The homeowners of this Corvallis Craftsman-style Passive House wanted to take advantage of their large backyard and create a space that could be an oasis to relax in or be transformed into an entertaining space for hosting family gatherings. We designed and built an all-season sunroom with folding glass panoramic doors that open up the space completely to a new TimberTech composite deck that can also be accessed from the kitchen, creating the perfect entertaining space! When these panoramic doors are closed, their thermal efficiency keeps the interior minimally affected by outdoor temperatures and produces a cozy escape during cold Oregon winters when the new wood-burning fireplace is turned on. The tile backsplash pattern behind the fireplace emulates a sensation of nature with the varying blue and green tones used in the room and complements the wood tongue and groove ceiling paneling, creating a relaxing environment. We used different types of indoor lighting that can be turned on/off depending on the desired use of the sunroom. Expert lighting design inside the sunroom and on the deck allow summer dinner parties to continue past sunset and outdoor pavers installed next to the deck create a safe play area for this family to enjoy backyard games. This sunroom and deck addition is truly nature’s haven and the perfect place to connect as a family!

Resistant to crushing and matting and made with built-in protection, SmartStrand pairs extraordinary cleanability with exceptional durability for a carpet that’s made to withstand your family’s busy lifestyle with kids and pets. And, because SmartStrand carpet fiber is OEKO-TEX certified free from harmful substances and made in part from annually renewable plant-based ingredients, you can feel good knowing that SmartStrand is safe and healthy for your family and the environment.

The homeowners of this Corvallis Craftsman-style Passive House wanted to take advantage of their large backyard and create a space that could be an oasis to relax in or be transformed into an entertaining space for hosting family gatherings. We designed and built an all-season sunroom with folding glass panoramic doors that open up the space completely to a new TimberTech composite deck that can also be accessed from the kitchen, creating the perfect entertaining space! When these panoramic doors are closed, their thermal efficiency keeps the interior minimally affected by outdoor temperatures and produces a cozy escape during cold Oregon winters when the new wood-burning fireplace is turned on. The tile backsplash pattern behind the fireplace emulates a sensation of nature with the varying blue and green tones used in the room and complements the wood tongue and groove ceiling paneling, creating a relaxing environment. We used different types of indoor lighting that can be turned on/off depending on the desired use of the sunroom. Expert lighting design inside the sunroom and on the deck allow summer dinner parties to continue past sunset and outdoor pavers installed next to the deck create a safe play area for this family to enjoy backyard games. This sunroom and deck addition is truly nature’s haven and the perfect place to connect as a family!

To help create a safe and happy play environment for kids, these soft and durable rubber play tiles can be custom configured for indoor and outdoor play areas. By: Swing Set Solutions

Rubio Monocoat was used on various displays of ProReno kitchens. The displays included a wooden kitchen which was finished with RMC Oil Plus 2C. Rubio Monocoat is eco-friendly. Rubio Monocoat has a 0% VOC rating and is food & toy safe certified product to use in restaurants, kitchens and any domestic or commercial environment.

Meet the Ducky Bathroom the new and innovated bathroom for kids! This set has had an incredible response from the little ones and their parents. This set helps kids want to learn and use the toilet in a safe and fun environment. Everything is made small so children can learn to potty train on a real toilet and are able to reach the taps and water to wash their hands. If you have room in your house, this is a fabulous products that your children can use from ages 2 and up. Along with adorable ducky accessories, the fun can be endless. Also great for nurseries, daycare centres and schools.

At I'm The Man Services, we had the pleasure of transforming an ordinary backyard corner into a feline paradise designed for play, relaxation, and adventure. This thoughtfully crafted cat oasis features a multi-level enclosure with climbing ramps, perches, scratching posts, and plenty of vertical space for endless exploration. Durable yet stylish rope-wrapped steps add a playful touch, giving curious kitties the freedom to climb and roam. The outdoor area is landscaped with lush artificial turf, providing a soft, low-maintenance surface that’s easy on paws and easy to clean. Natural light filters through the clear corrugated roofing, ensuring a warm, sunny environment while keeping cats protected from the elements. The enclosed garden bed offers a slice of nature with carefully chosen plants and rocks, giving cats a safe taste of the outdoors. Every detail, from the secure wire mesh to the sturdy construction, ensures both safety and fun—so owners can relax while their furry friends live their best lives. This cat oasis is more than a play space; it’s a testament to how thoughtful design can bring joy and enrichment to both pets and their owners. At I'm The Man Services, we believe every project should make tails wag—and this one definitely does!

