Search results for "Safety issues" in Home Design Ideas

A spiral staircase to second floor fixed a safety issue with the previous hazardous staircase.
Inspiration for a craftsman staircase remodel in Denver
Inspiration for a craftsman staircase remodel in Denver
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Many homeowners have their own ideas about how light or dark their home interiors should be. Some folks love nothing more than sunny, light-filled rooms. Other people adore their comforting, softly-lit spaces.
While light levels can be a matter of personal preference, lighting can also be a powerful tool for shaping the mood, emotional tone and usage of every room. In fact, lighting is just as important as furnishings.
Lighting Tips
1. Stay Warm
Cool light looks brighter to the eye and can seem more like daylight. It can also make your home feel like a hospital or grocery store, which is not what we’re going for. Warm light is softer and creates a more relaxed mood. That’s what you want in your home.
2. Yes, You Can
We’re big fans of can lighting. These in-ceiling lights draw zero attention to themselves while creating a foundation for excellent interior lighting. We add lamps for emphasis and mood in particular areas and put everything on a dimmer switch (see #3). This formula gives you maximum flexibility.
3. The Great Dimmer
What did people do before the dimmer switch was invented? We suspect they shielded their eyes or huddled together in the dark because there was nothing inbetween. We use dimmer switches everywhere except the bathroom. Controlling the level of every light in your home allows you to create the right mood for the moment every time.
4. Beam Me Up
We’re head over heels in love with this stunning raw wood beam wrapped with light bulbs on cords. Flip one dimmer switch and all the lights go on, at the exact intensity level you choose. The can lights in the ceiling gently illuminate the room, so this fabulous fixture can serve its true purpose—which is to create an irresistibly inviting space and a found-object, vintage vibe.
5. Open Bulb Policy
Many of our light fixtures feature exposed bulbs. Once upon a time, light bulbs might have been ugly, but clear Edison bulbs, showing the filaments within, are themselves works of art. In a chandelier with an open, orb structure, candelabra bulbs are reminiscent of candle flames. A small lamp with a square metal base and a single bulb takes the open concept one step further.
6. Double Up
Above a long dining table or bar, consider using multiple light fixtures. Especially with hanging light fixtures, we tend to think of putting just one in the middle. But lighting only the center of a long table would leave some of your dinner guests in the dark while others take the spotlight.
7. Reflections
Reflections off mirrors, glass and tile bring a secondary light source into play and add a soft, beautiful touch. Candles create particularly compelling reflections.
8. Looking Up
In high, open spaces, a light fixture can help balance the space, bringing the eye downward and helping make the area less cavernous and more inviting.
9. Looking Out
Lighting is also a safety issue. Make sure you can turn on the stair lights at the top and the bottom of the stairs. Incorporate the flexibility to light up the room you’re entering before you get there, so you aren’t stumbling around in the dark, trying to find the switch.
10. How Low Can You Go?
While low light may be flattering, people tend to err on the side of too little light, rather than too much. Turn up that dimmer a notch more than you would normally and you may like what you see. Having sufficient light is particularly important in areas such as basements, where there may be little to no natural light.

