Inspiration for a southwestern landscaping in Phoenix.

Photos by Jeremy Mason McGraw
Inspiration for a large transitional galley porcelain tile home design remodel with beaded inset cabinets, gray cabinets and gray walls

Example of a transitional living room design in Philadelphia

This intimate terrace upon a Chicago high-rise has beautiful skyline views. Craig Bergmann incorporated colorful furniture with elegant, sleek planters filled with fall annuals. Evergreen trees provide vertical structure and a basalt column water feature mimics the buildings beyond. Photography by Linda Oyama Bryan

This expansive elegant marble master bathroom is classic and rates highly on our list of favorite projects. Marble is always a good choice as it is a timeless look and adds to the value of your home. Marble can be one of the higher priced materials and also requires regular maintenance however marble bathrooms are gorgeous and allow flexibility and a vast amount of possibilities for application. This marble inspired bathroom was achieved by mixing real marble with porcelain tile that mimics the look of marble. The result is breath taking, low maintenance and a fraction of the cost! This master bath was expansive with over 300 square feet of usable space and a beautiful high ceiling. Sherry balanced out the room by creating a large double vanity designed with Waypoint cabinetry in painted linen. The higher elevation of the large tower between the vanities make it appear like a customized piece of furniture and the 4 sconces directly mounted to the mirrors are a nice detail that elevate the piece. The Ranier quartz countertops and Mayfair Volakas Giorgio Porcelain tile provide the subtle contrast of grey veining throughout the room. A 66” Draque tub with floor mounted waterfall faucet is beautifully surrounded with the same Volakes Giorgio tile. It is the perfect spot for our client to relax and take a load off while being showered by the light of the unique Alexandria Abstract Chandelier hanging above the tub. When designing the shower enclosure, Sherry blended different types of tile and tile sizes to create interest and movement. Cornice Perla Marble pieces create a beautiful transition between the glossy subway and the marble patterned tile. A bench for sitting is topped off with the same Ranier quartz used for the countertops and was added for the comfort of our client while using the Kohler handshower with extended hose. Bianco Perla basketweave marble are located in the niche and floor which add a different design component for interest. Our client opted to have her half bath remodeled as well. Many of the same components that we used in the master bathroom were used to make this other wise small space appear larger. Overall, we can’t say enough about how happy we were with the end result of this project. We were even happier to know that our client was over the moon about her dream master bathroom. Are you dreaming about your master bathroom and what possibilities we could accomplish in a marble look for you? We would love to hear from you, the options are amazing! .

We had a several challenges to face with this project. Not only did we need to update a dated landscape to accommodate two seemingly different design tastes (modern & minimalistic vs natural english garden), we were tasked with improving the property’s drainage, improving the driveway access, reducing water usage and plant maintenance, and fixing a crumbling wall. To marry the two design tastes, we started with the more modern elements of metal planters and softened the landscape with mass plantings of ornamental grasses and native sedge. These grasses act as a turf replacement that do not need to be mowed and require less regular watering. On each side of the yard we constructed new cedar fences to provide updated and additional privacy. In addition, we poured a new concrete wall to replace the existing retaining wall and play off the new modern vibe.