When I came to this property not only was the landscape a scrappy mess the property also had some very real grading and drainage issues that were jeopardizing the safety of this house. As recent transplants from New Jerseys to Southern California these clients were in awe of all the plants they were seeing in their neighborhood. Living on the water at the Ventura harbor they wanted to be able to take full advantage or the outdoor lifestyle and cool ocean breeze. Being environmentally conscious citizens, these clients were very concerned that their garden was designed with sustainability as a leading factor. As they said in our initial consultation, “Would want or garden be part of the solution not part of the problem.” This property is the last house on the bottom of a gently sloping street. All the water from the neighbor’s houses drain onto this property. When I came into this project the back yard sloped into the house. When it would rain the water would pool up against the house causing water damage. To address the drainage we employed several tactics. Firstly, we had to invert the slope in the back yard so that water would not pool against the house. We created a very minor slope going away from the house so that water drains away but so the patio area feels flat. The back of the back yard had an existing retaining wall made out of shabby looking slump stone. In front of that retaining wall we created a beautiful natural stone retaining wall. This retain wall severs many purposes. One it works as a place to put some of the soil removed from the grading giving this project a smaller carbon foot print (moving soil of a site burns a lot of fossil fuel). The retaining wall also helps obscure the shabby existing retaining wall and allows for planting space above the footing from the existing retaining wall. The soil behind the ne retaining wall is slightly lower than the top of the wall so that when the run on water on from the neighbor’s property flows it is slowed down and absorbed before it has a chance to get near the house. Finally, the wall is at a height designed to serve as overflow seating as these clients intend to have occasional large parties and gatherings. Other efforts made to help keep the house safe and dry are that we used permeable paving. With the hardscape being comprised of flag stone with gravel in-between water has a chance to soak into the ground so it does not flow into spots where it will pool up. The final element to help keep the house dry is the addition of infiltration swales. Infiltration swales are depressions in the landscape that capture rain water. The down spouts on the sides of the houses are connected to pipe that goes under the ground and conveys the water to the swales. In this project it helps move rain water away from the house. In general, these Infiltration swales are a powerful element in creating sustainable landscapes. These swales capture pollutants that accumulate on the roof and in the landscape. Biology in the soil in the swales can break down these pollutants. When run of watered is not captured by soil on a property the dirty water flows into water ways and then the ocean were the biology that breaks down the pollutants is not as prolific. This is particularly important in this project as it drains directly into the harbor. The water that is absorbed in to the swales can replenish aquafers as well as increasing the water available to the plants planted in that area recusing the amount of water that is needed from irrigation. When it came to the planting we went with a California friendly tropical theme. Using lots of succulents and plants with colorful foliage we created vibrant lush landscape that will have year around color. We planted densely (the images in the picture were taken only a month after installation). Taller drought tolerant plants to help regulate the temperature and loss of water from the plants below them. The dense plantings will help keep the garden, the house and even the neighborhood cooler on hot days, will provide spaces for birds to enjoy and will create an illusion of depth in a somewhat narrow space. Today this garden is a space these homeowners can fully enjoy while having the peace of mind that their house is protected from flooding and they are helping the environment.