Many homeowners have their own ideas about how light or dark their home interiors should be. Some folks love nothing more than sunny, light-filled rooms. Other people adore their comforting, softly-lit spaces.
While light levels can be a matter of personal preference, lighting can also be a powerful tool for shaping the mood, emotional tone and usage of every room. In fact, lighting is just as important as furnishings.
Lighting Tips
1. Stay Warm
Cool light looks brighter to the eye and can seem more like daylight. It can also make your home feel like a hospital or grocery store, which is not what we’re going for. Warm light is softer and creates a more relaxed mood. That’s what you want in your home.
2. Yes, You Can
We’re big fans of can lighting. These in-ceiling lights draw zero attention to themselves while creating a foundation for excellent interior lighting. We add lamps for emphasis and mood in particular areas and put everything on a dimmer switch (see #3). This formula gives you maximum flexibility.
3. The Great Dimmer
What did people do before the dimmer switch was invented? We suspect they shielded their eyes or huddled together in the dark because there was nothing inbetween. We use dimmer switches everywhere except the bathroom. Controlling the level of every light in your home allows you to create the right mood for the moment every time.
4. Beam Me Up
We’re head over heels in love with this stunning raw wood beam wrapped with light bulbs on cords. Flip one dimmer switch and all the lights go on, at the exact intensity level you choose. The can lights in the ceiling gently illuminate the room, so this fabulous fixture can serve its true purpose—which is to create an irresistibly inviting space and a found-object, vintage vibe.
5. Open Bulb Policy
Many of our light fixtures feature exposed bulbs. Once upon a time, light bulbs might have been ugly, but clear Edison bulbs, showing the filaments within, are themselves works of art. In a chandelier with an open, orb structure, candelabra bulbs are reminiscent of candle flames. A small lamp with a square metal base and a single bulb takes the open concept one step further.
6. Double Up
Above a long dining table or bar, consider using multiple light fixtures. Especially with hanging light fixtures, we tend to think of putting just one in the middle. But lighting only the center of a long table would leave some of your dinner guests in the dark while others take the spotlight.
7. Reflections
Reflections off mirrors, glass and tile bring a secondary light source into play and add a soft, beautiful touch. Candles create particularly compelling reflections.
8. Looking Up
In high, open spaces, a light fixture can help balance the space, bringing the eye downward and helping make the area less cavernous and more inviting.
9. Looking Out
Lighting is also a safety issue. Make sure you can turn on the stair lights at the top and the bottom of the stairs. Incorporate the flexibility to light up the room you’re entering before you get there, so you aren’t stumbling around in the dark, trying to find the switch.
10. How Low Can You Go?
While low light may be flattering, people tend to err on the side of too little light, rather than too much. Turn up that dimmer a notch more than you would normally and you may like what you see. Having sufficient light is particularly important in areas such as basements, where there may be little to no natural light.

This project started as a repair to a severely age degraded basement wall. With a bit of creative thinking it became an opportunity for creating a daylight basement.
See Project Video:
Part 1: https://youtu.be/xaDcO0X1wOI
Part 2: https://youtu.be/9nGNaCc6Fpw
The basement wall repair solution is a new below grade window wall and covered entry door area. The plan for this daylight basement project was to terrace the adjacent grade, allowing for a wall of lower level windows and a set of steps dropping down to a new exterior entry door. We had just enough room in the side yard setback to fit it all in. A daylight basement project such as this is no small matter regarding safety issues. I have a lot of respect for the fearless yet professional manner that Jason Smith of Ozz Construction showed to execute this difficult project. The temporary support shoring allowed the crew enough working room to put in the structural steel and wall framing that holds up the entire south side of the building. The completed daylight basement transforms the feel and functionality of this formally dark and dreary area. This new natural light will be a great improvement to this future finished apartment space.

Homeowners are choosing to live in their homes for as long as possible. But as we get older it becomes harder to get around. The inability to move easily from room-to-room or to climb stairs – even if only a few – presents a safety issue that conflicts with an easy-living lifestyle. This is an important consideration, as we grow older.

Charming backyard gathering spot behind a full house remodel and second story addition in the Bryant neighborhood of Seattle.
Builder: Blue Sound Construction, Inc.
Architect: SHKS Architects
Photo: Miranda Estes

This project started as a repair to a severely age degraded basement wall. With a bit of creative thinking it became an opportunity for creating a daylight basement.
See Project Video:
Part 1: https://youtu.be/xaDcO0X1wOI
Part 2: https://youtu.be/9nGNaCc6Fpw
The basement wall repair solution is a new below grade window wall and covered entry door area. The plan for this daylight basement project was to terrace the adjacent grade, allowing for a wall of lower level windows and a set of steps dropping down to a new exterior entry door. We had just enough room in the side yard setback to fit it all in. A daylight basement project such as this is no small matter regarding safety issues. I have a lot of respect for the fearless yet professional manner that Jason Smith of Ozz Construction showed to execute this difficult project. The temporary support shoring allowed the crew enough working room to put in the structural steel and wall framing that holds up the entire south side of the building. The completed daylight basement transforms the feel and functionality of this formally dark and dreary area. This new natural light will be a great improvement to this future finished apartment space.

