Techo-Bloc has redefined landscape products once again with this eye-catching ultra-modern double-sided retaining wall. The Graphix wall’s varying depths and unique but simple installation process creates a 3 dimensional visual effect. The mix of smooth and chiseled textures add another factor of visual interest to this wall, making it perfect for design lovers and those seeking something sleek and out of the box. Great for retaining soil, building planters, blade walls or vertical elements such as fire, water or outdoor kitchen features. Graphix is part of the dry cast collection. Check out our website to shop the look! https://www.techo-bloc.com/shop/walls/graphix-wall/

A beautiful Santa Fe kitchen remodel. Photos by Kate Russell
Kitchen - eclectic kitchen idea in Other

Techo-Bloc has redefined landscape products once again with this eye-catching ultra-modern double-sided retaining wall. The Graphix wall’s varying depths and unique but simple installation process creates a 3 dimensional visual effect. The mix of smooth and chiseled textures add another factor of visual interest to this wall, making it perfect for design lovers and those seeking something sleek and out of the box. Great for retaining soil, building planters, blade walls or vertical elements such as fire, water or outdoor kitchen features. Graphix is part of the dry cast collection. Check out our website to shop the look! https://www.techo-bloc.com/shop/walls/graphix-wall/

Meghan Beierle-O'Brien
Inspiration for a timeless closet remodel in Los Angeles

These two though.... This retired "simple beach couple" are a couple of our faves. This was a collaboration in every sense of the word from start to finish. This was not a "throw us the keys and we'll do it all for you" type of project. They were very involved in every decision from architect plans all the way to bedside lamp placement. They had this land and former bungalow on a walkstreet in their beloved Hermosa Beach for over 30 years before they enlisted us to help them design and build their dream home. We worked with Lane Design Build and the client in wonderful harmony, and everyone is very pleased with the results.

Techo-Bloc has redefined landscape products once again with this eye-catching ultra-modern double-sided retaining wall. The Graphix wall’s varying depths and unique but simple installation process creates a 3 dimensional visual effect. The mix of smooth and chiseled textures add another factor of visual interest to this wall, making it perfect for design lovers and those seeking something sleek and out of the box. Great for retaining soil, building planters, blade walls or vertical elements such as fire, water or outdoor kitchen features. Graphix is part of the dry cast collection. Check out our website to shop the look! https://www.techo-bloc.com/shop/walls/graphix-wall/

