout the entire process. With over 15 years of experience in creating beautiful outdoor spaces, along with his un-compromised integrity, Diehl Concrete is a wise choice for your project. There are countless examples of his work throughout Colorado, including Denver, Aurora, Brighton, Boulder, and Evergreen. Call today and Ryan Diehl will personally evaluate your project, answer your questions, and provide a free quote. Benefits of Stamped Concrete Patios: Affordability: Stamped concrete patios are much more affordable when compared to brick pavers or natural stone. Fortunately, This lower cost doesn’t lack durability or beauty. Longevity: Concrete typically lasts longer than alternative patio materials. To ensure durability, Diehl Concrete will take the extra steps to reduce cracking. We will take great care in preparing your concrete sub-grade with proper compaction, and road base as well as rebar reinforcement within the concrete. Finally, expansion joints will be strategically placed to minimize and prevent cracking. Color and Pattern Options: The sky is truly the limit on color choices and patterns for stamped concrete patios. Shape: Due to its versatility of the substance, concrete offers homeowners the ability to create any type of shape they would like. Would you like curves, planting beds, or even a fire pit incorporated into your stamped concrete patio? No problem. Low Maintenance: To maintain the look and uphold the durability, a once yearly sealer may be applied. This is something you can do yourself, or we can seal your patio for you. Increased home resale value. Decorative concrete adds curb appeal and aesthetic value to your home, allowing you to maximize the return on your investment.

Creating a Dream Kitchen: Where Beauty Meets Functionality
The kitchen is the heart of every modern home. Today, kitchen design goes beyond just cabinet layouts and color schemes—it’s about optimizing space and ensuring high-performance functionality. One often overlooked yet crucial element is a well-designed plumbing system, which can dramatically enhance both the aesthetics and efficiency of your space.
Hidden Plumbing: The Secret to Sleek, Modern Designs
Leading interior designers in Phoenix, Arizona, emphasize that a professional plumbing system can make a significant difference in a kitchen’s final look. Companies like APS Plumbing, with their expertise in concealed plumbing installations, help architects and homeowners achieve that flawless, minimalist design.
5 Key Plumbing Tips for an Efficient Kitchen:
Smart Placement – Strategically position faucets and drainage points to enhance both aesthetics and daily usability.
High-Quality Materials – Invest in durable pipes and fittings to minimize frequent repairs.
Professional Insulation – Prevent energy loss and reduce unwanted noise with proper pipe insulation.
Easy Access – Design the system so future repairs don’t require extensive demolition.
Appliance Compatibility – Ensure plumbing aligns with modern appliances like side-by-side refrigerators and advanced dishwashers.
Choosing the Right Professional
As seen in high-end design projects, working with experienced plumbing teams like APS Plumbing—who understand modern design needs—can prevent costly future issues. Their free pre-installation consultations help homeowners and designers choose the best solutions for combining beauty and functionality.
Final Thoughts
A truly modern kitchen achieves perfection by paying attention to every technical detail. Investing in a professional plumbing system not only increases your home’s value but also enhances everyday cooking and living experiences. For your next project, consult experts who combine technical knowledge with a strong sense of aesthetics.