This expansive elegant marble master bathroom is classic and rates highly on our list of favorite projects. Marble is always a good choice as it is a timeless look and adds to the value of your home. Marble can be one of the higher priced materials and also requires regular maintenance however marble bathrooms are gorgeous and allow flexibility and a vast amount of possibilities for application. This marble inspired bathroom was achieved by mixing real marble with porcelain tile that mimics the look of marble. The result is breath taking, low maintenance and a fraction of the cost! This master bath was expansive with over 300 square feet of usable space and a beautiful high ceiling. Sherry balanced out the room by creating a large double vanity designed with Waypoint cabinetry in painted linen. The higher elevation of the large tower between the vanities make it appear like a customized piece of furniture and the 4 sconces directly mounted to the mirrors are a nice detail that elevate the piece. The Ranier quartz countertops and Mayfair Volakas Giorgio Porcelain tile provide the subtle contrast of grey veining throughout the room. A 66” Draque tub with floor mounted waterfall faucet is beautifully surrounded with the same Volakes Giorgio tile. It is the perfect spot for our client to relax and take a load off while being showered by the light of the unique Alexandria Abstract Chandelier hanging above the tub. When designing the shower enclosure, Sherry blended different types of tile and tile sizes to create interest and movement. Cornice Perla Marble pieces create a beautiful transition between the glossy subway and the marble patterned tile. A bench for sitting is topped off with the same Ranier quartz used for the countertops and was added for the comfort of our client while using the Kohler handshower with extended hose. Bianco Perla basketweave marble are located in the niche and floor which add a different design component for interest. Our client opted to have her half bath remodeled as well. Many of the same components that we used in the master bathroom were used to make this other wise small space appear larger. Overall, we can’t say enough about how happy we were with the end result of this project. We were even happier to know that our client was over the moon about her dream master bathroom. Are you dreaming about your master bathroom and what possibilities we could accomplish in a marble look for you? We would love to hear from you, the options are amazing! .

Arbutus menziesii / Pacific Madrone Photo: Wendy Cutler, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-2.0 Generic

The casual style of our Relaxed Roman shade features small folds and a curving bottom edge. The perfect way to add a decorative layer of softness, we love the look of pairing Relaxed Roman shades with our custom drapery. Relaxed Roman shades are best suited for decorative use that doesn't require regular opening and closing.

White mandevilla vine with yellow bidens and alyssum in a container
This is an example of a tropical landscaping in Boston.

These are stain grade wood garage doors that look perfect for the contemporary mediterranean style of this house. This style gives the house a clean, rich look. These doors face south, so light color stain is good. Wood doors in the sun require regular maintenance to keep the high quality look. Notice that this homeowner didn't want any decorative hardware to compete with the clean lines of the garage door and in this case, a lack of embellishment works well. Agi Dyer

Tigerturf artificial turf install and a new duralum patio cover. With a synthetic grass landscape, regular maintenance is a thing of the past! Unlike natural grass lawns, synthetic grass does not require regular watering, mowing, weeding or fertilizing which cuts your expenses and gives you the freedom to enjoy your evergreen lawn with family, friends and co-workers year around. The Duralum patio cover provides the same type of benefit, no maintenance, no paint. All the beauty of wood combined with the durability of metal. Plus, Duralum patio covers come with a lifetime warranty. Jeremy Sharrock

Here chives are thriving in the raised bed. Easy to grow and useful for making herbal vinegars and for use in cooking when an onion flavor is needed. Choose an area in full sun to part shade. Chives prefer rich soil and will tolerate either moist or dry conditions. Can be divided. Easily reseeds. Photo by Julia Stewart Acer Landcape Services

When this suburban family decided to renovate their kitchen, they knew that they wanted a little more space. Advance Design worked together with the homeowner to design a kitchen that would work for a large family who loved to gather regularly and always ended up in the kitchen! So the project began with extending out an exterior wall to accommodate a larger island and more moving-around space between the island and the perimeter cabinetry. Style was important to the cook, who began collecting accessories and photos of the look she loved for months prior to the project design. She was drawn to the brightness of whites and grays, and the design accentuated this color palette brilliantly with the incorporation of a warm shade of brown woods that originated from a dining room table that was a family favorite. Classic gray and white cabinetry from Dura Supreme hits the mark creating a perfect balance between bright and subdued. Hints of gray appear in the bead board detail peeking just behind glass doors, and in the application of the handsome floating wood shelves between cabinets. White subway tile is made extra interesting with the application of dark gray grout lines causing it to be a subtle but noticeable detail worthy of attention. Suede quartz Silestone graces the countertops with a soft matte hint of color that contrasts nicely with the presence of white painted cabinetry finished smartly with the brightness of a milky white farm sink. Old melds nicely with new, as antique bronze accents are sprinkled throughout hardware and fixtures, and work together unassumingly with the sleekness of stainless steel appliances. The grace and timelessness of this sparkling new kitchen maintains the charm and character of a space that has seen generations past. And now this family will enjoy this new space for many more generations to come in the future with the help of the team at Advance Design Studio. Dura Supreme Cabinetry Photographer: Joe Nowak