Trent Bell Photography
Transitional home design photo in Portland Maine

4 Steps to Achieving a Rewarding Cost Effective Home Renovation 1 Home Renovation an Introduction A home renovation due to changes in family needs and space requirements can be a challenging, but also a rewarding experience. As a homeowner, gathering and coordinating resources and possibly help from professional consultants are required. Once the construction phase has started, patience, endurance and commitment to follow through are necessary. Despite the challenges, the rewards of a well-planned and successfully completed project are meaningful, adding aesthetic and economic value, also providing the opportunity to personalize a home, encompassing the function, comfort and aesthetics to accommodate individual taste and lifestyle. A renovation of an existing home is a viable alternative to moving or building a new home, assuming that a home is structurally sound, the expenditure to enlarge or improve can be a cost effective alternative. A home possessing charm, style, historical significance, established landscaping or an exceptional location could be a significant motivation to consider purchasing another home with the intent to renovate. The complexity of a project could be relatively simple, changing the use of a room, consolidating two rooms into one, or opening up a room to the outdoors. It could also be a more involved task requiring planning, design and construction documents to build a second floor addition, the addition of a new wing or completely gutting the interior. Some projects could be completed in a weekend’s work or more complex projects, using a “Master Plan”, a plan which provides overall guidance; a renovation can be accomplished all at once or divided into manageable projects over a period of time. With the home evolving gradually allowing the renovation to be planned, timed and tailored to meet individual needs and circumstances. The due diligence phase should precede the decision to renovate whether it’s an existing home or a home that is purchased with the intent to renovate. The due diligence phase will reveal the factors affecting the nature and scope of the project or if a renovation makes sense. Every renovation project is unique relative to personal requirements, architectural style & construction type. This guide will be helpful in developing an understanding of the preliminary groundwork required to realize a successful project. If properly planned, a home renovation project can be a positive and rewarding experience resulting in a comfortable, practical and an attractive living environment. The first step of the planning process is documenting the goals and long-range plans referred to as the “Project Program”. This will dictate the nature, scope and feasibility of the project. Providing a guide to achieving defined goals, the timing or phasing of the project and budget required to achieve the desired end result. 2 Documenting Existing Conditions Once the “Project Program”, has been established, the next step is to determine what there is to work with. This requires documenting the home’s floor plan and site elements which includes drawing an “as built” floor & site plan consisting of the existing exterior walls, interior rooms, doors, windows, etc. and surrounding site elements, landscape and other significant exterior features. Additionally understanding and noting on the “as built” plan, the structural, mechanical and electrical systems as necessary. Gathering the “existing condition” information defines what there is to work with, creating the framework from which to facilitate and organize the decision making process and develop effective “project program” solutions. 3 Evaluating Existing Conditions The goals and long-range plans have been established, and the existing floor plan and site elements have been documented. Before developing design solutions, the next step is to evaluate existing conditions. The evaluation includes: a detailed analysis of the structural, mechanical and electrical systems, determining the condition of the house, noting functional and aesthetic deficiencies. At the same time recognizing the home’s strengths, assets and evaluating its relationship to its site. The remaining parameters will be defined by the local jurisdiction’s zoning regulations, these regulations will define the “envelope”, within which the proposed project will be required to fit: •required front, side & rear yard setbacks •maximum allowable lot coverage & height The previous three steps have provided the necessary foundation to start the design phase. The goals and long range plans have been established, existing conditions have been documented and the evaluation of what there is to work with are now in place. This will provide the framework from which to facilitate and organize design solutions. The consolidation of this information is manifested in the development of the “Master Plan” which will become the road map by which sound decision-making can be made as a home renovation evolves. Keeping the project, on a linear path, avoiding redundancies and back tracking, on time, within budget, concluding with a well crafted finished product. After all the “up front” research and documentation has been completed, the design phase of the project can now precede, with the creation of diagrammatic design drawings. Organizing interior spaces, taking into account the external elements, prevailing breezes, solar orientation, view, existing outdoor features, etc. Through the development of schematic sketches themes will emerge followed by design development drawings. Wise planning and renovation decisions can save money and time at the same time provide a well crafted finished project. The “Master Plan” provides a strategic path in the planning and decision making process leading to a successful and rewarding home renovation, which will add value and considerable enjoyment, for many years, living in a newly renovated home. By virtue of having gone through these steps, frustrations sometimes encountered during a home renovation will be minimized, allowing the renovation to be a gratifying and rewarding experience. Being aware of the process allows one to become an “Educated Client,” which is worth quite a bit more than one might realize. The uneducated client may not realize the benefit of going through the planning, evaluation and documentation groundwork. He will only realize its benefits after having completed a prior renovation project. This rational approach keeps the design process on a direct path to achieving prescribed goals. 4 Exploring Design Solutions & Developing a Master Plan The previous three steps have provided the necessary foundation to start the design phase. The goals and long range plans have been established, existing conditions have been documented and the evaluation of what there is to work with are now in place. This will provide the framework from which to facilitate and organize design solutions. The consolidation of this information is manifested in the development of the “Master Plan” which will become the road map by which sound decision-making can be made as a home renovation evolves. Keeping the project, on a linear path, avoiding redundancies and back tracking, on time, within budget, concluding with a well crafted finished product. By virtue of having gone through these steps, frustrations sometimes encountered during a home renovation will be minimized, allowing the renovation to be a gratifying and rewarding experience. Being aware of the process allows one to become an “Educated Client,” which is worth quite a bit more than one might realize. The uneducated client may not realize the benefit of going through the planning, evaluation and documentation groundwork. He will only realize its benefits after having completed a prior renovation project. This rational approach keeps the design process on a direct path to achieving prescribed goals. After all the “up front” research and documentation has been completed, the design phase of the project can now precede, with the creation of diagrammatic design drawings. Organizing interior spaces, taking into account the external elements, prevailing breezes, solar orientation, view, existing outdoor features, etc. Through the development of schematic sketches themes will emerge followed by design development drawings. Wise planning and renovation decisions can save money and time at the same time provide a well crafted finished project. The “Master Plan” provides a strategic path in the planning and decision making process leading to a successful and rewarding home renovation, which will add value and considerable enjoyment, for many years, living in a newly renovated home.

