Polywood® Shutters are superior in product innovation, serving as the nation's category leader in plantation shutters, as they are exclusively engineered and custom crafted in the USA with a durable recyclable wood substitute. They are also the most optimal window treatment in achieving energy-efficiency, as each panel is insulated with a signature patented weather stripping.Moisture proof Fire resistant Termite proof Sea salt resistant UL Tested UV Stabilized 70% more energy efficient than wood shutters 1600% more energy efficient than aluminum blinds Earth-friendly: Made from recyclable wood substitute Made in the USA Lined with exclusively patented weather stripping for optimal window insulation Available in any specialty shape window including arches, octagons, circles, angles, sunbursts, rakes, etc. 3 louver sizes- 2.5, 3.5, 4.5 Smooth or wood grain (emboss avail on louver only) 3 colors: white, off white, snow white 9 frame options Standard tilt rod or hidden tilt rod Lifetime warranty (all manufacturer defects & paint finish) Won’t warp, split, or chip Cordless Window Treatment Optimal Light & Sound Control Wipe with damp cloth Curb appeal and home equity

LINEA Design Build Remodel designed and executed every aspect of this thorough indoor and outdoor transformation of a client's home in South Arlington, VA. The work included: new James Hardie plank siding, a new, custom permeable paver driveway (with stabilizing concrete borders) and walkways, an all new interior including an entirely new master bath with free-standing tub, separate walk-in shower and double vanity, two renovated hall baths, a new Art Deco jewel-box of a powder room featuring red glass tile from California and a wallpapered ceiling, a large, expanded kitchen with custom blue cabinets and an 11-foot island, a completely re-invented fireplace and hearth, family room and dining area, removal of 2 load-bearing walls, a completely remodeled basement with bar, guest bedroom and bathroom suite, a dramatic and highly functional new lighting plan inside and out, an extensive, well-engineered and effective storm drain system encircling the entire house, a new floating porcelain-tiled back patio with a sun- and neighbor-shielding pergola, a simplified, elegant new facade and drought-friendly, easy-care landscaping all around.

Casual yet elegant, the Etra Collection by Modern Outdoor offers a modern aesthetic that is constructed for outdoor use while being suitable for indoor settings. Etra’s visual inspiration is derived from its architectural-based frame system. Designed using structural angle steel that is mitered and ground, a clean and seamless surface gives Etra its pure appeal. Frame Options: • 304 stainless steel that is brushed and electropolished • marine-grade 316 stainless steel that is brushed and electropolished for use within one mile of salt air, available for an upcharge • powder coated carbon steel in our standard silver finish • custom powder coat colors, available for an upcharge Surface Options: • sustainably harvested ipe – a beautiful South American hardwood that is three times as dense as teak — naturally resistant to rot, insects, UV exposure, ice, salt, abrasion and splintering – all without the need for toxic chemicals — considered a 25+ year wood • marine-grade polyboard – a UV stabilized high-density polyethylene material that is non-corrosive and chip resistant – available in six colors for expanded design choices Fabric Options: • six standard colors of 100% solution dyed acrylic treated for outdoor use are offered • custom fabrics and COM service are also available Cushion Options: • our standard foam cushions are made from outdoor appropriate high-resiliency (HR) foam • for clients that prefer less maintenance, a flow-through foam that allows water and moisture to escape the cushion is also available for an upcharge Etra is a full-breadth line with dining, bar height, lounge, cafe, patio and pool setting pieces included. The pieces are readily customizable for individual client needs.

Beautiful steps up the side of the home are flanked by textural shrubs, succulents and boulders. This active family needed to overhaul this large property but didn't know where to start. "It's like three acres of boring dirt and weeds", said my client. The steeply sloped property did indeed present unique challenges with ever-present voracious deer, the need for erosion control and bank stabilization, large areas that required planting while still considering water conservation, and the need for beautification and modernization to tie into the aesthetic of the newly renovated home. Concurrently, safety and access to all parts of the property were a consideration. Landscaping goals were accomplished through careful plant selection and judicious use of retaining walls in various styles throughout the property. Generous railroad tie steps were used on sloping side yards. The landscaped portions converge gracefully with the existing oak woodland. Children can play and hide in many fun spots, while my client's elderly grandmother can safely walk around.

