Updated master bathroom from below counter, to ceramic Canoe sinks mounted on top of new marble counters. Replaced faucets with a mix of modern and old world charm water pump style faucets. Both sinks and faucets are are both more stylish and more ergonomic the the fixtures from the 80's. The sinks have ease of use push pop up drains, containing removable hair traps, reducing clogged sinks and inconvenience, mess, need and cost liquid cures to dissolve hair buildup in typical sink drains. Went over old Linoleum floors with a laminate with a rubber underside and very tight seams, a ideal moisture tolerant solution for a floating floor in a bathroom, and pleasing to the eye and under foot. Replaced Formica counters with Marble. Build custom on site trim to encase and frame around existing large mirrors that were frameless and glued to the wall.

The homeowners knew it was time to update their siding and windows. With water damage setting in, and the wood trim splintering around the windows, a more energy efficient option would make a huge difference in the appearance and comfort level of the home. The existing siding was fading and also showing water damage with slight warping and very noticeable seams and nails. Woodland Vinyl siding is low maintenance due to impact resistant vinyl and DuraColor Protection. With 16’ lengths, seams are reduced by 30% compared to typical 12’ length. The homeowners chose to go with a dutch lap pattern in the Royal Woodland vinyl siding. In a classic Vintage cream with white trim, the colors are stunning. They chose Sunrise replacement windows which offer a larger glass viewing area compared to other vinyl windows. Vinyl, insulated windows will never need to be painted. They also have great insulation and reflective metallic layers for added energy efficiency.

This modern green home offers both a vacation destination on Cape Cod near local family members and an opportunity for rental income. FAMILY ROOTS. A West Coast couple living in the San Francisco Bay Area sought a permanent East Coast vacation home near family members living on Cape Cod. As academic professionals focused on sustainability, they sought a green, energy efficient home that was well-aligned with their values. With no green homes available for sale on Cape Cod, they decided to purchase land near their family and build their own. SLOPED SITE. Comprised of a 3/4 acre lot nestled in the pines, the steeply sloping terrain called for a plan that embraced and took advantage of the slope. Of equal priority was optimizing solar exposure, preserving privacy from abutters, and creating outdoor living space. The design accomplished these goals with a simple, rectilinear form, offering living space on the both entry and lower/basement levels. The stepped foundation allows for a walk-out basement level with light-filled living space on the down-hill side of the home. The traditional basement on the eastern, up-hill side houses mechanical equipment and a home gym. The house welcomes natural light throughout, captures views of the forest, and delivers entertainment space that connects indoor living space to outdoor deck and dining patio. MODERN VISION. The clean building form and uncomplicated finishes pay homage to the modern architectural legacy on the outer Cape. Durable and economical fiber cement panels, fixed with aluminum channels, clad the primary form. Cedar clapboards provide a visual accent at the south-facing living room, which extends a single roof plane to cover the entry porch. SMART USE OF SPACE. On the entry level, the “L”-shaped living, dining, and kitchen space connects to the exterior living, dining, and grilling spaces to effectively double the home’s summertime entertainment area. Placed at the western end of the entry level (where it can retain privacy but still claim expansive downhill views) is the master suite with a built-in study. The lower level has two guest bedrooms, a second full bathroom, and laundry. The flexibility of the space—crucial in a house with a modest footprint—emerges in one of the guest bedrooms, which doubles as home office by opening the barn-style double doors to connect it to the bright, airy open stair leading up to the entry level. Thoughtful design, generous ceiling heights and large windows transform the modest 1,100 sf* footprint into a well-lit, spacious home. *(total finished space is 1800 sf) RENTAL INCOME. The property works for its owners by netting rental income when the owners are home in San Francisco. The house especially caters to vacationers bound for nearby Mayo Beach and includes an outdoor shower adjacent to the lower level entry door. In contrast to the bare bones cottages that are typically available on the Cape, this home offers prospective tenants a modern aesthetic, paired with luxurious and green features. Durable finishes inside and out will ensure longevity with the heavier use that comes with a rental property. COMFORT YEAR-ROUND. The home is super-insulated and air-tight, with mechanical ventilation to provide continuous fresh air from the outside. High performance triple-paned windows complement the building enclosure and maximize passive solar gain while ensuring a warm, draft-free winter, even when sitting close to the glass. A properly sized air source heat pump offers efficient heating & cooling, and includes a carefully designed the duct distribution system to provide even comfort throughout the house. The super-insulated envelope allows us to significantly reduce the equipment capacity, duct size, and airflow quantities, while maintaining unparalleled thermal comfort. ENERGY EFFICIENT. The building’s shell and mechanical systems play instrumental roles in the home’s exceptional performance. The building enclosure reduces the most significant energy glutton: heating. Continuous super-insulation, thorough air sealing, triple-pane windows, and passive solar gain work together to yield a miniscule heating load. All active energy consumers are extremely efficient: an air source heat pump for heating and cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation (ERV), and high efficiency appliances. The result is a home that uses 70% less energy than a similar new home built to code requirements. OVERALL. The home embodies the owners’ goals and values while comprehensively enabling thermal comfort, energy efficiency, a vacation respite, and supplementary income. PROJECT TEAM ZeroEnergy Design - Architect & Mechanical Designer A.F. Hultin & Co. - Contractor Pamet Valley Landscape Design - Landscape & Masonry Lisa Finch - Original Artwork European Architectural Supply - Windows Eric Roth Photography - Photography