Photo: Elaine Musiwa © 2015 Houzz
Example of an eclectic bedroom design in New York

Provenza hardwood flooring
Example of a transitional light wood floor dining room design in Detroit

Simple Construct
Transitional bedroom photo in San Diego

Karen and Chad of Tower Lakes, IL were tired of their unfinished basement functioning as nothing more than a storage area and depressing gym. They wanted to increase the livable square footage of their home with a cohesive finished basement design, while incorporating space for the kids and adults to hang out. “We wanted to make sure that upon renovating the basement, that we can have a place where we can spend time and watch movies, but also entertain and showcase the wine collection that we have,” Karen said. After a long search comparing many different remodeling companies, Karen and Chad found Advance Design Studio. They were drawn towards the unique “Common Sense Remodeling” process that simplifies the renovation experience into predictable steps focused on customer satisfaction. “There are so many other design/build companies, who may not have transparency, or a focused process in mind and I think that is what separated Advance Design Studio from the rest,” Karen said. Karen loved how designer Claudia Pop was able to take very high-level concepts, “non-negotiable items” and implement them in the initial 3D drawings. Claudia and Project Manager DJ Yurik kept the couple in constant communication through the project. “Claudia was very receptive to the ideas we had, but she was also very good at infusing her own points and thoughts, she was very responsive, and we had an open line of communication,” Karen said. A very important part of the basement renovation for the couple was the home gym and sauna. The “high-end hotel” look and feel of the openly blended work out area is both highly functional and beautiful to look at. The home sauna gives them a place to relax after a long day of work or a tough workout. “The gym was a very important feature for us,” Karen said. “And I think (Advance Design) did a very great job in not only making the gym a functional area, but also an aesthetic point in our basement”. An extremely unique wow-factor in this basement is the walk in glass wine cellar that elegantly displays Karen and Chad’s extensive wine collection. Immediate access to the stunning wet bar accompanies the wine cellar to make this basement a popular spot for friends and family. The custom-built wine bar brings together two natural elements; Calacatta Vicenza Quartz and thick distressed Black Walnut. Sophisticated yet warm Graphite Dura Supreme cabinetry provides contrast to the soft beige walls and the Calacatta Gold backsplash. An undermount sink across from the bar in a matching Calacatta Vicenza Quartz countertop adds functionality and convenience to the bar, while identical distressed walnut floating shelves add an interesting design element and increased storage. Rich true brown Rustic Oak hardwood floors soften and warm the space drawing all the areas together. Across from the bar is a comfortable living area perfect for the family to sit down at a watch a movie. A full bath completes this finished basement with a spacious walk-in shower, Cocoa Brown Dura Supreme vanity with Calacatta Vicenza Quartz countertop, a crisp white sink and a stainless-steel Voss faucet. Advance Design’s Common Sense process gives clients the opportunity to walk through the basement renovation process one step at a time, in a completely predictable and controlled environment. “Everything was designed and built exactly how we envisioned it, and we are really enjoying it to it’s full potential,” Karen said. Constantly striving for customer satisfaction, Advance Design’s success is heavily reliant upon happy clients referring their friends and family. “We definitely will and have recommended Advance Design Studio to friends who are looking to embark on a remodeling project small or large,” Karen exclaimed at the completion of her project.

