Welcome home to this luxe, modern, and inviting townhome in the heart of downtown Jersey City! We are ecstatic to see this project completed. This 4-story multifamily underwent a major renovation and was transformed into a spacious and functional family home for our clients. Careful consideration of our client’s lifestyle and plans for the future dictated every design decision. They needed a space that would function well now that they are a young professional couple and a space that would nicely accommodate a growing family in the future. Greater emphasis was placed on common family spaces and bedrooms were designed exclusively for sleep with minimal room for work or study and without TV connections to discourage those activities from taking place in these spaces. Instead, common places such as the family room and the kitchen are inviting and foster those activities. Due to sagging floors in need of extensive repair, it made more financial sense to replace them entirely. We took this historic house and by re-pitching the roof in an inverted form we were able to gain an overall 36” which we used for raising the floors. This, in turn, allowed us to bring the ground level up to code and be suitable for living space and gave us additional ceiling room on the upper floors. The ground floor was designed to be used as a rental unit and can be reincorporated into the home later when more space is needed. Both front and back facades were replaced with timeless brick and vertical wood siding and all windows and front doors were replaced. The ground floor features a one-bedroom suite, living room, and open kitchen-dining area. On the first floor, we achieved a more effective entry sequence to the living room, an open-concept design leading to the kitchen. The interior is bright and airy, and the kitchen opens up to the deck in the back and the patio, making entertaining indoors and outdoors seamless. The design works in a way to accommodate the addition of a stair leading to the ground level when the rental unit is incorporated back into the house. Up on the second floor, a suite with a bathroom was designed with grandparents or guests in mind. Also, two additional bedrooms are now being used as an exercise room and a zoom-worthy office but can later be used as kids’ rooms. Last but not least, the third floor features the master suite with his and hers walk-in closets, a master bath, and a library.

Welcome home to this luxe, modern, and inviting townhome in the heart of downtown Jersey City! We are ecstatic to see this project completed. This 4-story multifamily underwent a major renovation and was transformed into a spacious and functional family home for our clients. Careful consideration of our client’s lifestyle and plans for the future dictated every design decision. They needed a space that would function well now that they are a young professional couple and a space that would nicely accommodate a growing family in the future. Greater emphasis was placed on common family spaces and bedrooms were designed exclusively for sleep with minimal room for work or study and without TV connections to discourage those activities from taking place in these spaces. Instead, common places such as the family room and the kitchen are inviting and foster those activities. Due to sagging floors in need of extensive repair, it made more financial sense to replace them entirely. We took this historic house and by re-pitching the roof in an inverted form we were able to gain an overall 36” which we used for raising the floors. This, in turn, allowed us to bring the ground level up to code and be suitable for living space and gave us additional ceiling room on the upper floors. The ground floor was designed to be used as a rental unit and can be reincorporated into the home later when more space is needed. Both front and back facades were replaced with timeless brick and vertical wood siding and all windows and front doors were replaced. The ground floor features a one-bedroom suite, living room, and open kitchen-dining area. On the first floor, we achieved a more effective entry sequence to the living room, an open-concept design leading to the kitchen. The interior is bright and airy, and the kitchen opens up to the deck in the back and the patio, making entertaining indoors and outdoors seamless. The design works in a way to accommodate the addition of a stair leading to the ground level when the rental unit is incorporated back into the house. Up on the second floor, a suite with a bathroom was designed with grandparents or guests in mind. Also, two additional bedrooms are now being used as an exercise room and a zoom-worthy office but can later be used as kids’ rooms. Last but not least, the third floor features the master suite with his and hers walk-in closets, a master bath, and a library.