Metal Porch Stairs Painting in Lakeview, Chicago | Windy City Painters Lakeview is one of Chicago's most architecturally diverse neighborhoods — vintage courtyard buildings, rooftop-deck condos, newly converted three-flats, and classic brick two-flats all line the same block. What they share is this: exposed metal. Back porch stairs, handrails, balconies, and exterior landings define the rear streetscape of nearly every building in the neighborhood. And in Chicago, exposed metal without proper protective coatings doesn't last. Windy City Painters recently completed a full metal porch stairs painting project in Lakeview that illustrates exactly what professional metal refinishing looks like — and why preparation is everything. The Problem: Years of Chicago Weather Had Done Their Damage The client's back porch stairs were structurally sound — the diamond-plate steel treads were solid underfoot and the handrails were stable. However, the original paint system had long since failed. Surface rust had spread across the treads and risers. The old coating was peeling at every seam, edge, and weld point. Meanwhile, the black handrails were chalky and beginning to show rust at the bases. Notably, this is a pattern Windy City Painters sees constantly in Lakeview. The neighborhood's diverse housing stock — ranging from pre-war courtyard buildings to 1990s condo conversions — often features original metal porch work that has never received a proper professional refinish. Homeowners and property managers patch-paint over rust for years, which ultimately accelerates the problem rather than solving it. The solution isn't more paint. It's a complete system: mechanical rust removal, chemical treatment, primer, and a durable topcoat engineered for exterior metal. The Windy City Painters Process for Metal Porch Stairs Painting Windy City Painters approaches every metal porch stairs painting project with the same disciplined sequence. Consequently, our finishes outlast the competition by years. Step 1 — Mechanical Preparation Our crew wire-brushes all loose rust, flaking paint, and surface contamination from every tread, riser, stringer, and handrail section. For heavier rust accumulation, we use grinding discs to cut down to clean, bare metal. This step is non-negotiable. Additionally, we pay particular attention to weld seams, bolt plates, and edge returns — the spots where moisture consistently hides and rust reliably starts. Step 2 — Chemical Rust Treatment After mechanical prep, we apply a rust-converting primer to any remaining rust residue. This chemically neutralizes active rust and converts it into a stable, paintable surface. Moreover, the converter bonds to the metal and creates an additional barrier against future oxidation. Step 3 — Rust-Inhibiting Primer Windy City Painters then applies a full coat of oil-based, rust-inhibiting primer to all prepared metal surfaces. This primer penetrates bare metal and creates the critical bond layer that everything else depends on. Skipping this step — or substituting a latex primer — is the single biggest reason DIY metal paint jobs fail within one season. Step 4 — Two Topcoats of Industrial Enamel We apply two full coats of oil-based industrial enamel in the client's chosen color. For this Lakeview project, the stairs received a deep red finish and the handrails received gloss black — a classic combination that reads beautifully against the surrounding brick. Each coat is allowed to cure fully before the next is applied. Furthermore, we back-roll every surface to eliminate lap marks and ensure consistent film build. Step 5 — Final Inspection and Cleanup Windy City Painters inspects every inch of the completed work before calling a project done. We remove all masking, clean up the work area completely, and walk the client through the finished result. In addition, we advise on a maintenance schedule to maximize the life of the coating system. Why Metal Porch Stairs Painting Matters for Lakeview Properties Metal porch stairs are among the most visible exterior features of Chicago residential buildings. Therefore, their condition directly affects curb appeal, property value, and — most importantly — structural safety. Rust that penetrates deeply enough will compromise the structural integrity of stairs and railings. Meanwhile, peeling paint signals to buyers, renters, and neighbors that a property is deferred. In contrast, freshly refinished metal porch stairs signal exactly the opposite. They say the property is maintained, the owner takes pride in the building, and the structure is safe. For Lakeview landlords and homeowners alike, metal porch stair refinishing delivers an exceptional return on investment. Professional Advice for Lakeview Homeowners Before starting a metal porch stairs painting project, Windy City Painters recommends the following: Don't paint over rust. Any rust left beneath a topcoat will continue to spread and will lift the new paint within months. Mechanical removal is essential. Choose oil-based products for exterior metal. Latex paints don't adhere to metal as reliably and lack the film hardness needed to withstand foot traffic and freeze-thaw cycles. Time your project right. Ideal conditions for metal painting are 50°F–90°F with low humidity. Chicago's spring and early fall are perfect windows. Don't skip the primer. A properly applied rust-inhibiting primer is what separates a seven-year finish from a one-year failure. Budget for full prep. Preparation typically represents 60–70% of the labor on a metal refinishing project. That's where the money is well spent. Windy City Painters: Lakeview's Trusted Metal Refinishing Contractor Windy City Painters has refined the process of exterior metal painting and refinishing across Chicago's North Side and Near West Side. We work in Lakeview regularly — on courtyard buildings, two-flats, coach houses, and commercial properties — and we understand the unique demands that Chicago's climate places on exterior metal. As a result, our coating systems are selected and applied for maximum longevity in this specific environment. See more of our work and request a free estimate at www.windypainters.com. Ready to transform your Lakeview home? Contact Windy City Painters for a free estimate — visit www.windypainters.com today. Proudly serving Wicker Park, West Town, Lincoln Park, Roscoe Village, Lakeview, Ukrainian Village, River North, and all of Chicago.