Can you replace just a top of a bathroom vanity? If you would like to change the look of your bathroom, the new countertop can be installed. The cost of removing the old top and installing a new vanity top starts at $400 and goes as high as the cost of the material that you would choose. In most cases, the replacement of a vanity top can improve the look of a bathroom drastically and add additional value to a house. It is a relatively simple process and can be done in a short period of time. With more than 4,000 stone slabs and a warehouse for production on site the time of replacement of an existing vanity top, kitchen countertops or a matching stone table top is shorter since we can address any issue right then and there. For many years, the Architecture Stones team has been working on helping customers from the DC Metro Area with any desire regarding custom-made stone related products such as: shower thresholds, fireplace mantels, custom-made stone sinks, quartz kitchen countertops, marble tiles, shower wall stone slabs, granite table tops, and as it was mentioned above, quartz bathroom vanity tops. Any size, shape, thickness and color of a vanity top can be custom-made by our team at Architecture Stones shop in Rockville, MD.

New Caledonia granite countertop provided by Accent Interiors in Salt Lake City.
Trendy kitchen photo in Salt Lake City

How to Clean Ceramic & Porcelain Tile Floors Ceramic tile and porcelain tile floors are incredibly durable but there are a few things that can make keeping them clean and looking good easy. Here's the simple process we follow: 1. Clean up loose debris: Sweep or vacuum your tile floors regularly to keep them from getting dull. Ceramic tiles may be resistant to dirt, but sand and grit can dull the glazed surfaces. 2. Choose the right floor mop: Clean tile with mild detergent and clean water using a rag or chamois-type mop rather than a sponge mop. Rag and chamois-style mops are best for cleaning tile because sponge mops tend to push dirty water into the grout lines, making them harder to clean. Be sure to change the water frequently while mopping; dirty water equals a cloudy floor. 3. Be on the look for tile stains: If you find a discoloration, try to determine what type substance made the stain and use the right cleaner to remove. 4. Watch for soap residue: If your tiles look hazy even after cleaning, you might be dealing with soapy residue. Remove the film with a nonabrasive all-purpose cleaner. 5. Dry tiles too: Don't let your glazed tile floors air-dry—the sitting water will form water spots. Take care of that by drying the floor with a clean, lint-free cloth immediately after washing.

