Meet Meridith: a super-mom who’s as busy as she is badass  — and easily my favorite overachiever. She slays her office job and comes home to an equally high-octane family life. We share a love for city living with farmhouse aspirations. There’s a vegetable garden in the backyard, a black cat, and a floppy eared rabbit named Rocky. There has been a mobile chicken coop and a colony of bees in the backyard. At one point they even had a pregnant hedgehog on their hands! Between gardening, entertaining, and helping with homework, Meridith has zero time for interior design. Spending several days a week in New York for work, she has limited amount of time at home with her family. My goal was to let her make the most of it by taking her design projects off her to do list and let her get back to her family (and rabbit). I wanted her to spend her weekends at her son's baseball games, not shopping for sofas. That’s my cue! Meridith is wonderful. She is one of the kindest people I know. We had so much fun, it doesn’t seem fair to call this “work”. She is loving, and smart, and funny. She’s one of those girlfriends everyone wants to call their own best friend. I wanted her house to reflect that: to feel cozy and inviting, and encourage guests to stay a while. Meridith is not your average beige person, and she has excellent taste. Plus, she was totally hands-on with design choices. It was a true collaboration. We played up her quirky side and built usable, inspiring spaces one lightbulb moment at a time. I took her love for color (sacré blue!) and immediately started creating a plan for her space and thinking about her design wish list. I set out hunting for vibrant hues and intriguing patterns that spoke to her color palette and taste for pattern. I focused on creating the right vibe in each space: a bit of drama in the dining room, a bit more refined and quiet atmosphere for the living room, and a neutral zen tone in their master bedroom. Her stuff. My eye. Meridith’s impeccable taste comes through in her art collection. The perfect placement of her beautiful paintings served as the design model for color and mood. We had a bit of a chair graveyard on our hands, but we worked with some key pieces of her existing furniture and incorporated other traditional pieces, which struck a pleasant balance. French chairs, Asian-influenced footstools, turned legs, gilded finishes, glass hurricanes – a wonderful mash-up of traditional and contemporary. Some special touches were custom-made (the marble backsplash in the powder room, the kitchen banquette) and others were happy accidents (a wallpaper we spotted via Pinterest). They all came together in a design aesthetic that feels warm, inviting, and vibrant — just like Meridith! We built her space based on function. We asked ourselves, “how will her family use each room on any given day?” Meridith throws legendary dinner parties, so we needed curated seating arrangements that could easily switch from family meals to elegant entertaining. We sought a cozy eat-in kitchen and decongested entryways that still made a statement. Above all, we wanted Meredith’s style and panache to shine through every detail. From the pendant in the entryway, to a wild use of pattern in her dining room drapery, Meredith’s space was a total win. See more of our work at www.safferstone.com. Connect with us on Facebook, get inspired on Pinterest, and share modern musings on life & design on Instagram. Or, share what's on your plate with us at hello@safferstone.com. Photo: Angie Seckinger

This recently completed outdoor living space was created for a really great family in Chatham. Their original backyard design included a deck surrounded by mulch planting beds. We demolished all original elements and constructed an all bluestone patio that ran the entire width of their home. This made it possible to double their usable space. We used uniformly sized all blue bluestone tiles. We built them an outdoor kitchen and bar - complete with grill, shelving, built-in trash can and refrigerator. Pearl Blue quartz was used for the counter top and we rounded the bar side in order to maximize sitting space. The perimeter of the patio received a 20" high sitting wall with a 2" thick bluestone tread cap. LED strip lighting was installed below the wall cap to provide accent lighting at night. At the yard entrance, we built (2) raised piers complete with centered light fixtures on top. The custom gas-start/wood-burn fireplace really sets this patio apart from most. By curving the hearth and hollowing out the interior, we were able to create a wood log storage area without sacrificing any of their usable space on the sides. The gas dial is concealed on the side of the fireplace and is operated by key. Throughout the entire patio you will see cultured stone siding that provides the perfect blend of continuity and complimentary colors. This project was a huge success and the client is very happy with the finished product. We couldn't have asked to work for better people. #GreatWorkForGreatPeople