Welcome home to this luxe, modern, and inviting townhome in the heart of downtown Jersey City! We are ecstatic to see this project completed. This 4-story multifamily underwent a major renovation and was transformed into a spacious and functional family home for our clients. Careful consideration of our client’s lifestyle and plans for the future dictated every design decision. They needed a space that would function well now that they are a young professional couple and a space that would nicely accommodate a growing family in the future. Greater emphasis was placed on common family spaces and bedrooms were designed exclusively for sleep with minimal room for work or study and without TV connections to discourage those activities from taking place in these spaces. Instead, common places such as the family room and the kitchen are inviting and foster those activities. Due to sagging floors in need of extensive repair, it made more financial sense to replace them entirely. We took this historic house and by re-pitching the roof in an inverted form we were able to gain an overall 36” which we used for raising the floors. This, in turn, allowed us to bring the ground level up to code and be suitable for living space and gave us additional ceiling room on the upper floors. The ground floor was designed to be used as a rental unit and can be reincorporated into the home later when more space is needed. Both front and back facades were replaced with timeless brick and vertical wood siding and all windows and front doors were replaced. The ground floor features a one-bedroom suite, living room, and open kitchen-dining area. On the first floor, we achieved a more effective entry sequence to the living room, an open-concept design leading to the kitchen. The interior is bright and airy, and the kitchen opens up to the deck in the back and the patio, making entertaining indoors and outdoors seamless. The design works in a way to accommodate the addition of a stair leading to the ground level when the rental unit is incorporated back into the house. Up on the second floor, a suite with a bathroom was designed with grandparents or guests in mind. Also, two additional bedrooms are now being used as an exercise room and a zoom-worthy office but can later be used as kids’ rooms. Last but not least, the third floor features the master suite with his and hers walk-in closets, a master bath, and a library.

Welcome home to this luxe, modern, and inviting townhome in the heart of downtown Jersey City! We are ecstatic to see this project completed. This 4-story multifamily underwent a major renovation and was transformed into a spacious and functional family home for our clients. Careful consideration of our client’s lifestyle and plans for the future dictated every design decision. They needed a space that would function well now that they are a young professional couple and a space that would nicely accommodate a growing family in the future. Greater emphasis was placed on common family spaces and bedrooms were designed exclusively for sleep with minimal room for work or study and without TV connections to discourage those activities from taking place in these spaces. Instead, common places such as the family room and the kitchen are inviting and foster those activities. Due to sagging floors in need of extensive repair, it made more financial sense to replace them entirely. We took this historic house and by re-pitching the roof in an inverted form we were able to gain an overall 36” which we used for raising the floors. This, in turn, allowed us to bring the ground level up to code and be suitable for living space and gave us additional ceiling room on the upper floors. The ground floor was designed to be used as a rental unit and can be reincorporated into the home later when more space is needed. Both front and back facades were replaced with timeless brick and vertical wood siding and all windows and front doors were replaced. The ground floor features a one-bedroom suite, living room, and open kitchen-dining area. On the first floor, we achieved a more effective entry sequence to the living room, an open-concept design leading to the kitchen. The interior is bright and airy, and the kitchen opens up to the deck in the back and the patio, making entertaining indoors and outdoors seamless. The design works in a way to accommodate the addition of a stair leading to the ground level when the rental unit is incorporated back into the house. Up on the second floor, a suite with a bathroom was designed with grandparents or guests in mind. Also, two additional bedrooms are now being used as an exercise room and a zoom-worthy office but can later be used as kids’ rooms. Last but not least, the third floor features the master suite with his and hers walk-in closets, a master bath, and a library.

Welcome home to this luxe, modern, and inviting townhome in the heart of downtown Jersey City! We are ecstatic to see this project completed. This 4-story multifamily underwent a major renovation and was transformed into a spacious and functional family home for our clients. Careful consideration of our client’s lifestyle and plans for the future dictated every design decision. They needed a space that would function well now that they are a young professional couple and a space that would nicely accommodate a growing family in the future. Greater emphasis was placed on common family spaces and bedrooms were designed exclusively for sleep with minimal room for work or study and without TV connections to discourage those activities from taking place in these spaces. Instead, common places such as the family room and the kitchen are inviting and foster those activities. Due to sagging floors in need of extensive repair, it made more financial sense to replace them entirely. We took this historic house and by re-pitching the roof in an inverted form we were able to gain an overall 36” which we used for raising the floors. This, in turn, allowed us to bring the ground level up to code and be suitable for living space and gave us additional ceiling room on the upper floors. The ground floor was designed to be used as a rental unit and can be reincorporated into the home later when more space is needed. Both front and back facades were replaced with timeless brick and vertical wood siding and all windows and front doors were replaced. The ground floor features a one-bedroom suite, living room, and open kitchen-dining area. On the first floor, we achieved a more effective entry sequence to the living room, an open-concept design leading to the kitchen. The interior is bright and airy, and the kitchen opens up to the deck in the back and the patio, making entertaining indoors and outdoors seamless. The design works in a way to accommodate the addition of a stair leading to the ground level when the rental unit is incorporated back into the house. Up on the second floor, a suite with a bathroom was designed with grandparents or guests in mind. Also, two additional bedrooms are now being used as an exercise room and a zoom-worthy office but can later be used as kids’ rooms. Last but not least, the third floor features the master suite with his and hers walk-in closets, a master bath, and a library.