Selling your home can be stressful, particularly if you’re short on time. Many homeowners in Springfield, OH find themselves in situations when the traditional real estate process is too slow, too expensive, or too uncertain. Repairs, showings, agent commissions, buyer financing delays and inspection issues can make a simple sale a long and frustrating experience. That’s why more homeowners are looking for a faster and easier way to sell. If you need a quick home sale in Springfield, OH, Sell House Now Columbus offers a practical solution for people who want to sell their house fast for cash without the usual problems of listing on the market.
A Quicker Way to Sell Your Springfield, OH Home
The old way of selling takes weeks or months. First, you may need to clean, repair and stage the home. Then you have to wait for buyers, schedule showings, negotiate offers and hope the buyer’s loan gets approved. Even after you’ve accepted an offer, the deal can still fall apart due to inspection results, appraisal problems, or financing issues. This process may not be ideal for homeowners who need speed and certainty. Sell House Now Columbus offers cash for homes in Springfield and the surrounding Ohio areas so homeowners can avoid these delays. Don't have to wait for the perfect buyer; you can work directly with a local cash home buyer who understands your situation and can close on your timeline.
Why Homeowners Prefer to Sell Their Homes for Cash
There are a number of reasons why someone might need to sell fast. Some homeowners are going through foreclosure, divorce, relocation, inherited property, problem tenants, expensive repairs or just a house they don’t want to sit vacant. Other people don’t want to spend money fixing up a property before they sell it; A cash sale can be helpful because it eliminates many common roadblocks. You don't have to wait for bank financing. You do not need to prep your home for open houses. You don’t have to keep paying for repairs, utilities, taxes or maintenance while your home is sitting on the market. Sell House Now Columbus allows homeowners to sell their house as-is. This means that you don’t have to repair the roof, update the kitchen, repaint the walls, replace the flooring or clean out every room before closing. The company buys homes as they are, saving time and money.
Sell Your House As-Is Springfield, OH
One of the biggest advantages to working with a cash buyer is the ability to sell as-is. Many houses need work, and that work can cost a lot of money. A typical buyer may seek repair credits, price reductions, or major upgrades before closing. Sometimes lenders won’t finance a home with serious issues in its condition. Selling as-is provides a simpler path for homeowners. You can still ask for a cash offer whether the property has old plumbing, roof damage, outdated rooms, foundation concerns, fire damage, water damage, or years of deferred maintenance. This is particularly helpful for homeowners who have inherited a property or own a house they no longer live in. Rather than sinking thousands of dollars into a property you don’t want to hold on to, you can sell it directly and move on.
No Listing or Agent Commissions Hassles
When you list a house with a real estate agent, commissions and fees can eat into the amount you take home. You’ll also have to pay for repairs, cleaning, staging, photography, inspections, and closing costs. These costs can add up quickly. Selling it for cash makes the math easier. Sell House Now, Columbus lets homeowners bypass the traditional listing process. No open houses, no weekend showings, no need to keep the place spotless for buyers. Skip the uncertainty of waiting for offers and the stress of strangers walking through your home. Privacy is another important advantage for many sellers. A direct sale might be more discreet than putting a house on the open market.
How It Works
Sell House Now, Columbus makes it easy. First you talk about your house. Next the company reviews the property and puts together a fair cash offer. If the offer sounds good to you, you can choose a completion date to suit your needs. This simple process is helpful for home owners that need to make decisions quickly. There is no pressure of a traditional sale and you don’t have to accept an offer. The goal is to provide you a clear choice to determine what works best for you.
When a Quick Sale is Beneficial
Often a quick home sale in Springfield, OH can come in handy. If you are behind on your mortgage, selling quickly can help you avoid more financial stress. If you’re relocating for work, you probably won’t have months to wait for a buyer. If you are going through a divorce, a quick sale can help both parties move on. A direct cash sale can also be a win for landlords. If you’re tired of working around the tenants, the late rent, the damage, and the constant maintenance calls, selling the property may be a better option than continuing to manage it. Another popular reason people search for cash buyers is inherited homes. Many inherited properties require repairs, have multiple decision-makers or come with emotional stress. A fast cash sale can make the process easier and help families close on the property faster.
Go ahead confidently
Selling a home doesn’t have to be hard. If you want to avoid uncertainty, repairs, commissions and delays, working with a local cash home buyer is a smart move. Selling a House Is Easy With Sell House Now Columbus for homeowners Springfield, OH who want a faster, easier way to sell.
If your house is vacant, old, damaged, rented, inherited or you just don’t need it anymore, you can ask for a fair cash offer and choose the closing timeline that best suits you. Sell House Now Columbus is a convenient solution for homeowners who want speed, convenience, and peace of mind. Selling your house fast in Springfield, OH can be a great way to save time, avoid stress, and move on without the headache of the traditional real estate market.

This is an example of an E-Design Project that R.K.A. Home Staging & Redesign completed for a California Client out of State using our E-Design Shopping Technology. We can shop for our clients all over the globe, as their personal shopper. We have a simple process we use to have it be easy for our clients, all without having them leave their homes. The client has a choice of style they would like for selecting their furniture and decor items and our home designers will do all the shopping by the clients budget and time frame needed. The items is staged and delivered right where the client wants, in the space fitted and measured for the furniture items, even lighting fixtures as well.

This "den" was quite generous in size and allowed for both a convertable daybed and home office space. We love the unique accents that give this fairly simple space some warmth and personality. The simple floorlamps are ideal when there is limited space. The modern take on the futon allows for casual seating or sleeping when the need arises. Photo:Anthony Cohen EightbyTen Photography

In most cases, the replacement of a vanity top can improve the look of a bathroom drastically and add additional value to a house. It is a relatively simple process and can be done in a short period of time. With more than 4,000 stone slabs and a warehouse for production on site the time of replacement of an existing vanity top, kitchen countertops or a matching stone table top is shorter since we can address any issue right then and there. For many years, the Architecture Stones team has been working on helping customers from the DC Metro Area with any desire regarding custom-made stone related products such as: shower thresholds, fireplace mantels, custom-made stone sinks, quartz kitchen countertops, marble tiles, shower wall stone slabs, granite table tops, and as it was mentioned above, quartz bathroom vanity tops. Any size, shape, thickness and color of a vanity top can be custom-made by our team at Architecture Stones shop in Rockville, MD.