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Among our Houston outdoor kitchens, this one is unique because of its concrete countertops, pergola with stucco wrapping and custom storage.
"It's not one of our biggest covered outdoor kitchens in Houston," says Outdoor Homescapes of Houston owner Wayne Franks. "But it's unique, and it looks really nice, too!"
The client, a young family, wanted an outdoor kitchen with a more minimalistic, modern look, explains Outdoor Homescapes senior designer Lisha Maxey.
"They're both doctors and very much attuned to detail," she says. "Their primary goal was to create a space where they could lounge while the children played as well as an area to entertain family and friends while cooking and dining outside."
Like a growing number of people wanting small outdoor kitchens in Houston, this client expressed interest in using concrete as a surface material: "The look is contemporary and is easily paired with any type of outdoor furniture," says Maxey, "from wicker to teak to iron."
Here's a closeup of the concrete countertops. You'll notice that they're glossy and smooth like glass, thanks to special sealers and a topcoat of UV-resistant resin that prevents the countertop from yellowing.
Since these particular clients lean toward the minimalistic side of contemporary design, she continues, "the standard granite countertop of many Houston outdoor kitchens would not work, since it typically has a lot of movement and can be busy."
Lisha sees the use of concrete as a growing outdoor design trend for Houston outdoor kitchens: "It's easy to maintain and again, leans towards a more modern look for outdoor."
All the furniture and lighting is from Restoration Hardware, says Lisha, who's offering $500 in free outdoor furniture consultation services as a special promotion. (Interested? Just contact us!)
The dining and lounge chairs are from the Antibes collection in cast aluminum with a bronze finish. The table is a Belgian Trestle made of weathered concrete and teak. Simple track lighting was used on the pergola in keeping with the minimalist look of the space.
The pergola is a treated pine, stained a Minwax Jacobean, which appears almost black. "This client chose a pergola over a roof extension off the house because they wanted it to still seem light and airy in their outdoor space for their young children," explains Lisha. "They wanted a certain degree of sun and shade protection, which a pergola does provide, but they wanted it to seem a bit like a park for the kids to play in."
"The seating/storage bin was not a part of the original design," says Lisha. "As the project progressed, the client expressed interest in some sort of chest for the new outdoor furniture cushions to be stored in."
The design for the storage bin was developed to accommodate this request: "It eventually evolved into a seating area as well. And to keep the look consistent with the new kitchen, it was agreed that the stone be carried through the design. The wood top was necessary so we could design a hinged access for storage."