Molly Mesnick, known from Season 13 of "The Bachelor," envisioned her Kirkland, WA dream home as a seamless blend of indoor comfort and outdoor beauty. Her goal was to create an open, airy living space that could easily transition from cozy indoors to expansive outdoors. Central to this vision was NanaWall Generation 4 Folding Glass Wall Systems, state-of-the-art solutions redefining modern living with its innovative design and exceptional functionality. The Vision: Mesnick wanted a home that offered a seamless connection between indoors and outdoors, allowing for effortless entertaining, maximizing natural light, and providing stunning views. The NanaWall Generation 4 system was identified early in the design process as a key element in achieving this vision. Homeowner Experience: “My NanaWall was my top wish list item for this house. I just LOVE the look of seamless indoor/outdoor entertaining and NanaWall makes that all possible! The Generation 4 system has a slimmer profile, offering more window view. The wall of windows floods our space with natural light but when it is open, it expands our living space to that covered patio.” “I went with NanaWall because they are the original for bifold doors; they just have perfected it, and they do it better than anyone else.” — Molly Mesnick, Mesnick Homes Slim Profiles and Minimal Aesthetics: The Generation 4 system has the slimmest frames in the industry, minimizing visible hardware and enhancing the streamlined appearance. Enhanced Performance: Engineered to withstand harsh weather, extreme temperatures, and potential forced entry, ensuring safety and durability. Ease of Operation: Effortless to open and close, the panels glide smoothly, providing a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. Barefoot Friendly Sills: Aluminum sill inserts provide high heel and barefoot-safe transitions. Floating Fourfold and Sixfold Panel Sets: Greater flexibility in configuration, allowing them to move and stack to the left, right, or center of the opening. Molly Mesnick is opening a set of bifold doors in a modern living room leading to an outdoor seating area with greenery visible beyond. Design and Installation: Using NanaWall Certified Installation services, the NW Aluminum 640 system in Mesnick's living room transformed the space into a versatile area perfect for entertaining and everyday living. The 15-foot-wide, 8-foot-tall, black-framed folding glass wall enhances the home's aesthetic appeal and provides: Uninterrupted Views: The slim profile and large glass panels offer expansive views of the outdoor patio and garden, making the natural scenery a continuous backdrop to the indoor environment. Natural Light: The glass wall floods the living room with natural light, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. Indoor-Outdoor Connectivity When fully opened, the glass wall extends the living space to the outdoor patio, perfect for gatherings and summer activities. The Final Reveal: Molly Mesnick's dream home is a testament to the power of innovative design and technology in creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional. The NanaWall Generation 4 Folding Glass Wall System has not only met her expectations but has become the defining feature of her home, bringing her vision of seamless indoor-outdoor living to life. It stands as a symbol of modern architectural trends that embrace flexibility, openness, and a deep connection with the outdoors.