Under cabinet lighting transforms a system by providing an ideal location for task lighting that is easily concealed under the cabinet, thereby avoiding direct glare while reducing shadows cast by cabinets from overhead lighting. Horizontal Straight Ribbon consists of an aluminum profile that houses the LED ribbon which is recessed under the shelf above the area to be lit, typically towards the front of the shelf so the illumination falls to the front of the work area. This placement allows for increased visibility for the task at hand. Recessing creates a clean, minimalist aesthetic while ensuring the light fixture is out of the way preventing any bumping or catching of stored items.

A bento box is more than just a lunch container—it’s a reflection of Japanese culture, mindful eating, and balanced nutrition. Traditionally used in Japan, bento boxes have gained global popularity due to their practicality, aesthetic appeal, and ability to promote healthy eating habits. What Is a Bento Box? A bento box is a single-portion packed meal, neatly arranged in a compartmentalized container. The word “bento” originates from the Chinese term meaning convenient, which perfectly describes its purpose. A typical bento includes rice or noodles, protein like fish, meat, or tofu, and a variety of vegetables or side dishes, all placed in separate sections to maintain flavor and presentation. Cultural Significance of Bento Boxes In Japan, bento boxes represent care, effort, and balance. Parents often prepare bento meals for their children as a symbol of love, while office workers rely on them for nutritious meals during busy days. Special versions like ekiben (railway station bento) and character bento (decorated meals shaped like animals or cartoons) highlight the creativity and cultural importance of bento-making. Health Benefits of Using a Bento Box One of the biggest advantages of a bento box is its role in portion control and balanced nutrition. Since the box has fixed compartments, it encourages variety without overeating. A well-prepared bento typically follows the principle of: 40–50% carbohydrates 30–40% vegetables 20–30% protein This balance helps maintain energy levels, supports digestion, and reduces the reliance on unhealthy fast food. Modern Bento Boxes and Their Uses Today’s bento boxes are designed to suit modern lifestyles. They are available in microwave-safe, leak-proof, and eco-friendly materials such as stainless steel, BPA-free plastic, and bamboo fiber. Many come with insulated layers, sauce containers, and cutlery, making them ideal for: Office lunches School meals Travel and picnics Fitness and meal-prep routines With the rise of sustainable living, reusable bento boxes also help reduce single-use plastic waste. Bento Boxes in Everyday Life Bento boxes are no longer limited to Japanese cuisine. People worldwide use them to pack Indian, Western, vegan, or keto meals. From chapati and sabzi to pasta and salads, bento boxes adapt easily to different food preferences while keeping meals fresh and organized. Why Bento Boxes Are So Popular Today The popularity of bento boxes is driven by busy schedules, health awareness, and social media trends. Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest showcase beautifully arranged bento meals, inspiring people to eat better and enjoy the process of food preparation. They combine functionality, aesthetics, and mindfulness, making meals more enjoyable. Conclusion A bento box is a smart and stylish way to enjoy homemade meals while staying healthy and organized. Whether you’re looking to improve your diet, save money, or reduce environmental impact, a bento box offers a simple yet effective solution. With its deep cultural roots and modern versatility, the bento box continues to be a timeless companion for everyday meals.