This Tampa Bay homeowner was looking into complete change his backyard. Most pools in Tampa are built with a connected spa. To increase his pool size, he ended up deciding for not to build spa, however, he still wanted an appealing focal point to his pool. To contrast with the beautiful green landscape around the backyard, our customer wanted to add color and movement to his outdoor area.
For the main pool deck area, our customer felt in love with the french pattern autumn blend tumbled travertine pavers. French Pattern Tumbled Autumn Blend Travertine Pavers contain a mixture of mostly red and gold, with some white, dark and light brown tones. Autumn Blend added the perfect amount of color and movement our customer wanted.
Travertine pavers offer a few unique color mixtures that make any outdoor space pops up from others.
A great accent color solution for the coping was the Desert Gold color on the 4×9 tumbled travertine copings. The beautifully blended Desert Gold may be bright and striking but does not lack for warmth and richness as well. To not compete with the strong colors of the pool deck, we advised our customer to add a lighter and more neutral pool tile: 2×2 autumn blend tumbled travertine tiles brought the perfect combination of contrast and harmony we were looking to achieve.
CREATIVITY ON YOUR POOL REMODEL WITH TRAVERTINE PAVER.
Pool remodel with travertine paver does not need to represent neutral colors only. Different than what most people believe, travertine pavers offer a few unique color mixtures that make any outdoor space pop up from others. Don’t be afraid of mixing different patterns, colors and textures to add more character to your outdoor space. Remember that, travertine pavers will display better their color when sealed, like the pictures from this pool remodel. If you are not sure if you would like your paver with the enhanced color, spray the sample with water first.
PREMIUM TRAVERTINE FRENCH PATTERN PAVERS
Pool remodel with travertine paver
POOL REMODEL WITH TRAVERTINE PAVERS
This Tampa Bay homeowner was looking into complete change his backyard. Most pools in Tampa are built with a connected spa. To increase his pool size, he ended up deciding for not to build spa, however, he still wanted an appealing focal point to his pool. To contrast with the beautiful green landscape around the backyard, our customer wanted to add color and movement to his outdoor area.
For the main pool deck area, our customer felt in love with the french pattern autumn blend tumbled travertine pavers. French Pattern Tumbled Autumn Blend Travertine Pavers contain a mixture of mostly red and gold, with some white, dark and light brown tones. Autumn Blend added the perfect amount of color and movement our customer wanted.
pool remodel with travertine paverpool remodel with travertine paverpool remodel with travertine paverpool remodel with travertine paverpool remodel with travertine paver
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Travertine pavers offer a few unique color mixtures that make any outdoor space pops up from others.
A great accent color solution for the coping was the Desert Gold color on the 4×9 tumbled travertine copings. The beautifully blended Desert Gold may be bright and striking but does not lack for warmth and richness as well. To not compete with the strong colors of the pool deck, we advised our customer to add a lighter and more neutral pool tile: 2×2 autumn blend tumbled travertine tiles brought the perfect combination of contrast and harmony we were looking to achieve.
CREATIVITY ON YOUR POOL REMODEL WITH TRAVERTINE PAVER.
Pool remodel with travertine paver does not need to represent neutral colors only. Different than what most people believe, travertine pavers offer a few unique color mixtures that make any outdoor space pop up from others. Don’t be afraid of mixing different patterns, colors and textures to add more character to your outdoor space. Remember that, travertine pavers will display better their color when sealed, like the pictures from this pool remodel. If you are not sure if you would like your paver with the enhanced color, spray the sample with water first.
PREMIUM TRAVERTINE FRENCH PATTERN PAVERS
On this pool remodel project, our customer preferred to use the French Pattern design, which is a good way to break up the monotony of the typical geometric or square appearance of large areas. Just like this outstanding pool deck remodel, patios and walkways will appear more fluid and mosaic by eliminating grout lines and the usual linear effect as well as the need for constant maintenance of the typical square or rectangular paver.
A French Pattern or a Versailles pattern is a paver pattern made up of four different sized tiles. Most French patterns are laid in stone, and nearly all are sold in “bundles” of tile that will cover 16 square feet.
Travertine pavers on your pool deck will reflect heat on hot days, remaining cool to the touch, unlike concrete surface options. Travertine does not discolor or become chalky after installation. The texture of travertine ensures that the stone remains slip resistant for wet feet, while its cool feel prevents burns. Another great advantage of travertine pavers is that there will be no visible grout lines; grout can be a source of both installation problems and added cost for future removal / replacement or up-keep.

Landscape by Stonepocket located in Minnetonka, Minnesota Creating a elegant landscape to blend with a home with such character and charm was a challenge in controlled resistant. Did not want the landscape to overwhelm the home, nor did I want a typical landscape for this style that usually involves a box hedge. Utilizing light in the front to create a perennial garden give the home a sense of place. Keep the planting mostly to whites and greens in the back unifies the space.
photos by Stonepocket, Inc
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Landscape by Stonepocket located in Minnetonka, Minnesota Creating a elegant landscape to blend with a home with such character and charm was a challenge in controlled resistant. Did not want the landscape to overwhelm the home, nor did I want a typical landscape for this style that usually involves a box hedge. Utilizing light in the front to create a perennial garden give the home a sense of place. Keep the planting mostly to whites and greens in the back unifies the space.
photos by Stonepocket, Inc

ASPD1531M4: Half-Size Paddle Switch - Mag.
The adorne® Paddle Switch, Half-Size features a simple up and down motion, allowing you to turn lights on and off with ease.
Switch supports single-pole and three-way operation.
Easy "1-for-1" installation lets you simply replace your existing switch in just minutes.
Fits in your existing electrical box and does not require new wires for typical installation. Innovative assembly and snap-in system make it fast and simple to install.
ARTR152W4: adorne® Tamper-Resistant Outlet - 15A - 125V - White
All adorne outlets include a tamper-resistant design featuring a patented shutter system, keeping children safe by preventing them from pushing small objects into the outlet. The shutters are molded a dark color that they fade into the backgorund while keeping users safe.
Patented shutter system helps prevent improper insertion of foreign objects.
Configuration easily supports two plugs and offers the capacity of a standard outlet.
Easy "1-for-1" installation lets you simply replace your existing outlet in just minutes.
Fits in your existing electrical box and does not require new wires for typical installation. Innovative assembly and snap-in system make it fast and simple to install.