Get the Look! 20966 Vintage Beni M'Guild Moroccan Rug with Retro Modern Style 05'09 x 07'09. With vibrant splashes of colors and a bold geometric pattern, this hand-knotted wool vintage burgundy Beni M'Guild Moroccan rug astounds with its beauty. Like an endless horizon, the waves of abrash and ombre effect provides a beautiful backdrop for the all-over diamond pattern. This vintage Moroccan rug features a lozenge trellis composed of concentric diamonds, which symbolizes femininity and womanhood. It is framed with a cross motif border representing the male's presence of protection. In Moroccan rugs, male motifs often appear on the outer portions of the composition, framing and enclosing the female motifs. This presentation can be seen as symbolizing fertility, as well as protection and the sanctuary of the family. Though deceptively simple, this beautiful Beni Mguild Moroccan rug is clearly laced with meaning and cultural significance. Perfect for adding organic tactile sensations to a living room, bedroom, front room, home office, private library, sitting room, children's area, nursery, small space, mudroom, large entry, grand foyer, designer entryway, game room, playroom, study, studio, rumpus room, and theatre room or it would make a lovely accent next to a buffet in a dining room, behind the sofa table in the living room, or by a vestibule in a hotel lobby. Well-suited for fashion-forward homes, eclectic interiors, and a variety of styles: Bohemian, Postmodern, Abstract, Expressionism, Contemporary, Modern, Retro, Art Moderne, Boho Chic, Modern Mexican, Santa Fe Desert, Eclectic, Mid-Century Modern, Cubism, Surrealism, Memphis Design, Art Deco, Tribal, Nomadic, Ethnic, Primitive, African, Artisan, Industrial, Lodge, Cabin, Rustic, Northwestern, Urban, and Loft. Rendered in variegated shades of burgundy, maroon, wine, tangerine, orange, mauve, rose, magena, mulberry, cranberry, and coffee with other accent colors. Beni Mguild Carpet. Berber Tribes of Morocco. Abrash. Hand knotted wool. Made in Morocco. Measures: 05'09 x 07'09.

An Arts & Crafts Bungalow is one of my favorite styles of homes. We have quite a few of them in our Stockton Mid-Town area. And when C&L called us to help them remodel their 1923 American Bungalow, I was beyond thrilled. As per usual, when we get a new inquiry, we quickly Google the project location while we are talking to you on the phone. My excitement escalated when I saw the Google Earth Image of the sweet Sage Green bungalow in Mid-Town Stockton. "Yes, we would be interested in working with you," I said trying to keep my cool. But what made it even better was meeting C&L and touring their home, because they are the nicest young couple, eager to make their home period perfect. Unfortunately, it had been slightly molested by some bad house-flippers, and we needed to bring the bathroom back to it "roots." We knew we had to banish the hideous brown tile and cheap vanity quickly. But C&L complained about the condensation problems and the constant fight with mold. This immediately told me that improper remodeling had occurred and we needed to remedy that right away. The Before: Frustrations with a Botched Remodel The bathroom needed to be brought back to period appropriate design with all the functionality of a modern bathroom. We thought of things like marble countertop, white mosaic floor tiles, white subway tile, board and batten molding, and of course a fabulous wallpaper. This small (and only) bathroom on a tight budget required a little bit of design sleuthing to figure out how we could get the proper look and feel. Our goal was to determine where to splurge and where to economize and how to complete the remodel as quickly as possible because C&L would have to move out while construction was going on. The Process: Hard Work to Remedy Design and Function During our initial design study, (which included 2 hours in the owners’ home), we noticed framed images of William Morris Arts and Crafts textile patterns and knew this would be our design inspiration. We presented C&L with three options and they quickly selected the Pimpernel Design Concept. We had originally selected the Black and Olive colors with a black vanity, mirror, and black and white floor tile. C&L liked it but weren’t quite sure about the black, We went back to the drawing board and decided the William & Co Pimpernel Wallpaper in Bayleaf and Manilla color with a softer gray painted vanity and mirror and white floor tile was more to their liking. After the Design Concept was approved, we went to work securing the building permit, procuring all the elements, and scheduling our trusted tradesmen to perform the work. We did uncover some shoddy work by the flippers such as live electrical wires hidden behind the wall, plumbing venting cut-off and buried in the walls (hence the constant dampness), the tub barely balancing on two fence boards across the floor joist, and no insulation on the exterior wall. All of the previous blunders were fixed and the bathroom put back to its previous glory. We could feel the house thanking us for making it pretty again. The After Reveal: Cohesive Design Decisions We selected a simple white subway tile for the tub/shower. This is always classic and in keeping with the style of the house. We selected a pre-fab vanity and mirror, but they look rich with the quartz countertop. There is much more storage in this small vanity than you would think. The Transformation: A Period Perfect Refresh We began the remodel just as the pandemic reared and stay-in-place orders went into effect. As C&L were already moved out and living with relatives, we got the go-ahead from city officials to get the work done (after all, how can you shelter in place without a bathroom?). All our tradesmen were scheduled to work so that only one crew was on the job site at a time. We stayed on the original schedule with only a one week delay. The end result is the sweetest little bathroom I've ever seen (and I can't wait to start work on C&L's kitchen next). Thank you for joining me in this project transformation. I hope this inspired you to think about being creative with your design projects, determining what works best in keeping with the architecture of your space, and carefully assessing how you can have the best life in your home.