Samantha Carlson
Example of a mid-sized trendy backyard stamped concrete partial sun patio design for summer in Milwaukee with a fire pit and no cover

This recently completed outdoor living space was created for a really great family in Chatham. Their original backyard design included a deck surrounded by mulch planting beds. We demolished all original elements and constructed an all bluestone patio that ran the entire width of their home. This made it possible to double their usable space. We used uniformly sized all blue bluestone tiles. We built them an outdoor kitchen and bar - complete with grill, shelving, built-in trash can and refrigerator. Pearl Blue quartz was used for the counter top and we rounded the bar side in order to maximize sitting space. The perimeter of the patio received a 20" high sitting wall with a 2" thick bluestone tread cap. LED strip lighting was installed below the wall cap to provide accent lighting at night. At the yard entrance, we built (2) raised piers complete with centered light fixtures on top. The custom gas-start/wood-burn fireplace really sets this patio apart from most. By curving the hearth and hollowing out the interior, we were able to create a wood log storage area without sacrificing any of their usable space on the sides. The gas dial is concealed on the side of the fireplace and is operated by key. Throughout the entire patio you will see cultured stone siding that provides the perfect blend of continuity and complimentary colors. This project was a huge success and the client is very happy with the finished product. We couldn't have asked to work for better people. #GreatWorkForGreatPeople

This recently completed outdoor living space was created for a really great family in Chatham. Their original backyard design included a deck surrounded by mulch planting beds. We demolished all original elements and constructed an all bluestone patio that ran the entire width of their home. This made it possible to double their usable space. We used uniformly sized all blue bluestone tiles. We built them an outdoor kitchen and bar - complete with grill, shelving, built-in trash can and refrigerator. Pearl Blue quartz was used for the counter top and we rounded the bar side in order to maximize sitting space. The perimeter of the patio received a 20" high sitting wall with a 2" thick bluestone tread cap. LED strip lighting was installed below the wall cap to provide accent lighting at night. At the yard entrance, we built (2) raised piers complete with centered light fixtures on top. The custom gas-start/wood-burn fireplace really sets this patio apart from most. By curving the hearth and hollowing out the interior, we were able to create a wood log storage area without sacrificing any of their usable space on the sides. The gas dial is concealed on the side of the fireplace and is operated by key. Throughout the entire patio you will see cultured stone siding that provides the perfect blend of continuity and complimentary colors. This project was a huge success and the client is very happy with the finished product. We couldn't have asked to work for better people. #GreatWorkForGreatPeople

This recently completed outdoor living space was created for a really great family in Chatham. Their original backyard design included a deck surrounded by mulch planting beds. We demolished all original elements and constructed an all bluestone patio that ran the entire width of their home. This made it possible to double their usable space. We used uniformly sized all blue bluestone tiles. We built them an outdoor kitchen and bar - complete with grill, shelving, built-in trash can and refrigerator. Pearl Blue quartz was used for the counter top and we rounded the bar side in order to maximize sitting space. The perimeter of the patio received a 20" high sitting wall with a 2" thick bluestone tread cap. LED strip lighting was installed below the wall cap to provide accent lighting at night. At the yard entrance, we built (2) raised piers complete with centered light fixtures on top. The custom gas-start/wood-burn fireplace really sets this patio apart from most. By curving the hearth and hollowing out the interior, we were able to create a wood log storage area without sacrificing any of their usable space on the sides. The gas dial is concealed on the side of the fireplace and is operated by key. Throughout the entire patio you will see cultured stone siding that provides the perfect blend of continuity and complimentary colors. This project was a huge success and the client is very happy with the finished product. We couldn't have asked to work for better people. #GreatWorkForGreatPeople