Landscape by Stonepocket located in Minnetonka, Minnesota Creating a elegant landscape to blend with a home with such character and charm was a challenge in controlled resistant. Did not want the landscape to overwhelm the home, nor did I want a typical landscape for this style that usually involves a box hedge. Utilizing light in the front to create a perennial garden give the home a sense of place. Keep the planting mostly to whites and greens in the back unifies the space.
photos by Stonepocket, Inc

The outdoor patio fire pit table set category features stylish and functional furniture designed to enhance outdoor living spaces. These sets typically include a fire pit table and accompanying seating, creating a cozy gathering area perfect for entertaining or relaxing under the stars. Made from durable, weather-resistant materials, they provide a reliable heat source while adding a touch of modern elegance to patios, decks, or backyards. With adjustable flame settings and easy assembly options, these fire pit tables are ideal for anyone looking to enjoy evenings outdoors in comfort and style.

With limited travel options available during the pandemic, everyone is spending lots more time at home. Many are even looking for ways to incorporate interior design elements from their favorite destinations into their spaces: this lets you feel like you’re traveling, even when you’re not. This project was my own personal quarantine design dream: to create an interior scheme for my sunroom that captures the color, joy and exuberance of those brilliant indoor/outdoor spaces you find in Mexico. My sunroom is filled with sunshine, and sunshine makes my kids think of two beach vacations we took to Cancun. Since we couldn't take them there, or anywhere, I decided to bring a little bit of Mexico home.
As a backdrop, I embraced our floor to ceiling windows, great white wood paneled walls, and terra cotta floor tile, and added a soothing blue green paint to the beadboard ceiling, which to me is the color of a pool (Sherwin Williams Waterfall).
Over the terra cotta tile, I layered a bright pink rug and pulled out the turquoise and yellow accents for the furniture. The furniture is at least 60 years old and will not fit out of the doors, so I had it resprayed in place and had new cushions made in indoor outdoor fabric (and trimmed it in hot pink tape).
I also had a new gas logset installed in the fireplace opening to keep this room toasty in the spring and fall. Cheery Mexican pompoms line the slate mantle, which also features a black and white photo of cattle (they have lots of that in Mexico, right?) A pair of mullioned doors leads back to the living room of the home.
The piece de resistance of this whole seating grouping is the coffee table. It was originally a stained wood coffee table that inhabited my in-laws’ living room in pristine condition for many years. Then it came to my house, where my son proceeded to bang his trains against it and generally abused and dented it. I had it sanded down and painted Sherwin Williams Green Bay. Over this teal colored base, my mother, who’s an artist, painted the most beautiful design of birds and flowers for me based on the Otomi tradition of Mexican embroidery. Otomi embroidery motifs typically incorporate animals and plants native to the Tenango area in central Mexico.

Landscape by Stonepocket located in Minnetonka, Minnesota Creating a elegant landscape to blend with a home with such character and charm was a challenge in controlled resistant. Did not want the landscape to overwhelm the home, nor did I want a typical landscape for this style that usually involves a box hedge. Utilizing light in the front to create a perennial garden give the home a sense of place. Keep the planting mostly to whites and greens in the back unifies the space.
photos by Stonepocket, Inc