The client’s brief was to create a space reminiscent of their beloved downtown Chicago industrial loft, in a rural farm setting, while incorporating their unique collection of vintage and architectural salvage. The result is a custom designed space that blends life on the farm with an industrial sensibility. The new house is located on approximately the same footprint as the original farm house on the property. Barely visible from the road due to the protection of conifer trees and a long driveway, the house sits on the edge of a field with views of the neighbouring 60 acre farm and creek that runs along the length of the property. The main level open living space is conceived as a transparent social hub for viewing the landscape. Large sliding glass doors create strong visual connections with an adjacent barn on one end and a mature black walnut tree on the other. The house is situated to optimize views, while at the same time protecting occupants from blazing summer sun and stiff winter winds. The wall to wall sliding doors on the south side of the main living space provide expansive views to the creek, and allow for breezes to flow throughout. The wrap around aluminum louvered sun shade tempers the sun. The subdued exterior material palette is defined by horizontal wood siding, standing seam metal roofing and large format polished concrete blocks. The interiors were driven by the owners’ desire to have a home that would properly feature their unique vintage collection, and yet have a modern open layout. Polished concrete floors and steel beams on the main level set the industrial tone and are paired with a stainless steel island counter top, backsplash and industrial range hood in the kitchen. An old drinking fountain is built-in to the mudroom millwork, carefully restored bi-parting doors frame the library entrance, and a vibrant antique stained glass panel is set into the foyer wall allowing diffused coloured light to spill into the hallway. Upstairs, refurbished claw foot tubs are situated to view the landscape. The double height library with mezzanine serves as a prominent feature and quiet retreat for the residents. The white oak millwork exquisitely displays the homeowners’ vast collection of books and manuscripts. The material palette is complemented by steel counter tops, stainless steel ladder hardware and matte black metal mezzanine guards. The stairs carry the same language, with white oak open risers and stainless steel woven wire mesh panels set into a matte black steel frame. The overall effect is a truly sublime blend of an industrial modern aesthetic punctuated by personal elements of the owners’ storied life. Photography: James Brittain

Guillermo Garcia
Inspiration for a timeless balcony remodel in Santa Barbara

Reframed and reimagined, the Studio is connected to the space
Design ideas for a huge farmhouse drought-tolerant, rock and full sun backyard landscaping in Denver with decking.

Mid-century modern dining room photo in Vancouver

The Cartesio is an elegant, iconic table featuring an original coated metal, weight-bearing frame consisting of 4 rectangular-section V-shaped separate elements. The top comes in wood veneer finish or slatted oak. The slatted oak top matched to a rust Corten-finished base lends a metropolitan appearance to this table. Its sculptural modern silhouette and solid lines will add character to the most classic and rigorous settings. The Cortesio is paired with the Anais Dining Chairs, Sipario Sideboard, and several Pom Pom Suspension Lamps, all by Calligaris.