This recently completed outdoor living space was created for a really great family in Chatham. Their original backyard design included a deck surrounded by mulch planting beds. We demolished all original elements and constructed an all bluestone patio that ran the entire width of their home. This made it possible to double their usable space. We used uniformly sized all blue bluestone tiles. We built them an outdoor kitchen and bar - complete with grill, shelving, built-in trash can and refrigerator. Pearl Blue quartz was used for the counter top and we rounded the bar side in order to maximize sitting space. The perimeter of the patio received a 20" high sitting wall with a 2" thick bluestone tread cap. LED strip lighting was installed below the wall cap to provide accent lighting at night. At the yard entrance, we built (2) raised piers complete with centered light fixtures on top. The custom gas-start/wood-burn fireplace really sets this patio apart from most. By curving the hearth and hollowing out the interior, we were able to create a wood log storage area without sacrificing any of their usable space on the sides. The gas dial is concealed on the side of the fireplace and is operated by key. Throughout the entire patio you will see cultured stone siding that provides the perfect blend of continuity and complimentary colors. This project was a huge success and the client is very happy with the finished product. We couldn't have asked to work for better people. #GreatWorkForGreatPeople

Screen Play brings the landscape inside. Blue herons take center stage as the featured design element for the Blue Heron Bliss Screen Play; a wood-burning stone fire place that is the focal point to the great room. Pricing: "Screenplays" start at $6,000. Each piece is custom crafted and designed to order. We are able to ship anywhere within the US.

This recently completed outdoor living space was created for a really great family in Chatham. Their original backyard design included a deck surrounded by mulch planting beds. We demolished all original elements and constructed an all bluestone patio that ran the entire width of their home. This made it possible to double their usable space. We used uniformly sized all blue bluestone tiles. We built them an outdoor kitchen and bar - complete with grill, shelving, built-in trash can and refrigerator. Pearl Blue quartz was used for the counter top and we rounded the bar side in order to maximize sitting space. The perimeter of the patio received a 20" high sitting wall with a 2" thick bluestone tread cap. LED strip lighting was installed below the wall cap to provide accent lighting at night. At the yard entrance, we built (2) raised piers complete with centered light fixtures on top. The custom gas-start/wood-burn fireplace really sets this patio apart from most. By curving the hearth and hollowing out the interior, we were able to create a wood log storage area without sacrificing any of their usable space on the sides. The gas dial is concealed on the side of the fireplace and is operated by key. Throughout the entire patio you will see cultured stone siding that provides the perfect blend of continuity and complimentary colors. This project was a huge success and the client is very happy with the finished product. We couldn't have asked to work for better people. #GreatWorkForGreatPeople

The large gas-start wood-burning fireplace takes center stage in the Great Room.
Inspiration for a large mediterranean open concept dark wood floor and beige floor living room remodel with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a plaster fireplace

COOKING PAN SMOKE ODOR — 7500 Sq. Ft. Home In July 2018, Master Odor Removal successfully completed an odor removal service in a luxury 7500 sq. ft. home in Boca Raton, FL. The odor issue was caused by smoldering cooking pan that had started to burn and was left for several hours. The 1700 sq. ft. area had 20 ft ceilings, three islands which led to the open adjacent dining and family room and large spiral stair case lead to the upstairs narrow hall and bedroom. All areas had a Level 5 (1-5 scale) burnt or scorched smell which included the cabinets, furniture, drapes and custom carpeting and in closeted large food pantry. The home had four air conditioning units which were in the attic that would have to be treated separately. The owner prior to our visit, had tried to just air it out and then used common cover-ups after cleaning the stove area – which only contributed to making the source odor smell pronounced throughout the homes other living areas. The owner was only interested in a rush and same day service! The odor was caused by tiny microscopic burnt plastic particles that were clinging to ceiling walls, furniture, floors, clothing and other items now inside most of the home carried in part by the time of smoke exposure and air conditioning cycling on and off. Smoke particles get into the tiniest nooks and crannies and can be difficult to remove. The stove area / back splash had visible signs of carbon though the other areas had no blackness that could be seen or even evident in the microfiber white cloths that we used to test prior to molecular chemical application. All living areas of the home had been expertly cleaned prior to our inspection. The scope of our work included odor source remediation, ceiling and wall treatments using a 20-foot ladder, and fogging treatments in the entire main home’s, kitchen, bedrooms, living areas and pantry. A/C electrochemical fogging in attic. Carbon was remediated and air quality tested.