It is not uncommon for down2earth interior design to be tasked with the challenge of combining an existing kitchen and dining room into one open space that is great for communal cooking and entertaining. But what happens when that request is only the beginning? In this kitchen, our clients had big dreams for their space that went well beyond opening up the plan and included flow, organization, a timeless aesthetic, and partnering with local vendors.
Although the family wanted all the modern conveniences afforded them by a total kitchen renovation, they also wanted it to look timeless and fit in with the aesthetic of their 100 year old home. So all design decisions were made with an eye towards timelessness, from the profile of the cabinet doors, to the handmade backsplash tiles, to the choice of soapstone for countertops, which is a beautiful material that is naturally heat resistant. The soapstone was strategically positioned so that the most stunning veins would be on display across the island top and on the wall behind the cooktop. Even the green color of the cabinet, and the subtle green-greys of the trim were specifically chosen for their softness so they will not look stark or trendy in this classic home.
To address issues of flow, the clients really analyzed how they cook, entertain, and eat. We went well beyond the typical “kitchen triangle” to make sure all the hot spots of the kitchen were in the most functional locations within the space. Once we located the “big moves” we really dug down into the details. Some noteworthy ones include a whole wall of deep pantries with pull outs so all food storage is in one place, knives stored in a drawer right over the cutting boards, trash located right behind the sink, and pots, pans, cookie sheets located right by the oven, and a pullout for the Kitchenaid mixer. There are also pullouts that serve as dedicated storage next to the oven for oils, spices, and utensils, and a microwave located in the island which will facilitate aging in place if that becomes an objective in the future. A broom and cleaning supply storage closet at the top of the basement stairs coordinates with the kitchen cabinets so it will look nice if on view, or it can be hidden behind barn doors that tuck just a bit behind the oven. Storage for platters and a bar are located near the dining room so they will be on hand for entertaining.
As a couple deeply invested in their local community, it was important to the homeowners to work with as many local vendors as possible. From flooring to woodwork to tile to countertops, choosing the right materials to make this project come together was a real collaborative effort. Their close community connections also inspired these empty nesters to stay in their home and update it to their needs, rather than relocating. The space can now accommodate their growing family that might consist of children’s spouses, grandkids, and furry friends alike.

This side yard was dedicated to create a small Asian style garden space that uses stepping stones placed imprecisely in order to force one to "watch their step" or to be mindful of your presence.
Just by using a few Japanese Maples and some Bamboo, one can create the flavor of a Japanese garden without having to have any of the typical accessories such as a Lantern or Buddha.
all photos by John Stuart Leslie

ARTR152M4: adorne® Tamper-Resistant Outlet - 15A - 125V - Magnesium
ADPD703HM4: adorne® Paddle Dimmer - 700W - Incandescent/Halogen - Magnesium
ADTP703TUM4: - 700W - True-Universal - Magnesium
adorne® Tamper-Resistant Outlet -
All adorne outlets include a tamper-resistant design featuring a patented shutter system, keeping children safe by preventing them from pushing small objects into the outlet. The shutters are molded a dark color that they fade into the backgorund while keeping users safe.
Patented shutter system helps prevent improper insertion of foreign objects.
Configuration easily supports two plugs and offers the capacity of a standard outlet.
Easy "1-for-1" installation lets you simply replace your existing outlet in just minutes.
Fits in your existing electrical box and does not require new wires for typical installation. Innovative assembly and snap-in system make it fast and simple to install.
adorne® Paddle Dimmer -
Dual-engineered with a rocking motion for seamless on/off lighting control, as well as a slider for dimming in one beautifully inventive package.
To determine what option is right for you, make sure the wattage of your bulbs matches the wattage of the dimmer switch by multiplying the number of bulbs by their respective wattage. For example, if you have a chandelier with 11 bulbs at 100 watts each, you would need the 1100 watt dimmer switch.
Supports incandescent and halogen bulbs and single-pole/3-way operation.
Easy "1-for-1" installation lets you simply replace your existing switch in just minutes.
Fits in your existing electrical box and does not require new wires for typical installation. Innovative assembly and snap-in system make it fast and simple to install.
adorne® sofTap Dimmer -
The sofTap design features an innovative micro-movement that turns lights on an doff with just a soft "tap" of the finger.
2015 Light for Tomorrow Winner.
To determine what option is right for you, make sure the wattage of your bulbs matches the wattage of the dimmer switch by multiplying the number of bulbs by their respective wattage. For example, if you have a chandelier with 11 bulbs at 100 watts each, you would need the 1100 watt dimmer switch.
Switch supports single-pole and three-way operation.
Easy "1-for-1" installation lets you simply replace your existing switch in just minutes.
Fits in your existing electrical box and does not require new wires for typical installation. Innovative assembly and snap-in system make it fast and simple to install.
Tru-Universal technology enables the dimmer to support all load types, including incandescent/halogen, Magnetic Low Voltage (MLV), Electronic Low Voltage (ELV) in forward or reverse Phase, CFL/LED, etc.