An Arts & Crafts Bungalow is one of my favorite styles of homes. We have quite a few of them in our Stockton Mid-Town area. And when C&L called us to help them remodel their 1923 American Bungalow, I was beyond thrilled. As per usual, when we get a new inquiry, we quickly Google the project location while we are talking to you on the phone. My excitement escalated when I saw the Google Earth Image of the sweet Sage Green bungalow in Mid-Town Stockton. "Yes, we would be interested in working with you," I said trying to keep my cool. But what made it even better was meeting C&L and touring their home, because they are the nicest young couple, eager to make their home period perfect. Unfortunately, it had been slightly molested by some bad house-flippers, and we needed to bring the bathroom back to it "roots." We knew we had to banish the hideous brown tile and cheap vanity quickly. But C&L complained about the condensation problems and the constant fight with mold. This immediately told me that improper remodeling had occurred and we needed to remedy that right away. The Before: Frustrations with a Botched Remodel The bathroom needed to be brought back to period appropriate design with all the functionality of a modern bathroom. We thought of things like marble countertop, white mosaic floor tiles, white subway tile, board and batten molding, and of course a fabulous wallpaper. This small (and only) bathroom on a tight budget required a little bit of design sleuthing to figure out how we could get the proper look and feel. Our goal was to determine where to splurge and where to economize and how to complete the remodel as quickly as possible because C&L would have to move out while construction was going on. The Process: Hard Work to Remedy Design and Function During our initial design study, (which included 2 hours in the owners’ home), we noticed framed images of William Morris Arts and Crafts textile patterns and knew this would be our design inspiration. We presented C&L with three options and they quickly selected the Pimpernel Design Concept. We had originally selected the Black and Olive colors with a black vanity, mirror, and black and white floor tile. C&L liked it but weren’t quite sure about the black, We went back to the drawing board and decided the William & Co Pimpernel Wallpaper in Bayleaf and Manilla color with a softer gray painted vanity and mirror and white floor tile was more to their liking. After the Design Concept was approved, we went to work securing the building permit, procuring all the elements, and scheduling our trusted tradesmen to perform the work. We did uncover some shoddy work by the flippers such as live electrical wires hidden behind the wall, plumbing venting cut-off and buried in the walls (hence the constant dampness), the tub barely balancing on two fence boards across the floor joist, and no insulation on the exterior wall. All of the previous blunders were fixed and the bathroom put back to its previous glory. We could feel the house thanking us for making it pretty again. The After Reveal: Cohesive Design Decisions We selected a simple white subway tile for the tub/shower. This is always classic and in keeping with the style of the house. We selected a pre-fab vanity and mirror, but they look rich with the quartz countertop. There is much more storage in this small vanity than you would think. The Transformation: A Period Perfect Refresh We began the remodel just as the pandemic reared and stay-in-place orders went into effect. As C&L were already moved out and living with relatives, we got the go-ahead from city officials to get the work done (after all, how can you shelter in place without a bathroom?). All our tradesmen were scheduled to work so that only one crew was on the job site at a time. We stayed on the original schedule with only a one week delay. The end result is the sweetest little bathroom I've ever seen (and I can't wait to start work on C&L's kitchen next). Thank you for joining me in this project transformation. I hope this inspired you to think about being creative with your design projects, determining what works best in keeping with the architecture of your space, and carefully assessing how you can have the best life in your home.

“EURO-LAKEVIEW ESTATE” This beautifully wooded lake-side estate is owned by a very special couple who contacted the Fred Parker Company design-build team from the company’s Houzz.com professional website profile. The owners were interviewing design-build firms, and Custom Builder and AIBD Building Designer Ron Parker and ASID Interior Designer Lila Parker connected with this special couple on their first appointment. The couple was recently married and both had survived the loss of their spouse in years past. Ron and Lila accepted this as a very special opportunity to fulfill the owner’s dreams for this home through taking a fresh and very unique approach to this amazing residence and property. The incredible home was originally designed and built by the husband for his family. Ron and Lila understood the importance of honoring and respecting the significance of these memories. The wife had a beautifully restored home on White Rock Lake and desired for the design and feel of her existing home to be incorporated with the architecture and style of this home to be renovated. The Parker’s design / build team embraced this tremendous opportunity and were awarded the contracts for design and construction. Additions were created to expand the Kitchen and Dining Area overlooking the lake. A beautiful European style kitchen was designed to include flush inset and stained cabinets; quartz counters with a “waterfall effect” at the island and serving bar; significant cabinet and storage details; large and expansive Andersen Windows and Patio Doors, custom wood beams, and oversized porcelain tile flooring. The Family Area was redesigned with a custom entertainment center and new Andersen Doors and Windows. Other remodeling and interior design upgrades were completed in the home including converting the existing Dining Room and Butler’s Pantry into a Library and Reading Area, and remodeling the Powder Room to include a free-standing contemporary vanity. Changes and upgrades were also made to the Study and Master Bath. A large patio was built with stone retaining walls, borders, planters, and steps leading to the beautifully terraced yard. This project also included a quaint and refreshing detached Art Room addition with cathedral ceiling, nestled in the trees overlooking the lake. A new two-car garage addition with storage closets was also added to the existing garage. Due to the proximately of these additions to the lake, special permission and critical guidelines were required by the Corps of Engineers and local city building authorities. These legal requirements created design, engineering, and building challenges which were approved and completed as required. Ron and Lila Parker and the Fred Parker Company Design / Build Team are extremely proud of the work that was achieved to redesign, renovate, and update this amazing estate for this fine couple and their families. Ron’s personal mission statement “To meet or exceed the client’s expectations and end with a good relationship” was certainly tested but he believes this was respectively achieved as indicated by the client’s eloquent “Five-Star Houzz Review”.