This couple desired to expand their horizon and maximize their outdoor living space. Their back yard was part of a big hill and a major amount of excavation needed to level up the ground for any kind of flat space use • The homeowner’s goals where to have a big lower level patio to be able to walk out of their basement into stone patio • Space for outdoor jacuzzi • Space for outdoor wood burning fireplace and seating wall • Outdoor lower bar • Second floor large scale deck with a cooking bar • A walkway ramp for wheelchair access (covered with roof) • Lots of seating and entertainment space Challenges: The big backyard hill and big ground. Big stone retaining walls needed. Major excavation. Run utilities, such as gas and water and sewer for bar area. Resolve drainage. The project started with breaking ground, and haul away major amount of dirt from back yard, implementing over 300 ft of retaining wall covered in stone to sunk in the patio Cutting concrete walls in basement to create walk out into new patio New flagstone patio over concrete slab was designed with outer radius to own a wood burning fireplace and seating walls. Right side was covered with tall stone wall and raining to adjacent neighbors Under the deck area is a covered area for bar with stool seating wrapped with ledger stone and granite top and a secluded area for jacuzzi away from neighbors’ view A double-sided staircase was built connecting lower patio to wrapped around upper deck, The new Azak covered deck with listed rail system was equipped with cooking island, natural gas grill, sink and faucet, microwave and outdoor beverage center. A covered walkway ramp has given an opportunity for elder mother in wheelchair to be able to visit them and spend time outdoor with them. Beaded ceiling panels and hanging chandeliers has lid up this veranda. This three-story addition into back of this dwelling stand tall in this community and now more than ever this family get to enjoy their backyard and outdoors with friends and family The harmonizing choice of decking colors with ledger stone, granite tops, flagstone and veneer wall stones has given this outdoor project a standing ovation.

This recently completed outdoor living space was created for a really great family in Chatham. Their original backyard design included a deck surrounded by mulch planting beds. We demolished all original elements and constructed an all bluestone patio that ran the entire width of their home. This made it possible to double their usable space. We used uniformly sized all blue bluestone tiles. We built them an outdoor kitchen and bar - complete with grill, shelving, built-in trash can and refrigerator. Pearl Blue quartz was used for the counter top and we rounded the bar side in order to maximize sitting space. The perimeter of the patio received a 20" high sitting wall with a 2" thick bluestone tread cap. LED strip lighting was installed below the wall cap to provide accent lighting at night. At the yard entrance, we built (2) raised piers complete with centered light fixtures on top. The custom gas-start/wood-burn fireplace really sets this patio apart from most. By curving the hearth and hollowing out the interior, we were able to create a wood log storage area without sacrificing any of their usable space on the sides. The gas dial is concealed on the side of the fireplace and is operated by key. Throughout the entire patio you will see cultured stone siding that provides the perfect blend of continuity and complimentary colors. This project was a huge success and the client is very happy with the finished product. We couldn't have asked to work for better people. #GreatWorkForGreatPeople