Landscape by Stonepocket located in Minnetonka, Minnesota Creating a elegant landscape to blend with a home with such character and charm was a challenge in controlled resistant. Did not want the landscape to overwhelm the home, nor did I want a typical landscape for this style that usually involves a box hedge. Utilizing light in the front to create a perennial garden give the home a sense of place. Keep the planting mostly to whites and greens in the back unifies the space.
photos by Stonepocket, Inc

All adorne outlets include a tamper-resistant design featuring a patented shutter system, keeping children safe by preventing them from pushing small objects into the outlet. The shutters are molded a dark color that they fade into the backgorund while keeping users safe.
Patented shutter system helps prevent improper insertion of foreign objects.
Configuration easily supports two plugs and offers the capacity of a standard outlet.
Easy "1-for-1" installation lets you simply replace your existing outlet in just minutes.
Fits in your existing electrical box and does not require new wires for typical installation. Innovative assembly and snap-in system make it fast and simple to install.
The adorne® Wave switch features innovative technology combined with sleek, contemporary design. Simply wave your hand in front of the switch to turn lights on and off.
Switch supports single-pole and three-way operation.
Easy "1-for-1" installation lets you simply replace your existing switch in just minutes.
Fits in your existing electrical box and does not require new wires for typical installation. Innovative assembly and snap-in system make it fast and simple to install.
ARTR152W4
ASWV1532W2

The crisp Antique White finish of the Peruga Double Bath Vanity offers a light, airy feel to your bathroom. Featuring antique-style handles for each of the cabinet doors and 3 central drawers, this vanity screams Old World class in every direction. You'll love how sophisticated it will look in your home, especially when paired with any of the 5 beautiful top options to choose from. Add the beautiful matching linen cabinet to your bedroom decor and you'll never complain about not having enough space again. Made from the same top quality solid oak, this linen cabinet boasts a glass paneled top cabinet with frosted glass on each side, a middle drawer, and a lower cabinet with a gorgeous frame-like design. Each door is equipped with soft-close European hinges and the finish is made to match your vanity with a 12-step hand glazed finishing process.
Please note: the triple panel mirror in the main image is no longer available. Instead, a matching 47.25" Single panel mirror (see detailed images) is available from the drop-down menus.
Dimensions
Vanity
60"W x 23.5"D x 35.5"H
Optional Accessories
Large Mirror
47.25"W x 3.7"D x 41.5"H
Linen Cabinet
20.5"W x 16.25"D x 65"H
Features
Quality materials are important to the longevity of your bathroom vanity. Cheap vanities made with particle board or MDF tend to sag, warp, split, discolor, and expand over time. This is especially true in humid climates, such as the environment found in a normal bathroom. Since bathroom humidity is so common, bathroom vanities need to be extremely durable. They also need to be strong enough to endure lots of usage-based wear and tear. Vanities are typically made of MDF, birch, rubberwood, or natural oak. Generally, MDF is approximately 30 % the quality of oak, birch is 50% the quality of oak, and rubberwood is typically 90% the quality of oak, where "quality" is defined as the strength, integrity, and durability of the material. Solid oak is without question the strongest, most durable, and most resilient of all vanity materials. Only the highest-quality and best made vanities are manufactured from natural oak. Premier Collection
Vanities that are marked as Premier Collection are the best vanities in the industry where no expense has been spared. These are the best vanities money can buy made from small quantities of handpicked solid hard woods that are hand finished to perfection. To be considered part of the Premium Collection the vanity must get A+++ grades in: Wood used, Interior Construction, Counter Top, and Finish.
Wood Used:
Premier Collections uses Kiln dried wood in small batches to insure proper drying to prevent cracking and warping. All wood is cared for in great detail to prevent cracking and warping so that your vanity looks as good as they day it arrived for many years.
Vanity Tops:
Premier Collections vanities that have stone tops use a thicker stone, up to 3cm (1cm more than industry average), providing a more luxurious look. All of the vanities with stone tops are sealed to prevent watermarks and minor stains.
Construction:
Premium Collection vanities use hard wood box framed construction that provides strength and durability for decades. All vanities have working drawers with able storage made with slide ball bearing drawers and or soft close mounts. Center drawers are boxed and fitted around plumbing for additional storage.
Finish:
Premium Collection vanities are all hand stained, hand painted, using up to a 15 layer sealing and finishing process to avoid future fading, cracking, or peeling.
- 100% handmade and finished
- Grade A, solid kiln-dried oak construction
- Single-door cabinet on each side with antique-style handles
- Frame type construction with an Old World style joinery
- Full extension drawers with ball-bearing glides
- Hand-applied varnish in 3 layers to prevent warping
- Multi-layered hand glazed finish for a cabinet that is resistant to peeling, cracking and fading
- 5 Beautiful finishes to choose from!
- Choose from Cream Marble, Black Granite, Tropical Brown Granite, Carrera White Marble, or Travertine tops
- Pre-drilled for 8" faucet spread
- **Faucets Not Included**
Quality materials are important to the longevity of your bathroom vanity. Cheap vanities made with particle board or MDF tend to sag, warp, split, discolor, and expand over time. This is especially true in humid climates, such as the environment found in a normal bathroom. Since bathroom humidity is so common, bathroom vanities need to be extremely durable. They also need to be strong enough to endure lots of usage-based wear and tear. Vanities are typically made of MDF, birch, rubberwood, or natural oak. Generally, MDF is approximately 30 % the quality of oak, birch is 50% the quality of oak, and rubberwood is typically 90% the quality of oak, where "quality" is defined as the strength, integrity, and durability of the material. Solid oak is without question the strongest, most durable, and most resilient of all vanity materials. Only the highest-quality and best made vanities are manufactured from natural oak. Premier Collection
Vanities that are marked as Premier Collection are the best vanities in the industry where no expense has been spared. These are the best vanities money can buy made from small quantities of handpicked solid hard woods that are hand finished to perfection. To be considered part of the Premium Collection the vanity must get A+++ grades in: Wood used, Interior Construction, Counter Top, and Finish.
Wood Used:
Premier Collections uses Kiln dried wood in small batches to insure proper drying to prevent cracking and warping. All wood is cared for in great detail to prevent cracking and warping so that your vanity looks as good as they day it arrived for many years.
Vanity Tops:
Premier Collections vanities that have stone tops use a thicker stone, up to 3cm (1cm more than industry average), providing a more luxurious look. All of the vanities with stone tops are sealed to prevent watermarks and minor stains.
Construction:
Premium Collection vanities use hard wood box framed construction that provides strength and durability for decades. All vanities have working drawers with able storage made with slide ball bearing drawers and or soft close mounts. Center drawers are boxed and fitted around plumbing for additional storage.
Finish:
Premium Collection vanities are all hand stained, hand painted, using up to a 15 layer sealing and finishing process to avoid future fading, cracking, or peeling.