These homeowners approached Renovisions to remodel their master bath. With their kids off at college it was time to do something for themselves. They wanted an elegant upscale look with a spacious shower with glass enclosure, a high-end whirlpool bathtub and custom built in for towels. Their existing tub presented a safety issue when they opened & closed the windows which were located directly behind the tub. The new design includes a free standing tub/whirlpool with custom rounded and removable wood panels to access electrical and plumbing components. This allows a safe pass way around the tub as well as a more open feel. The adjacent shower boasts a generous space with an open style created by the use of 3/8” shower glass enclosure on 2 sides. Custom cubbies and corner seat were built into the Crema marfil marble tiles.
12″x24″ porcelain tiles were installed in a herringbone pattern providing a beautiful and unique appearance setting a neutral stage to showcase the burgundy cherry custom vanities with beaded detail and matching tower with Victorian glass.
Crema Marfil marble countertops on the vanities and slab on tub featured ogee edges lending a real elegant feel to the room. The Piece de Resistance was the exquisite antique brass widespread faucets, hand held shower, shower head, matching antique brass accessories and cabinet hardware all decorated with Swarovski cut crystals.

These homeowners approached Renovisions to remodel their master bath. With their kids off at college it was time to do something for themselves. They wanted an elegant upscale look with a spacious shower with glass enclosure, a high-end whirlpool bathtub and custom built in for towels. Their existing tub presented a safety issue when they opened & closed the windows which were located directly behind the tub. The new design includes a free standing tub/whirlpool with custom rounded and removable wood panels to access electrical and plumbing components. This allows a safe pass way around the tub as well as a more open feel. The adjacent shower boasts a generous space with an open style created by the use of 3/8” shower glass enclosure on 2 sides. Custom cubbies and corner seat were built into the Crema marfil marble tiles.
12″x24″ porcelain tiles were installed in a herringbone pattern providing a beautiful and unique appearance setting a neutral stage to showcase the burgundy cherry custom vanities with beaded detail and matching tower with Victorian glass.
Crema Marfil marble countertops on the vanities and slab on tub featured ogee edges lending a real elegant feel to the room. The Piece de Resistance was the exquisite antique brass widespread faucets, hand held shower, shower head, matching antique brass accessories and cabinet hardware all decorated with Swarovski cut crystals.

These homeowners approached Renovisions to remodel their master bath. With their kids off at college it was time to do something for themselves. They wanted an elegant upscale look with a spacious shower with glass enclosure, a high-end whirlpool bathtub and custom built in for towels. Their existing tub presented a safety issue when they opened & closed the windows which were located directly behind the tub. The new design includes a free standing tub/whirlpool with custom rounded and removable wood panels to access electrical and plumbing components. This allows a safe pass way around the tub as well as a more open feel. The adjacent shower boasts a generous space with an open style created by the use of 3/8” shower glass enclosure on 2 sides. Custom cubbies and corner seat were built into the Crema marfil marble tiles.
12″x24″ porcelain tiles were installed in a herringbone pattern providing a beautiful and unique appearance setting a neutral stage to showcase the burgundy cherry custom vanities with beaded detail and matching tower with Victorian glass.
Crema Marfil marble countertops on the vanities and slab on tub featured ogee edges lending a real elegant feel to the room. The Piece de Resistance was the exquisite antique brass widespread faucets, hand held shower, shower head, matching antique brass accessories and cabinet hardware all decorated with Swarovski cut crystals.