Hillside coastal terrace restoration, designed to stabilize the bank while drawing pollinators and native animals. This stunning home is located just above the beach in the desirable Rio Del Mar neighborhood in Aptos. My client poured her soul into the remodel which took the home down to studs. She has impeccable, contemporary taste and the home is a piece of art. We needed exquisite landscaping to tie the outside to the inside. Deeply contrasting and textural foliage-based design, copper gutters, and gorgeous light sconces now set off this contemporary gem. For the steep back hillside, we opted to do a hillside restoration and chose plants that existed in coastal terrace ecosystem prior to development. We removed tons of invasive iceplant and the whole hillside now buzzing with hummingbirds and pollinators, in addition to framing the ocean view with an undulating tapestry of plants. You can actually see spouting whales from the deck!

A sensitive rear addition was added once the house was stabilized. Attention to detail was critical to make the old and new seamless.
Exterior home photo in Other

Clean, simple, modern design built into a hillside on the east side of Aspen. Closed, organic Sirewall anchoring the house on one side, and an open tree house feel on the other. The Sirewall utilizes material from the excavation, minimizing the need for importing resources. It also acts as a heat sink - helping to stabilize the internal temperature and conserve energy.

CRPLASTICS

Photos by Patrick & Topaze McCaffery of Taproot Garden Design & Fine Gardening "The stabilized grey decomposed granite pathway with inlaid 'Charcoal' Idaho Quartz Slate pavers allows for foot traffic and water drainage to plants nearby."

Got a steep or awkward hillside? We can help you turn that tricky slope into a beautiful, usable garden space. We can stabilize the soil, create planting pockets, and build a space that’s actually fun to garden in. Let us know when you’re ready to transform your slope!

A low seat wall from Manor stone (Mutual Materials) stabilizes the slope and provides secondary seating across from the front door. New plantings will fill in for a lush landscape with seasonal color paired with the ceramic pots.

Polywood® Shutters are superior in product innovation, serving as the nation's category leader in plantation shutters, as they are exclusively engineered and custom crafted in the USA with a durable recyclable wood substitute. They are also the most optimal window treatment in achieving energy-efficiency, as each panel is insulated with a signature patented weather stripping.Moisture proof Fire resistant Termite proof Sea salt resistant UL Tested UV Stabilized 70% more energy efficient than wood shutters 1600% more energy efficient than aluminum blinds Earth-friendly: Made from recyclable wood substitute Made in the USA Lined with exclusively patented weather stripping for optimal window insulation Available in any specialty shape window including arches, octagons, circles, angles, sunbursts, rakes, etc. 3 louver sizes- 2.5, 3.5, 4.5 Smooth or wood grain (emboss avail on louver only) 3 colors: white, off white, snow white 9 frame options Standard tilt rod or hidden tilt rod Lifetime warranty (all manufacturer defects & paint finish) Won’t warp, split, or chip Cordless Window Treatment Optimal Light & Sound Control Wipe with damp cloth Curb appeal and home equity

In the Llubí garden, our landscape design focuses on creating an aesthetic, functional, and sustainable space. We have prioritized water conservation by avoiding lawns and meadows in favor of a large gravel area. Next to the house wall, we have installed gravel stabilizers to create an ideal space for placing tables for breakfast or snacks. This area features an umbrella situated at the highest point of the garden, offering a panoramic view and allowing for full enjoyment of the surroundings. To break the monotony of the gravel, we have introduced islands of rosemary and lavender, alternating these plants in five long and narrow islands, approximately 7 meters by 2 meters each. These plants will grow, partially covering the gravel and providing a contrasting color with the sea gravel. Additionally, we have created five islands of various wildflowers that will grow and cover the ground, serving as points of flowering. In the center of the garden, we have incorporated a fireplace, creating a perfect space for extraordinary moments with family and friends. Around this central area, we have planted three jacarandas, providing points of shade in the garden. The garden’s design aims to be low maintenance, highlighting wildflowers and creating areas with a high density of these plants, which gives the space a wild and natural character. This approach allows for the enjoyment of a garden that reflects natural beauty with minimal intervention.

