The lifestyle of living on Lake Washington is naturally inclined towards entertaining and outdoor living. However, the homeowners of this Kirkland residence found that occupying the exterior space was difficult in part because there were few spaces that were protected from the harsh western exposure. They longed for a covered patio and more. Conversations and designs focused on creating a four-season space that addressed the high-exposure demands of the site while also providing a comfortable space to relax and entertain. The concept of extending the existing second floor level deck as a way to provide protection emerged as an early solution in the process. With the use of natural stone pavers and treads, the existing lower level patio was nearly doubled in usable area with different zones for intimate or large gatherings. The stone treads transition gracefully into the landscaped portion of the site. The deck above was expanded upon and resurfaced with a low maintenance porcelain pedestal paver system. A glass panel railing is constructed without a top rail, which allows for views of the water to remain unobstructed while sitting or standing. A custom outdoor fireplace was designed to act as a central focal point and to provide definition for the gathering spaces. The concrete mass is punctured through with a two-way fireplace, providing visual and bodily warmth for year-round comfort and use of the space. An updated, modernized outdoor kitchen was a necessity for larger gatherings. Durable yet elegant surfaces were required for this high use area. Cabinetry incorporates Parklex wood panels that are sustainably sourced and finished for long-term durability. Countertops and backsplash were comprised of an exterior-grade porcelain slab. Stainless steel appliances complete a low maintenance workspace. Energy efficient products were mindful components of this project. New and dimmable LED recessed and indirect lighting provides illumination for entertaining late into the night. Tread lighting provides a beacon of light for returning boaters coming in from the lake. The homeowner shared their pleasure with their new spaces commenting that the design seamlessly integrates with the existing house. They find themselves enjoying and using their outdoor spaces more thoroughly and on a daily basis. The surprise for them was the unintended additional space resulting from the expanded deck above.

This custom wine cellar inside of renowned Pamplemousse Grille Restaurant in Del Mar, San Diego, California is truly an eye catcher. Originally built for Pamplemousse's 5th anniversary, this wine cellar proves classic and timeless with distressed maple doors and traditional redwood racking behind them. Vintage Wine Cellars and Jeffrey Strauss, famed Chef and incredible philanthropist in San Diego, have a long history of working together.. In addition to this cellar and multiple others in the Pamplemousse Restaurant grounds, we also had the pleasure of designing and building Jeffrey's personal home cellar as well. A little more about the restaurant display cellar: Originally designed and built by Vintage Wine Cellars in 2001, this custom wine room boasts triple deep redwood wine racking, a three opening door system, and room for up to 800 bottles. With plenty of differentiated display, the team at Pamplemousse is able to regularly showcase their true love and understanding (as well as fantastic collection) for guests coming in looking to enjoy a world class bottle in this world class restaurant. Recently, Vintage Wine Cellars updated this cellar with LED lighting, really enhancing the showcasing ability of this small wine cellar. With many incredible wines such as top assortments of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Cult Napa Cabernets, and more vintages of First Growth Bordeaux wines that you could ever choose from, it's no wonder that Pamplemousse Grille in Solana Beach, Del Mar, San Diego is still going strong in its 23rd year. A bit about Pamplemousse and Chef Jeffrey Strauss: Specialties Chef Jeffrey Strauss makes a personal statement on the pleasurable dining experience - casual yet elegant, inspired yet straightforward, quality food that delights all the senses. History Established in 1996, Pamplemousse Grille offers San Diego's premier upscale dining