Many homeowners have their own ideas about how light or dark their home interiors should be. Some folks love nothing more than sunny, light-filled rooms. Other people adore their comforting, softly-lit spaces.
While light levels can be a matter of personal preference, lighting can also be a powerful tool for shaping the mood, emotional tone and usage of every room. In fact, lighting is just as important as furnishings.
Lighting Tips
1. Stay Warm
Cool light looks brighter to the eye and can seem more like daylight. It can also make your home feel like a hospital or grocery store, which is not what we’re going for. Warm light is softer and creates a more relaxed mood. That’s what you want in your home.
2. Yes, You Can
We’re big fans of can lighting. These in-ceiling lights draw zero attention to themselves while creating a foundation for excellent interior lighting. We add lamps for emphasis and mood in particular areas and put everything on a dimmer switch (see #3). This formula gives you maximum flexibility.
3. The Great Dimmer
What did people do before the dimmer switch was invented? We suspect they shielded their eyes or huddled together in the dark because there was nothing inbetween. We use dimmer switches everywhere except the bathroom. Controlling the level of every light in your home allows you to create the right mood for the moment every time.
4. Beam Me Up
We’re head over heels in love with this stunning raw wood beam wrapped with light bulbs on cords. Flip one dimmer switch and all the lights go on, at the exact intensity level you choose. The can lights in the ceiling gently illuminate the room, so this fabulous fixture can serve its true purpose—which is to create an irresistibly inviting space and a found-object, vintage vibe.
5. Open Bulb Policy
Many of our light fixtures feature exposed bulbs. Once upon a time, light bulbs might have been ugly, but clear Edison bulbs, showing the filaments within, are themselves works of art. In a chandelier with an open, orb structure, candelabra bulbs are reminiscent of candle flames. A small lamp with a square metal base and a single bulb takes the open concept one step further.
6. Double Up
Above a long dining table or bar, consider using multiple light fixtures. Especially with hanging light fixtures, we tend to think of putting just one in the middle. But lighting only the center of a long table would leave some of your dinner guests in the dark while others take the spotlight.
7. Reflections
Reflections off mirrors, glass and tile bring a secondary light source into play and add a soft, beautiful touch. Candles create particularly compelling reflections.
8. Looking Up
In high, open spaces, a light fixture can help balance the space, bringing the eye downward and helping make the area less cavernous and more inviting.
9. Looking Out
Lighting is also a safety issue. Make sure you can turn on the stair lights at the top and the bottom of the stairs. Incorporate the flexibility to light up the room you’re entering before you get there, so you aren’t stumbling around in the dark, trying to find the switch.
10. How Low Can You Go?
While low light may be flattering, people tend to err on the side of too little light, rather than too much. Turn up that dimmer a notch more than you would normally and you may like what you see. Having sufficient light is particularly important in areas such as basements, where there may be little to no natural light.

It’s just as important for businesses to get their future buildings inspected as it is to schedule a home inspection. We provide this inspection service for a wide variety of commercial property types such as strip malls, storefronts, warehouses, and industrial buildings. A Commercial Building inspection will help you learn about any defects or potential safety issues that could harm your employees or customers.