The homes in Heritage Hills in Chapel Hill, NC are representative of the popularity and explosive growth of American Home Ownership that occurred during the economic expansion that followed the end of WW II. They were designed and built to foster the benefits and sense of “community”, where families could come together and share theirs and their children’s lives. They are typically in very desirable locations within their larger communities, and remodeling them with modern amenities, increasing the performance and efficiency of them, and having them Green Certified (independent third-party verified) makes them extremely attractive to buyers, and helps to raise other property values within the neighborhood.
Green Certified Remodeled Homes offer significant value and advantage in the marketplace over similar homes in their area, which is especially important as a new, younger era of home buyers enter the market. Current trends suggest that younger (as well as many “seasoned”) homeowners are interested in smaller, more efficient (and thus affordable) homes situated closer to shopping, their work, entertainment opportunities, and access to the economic and environmental benefits of mass transit.
These older homes also offer an additional value that is continuing to gain visibility and appreciation in the market place. They were built from lumber from slower-growth trees (denser and harder wood), and as such offer superior structural support compared to the same home built using lumber from today’s faster-growing (softer and less-dense wood) trees.
Robin and Kent had lived in their 2-story Gambrel Roof home in Heritage Hills since 1994. The house was structurally sound, due in large part to the old-growth (and denser) yellow pine that was used in its framing. They loved the quiet neighborhood, its sense of community and amenities, and their home. It suited their life-style and needs; and they had decided that they would remain in the home. It was showing its age, and was in need of general repairs and maintenance, and its energy, water, and indoor air quality performance was continuing to increase their ongoing cost of ownership.
Robin loved the screen porch that looked out on their private and nicely landscaped back yard, but she wanted to be able to use it in the colder months of the year. She was unsatisfied with the kitchen and the mud room / laundry room, and the darkness of other living spaces. A previous water leak in the laundry room had resulted in a large patch of mold that had compromised flooring, wall board, and insulation and contributed to the homes reduced indoor air quality.
The home lacked insulation in the crawl, and inadequate insulation in the attic. The single HVAC unit had been replaced a few years earlier with a more efficient unit, but with a single programmable thermostat control on the first floor and aging and un-insulated ducting, the second floor was often over-heated in the summer months.
The original wood windows had begun to deteriorate and were drafty and inefficient, and the original wood-burning fireplace was an open conduit for escaping conditioned air as well as an inlet for wood-smoke smelling air being pulled into the home. The siding had been replaced a few years earlier with a cement-fiber product, but the exterior wood trim was compromised and beginning to look unsightly. Its original architecture had been altered over the years in ways that presented ongoing maintenance and durability issues, as well as disrupting the elegance of the original design.
Kent has worked for over 30 years in the Environmental Sciences field, and is considered to be a national expert in understanding the sources of, and human exposure to pollutants in indoor environments. He had always been very conscious and cautious about the effects on indoor air quality that the construction, furnishings, and products used in home had on him and his family.
Project Goals
Increase the performance of their home by improving energy efficiency by at least 40% and lowering their natural gas and electric utility costs.
Increase the performance of their home by reducing water usage by at least 40% and lowering the water utility costs.
Increase the comfort of their home that was being compromised by an inadequate HVAC design, inadequate insulation, inefficient and compromised wood windows, and copious air intrusions and drafts.
Improve the healthiness of the homes indoor air quality that was being compromised by an open wood-burning fireplace, and prior water intrusion that had allowed colonies of mold to thrive.
Create a new Kitchen, Family Room, Home Office, Mudroom, and Laundry Room that featured some of the latest designs and trends and harmonized with the rest of the homes charm.
Increase the usefulness and aesthetics of the screened porch by creating a warm and inviting semi-conditioned 3-Season Room that extended the times during the year that it was comfortable.
Introduce day-lighting into areas of the home that were dark and uninviting.
Brighten and harmonize all of the interior finishes.
Protect and restore the exterior of the home with superior-performing products and finishes.
Achieve Gold Level Green Home Certification in conformance with the ICC 700-2012 National Green Building Standards (NGBS).