experience in a warm, cozy, 'French Country Kitchen' atmosphere. Pamplemousse has also excelled as the preeminent caterer in San Diego as we enter our 23rd year serving the greater San Diego community. Chef Jeffrey Strauss, Executive Chef/Owner Chef and Owner Jeffrey Strauss has a flair for presentation and an unquestionable talent for taste that has delighted the palates of the world’s most powerful business brokers, socialites, United States presidents, and scores of American and foreign dignitaries. Strauss has prepared everything from intimate meals to huge banquets for the most prestigious corporate names in America and Europe (Tiffany and Co., Disney Studios, Paine Webber, UNOCAL, 20th Century Fox, Neiman Marcus, Hermes, Channel, Gucci, MCA, Amblin Entertainment); for such dignitaries as President George W. Bush, the late Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Prince Charles, Prince Andrew, Hillary Rodham Clinton, the wedding of Caroline Kennedy, and the 1984 inaugural luncheon for Ronald Reagan; and entertainment luminaries such as Aaron Spelling, Tom Hanks, Elton John, and Steven Spielberg. With the creation of Pamplemousse Grille, Chef Strauss has turned from the world of “Chef to the Stars” to creating food that he loves to eat and serve to “family and friends.” Since its debut, Pamplemousse Grille has received many local & national awards including “Best Restaurant, People’s Choice” San Diego Home & Gardens; “Best New Restaurant”, “Best Caterer”, & “San Diego’s Best Chef” San Diego Magazine, Zagat Rated #1 Restaurant in San Diego for three consecutive years, and 2008 San Diego Nice Guy of the Year. East Coast-bred, Chef was among nine out of eight hundred applicants to receive a Culinary Apprenticeship at the Greenbriar Hotel Culinary Educational Program in White Sulpher Springs, West Virginia, where he earned the Gold Medal for Culinary Showmanship. At age 23, Jeffrey became the executive chef of the Glorious Cafe in Washington D. C. His patience and dedication allowed Glorious Cafe to begin strongly and quickly gain respect throughout the Beltway. Shortly thereafter, he was persuaded to relocate to New York City to join Glorious Foods legendary catering operation. Throughout his nine years at Glorious Food (1985-1993), Jeffrey would take leaves of absence to concentrate on higher learning in some of Europe’s finest Michelin-rated restaurants. Upon his return from this culinary powerhouses in Europe, Jeffrey would transfer his learning into teaching. My ‘professional father,’ Chef Jean-Claude Nédélec at Glorious Food, taught me the power and art of food presentation,” Chef Strauss recalls. “And the renowned Chefs Roger Vergé at Le Moulin De Mougins and Albert Roux at Le Gavroche in London taught me the beauty of food.” Jeffrey spent a year with Chef Albert, serving as saucier and chef tourant of his Michelin 3 Star restaurant. To enhance the young chef’s knowledge, Chef Albert arranged two-week observational stays for his protégé in such renowned restaurants as Marchesi in Italy, and France’s acclaimed Charcuterie Matu, Restaurant Guy Savoy, Vonnas-George Blanc, Restaurant Troisgros and Restaurant Bocuse. Chef Jeffrey Strauss makes a personal statement on the pleasurable dining experience—casual yet elegant, inspired yet straightforward, quality food that delights all the senses. His menu at Pamplemousse Grille melds his many creations from his tenure as Executive Sous Chef and Executive Chef at Glorious Food, and his many travels to Europe to experience, learn, and create the finest cuisine the world has to offer. __________ California’s Luxury Custom Wine Cellar Specialists I 8x Best of Houzz Since 1990, Vintage Cellars has designed and built over 2,750 custom wine cellars in a wide range of styles and applications. Vintage Cellars offers a complete turnkey service (if needed), providing initial wine cellar design options, proper room preparation with vapor barrier and insulation, proper wine cellar cooling unit sizing and installation, wine racking fabrication with custom stain and lacquer options done in house, and final professional installation onsite. We can also design and ship the wine racking without install. We regularly work with Interior Designers, Architects, and Home Builders as well and can help carry out visions