Salt block installation with floating metal shelves. Visually, the salt blocks are a luminous, orange color when backlit. From a Feng Shui perspective, they are representative of the EARTH element, and will help ground and stabilize the new business venture. Photo Credit: Sarah Sickles

"After looking for a simple but attractive wood grain desk for many months, I decided to go a different route. A check of online suppliers quickly took me to Hardwood-Lumber.com. With a generous variety of hardwoods and overall outstanding reviews, I ordered my Brazilian Cherry wood top with full confidence. I ordered a beautiful pair of metal powder-coated decorative legs from Etsy. The table top was delivered within the promised time (around 6 weeks), and the legs went on perfectly. We did have to dig a little to determine we needed to acquire and screw in metal stabilizing bars to prevent future warping, but overall that was not terribly significant. The wood top is gorgeous, and we are thoroughly enjoying a magnificent desk. Hardwood-Lumber is a great source for wood countertops." Albert

Erosion prevention landscaping that stabilizes your property while enhancing its natural appeal
Photo of a landscaping in Raleigh.

Rosenberg Kolb Architects is proud to announce our renovation of a 1747 timber frame house on Nantucket Island, completed in 2011. The first historic renovation project in Nantucket to receive LEED Gold status. The project was given a Grand Award by Eco Home Magazine in July, 2011. The project included: Restructuring the foundations to align and stabilize the structure in addition to providing for a new insulated crawl space; A 260 square foot addition for a kitchen, bath, and new entry; New cedar shingles, roof shingles, and restored historic windows; The house met the strict regulations of Nantucket's Historic District. On the inside, LEED Gold certification was met through: High R-value insulation and reduced air leakage; High efficiency heating, air conditioning, plumbing fixtures, and appliances; Low-emission paints and finishes as well as a clay wall finish; Using reclaimed materials from the original house and other sites. The project has been published in: N Magazine July 2011 Eco Home Magazine July 2011 New England Home June 2011