  Phoenix's food scene is vibrant and thriving, but also one of the most closely watched in the country. Health inspectors in Maricopa County are strict, and customers expect spotless dining spaces.  To stay competitive, restaurant owners and food vendors must stay on top of evolving health codes, sanitation protocols, and food safety benchmarks. That starts with a firm grip on restaurant cleaning safety standards. Ignoring sanitation rules risks more than bad reviews. It invites citations, customer complaints, and operational shutdowns. Whether you're operating a food truck or a restaurant, following these Phoenix cleaning standards helps you stay compliant, pass health inspections, and build customer trust. Importance of a Clean Phoenix Restaurant that Follows Food Health and Safety Standards The restaurant industry in Phoenix operates under strict oversight. The Maricopa County Environmental Services Department conducts regular inspections, and violations can result in fines or closures. In this climate, restaurant cleaning is not just a hygiene standard. It is a business-critical measure. Proper food handling and establishment cleaning protocols reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses, control pests, protect equipment, and keep your staff safe. Inconsistent practices, on the other hand, can quickly become liabilities. Start With the Food Code Phoenix food vendors must comply with the 2017 FDA Food Code as adopted by Maricopa County. This includes rules on:

• Sanitizing food-contact surfaces after each use
• Maintaining proper water temperatures for dishwashing
• Cleaning restrooms frequently and keeping them stocked
• Storing cleaning chemicals away from prep areas

Each violation tier, from Priority to Core, has consequences. Priority violations (like improper sanitization) trigger repeat inspections and possible permit suspensions. Establish a Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Cleaning Routine for Phoenix Restaurants and Commercial Kitchens High-performing food vendors operate with cleaning checklists categorized by frequency:

• Daily: Wipe prep tables, mop floors, clean grills, sanitize cutting boards
• Weekly: Deep clean kitchen hoods, polish cooking equipment, disinfect drains
• Monthly: Check pest control measures, clean freezer coils, and inspect HVAC filters

Your routines should align with the facility’s risk level and menu complexity. A meat-heavy kitchen faces a higher risk of contamination than a coffee cart. Build your cleaning schedule accordingly. Train Staff on Cleaning Protocols Staff must be trained to clean as effectively as they cook and do food preparation. This includes:

• Using the right sanitizers and PPE
• Logging cleaning times and who performed the task
• Identifying signs of mold, grease buildup, or rodent activity
• Conducting thorough surface cleaning to ensure all food-contact surfaces are sanitized regularly

Training is not one-time. Update it quarterly and post protocols in shared areas. Use EPA-Approved  Cleaning Products for Arizona Food Business Phoenix regulations call for cleaning products that meet EPA standards. These should be:

• Food-safe and non-corrosive
• Effective against norovirus, salmonella, and E. coli
• Clearly labeled and stored in original containers

Over-the-counter products won’t always meet the grade. Confirm that all cleaning products meet EPA standards by checking them against the official List N for food-contact disinfectants. Maintain Clean Air and Water Systems Your HVAC system can be a hidden contamination source. Dirty filters affect air quality and can lead to dust settling on surfaces. Water lines used in ice machines and beverage dispensers must also be sanitized. Schedule routine inspections with licensed technicians and keep maintenance logs. Phoenix’s dry climate compounds dust issues, making this step even more essential. Waste Management Is Part of Cleaning Waste bins should be emptied multiple times a day and sanitized regularly. Grease traps, in particular, require strict oversight. Phoenix plumbing codes demand regular removal of grease buildup to prevent clogs and contamination. Document waste pickup schedules and trap cleanings to show inspectors you take this seriously. Be Pest-Prevention Oriented Phoenix’s warm climate creates a year-round pest risk. From roaches to rodents, pest sightings during inspections can instantly tank your sanitation score. To avoid this:

• Seal gaps around doors and pipes
• Store dry goods in sealed, elevated containers
• Keep outdoor waste bins locked and distanced from entry points