already in movement too. Gene Walder, Jake Austad, and the team at Vintage Cellars specialize in Custom Wine Cellar Design and Consultation, Custom Wine Cellar Cooling Systems, Custom Wine Cellar Doors, Wine Cellar Racking, and everything else wine storage related. By working closely with clients, the team at Vintage Cellars is able to craft a wine storage space to match the collectors' vision and style. Services Provided Wine Cellar Design, Wine Cellar Installation, Custom Wine Cellar Construction, Custom Wine Cellar Consultation, Modern Wine Cellars, Contemporary Wine Cellars, Rustic Wine Cellars, Metal Wine Cellars, Wood Wine Cellars, Wine Closet, Wine Room, Wine Cellar Cooling Systems, Wine Cellar Vapor Barrier and Insulation, Custom Wine Cellars, Wine Racking, Custom Wine Racking Design, Wine Cellars Areas Served Bonsall, Cardiff By The Sea, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Escondido, Hidden Meadows, Hidden Trails, La Costa, Oceanside, Ranch Santa Fe, Rancho Santa Fe, San Diego, San Marcos, Valley Center, Vista, Orange County, Beverly Hills, Malibu, Newport Beach, Dana Point, Santa Monica, Brentwood, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Napa, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Newport Coast, Corona Del Mar, La Jolla, Huntington Beach, Pacific Palisades, Bel Air, Coronado, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes, Ladera Heights, Westwood, Hancock Park, Laguna Beach, Crystal Cove, Laguna Niguel, Torrey Pines, Thousand Oaks, Coto De Caza, Danville Awards Featured Articles in Wine Spectator Magazine Featured in Articles in The Wall Street Journal Featured in LUXE Magazine Featured on Bob Vila's "This Old House" Wine & Spirits Education Trust Certified Level 1, 2 & 3. California Wine Appellation Specialists ____ Vintage Cellars has built gorgeous custom wine cellars and wine storage rooms across the United States and World for over 25 years. We are your go-to business for anything wine cellar and wine storage related! Whether you're interested in a wine closet, wine racking, custom wine racks, a custom wine cellar door, or a cooling system for your existing space, Vintage Cellars has you covered! We carry all kinds of wine cellar cooling and refrigeration systems, incuding: Breezaire, CellarCool, WhisperKool, Wine Guardian, CellarPro and Commercial systems. We also carry many types of Wine Refrigerators, Wine Cabinets, and wine racking types, including La Cache, Marvel, N'Finity, Transtherm, Vinotheque, Vintage Series, Credenza, Walk in wine rooms, Climadiff, Riedel, Fontenay, and VintageView. Vintage Cellars also does work in many styles, including Contemporary and Modern, Rustic, Farmhouse, Traditional, Craftsman, Industrial, Mediterranean, Mid-Century, Industrial and Eclectic. Some locations we cover often include: Agora Hills, Alameda, Albany, Alhambra, Aliso Viejo, Altadena, Anaheim, Angwin, Arcadia, Aromas, Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Atherton, Avila Beach, Balboa Terrace, Bel Air, Belmont, Belvedere, Benton, Berkeley, Bermuda Dunes, Beverly Hills, Big Sur, Bolinas, Boyle Heights, Bradbury, Bradley, Brea, Brentwood, Bridgeport, Brisbane, Buellton, Buena Park, Burbank, Burlingame, Calabasas, Calistoga, Cambria, Canoga Park, Cardiff, Carlsbad, Carmel, Carmel By The Sea, Carmel Valley, Carnelian Bay, Carpinteria, Casmalia, Castroville, Cathedral City, Cayucos, Chatsworth, Chualar, City of LA, City of SF, Coachella, Coleville, Colma, Corona Del Mar, Coronado, Coronado Island, Corte Madera, Costa Mesa, Coto De Caza, Creston, Crystal Cove, Cupertino, Cypress, Danville, Deer Park, Del Mar, Diablo, Duarte, Eagle Rock, East Palo Alto, East Pasadena, Echo Park, El Granada, El Monte, Emeryville, Encinitas, Encino, Fairfax, Foster City, Fountain Valley, Fremont, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Glendale, Golden Gate Park, Goleta, Gonzales, Granada Hills, Granite Bay, Greenbrae, Greenfield, Grover Beach, Guadalupe, Half Moon Bay, Hancock Park, Harmony, Hidden Hills, Hillsborough, Hollywood, Hollywood Hills, Huntington Beach, Indian Wells, Indio, Industry, Inner Richmond, Inverness, Irvine, Jolon, June Lake, Kentfield, King City, La Canada Flintridge, La Habra, La Honda, La Jolla, La Palma, La Quinta, Ladera Heights, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Balboa, Lake