Many homeowners have their own ideas about how light or dark their home interiors should be. Some folks love nothing more than sunny, light-filled rooms. Other people adore their comforting, softly-lit spaces.
While light levels can be a matter of personal preference, lighting can also be a powerful tool for shaping the mood, emotional tone and usage of every room. In fact, lighting is just as important as furnishings.
Lighting Tips
1. Stay Warm
Cool light looks brighter to the eye and can seem more like daylight. It can also make your home feel like a hospital or grocery store, which is not what we’re going for. Warm light is softer and creates a more relaxed mood. That’s what you want in your home.
2. Yes, You Can
We’re big fans of can lighting. These in-ceiling lights draw zero attention to themselves while creating a foundation for excellent interior lighting. We add lamps for emphasis and mood in particular areas and put everything on a dimmer switch (see #3). This formula gives you maximum flexibility.
3. The Great Dimmer
What did people do before the dimmer switch was invented? We suspect they shielded their eyes or huddled together in the dark because there was nothing inbetween. We use dimmer switches everywhere except the bathroom. Controlling the level of every light in your home allows you to create the right mood for the moment every time.
4. Beam Me Up
We’re head over heels in love with this stunning raw wood beam wrapped with light bulbs on cords. Flip one dimmer switch and all the lights go on, at the exact intensity level you choose. The can lights in the ceiling gently illuminate the room, so this fabulous fixture can serve its true purpose—which is to create an irresistibly inviting space and a found-object, vintage vibe.
5. Open Bulb Policy
Many of our light fixtures feature exposed bulbs. Once upon a time, light bulbs might have been ugly, but clear Edison bulbs, showing the filaments within, are themselves works of art. In a chandelier with an open, orb structure, candelabra bulbs are reminiscent of candle flames. A small lamp with a square metal base and a single bulb takes the open concept one step further.
6. Double Up
Above a long dining table or bar, consider using multiple light fixtures. Especially with hanging light fixtures, we tend to think of putting just one in the middle. But lighting only the center of a long table would leave some of your dinner guests in the dark while others take the spotlight.
7. Reflections
Reflections off mirrors, glass and tile bring a secondary light source into play and add a soft, beautiful touch. Candles create particularly compelling reflections.
8. Looking Up
In high, open spaces, a light fixture can help balance the space, bringing the eye downward and helping make the area less cavernous and more inviting.
9. Looking Out
Lighting is also a safety issue. Make sure you can turn on the stair lights at the top and the bottom of the stairs. Incorporate the flexibility to light up the room you’re entering before you get there, so you aren’t stumbling around in the dark, trying to find the switch.
10. How Low Can You Go?
While low light may be flattering, people tend to err on the side of too little light, rather than too much. Turn up that dimmer a notch more than you would normally and you may like what you see. Having sufficient light is particularly important in areas such as basements, where there may be little to no natural light.

These homeowners approached Renovisions to remodel their master bath. With their kids off at college it was time to do something for themselves. They wanted an elegant upscale look with a spacious shower with glass enclosure, a high-end whirlpool bathtub and custom built in for towels. Their existing tub presented a safety issue when they opened & closed the windows which were located directly behind the tub. The new design includes a free standing tub/whirlpool with custom rounded and removable wood panels to access electrical and plumbing components. This allows a safe pass way around the tub as well as a more open feel. The adjacent shower boasts a generous space with an open style created by the use of 3/8” shower glass enclosure on 2 sides. Custom cubbies and corner seat were built into the Crema marfil marble tiles.
12″x24″ porcelain tiles were installed in a herringbone pattern providing a beautiful and unique appearance setting a neutral stage to showcase the burgundy cherry custom vanities with beaded detail and matching tower with Victorian glass.
Crema Marfil marble countertops on the vanities and slab on tub featured ogee edges lending a real elegant feel to the room. The Piece de Resistance was the exquisite antique brass widespread faucets, hand held shower, shower head, matching antique brass accessories and cabinet hardware all decorated with Swarovski cut crystals.

These "easy to pull down" London shades offer privacy and light control. They also have no cords for child safety issues.

A new deck isn’t just for looks, it might be necessary to keep you safe! The old wood retaining wall was ready to collapse into the driveway and the deck was not only an eyesore, but had become a safety issue. We replaced the deck and added a stone retaining wall, creating the perfect space for flowers and shrubs.

A new deck isn’t just for looks, it might be necessary to keep you safe! The old wood retaining wall was ready to collapse into the driveway and the deck was not only an eyesore, but had become a safety issue. We replaced the deck and added a stone retaining wall, creating the perfect space for flowers and shrubs.

Classy natural stone steps and walkway creating a great entrance into any home.
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional partial sun front yard stone garden path in Toronto.
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional partial sun front yard stone garden path in Toronto.
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