Complete 2.5 Year Renovation and repaint interior and exterior including stucco, trim, doors, cabinets, casement windows, drywall patching, hand troweled wall texture.
Benjamin Moore Aura paint on the exterior; Regal Select on the interior.

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.

Landscape by Stonepocket located in Minnetonka, Minnesota Creating a elegant landscape to blend with a home with such character and charm was a challenge in controlled resistant. Did not want the landscape to overwhelm the home, nor did I want a typical landscape for this style that usually involves a box hedge. Utilizing light in the front to create a perennial garden give the home a sense of place. Keep the planting mostly to whites and greens in the back unifies the space.
photos by Stonepocket, Inc

This project was all about resurfacing an existing deck, which provides a significant amount of benefits, including:
- Enhanced Aesthetics: A deck resurfacing project can transform the appearance of the deck, giving it a fresh and modern look that can significantly improve the curb appeal of the entire home.
- Cost Savings: Resurfacing is often more cost-effective than completely rebuilding a deck. It allows homeowners to achieve a like-new appearance without the expense of a full replacement.
- Increased Durability: New materials used in resurfacing are designed to be more resistant to wear, fading, and the elements, resulting in a longer lifespan for the deck.
- Improved Safety: Addressing structural issues during the resurfacing process ensures the deck's safety and stability, reducing the risk of accidents.
- Less Disruption: Compared to a full deck replacement, resurfacing typically involves less disruption to the homeowner's daily routine, as it's a faster and less invasive process.
- Customization: Homeowners can choose from a wide range of materials, colors, and finishes to match their design preferences and complement their home's style.
- Environmentally Friendly: Resurfacing reduces the amount of old material that needs to be disposed of, making it a more environmentally conscious option.
By undertaking a deck resurfacing project, homeowners can rejuvenate their outdoor space, enjoy a beautiful and functional deck for years to come and increase the overall value of their property.
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