Pipex.ai is an example of an efficient sourcing option through a reliable B2B platform, where buyers can search for relevant components of intricate piping systems. The bleed ring flange can be used between two flanges to provide a safe way to measure the pressure, sample the fluid, and vent the pipeline without breaking the pipeline. This element is also extensively used in oil and gas, refineries, petrochemical plants, and power plants, where the aspects of operational safety and control are paramount. A buyer can also compare specifications, compliance information, and order certified bleed ring flanges that would fit in the high-pressure, high-temperature environment and ensure the system reliability, maintenance control, and continuous industrial processes. In case of critical pipeline installations, the Bleed Ring Flanges Manufacturers prepare components that are built to fit between normal flanges without pressure reduction. The bleed ring flange will enable the controlled monitoring and isolation, which will reduce downtime even when inspection or sampling is in progress. A B2B Portal assists buyers in accessing qualified suppliers that will supply the products and materials that have been machined correctly, and a reliable supply. Adequate selection of the Bleed Ring Flange of the system would enhance safety precautions, system diagnostics, and add to the future efficacy of the systems, hence a required change in the case of industries operating with pressurized and hazardous media.

A rain chain carries rainwater to the landscape where a bioswale cleanses the storm water returning it safely to the environment. Photo: Prakash Patel

This cozy and creative playroom is designed with kids in mind, offering a bright, safe, and stylish environment for play and learning. A soft teepee tent and child-sized furniture encourage imagination, while built-in storage keeps books, toys, and art supplies tidy and accessible. A chalkboard wall adds a playful and interactive touch, and the room’s natural light and colorful accents create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. With its gender-neutral palette and soft hardwood floors, this space is both functional and fun—perfect for growing families.

At I'm The Man Services, we had the pleasure of transforming an ordinary backyard corner into a feline paradise designed for play, relaxation, and adventure. This thoughtfully crafted cat oasis features a multi-level enclosure with climbing ramps, perches, scratching posts, and plenty of vertical space for endless exploration. Durable yet stylish rope-wrapped steps add a playful touch, giving curious kitties the freedom to climb and roam. The outdoor area is landscaped with lush artificial turf, providing a soft, low-maintenance surface that’s easy on paws and easy to clean. Natural light filters through the clear corrugated roofing, ensuring a warm, sunny environment while keeping cats protected from the elements. The enclosed garden bed offers a slice of nature with carefully chosen plants and rocks, giving cats a safe taste of the outdoors. Every detail, from the secure wire mesh to the sturdy construction, ensures both safety and fun—so owners can relax while their furry friends live their best lives. This cat oasis is more than a play space; it’s a testament to how thoughtful design can bring joy and enrichment to both pets and their owners. At I'm The Man Services, we believe every project should make tails wag—and this one definitely does!

Our client loved their existing deck and used it whenever they could. Unfortunately, summer heat and pesky insects often cut their deck time short. We knew just what to do. With an outstanding design by Scott McElrath and Dangerous Architects, we rebuilt their deck's old substructure with all-new Wolmonized wood and weather-resistant fasteners. We resurfaced the deck with AKEK composite decking material, a new Westbury aluminum railing system with locking gates, built a new gabled roof -tying into the existing roof, and enclosed it with CRIMSAFE security screens. The new screened-in deck area features a vaulted stained cedar ceiling, ceiling fan, and locking screen security door. Now, our clients enjoy their safe, comfortable, bug-free outdoor deck environment any time of

Our client loved their existing deck and used it whenever they could. Unfortunately, summer heat and pesky insects often cut their deck time short. We knew just what to do. With an outstanding design by Scott McElrath and Dangerous Architects, we rebuilt their deck's old substructure with all-new Wolmonized wood and weather-resistant fasteners. We resurfaced the deck with AKEK composite decking material, a new Westbury aluminum railing system with locking gates, built a new gabled roof -tying into the existing roof, and enclosed it with CRIMSAFE security screens. The new screened-in deck area features a vaulted stained cedar ceiling, ceiling fan, and locking screen security door. Now, our clients enjoy their safe, comfortable, bug-free outdoor deck environment any time of