Updated master bathroom from below counter, to ceramic Canoe sinks mounted on top of new marble counters. Replaced faucets with a mix of modern and old world charm water pump style faucets. Both sinks and faucets are are both more stylish and more ergonomic the the fixtures from the 80's. The sinks have ease of use push pop up drains, containing removable hair traps, reducing clogged sinks and inconvenience, mess, need and cost liquid cures to dissolve hair buildup in typical sink drains. Went over old Linoleum floors with a laminate with a rubber underside and very tight seams, a ideal moisture tolerant solution for a floating floor in a bathroom, and pleasing to the eye and under foot. Replaced Formica counters with Marble. Build custom on site trim to encase and frame around existing large mirrors that were frame less and glued to the wall.

We at ABC Blind & Drapery work hard to update our website with all of our latest products and projects so that you can make decisions from the comfort of your own home. However, we also think it is important to accommodate those who prefer to touch and see our products in person at our drapery and blinds showroom. Located at 6221 North Lamar Blvd., it is open for those who would like to come in and discuss your options. This is also where customers are able to drop off any products that need repair, as we are able handle typical repairs such as restrings or replacement of cord-locks. In our showroom you will be able to see some of our retractable options in action, a variety of our products installed as examples, as well as browse through our numerous sample books. We especially like to show folks the power of solar shades and how they are able to dramatically reduce damaging UV rays and heat from the Texas sun, while maintaining control over the amount of light allowed in. It is within this space that customers are able to meet with a designer and truly imagine the possibilities, as the options are endless.

We at ABC Blind & Drapery work hard to update our website with all of our latest products and projects so that you can make decisions from the comfort of your own home. However, we also think it is important to accommodate those who prefer to touch and see our products in person at our drapery and blinds showroom. Located at 6221 North Lamar Blvd., it is open for those who would like to come in and discuss your options. This is also where customers are able to drop off any products that need repair, as we are able handle typical repairs such as restrings or replacement of cord-locks. In our showroom you will be able to see some of our retractable options in action, a variety of our products installed as examples, as well as browse through our numerous sample books. We especially like to show folks the power of solar shades and how they are able to dramatically reduce damaging UV rays and heat from the Texas sun, while maintaining control over the amount of light allowed in. It is within this space that customers are able to meet with a designer and truly imagine the possibilities, as the options are endless.

We at ABC Blind & Drapery work hard to update our website with all of our latest products and projects so that you can make decisions from the comfort of your own home. However, we also think it is important to accommodate those who prefer to touch and see our products in person at our drapery and blinds showroom. Located at 6221 North Lamar Blvd., it is open for those who would like to come in and discuss your options. This is also where customers are able to drop off any products that need repair, as we are able handle typical repairs such as restrings or replacement of cord-locks. In our showroom you will be able to see some of our retractable options in action, a variety of our products installed as examples, as well as browse through our numerous sample books. We especially like to show folks the power of solar shades and how they are able to dramatically reduce damaging UV rays and heat from the Texas sun, while maintaining control over the amount of light allowed in. It is within this space that customers are able to meet with a designer and truly imagine the possibilities, as the options are endless.

We at ABC Blind & Drapery work hard to update our website with all of our latest products and projects so that you can make decisions from the comfort of your own home. However, we also think it is important to accommodate those who prefer to touch and see our products in person at our drapery and blinds showroom. Located at 6221 North Lamar Blvd., it is open for those who would like to come in and discuss your options. This is also where customers are able to drop off any products that need repair, as we are able handle typical repairs such as restrings or replacement of cord-locks. In our showroom you will be able to see some of our retractable options in action, a variety of our products installed as examples, as well as browse through our numerous sample books. We especially like to show folks the power of solar shades and how they are able to dramatically reduce damaging UV rays and heat from the Texas sun, while maintaining control over the amount of light allowed in. It is within this space that customers are able to meet with a designer and truly imagine the possibilities, as the options are endless.

We at ABC Blind & Drapery work hard to update our website with all of our latest products and projects so that you can make decisions from the comfort of your own home. However, we also think it is important to accommodate those who prefer to touch and see our products in person at our drapery and blinds showroom. Located at 6221 North Lamar Blvd., it is open for those who would like to come in and discuss your options. This is also where customers are able to drop off any products that need repair, as we are able handle typical repairs such as restrings or replacement of cord-locks. In our showroom you will be able to see some of our retractable options in action, a variety of our products installed as examples, as well as browse through our numerous sample books. We especially like to show folks the power of solar shades and how they are able to dramatically reduce damaging UV rays and heat from the Texas sun, while maintaining control over the amount of light allowed in. It is within this space that customers are able to meet with a designer and truly imagine the possibilities, as the options are endless.