Lincoln Farmhouse LEED-H Platinum, Net-Positive Energy OVERVIEW. This LEED Platinum certified modern farmhouse ties into the cultural landscape of Lincoln, Massachusetts - a town known for its rich history, farming traditions, conservation efforts, and visionary architecture. The goal was to design and build a new single family home on 1.8 acres that respects the neighborhood’s agrarian roots, produces more energy than it consumes, and provides the family with flexible spaces to live-play-work-entertain. The resulting 2,800 SF home is proof that families do not need to compromise on style, space or comfort in a highly energy-efficient and healthy home. CONNECTION TO NATURE. The attached garage is ubiquitous in new construction in New England’s cold climate. This home’s barn-inspired garage is intentionally detached from the main dwelling. A covered walkway connects the two structures, creating an intentional connection with the outdoors between auto and home. FUNCTIONAL FLEXIBILITY. With a modest footprint, each space must serve a specific use, but also be flexible for atypical scenarios. The Mudroom serves everyday use for the couple and their children, but is also easy to tidy up to receive guests, eliminating the need for two entries found in most homes. A workspace is conveniently located off the mudroom; it looks out on to the back yard to supervise the children and can be closed off with a sliding door when not in use. The Away Room opens up to the Living Room for everyday use; it can be closed off with its oversized pocket door for secondary use as a guest bedroom with en suite bath. NET POSITIVE ENERGY. The all-electric home consumes 70% less energy than a code-built house, and with measured energy data produces 48% more energy annually than it consumes, making it a 'net positive' home. Thick walls and roofs lack thermal bridging, windows are high performance, triple-glazed, and a continuous air barrier yields minimal leakage (0.27ACH50) making the home among the tightest in the US. Systems include an air source heat pump, an energy recovery ventilator, and a 13.1kW photovoltaic system to offset consumption and support future electric cars. ACTUAL PERFORMANCE. -6.3 kBtu/sf/yr Energy Use Intensity (Actual monitored project data reported for the firm’s 2016 AIA 2030 Commitment. Average single family home is 52.0 kBtu/sf/yr.) o 10,900 kwh total consumption (8.5 kbtu/ft2 EUI) o 16,200 kwh total production o 5,300 kwh net surplus, equivalent to 15,000-25,000 electric car miles per year. 48% net positive. WATER EFFICIENCY. Plumbing fixtures and water closets consume a mere 60% of the federal standard, while high efficiency appliances such as the dishwasher and clothes washer also reduce consumption rates. FOOD PRODUCTION. After clearing all invasive species, apple, pear, peach and cherry trees were planted. Future plans include blueberry, raspberry and strawberry bushes, along with raised beds for vegetable gardening. The house also offers a below ground root cellar, built outside the home's thermal envelope, to gain the passive benefit of long term energy-free food storage. RESILIENCY. The home's ability to weather unforeseen challenges is predictable - it will fare well. The super-insulated envelope means during a winter storm with power outage, heat loss will be slow - taking days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. During normal conditions, reduced energy consumption plus energy production means shelter from the burden of utility costs. Surplus production can power electric cars & appliances. The home exceeds snow & wind structural requirements, plus far surpasses standard construction for long term durability planning. ARCHITECT: ZeroEnergy Design http://zeroenergy.com/lincoln-farmhouse CONTRACTOR: Thoughtforms http://thoughtforms-corp.com/ PHOTOGRAPHER: Chuck Choi http://www.chuckchoi.com/

One of the most impressive parts of the kitchen is that Adam installed it himself – even though he admits that initially the idea was daunting. “When we found that IKEA cabinets might be a fit for our project, we took a trip to our closest IKEA to look at their cabinets. We found the choices both amazing and overwhelming,” he says.“We also felt that we could not renovate our kitchen by just using the IKEA design tool.We were looking to get some help on optimizing the space. A Google search brought IKD up as the option that best fit what our needs were – so we started working with IKD.” Calling the design process with IKD “a breeze” Adam decided to take the next several months to research how to install the kitchen. “We visited IKEA again to better understand how the cabinets were put together. I’m glad that I really focused on the IKEA kitchen installation guide at the beginning of the installation to help get my rails installed properly and to really speed up putting the cabinets onto the wall,” he adds. He also points out that he got lucky as the BODBYN cabinet fronts were on sale when he was ready to purchase – making the cabinetry a cost effective choice as well. He concludes: “We were really attracted to that fact that we could reduce our kitchen’s cost by installing it ourselves. Doing this required watching a number of YouTube videos and reading numerous articles on how to do it as well as having smaller scale home improvement projects to have the skillset necessary to do the work.”

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.