I designed a sophisticated, soothing room for a little girl. The goal was to make it whimsical enough but not so cute she could not grow into it. Notice the use of plants, animals and landscapes as a tool to create a peaceful environment. Large oil paintings evoke dreamy landscapes, the acanthus plant stripe of the grass cloth wallpaper makes one feel surrounded and safe. Birds, elephants and butterflies are part of the magical decor. Lots of texture and patterns create interest. Finally, old is blended with new (antique bird illustrations, old pine chest, modern crib, etc) to create an eclectic and inviting interior. Photos by Jared Kuzia

Step into our recently completed landscaping masterpiece, where form meets function in a seamless blend of elegance. This project showcases the exquisite Barkman Concrete 65mm Broadway pavers in a serene Sterling color, establishing a durable and timeless foundation for the outdoor space. Paired with a double border in both Charcoal and Natural hues, the patio exudes visual interest and defines the area with subtle contrast. The crowning jewel of this backyard oasis is the inviting patio, featuring the Broadway pavers. The Sterling color imparts a modern and calming ambiance, while the dual-border design adds a touch of sophistication. Notably, the pool deck, skillfully crafted by another subcontractor, seamlessly integrates with the overall design. Constructed from concrete, the pool deck ensures a slip-resistant and comfortable surface, creating a safe and enjoyable space for relaxation and entertainment. Adjacent to the pool, a spacious entertainment patio beckons guests to gather and create lasting memories. The Sterling-colored pavers provide a smooth transition from the pool deck, establishing a cohesive and visually pleasing flow throughout the entire backyard. A carefully planned garden bed, bursting with vibrant plantings, adds a natural touch to the space. Strategically placed, the garden bed complements the hardscape elements and softens the overall design, creating a harmonious balance between nature and architecture. Completing the landscape is a carpet of lush sod, bringing a vibrant green element to the surroundings. The combination of the Broadway pavers, the concrete pool deck, the garden bed, and the sod transforms the backyard into a multifunctional haven that seamlessly marries aesthetics with functionality. Our completed landscaping project not only enhances the visual appeal of the outdoor space but also provides a versatile and welcoming environment for relaxation, entertainment, and enjoyment. The Barkman Concrete 65mm Broadway pavers in Sterling color, paired with the double border in Charcoal and Natural colours, creates a foundation for a timeless and sophisticated outdoor retreat.

Step into our recently completed landscaping masterpiece, where form meets function in a seamless blend of elegance. This project showcases the exquisite Barkman Concrete 65mm Broadway pavers in a serene Sterling color, establishing a durable and timeless foundation for the outdoor space. Paired with a double border in both Charcoal and Natural hues, the patio exudes visual interest and defines the area with subtle contrast. The crowning jewel of this backyard oasis is the inviting patio, featuring the Broadway pavers. The Sterling color imparts a modern and calming ambiance, while the dual-border design adds a touch of sophistication. Notably, the pool deck, skillfully crafted by another subcontractor, seamlessly integrates with the overall design. Constructed from concrete, the pool deck ensures a slip-resistant and comfortable surface, creating a safe and enjoyable space for relaxation and entertainment. Adjacent to the pool, a spacious entertainment patio beckons guests to gather and create lasting memories. The Sterling-colored pavers provide a smooth transition from the pool deck, establishing a cohesive and visually pleasing flow throughout the entire backyard. A carefully planned garden bed, bursting with vibrant plantings, adds a natural touch to the space. Strategically placed, the garden bed complements the hardscape elements and softens the overall design, creating a harmonious balance between nature and architecture. Completing the landscape is a carpet of lush sod, bringing a vibrant green element to the surroundings. The combination of the Broadway pavers, the concrete pool deck, the garden bed, and the sod transforms the backyard into a multifunctional haven that seamlessly marries aesthetics with functionality. Our completed landscaping project not only enhances the visual appeal of the outdoor space but also provides a versatile and welcoming environment for relaxation, entertainment, and enjoyment. The Barkman Concrete 65mm Broadway pavers in Sterling color, paired with the double border in Charcoal and Natural colours, creates a foundation for a timeless and sophisticated outdoor retreat.