Flooring needs vary widely depending on the space. A homeowner seeking beautiful floors for their living room has different priorities than a business owner outfitting a commercial space. Yet in both cases, the right flooring well chosen and well installed makes an enormous difference. This guide looks at hardwood flooring for homes and flooring for commercial spaces, including the increasingly popular option of engineered hardwood, and what those in the Chicago area should know about each. The enduring appeal of hardwood Hardwood flooring has an enduring appeal that few other materials can match. It brings warmth, beauty, and a sense of quality to a home, complementing a wide range of styles from traditional to modern. Hardwood floors add character and elegance to a space, and they're often seen as a desirable feature that can enhance a home's appeal and value. For many homeowners, hardwood represents the ideal flooring choice. Part of hardwood's appeal is its longevity. Quality hardwood floors, properly cared for, can last for decades, and they can often be refinished over time to restore their appearance, extending their life even further. This durability makes hardwood a worthwhile long-term investment. Combined with its timeless beauty, this longevity explains why hardwood remains so popular despite the many flooring options available. Homeowners seeking this classic look often invest in quality hardwood flooring chicago for their homes. Understanding the enduring appeal of hardwood helps homeowners appreciate why it remains a favorite and consider it for their spaces. Flooring for commercial spaces Commercial spaces have their own distinct flooring needs, quite different from those of a typical home. A commercial environment whether an office, retail space, restaurant, or other business often sees high traffic, heavy use, and demands that residential flooring might not withstand. Commercial flooring must be durable, functional, and appropriate for the specific business and its needs, while also contributing to the space's appearance and atmosphere. Choosing flooring for a commercial space involves considering factors like durability, maintenance requirements, safety, appearance, and suitability for the particular use. The flooring in a commercial space affects not just its look but its functionality and the impression it makes on customers and clients. Because commercial spaces have demanding requirements, selecting appropriate, durable flooring and having it properly installed is especially important. Business owners in the Chicago area often work with professionals for their commercial flooring chicago needs. Understanding that commercial spaces have distinct flooring needs helps business owners make appropriate choices for their spaces. The rise of engineered hardwood For those who love the look of hardwood but want added versatility, engineered hardwood has become an increasingly popular option. Engineered hardwood features a real wood surface layer over a constructed core, offering the beauty of hardwood with some practical advantages. It provides the appearance of traditional hardwood while offering enhanced stability and versatility in certain applications. Engineered hardwood's construction gives it greater dimensional stability than solid hardwood in some respects, which can make it suitable for a wider range of applications and conditions. This versatility, combined with the authentic wood appearance, makes engineered hardwood an appealing option for many homeowners and even some commercial applications. It offers a way to enjoy the beauty of hardwood in situations where solid hardwood might be less ideal. Homeowners considering this option often explore engineered hardwood flooring Chicago for their spaces. Understanding the rise of engineered hardwood helps people consider whether it offers the right combination of beauty and practicality for their needs. Matching flooring to the space and use Whether for a home or a commercial space, matching flooring to the specific space and its use is key to a good result. Different spaces and uses have different requirements, and the ideal flooring for one situation may be unsuitable for another. A residential living room, a busy commercial space, and an area exposed to particular conditions all call for flooring suited to their needs. This is why understanding the demands of a space is so important in choosing flooring. Factors like the level of traffic, the type of use, exposure to moisture or other conditions, maintenance considerations, and the desired appearance all factor into the choice. Matching the flooring to these factors ensures a result that performs well and looks good over time. For commercial spaces in particular, the demands can be significant, making appropriate flooring choices essential. Understanding the importance of matching flooring to the space and its use helps both homeowners and business owners make choices that serve their needs well and provide lasting satisfaction. The value of quality installation For any flooring project, whether residential or commercial, quality installation is essential. Even the best flooring won't perform or look its best if it's not installed properly. Proper installation ensures the flooring is laid correctly, looks its best, and lasts as it should, standing up to the demands placed on it. This is especially important in commercial settings, where flooring endures heavy use. Different flooring types have their own installation requirements, and skilled installers know how to handle each properly, from preparing the space to executing the correct techniques. Quality installation involves attention to the details that make the difference between a lasting, attractive result and a disappointing one. Given the investment that flooring represents and, for businesses, its impact on operations and impressions ensuring quality installation is well worth it. Understanding the value of quality installation helps homeowners and business owners recognize why the choice of who does the work matters as much as the flooring itself. Making the right choice Ultimately, making the right flooring choice whether for a home or a business involves understanding the options, considering the specific needs of the space, and ensuring quality installation. Hardwood offers timeless beauty for homes, commercial flooring meets the demanding needs of business spaces, and engineered hardwood provides a versatile option combining beauty and practicality. The right choice depends on the particular space, use, and goals. Taking the time to understand the options and match them to the specific situation, rather than making a hasty choice, pays off in the quality and longevity of the result. Flooring is a significant investment that shapes a space for years, so getting it right matters. Whether outfitting a home or a commercial space, thoughtful choices and quality installation lead to results that look good, perform well, and provide lasting value. Understanding how to make the right choice empowers homeowners and business owners to achieve flooring results they'll be happy with for years to come. The bottom line Flooring needs vary widely between residential and commercial spaces, and understanding the options helps in making the right choice for each. Hardwood offers timeless beauty and longevity for homes, commercial flooring meets the demanding requirements of business spaces, and engineered hardwood provides a versatile option combining the beauty of wood with practical advantages. Matching flooring to the specific space and use, and ensuring quality installation, are essential to a good result in any setting. By understanding these options and priorities, those in the Chicago area can make flooring choices that serve their spaces well and provide lasting satisfaction. Whether the goal is timeless beauty at home or durable performance in a demanding commercial setting, thoughtful choices paired with quality installation deliver results that last.

Mechanical grooming of artificial turf to lift blades upright, conceal seams, and finish the Ferndale lawn with a polished look.
Minimalist home design photo in Detroit