Implement a pest control plan that follows local best practices. Proactive prevention will save your operation from reputational damage. Comply With Local Licensing and Inspections Food establishments and vendors must display current food permits and be ready for unannounced inspections. In Phoenix, inspectors from Maricopa County use a digital scoring system, and all inspection results are publicly available online. That means your customers can see your cleaning track record before ever placing an order. If you want to access your past inspection scores or understand local codes better, refer to the official Maricopa County site. The Role of Digital Logs and Compliance Software Many Phoenix-based vendors now use cleaning log apps or digital food safety checklists. These tools:

• Record cleaning completion in real time
• Alert managers when tasks are missed
• Keep a historical record for inspections

Adopting digital systems minimizes human error and provides credibility when auditors review your procedures. Monitor Cleaning Performance Through Internal Audits Routine cleaning is only effective when verified. Conduct regular internal audits to identify missed steps, correct improper practices, and maintain accountability. Assign a team member to perform weekly sanitation checks using a standardized checklist. Focus on key areas like surface residue, properly labeled chemicals, and temperature logs. Document each audit and review the results with your team during pre-shift meetings. This ensures your staff stays inspection-ready and fosters a culture of vigilance. In Phoenix’s competitive food market, consistent self-checks help prevent issues before inspectors arrive. When to Hire Restaurant Cleaning Services in Phoenix Some cleaning jobs go beyond what your in-house team can handle. Tasks like vent hood cleaning, ceiling dusting, or chemical deep cleaning are best left to commercial cleaning services. Choose a cleaning vendor who:

• Is certified and understands the Arizona food codes
• Provides documented service reports
• Offers customized cleaning plans
• Offers flexible scheduling around your operating hours

Outsourcing specialized cleaning ensures your facility stays compliant without interrupting your business flow. Cleaning Practices for Food Prep Areas In Phoenix, with its dry climate and year-round warmth, food prep areas are especially vulnerable to contamination. To comply with restaurant cleaning safety standards, these areas require focused cleaning efforts to prevent cross-contamination and maintain food safety. Here’s how to integrate cleaning into your food prep protocols:

• Cross-contamination prevention: Regularly clean food prep surfaces and tools, and use separate equipment for raw meats, vegetables, and ready-to-eat foods. Proper cleaning prevents any contact with food that could lead to cross-contamination and affects food quality.
• Temperature monitoring: While not directly related to cleaning, maintaining proper food temperature is essential. Hot foods should be stored above 140°F, and cold foods below 40°F. Regularly monitor temperatures and clean temperature gauges to ensure accuracy.
• Proper storage: Use clean storage containers and shelving for food storage, keeping items off the floor. Ensure all food is sealed and labeled to avoid contamination risks and comply with food safety standards.

Food Safety Starts With What Customers Can’t See In Phoenix's food service industry, cleanliness is essential to your success. But cleanliness goes deeper than shiny tables and spotless floors. It’s the behind-the-scenes work: the sanitizing, logging, and double-checking that keep your kitchen safe and your customers confident. When you take both sides seriously, your business doesn’t just stay open; it thrives. Meta Title: Restaurant Cleaning Safety Standards for Phoenix Food Vendors Meta Description: Explore Phoenix-specific restaurant cleaning safety standards so your food business stays compliant, avoids fines, passes inspections, and earns customer trust.  

Iris reticulata Jaap de Vries

Because it is so easy to prune, boxwood is a satisfying hedging material because it can be trimmed into architectural shapes. In this garden it acts as a low enclosure for shrubs that billow behind it. This garden requires regular maintenance and upkeep.

CLIENT ISSUES/PROBLEMS o Large property with variety of native and foreign species o requires expertise and thorough understanding of gardening to ensure property maintenance o regular functions held on weekends, require coordination to ensure all aspects of required gardening are addressed MOMENTOUS APPROACH o 6 year maintenance client o weekly maintenance scheduled for end of week to ensure property looks it’s best for weekend functions o recommendation of plants and soil for areas needing replacement or additions o consistent crew leader to ensure development of relationship with client o treatment of plants for pests/mites/insects (IPM Certified Staff) RESULTS o Well maintained property that shows amazing colour and interest year-round o Strong relationship between Momentous Impressions and Client, allowing for ease of communication and quick follow-up for client requests