We at ABC Blind & Drapery work hard to update our website with all of our latest products and projects so that you can make decisions from the comfort of your own home. However, we also think it is important to accommodate those who prefer to touch and see our products in person at our drapery and blinds showroom. Located at 6221 North Lamar Blvd., it is open for those who would like to come in and discuss your options. This is also where customers are able to drop off any products that need repair, as we are able handle typical repairs such as restrings or replacement of cord-locks. In our showroom you will be able to see some of our retractable options in action, a variety of our products installed as examples, as well as browse through our numerous sample books. We especially like to show folks the power of solar shades and how they are able to dramatically reduce damaging UV rays and heat from the Texas sun, while maintaining control over the amount of light allowed in. It is within this space that customers are able to meet with a designer and truly imagine the possibilities, as the options are endless.

The Mazama house is located in the Methow Valley of Washington State, a secluded mountain valley on the eastern edge of the North Cascades, about 200 miles northeast of Seattle. The house has been carefully placed in a copse of trees at the easterly end of a large meadow. Two major building volumes indicate the house organization. A grounded 2-story bedroom wing anchors a raised living pavilion that is lifted off the ground by a series of exposed steel columns. Seen from the access road, the large meadow in front of the house continues right under the main living space, making the living pavilion into a kind of bridge structure spanning over the meadow grass, with the house touching the ground lightly on six steel columns. The raised floor level provides enhanced views as well as keeping the main living level well above the 3-4 feet of winter snow accumulation that is typical for the upper Methow Valley. To further emphasize the idea of lightness, the exposed wood structure of the living pavilion roof changes pitch along its length, so the roof warps upward at each end. The interior exposed wood beams appear like an unfolding fan as the roof pitch changes. The main interior bearing columns are steel with a tapered “V”-shape, recalling the lightness of a dancer. The house reflects the continuing FINNE investigation into the idea of crafted modernism, with cast bronze inserts at the front door, variegated laser-cut steel railing panels, a curvilinear cast-glass kitchen counter, waterjet-cut aluminum light fixtures, and many custom furniture pieces. The house interior has been designed to be completely integral with the exterior. The living pavilion contains more than twelve pieces of custom furniture and lighting, creating a totality of the designed environment that recalls the idea of Gesamtkunstverk, as seen in the work of Josef Hoffman and the Viennese Secessionist movement in the early 20th century. The house has been designed from the start as a sustainable structure, with 40% higher insulation values than required by code, radiant concrete slab heating, efficient natural ventilation, large amounts of natural lighting, water-conserving plumbing fixtures, and locally sourced materials. Windows have high-performance LowE insulated glazing and are equipped with concealed shades. A radiant hydronic heat system with exposed concrete floors allows lower operating temperatures and higher occupant comfort levels. The concrete slabs conserve heat and provide great warmth and comfort for the feet. Deep roof overhangs, built-in shades and high operating clerestory windows are used to reduce heat gain in summer months. During the winter, the lower sun angle is able to penetrate into living spaces and passively warm the exposed concrete floor. Low VOC paints and stains have been used throughout the house. The high level of craft evident in the house reflects another key principle of sustainable design: build it well and make it last for many years! Photo by NIls Finne

Updated master bathroom from below counter, to ceramic Canoe sinks mounted on top of new marble counters. Replaced faucets with a mix of modern and old world charm water pump style faucets. Both sinks and faucets are are both more stylish and more ergonomic the the fixtures from the 80's. The sinks have ease of use push pop up drains, containing removable hair traps reducing clogged sinks and inconvenience, mess, need and cost liquid cures to dissolve hair buildup in typical sink drains. Went over old Linoleum floors with a laminate with a rubber underside and very tight seams, a ideal moisture tolerant solution for a floating floor in a bathroom, and pleasing to the eye and under foot. Replaced Formica counters with Marble. Build custom on site trim to encase and frame around existing large mirrors that were frame less and glued to the wall.