Forest, Lake Tahoe, Lake View Terrace, Larkspur, Laurel Canyon, Lee Vining, Lockwood, Lompoc, Long Beach, Los Alamitos, Los Alamos, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Angeles, Los Gatos, Los Olivos, Los Osos, Malibu, Mammoth Lakes, Manhattan Beach, Marin, Marina, Marshall, Mayflower Village, Menlo Park, Mill Valley, Millbrae, Mission Hills, Mission Viejo, Mono, Monrovia, Montara, Montebello, Monterey, Monterey Park, Morro Bay, Moss Beach, Moss Landing, Mountain View, Napa, New Cuyama, Newark, Newport Beach, Newport Coast, Nicasio, Nipomo, North Hills, Northridge, Novato, Oakland, Oakville, Ocean Beach, Oceano, Orange, Orange County, Pacific Grove, Pacific Palisades, Pacoima, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Palo Alto, Palos Verdes, Panorama City, Pasadena, Paso Robles, Pebble Beach, Pescadero, Piedmont, Pismo Beach, Placentia, Point Reyes Station, Pope Valley, Portola Valley, Presidio, Presidio Heights, Rancho Mirage, Rancho Santa Fe, Rancho Santa Margarita, Redondo Beach, Redwood City, Reseda, Rosemead, Russian Cliff, Rutherford, Saint Helena, Salinas, San Anselmo, San Ardo, San Bruno, San Carlos, San Clemente, San Diego, San Fernando, San Francisco, San Gabriel, San Gregorio, San Jose, San Juan Capistrano, San Leandro, San Lorenzo, San Lucas, San Luis Obispo, San Marino, San Mateo, San Miguel, San Rafael, San Simeon, Santa Ana, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Clarita, Santa Margarita, Santa Maria, Santa Monica, Santa Ynez, Saratoga, Sausalito, Sea Cliff, Seal Beach, Seaside, Shadow Hills, Shandon, Sherman Oaks, Sierra Madre, Silver Lake, Solana Beach, Soledad, Solvang, Sonoma, South El Monte, South Pasadena, South San Gabriel, Spreckels, Squaw Valley, St Helena, Stanford, Stanton, Stinson Beach, Stough Park, Studio City, Summerland, Sun Valley, Sunland, Sunnyvale, Sylmar, Tahoe City, Tahoe Vista, Tarzana, Temple City, Templeton, Thousand Oaks, Thousand Palms, Tiburon, Toluca Lake, Topanga, Topaz, Torrey Pines, Tujanga, Tustin, Union City, Valencia, Verdugo Mountains, Vernon, Villa Park, Walnut, Walnut Creek, West Puente Valley, Westminster, Westwood, Whittier, Woodside, Yorba Linda, Yountville San Diego Wine Cellars, Rancho Santa Fe Wine Cellars, Beverly Hills Wine Cellars, Bel Air Wine Cellars, Orange County Wine Cellars, Newport Beach Wine Cellars, San Francisco Wine Cellars, Napa Wine Cellars, Sonoma Wine Cellars, Los Angeles Wine Cellars, Santa Barbara Wine Cellars, Palm Desert Wine Cellars, La Jolla Wine Cellars, Del Mar Wine Cellars, Coronado Wine Cellars, Pacific Palisades Wine Cellars, Malibu Wine Cellars, Santa Monica Wine Cellars, Brentwood Wine Cellars, Laguna Wine Cellars, Crystal Cove Wine Cellars, Hollywood Wine Cellars, Bay Area Wine Cellars, South Bay Wine Cellars, LA Wine Cellars, SD Wine Cellars, OC Wine Cellars, SF Wine Cellars, Huntington Beach Wine Cellars, Carlsbad Wine Cellars, Palos Verdes Wine Cellars, Paso Robles Wine Cellars, Encinitas Wine Cellars, Manhattan Beach Wine Cellars, Marin Wine Cellars, Tiburon Wine Cellars, Coto De Caza Wine Cellars, Thousand Oaks Wine Cellars, Cardiff Wine Cellars, RSF Wine Cellars, San Marino Wine Cellars, Ladera Heights Wine Cellars, Westwood Wine Cellars, Hillsborough Wine Cellars, Luxury Wine Cellars, Custom Wine Cellars, High End Wine Cellars, Estate Wine Cellars, Modern Wine Cellars, Contemporary Wine Cellars, Rustic Wine Cellars, Traditional Wine Cellars Contact Vintage Cellars today with any of your Wine Cellar needs! (800) 876-8789 Vintage Cellars 904 Rancheros Drive San Marcos, California 92069 (800) 876-8789

Witch Hazel: A Shrub That Teaches Patience in the Garden Witch hazel is a reminder that some of the most rewarding garden plants operate on a different timetable. Unlike shrubs that demand attention with bold flowers or fast growth, witch hazel reveals its value slowly and intentionally. Its most striking feature often appears when gardeners least expect it, with delicate, ribbon-like blooms emerging in late winter while much of the landscape still rests. This timing alone sets witch hazel apart. Winter-blooming shrubs change the way gardeners experience their landscapes, encouraging observation during a season that is often overlooked. Planted near windows, paths, or entryways, witch hazel offers