full [s3e1] Power Se.ason 3 Ep.isode 1 On.line Call Me James. Alright, everything looks perfect then, and let's getting started to watch for it finally, Power s03e01: Call Me James. As the premiere of season 3, what we could expect then? James gets ready to leave Ghost behind. Angela needs to choose between honor and love. A bit reminder from "Ghost Is Dead" Bodies from Ghost's organization drop left and right, each death inching closer to Ghost and Tommy. Tasha learns of Shawn's death, believing it to have been Ghost's work. Kanan and Ghost fight with Ghost the victor, leaving him for dead and burning the evidence. Tommy Learns of Ghost's involvement with Holly. Ghost reveals to Tommy that he was the one killing most of the members from the organization. Soon after, Tommy shows Ghost the fake ID of Holly and goes solo. Lobo's calls Tommy wanting him to work with him or lose everything. Angela and Ghost reconcile telling her Ghost is dead, but at the risk of her possibly losing her job. Greg threatens to put Angela and Ghost in jail. The police investigate a fire at Ghost's and Kanan's fight, revealing someone escaped, strongly implying Kanan is still alive. Know further of this show, Power is an American crime drama television series airing on Starz. The show was created by Courtney Kemp Agboh and is produced by the rapper Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson. It premiered on June 7, 2014. On June 11, 2014, Starz renewed Power for a ten-episode second season, which began on June 6, 2015 and ended on August 15, 2015. On June 10, 2015, after a very positive critical response to its season 2 premiere, Power was renewed for a ten-episode third season which is scheduled to premiere on July 17, 2016. Very fantastic, The series follows James St. Patrick, nicknamed "Ghost," owner of a popular New York City nightclub "Truth." In addition, he is a major player in one of the city's biggest illegal drug networks. He struggles to balance these two lives, and the balance topples when he realizes he wants to leave the drug ring in order to support his legitimate business, and commit to his mistress. He seems eerily unhappy with his life, Tommy calling it a mid-life crisis, therefore getting in a relationship with Angela. He also has to keep his marriage with Tasha (Naughton) and his relationship with AUSA agent Angela Valdez (Loren). With help from his partner in crime Tommy Egan (Sikora), he tries to manage a double life. In the second season James is thrown out of his penthouse after Tasha found out that James took Angela to Miami. 100% working here: http://tinyurl.com/ju79smw http://tinyurl.com/jejqwra Kanan (50 Cent) who spent 10 years in a drug related crime, also believes Ghost set him up. Kanan has a son Shawn, who drives Ghost around and Kanan uses him to get information on Ghost. In the season 2 finale, Ghost and Kanan indulge in an extremely dangerous fight in a dilapidated building. Ghost eventually stabs Kanan and burns him. But in the final minutes of the season finale "Ghost Is Dead", it is revealed that sprinklers had put the fire out, resulting in Kanan escaping and ends with the line "Nobody broke in, somebody broke out". Go and start watching for it after all, Power season 3, episode 1 : Call Me James.

"First Cast" ~ Fly Fishing, 12" x 30", Original Painting, by Katy Karnes The river is so peaceful and still, as the sun starts to burn through the morning mist. A painting for the Miramichi Salmon Association, New Brunswick, Canada. Katy is well known for her uplifting, highly textured, nature inspired art. Katy sells her art in numerous galleries and retail stores in the Maritime provinces of Canada, and the United States. She has also shown her art in New York City. She paints for organizations such as The Atlantic Salmon Federation, The Miramichi Salmon Association. Katy works closely with interior designers, to create art for both home and corporate environments. Custom orders are available, any size. For more information, please visit Katy's website: http://www.artbykaty.ca Like on Facebook: Art by Katy Karnes http://www.facebook.com/artbykatykarnes

"First Cast" ~ Fly Fishing, 12" x 30", Original Painting, by Katy Karnes The river is so peaceful and still, as the sun starts to burn through the morning mist. A painting for the Miramichi Salmon Association, New Brunswick, Canada. Katy is well known for her uplifting, highly textured, nature inspired art. Katy sells her art in numerous galleries and retail stores in the Maritime provinces of Canada, and the United States. She has also shown her art in New York City. She paints for organizations such as The Atlantic Salmon Federation, The Miramichi Salmon Association. Katy works closely with interior designers, to create art for both home and corporate environments. Custom orders are available, any size. For more information, please visit Katy's website: http://www.artbykaty.ca Like on Facebook: Art by Katy Karnes http://www.facebook.com/artbykatykarnes

"Not only does Tulipalo provide 'Exceptional Fires' they also provide exceptional customer service. I ordered my Stuv MicroMega back in April 2023 and my expectations were managed from day one explaining that it had a lead in time of 6 months for manufacture. In September I had the privilege of having Simon and Mark start the fitting of the fire along with the fireplace, hearth and slips. It took a few days as expected but I was lucky enough to be off for the duration to see them do their exceptional work. Apart from a great service they are also genuinely nice guys who can be trusted with your every need. Thank you Tulipalo for what was a great experience. I absolutely love my fire and the finished project is exactly what I was after." Another happy client. Do you have a project in mind? We would love to help. Contact us today to discuss.

The Napoleon High Country™ 7000 Wood Fireplace is inspired by European clean face design and features a huge viewing area. An exclusive counterbalanced ZERO GRAVITY™ door system operates the screen and heat radiating ceramic glass independently, allowing the fire to be viewed through either the glass, screen or both. The large firebox holds up to 50 lbs of wood and is lined with high density vermiculite. A powerful air wash system keeps the glass clean and the super-boost air induction ports sweep across the ember bed for extremely fast start-ups.