Updated master bathroom from below counter, to ceramic Canoe sinks mounted on top of new marble counters. Replaced faucets with a mix of modern and old world charm water pump style faucets. Both sinks and faucets are are both more stylish and more ergonomic the the fixtures from the 80's. The sinks have ease of use push pop up drains, containing removable hair traps, reducing clogged sinks and inconvenience, mess, need and cost liquid cures to dissolve hair buildup in typical sink drains. Went over old Linoleum floors with a laminate with a rubber underside and very tight seams, a ideal moisture tolerant solution for a floating floor in a bathroom, and pleasing to the eye and under foot. Replaced Formica counters with Marble. Build custom on site trim to encase and frame around existing large mirrors that were frameless and glued to the wall.

JC Buck
Living room - mid-sized modern living room idea in Los Angeles

Designed for the lifestyle and budget of a young married couple and growing family, this home offers a viable alternative to the generic speculative home. Occupying a small leftover developer site, just under four tenths of an acre at the end of a suburban cul-de-sac, the Lanning Residence site is anchored by a one hundred year old oak tree. The parcel, once undesirable to developers and their speculative plans, became the inspiration for the project form. Acting as both designers and builders, the decision was made early to utilize a strategy typical to most suburban construction; maximizing square footage while minimizing the building perimeter. An analysis of the surrounding suburban fabric revealed that the adjoining property lines were heavily planted. Views and window placement were organized to take advantage of the adjacent landscape while maximizing natural light. The house program is distributed within two main volumes that are connected by a translucent circulation volume. The spacious interior volumes, large windows, plywood shear walls, sheetrock, and simple details allowed for a light construction budget. Spray foam insulation and well designed mechanical systems allowed the family to reduce their monthly utility bills by over half, creating a far more energy efficient lifestyle.

Designed for the lifestyle and budget of a young married couple and growing family, this home offers a viable alternative to the generic speculative home. Occupying a small leftover developer site, just under four tenths of an acre at the end of a suburban cul-de-sac, the Lanning Residence site is anchored by a one hundred year old oak tree. The parcel, once undesirable to developers and their speculative plans, became the inspiration for the project form. Acting as both designers and builders, the decision was made early to utilize a strategy typical to most suburban construction; maximizing square footage while minimizing the building perimeter. An analysis of the surrounding suburban fabric revealed that the adjoining property lines were heavily planted. Views and window placement were organized to take advantage of the adjacent landscape while maximizing natural light. The house program is distributed within two main volumes that are connected by a translucent circulation volume. The spacious interior volumes, large windows, plywood shear walls, sheetrock, and simple details allowed for a light construction budget. Spray foam insulation and well designed mechanical systems allowed the family to reduce their monthly utility bills by over half, creating a far more energy efficient lifestyle.

Oasis in the Desert You can find a whole lot of fun ready for the kids in this fun contemporary play-yard in the dessert. Theme: The overall theme of the play-yard is a blend of creative and active outdoor play that blends with the contemporary styling of this beautiful home. Focus: The overall focus for the design of this amazing play-yard was to provide this family with an outdoor space that would foster an active and creative playtime for their children of various ages. The visual focus of this space is the 15-foot tree placed in the middle of the turf yard. This fantastic structure beacons the children to climb the mini stumps and enjoy the slide or swing happily from the branches all the while creating a touch of whimsical nature not typically found in the desert. Surrounding the tree the play-yard offers an array of activities for these lucky children from the chalkboard walls to create amazing pictures to the custom ball wall to practice their skills, the custom myWall system provides endless options for the kids and parents to keep the space exciting and new. Rock holds easily clip into the wall offering ever changing climbing routes, custom water toys and games can also be adapted to the wall to fit the fun of the day. Storage: The myWall system offers various storage options including shelving, closed cases or hanging baskets all of which can be moved to alternate locations on the wall as the homeowners want to customize the play-yard. Growth: The myWall system is built to grow with the users whether it is with changing taste, updating design or growing children, all the accessories can be moved or replaced while leaving the main frame in place. The materials used throughout the space were chosen for their durability and ability to withstand the harsh conditions for many years. The tree also includes 3 levels of swings offering children of varied ages the chance to swing from the branches. Safety: Safety is of critical concern with any play-yard and a space in the harsh conditions of the desert presented specific concerns which were addressed with light colored materials to reflect the sun and reduce heat buildup and stainless steel hardware was used to avoid rusting. The myWall accessories all use a locking mechanism which allows for easy adjustments but also securely locks the pieces into place once set. The flooring in the treehouse was also textured to eliminate skidding.