moments of surprise and quiet beauty when color is scarce. Its subtle fragrance and fine-textured flowers add depth without overwhelming the surrounding environment. Beyond bloom, witch hazel contributes structure and balance to the garden year-round. Its branching form develops naturally into an open, graceful shape that rarely requires pruning. During the growing season, its foliage blends effortlessly with perennials, groundcovers, and woodland plants, creating cohesion rather than competition. In autumn, the leaves shift to soft golden tones, easing the transition into dormancy. Witch hazel also supports a slower, more sustainable approach to gardening. Once established, it asks very little in return, adapting well to its surroundings and thriving without constant inputs. Its fallen leaves enrich the soil, reinforcing natural cycles that benefit neighboring plants. In a garden culture often driven by instant results, witch hazel stands as a counterpoint. It rewards patience, invites reflection, and becomes more meaningful with time. For gardeners willing to embrace its rhythm, witch hazel offers not just seasonal interest, but a deeper connection to the quiet moments that make gardening truly fulfilling. https://www.onlineplantnursery.com/products/witch-hazel https://treenurseryco.com/witch-hazel-shrub https://www.wholesalenurseryco.com/products/witch-hazel https://www.tennesseewholesalenursery.com/products/witch-hazel https://www.tnnursery.net/products/witch-hazel

Earlier this summer I was called out to this job in the garden of a house in the city of Ely to inspect a freshly laid porcelain tiled patio with grout haze issues. The builder who had installed the patio hadn’t removed all the grout from the textured surface of the tile before it had dried. This was probably due to the hot weather which reduces drying times and has caught many tilers out. Multiple repeat visits by the builder trying followed who spent countless hours trying to remove the grout haze, unfortunately due to the textured surface of the tile he was unable to remove it and the patio was left looking awful. Like the builder we are increasingly finding modern grouts, which although more durable, are very difficult to remove. Fortunately belonging to the Tile Doctor network, I had already been made aware of this problem and was able to offer a solution. I arranged to pay the property a visit to demonstrate a potential solution and quote for resolving the issues. Even though the grout haze was indeed difficult to remove it wasn’t impossible if you know how. The demonstration came out well and relieved that they had finally found a solution to the problem booked me in to get the work carried out. On my return I started with the application of a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Grout Clean-Up. This product is ideal for removing grout haze or smears as they often referred to; however, being acidic we don’t recommend it for use on every surface so if your using it yourself do check the label first. I left it to soak in for ten minutes before being agitated with a black scrubbing pad fitted to a rotary buffer The weather was good, so it wasn’t a problem working outside and once all the grout smears were removed, I finished off by giving the whole patio a high-pressure rinse. I use a van mounted rinse/extraction system for this that applies warm water at high pressure onto the patio to dislodge dirt and then extracts the waste into a separate tank in the vehicle. It was an expensive investment but makes light work of jobs like this. It took around four to five cleans to complete the job, by the late afternoon the grout haze was gone, and the porcelain patio looked completely transformed. It was quite a warm day, so the patio soon dried allowing my client to use it later that day. I should mention that this variety of Porcelain tiles were not the micro porous type and therefore did not need to be sealed. Relieved the problem was finally resolved and happy with the result my client left the following feedback: Amazing service, they were able to provide us with a quote and demo before we agreed to work. We are so happy with the results we have as our patio slabs looked ruined to the eye but the Tile Doctor managed to get them looking brand new. Tom Conlon Cambridge Tile Doctor