This truly magnificent King City Project is the ultra-luxurious family home you’ve been dreaming of! This immaculate 5 bedroom residence has stunning curb appeal, with a beautifully designed white Cape Cod wood siding, professionally landscaped gardens, precisely positioned home on 3 acre lot and a private driveway leading up to the 4 car garage including workshop. This beautiful 8200 square foot Georgian style home is every homeowners dream plus a beautiful 5800 square foot walkout basement. The English inspired exterior cladding and landscaping has an endless array of attention and detail. The handpicked materials of the interior has endless exceptional unfinished oak hardwood throughout, varying 9” to 12” plaster crown mouldings throughout and see each room accented with upscale interior light fixtures. Spend the end of your hard worked days in our beautiful Conservatory walking out of the kitchen/family room, this open concept room his met with high ceilings and 60 linear feet of glass looking out onto 3 acres of land. Our exquisite Bloomsbury Kitchen designed kitchen is a hand painted work of art. Simple but stunning craftsmanship for this gourmet kitchen with a 10ft calacatta island and countertops. 2 apron sinks incorporated into counter and islands with 2-Georgian Bridge polished nickel faucets. Our 60” range will help every meal taste better than the last. 3 stainless steel fridges. The bright breakfast area is ideal for enjoying morning meals and conversation while overlooking the verdant backyard, or step out to the conservatory to savor your meals under the stars. All accented with Carrara backsplash. Also, on the main level is the expansive Master Suite with stunning views of the countryside, and a magnificent ensuite washroom, featuring built-in cabinetry, a makeup counter, an oversized glass shower, and a separate free standing tub. All is sitting on a beautifully layout of carrara floor tiles. All bedrooms have abundant walk-in closet space, large windows and full ensuites with heated floor in all tiled areas. Hardwood floors throughout have been such an important detail in this home. We take a lot of pride in the finish as well as the planning that went into designing the floors. We have a wide variety of French parque flooring, herringbone in main areas as well as chevron in our dining room and eating areas. Feel the texture on your feet as this oak hardwood comes to life with its beautiful stained finished. 75% of the home is a paneling heaven. The entire first floor leading up to the second floor has extensive recessed panels, archways and bead board from floor to ceiling to give it that country feel. Our main floor spiral staircase is nothing but luxury with its simple handrails and beautifully stained steps. Walk out onto two Garden Walkways, one off of the kitchen and the other off of the master bedroom hallway. BBQ area or just relaxing in front of a wood burning fireplace looking off of a porch with clean cut glass railings. Our wood burning fireplace can be seen in the basement, first floor and exterior of the garden walkway terrace. These fireplaces are cladded with Owen Sound limestone and having a herringbone designed box. To help enjoy these fireplaces, take full advantage of the two storey electronic dumbwaiter elevator for the firewood. Get work done in our 600 square foot office, that is surrounded by oak recessed paneling, custom crafted built ins and hand carved oak desk, all looking onto 3 acres of country side. Enjoy wine? See our beautifully designed wine cellar finished with marble border and pebble stone floor to give you that authentic feel of a real winery. This handcrafted room holds up to 3000 bottles of wine and is a beautiful feature every home should have. Wine enthusiasts will love the climatized wine room for displaying and preserving your extensive collection. This wine room has floor to ceiling glass looking onto the family room of the basement with a wood burning fireplace. After your long meal and couple glasses of wine, see our 1500 square foot gym with all the latest equipment and rubber floor and surrounded in floor to ceiling mirrors. Once you’re done with your workout, you have the option of using our traditional sauna, infrared sauna or taking a dip in the hot tub. Extras include a side entrance to the mudroom, two spacious cold rooms, a CVAC system throughout, 400 AMP Electrical service with generator for entire home, a security system, built-in speakers throughout and Control4 Home automation system that includes lighting, audio & video and so much more. A true pride of ownership and masterpiece built and managed by Dellfina Homes Inc.