Daylight is a very important factor that influences plant growth and reproduction. Gardeners need to make sure that they measure the length of daylight hours that a plant gets within a 24-hour period. This way, growth can be monitored and regulated. For sun-loving plants, changes in the length of each day serve as the guide that helps plants transition from vegetative growth to reproductive stages. Changes in seasons and daylight hours have an impact on the adjustment of growth hormones that are responsible for flowering. Therefore, it’s very important for gardeners to make sure that they conduct thorough research on long-season plants that are adapted to extended sunlight exposure. During this research, it’s not uncommon for gardeners to come across topics related to sativa seeds for sale because these plants are studied for their adaptation to bright, extended growing seasons. For gardeners that want to experiment with these kinds of plants, sativa seeds for sale can be a good starting point. But in all cases of plant growth for sun-loving plants, the principle is always the same: it’s that daylight acts as a calendar that plants use so they can determine when it’s time for them to reproduce. Long-Day, Short-Day, and Day-Neutral Responses Different plants have different responses to light cycles. This is why plants are grouped into long-day, short-day, and day-neutral categories. Long-day plants are those plants that thrive when daylight goes beyond the critical threshold. This is mostly common in late spring or early summer. A lot of sun-loving ornamental plants and vegetables fall within this category. They always take advantage of the longer days that support energy-intensive flower and seed production. On the other hand, short-day plants are those that usually flower and thrive when nights grow longer. When temperatures cool or the seasonal rainfall patterns change, these plants tend to thrive. Sure, these plants still require strong sunlight. However, it’s their uninterrupted time in the dark that triggers their reproductive phase. For day-neutral plants, it’s age and environmental stress that impacts their reproductive phase. However, they still do benefit from adequate sunlight. It’s very important for gardeners to understand these categories so that they can plan what to grow in their garden with each turn of the season. By doing this, it’s easier to guarantee better results in one’s garden. Why Sunlight Duration Matters More Than Intensity Alone It’s not only the sun’s intensity that should be taken into account when growing a garden. It’s also very important to take note of sunlight duration, which is actually more important for plants. Sure, light intensity does influence photosynthesis. However, it’s the duration of sunlight exposure that plays an important regulatory role. When plants are exposed to sunlight longer, they are able to produce more carbohydrates through photosynthesis. This helps them build the energy reserves they need to grow buds and flowers. However, if a plant does not get enough sunlight time, there is a huge chance that the plant will not bloom at all. If you have observed plants that grow very quickly but do not flower, the reason is that it doesn’t get enough sunlight time. Therefore, it’s very important to monitor sunlight duration in order to make sure that plants will actually grow buds and flowers. Practical Implications for Garden Planning When gardeners understand the impact of daylight hours on plants, they are able to plan their gardens more effectively. After all, seasons do change and the conditions brought by each season will definitely have a huge impact on plant growth. Once gardeners have the right knowledge in terms of which categories plants belong to, they can easily decide which plants to grow at any given time. It’s not enough to just rely on sunlight intensity and then expect plants to grow buds and flowers. It’s also very important to take into account the duration of sunlight time for each plant. By having this understanding, gardeners will become more effective when it comes to making sure that flowering occurs.

An Arts & Crafts Bungalow is one of my favorite styles of homes. We have quite a few of them in our Stockton Mid-Town area. And when C&L called us to help them remodel their 1923 American Bungalow, I was beyond thrilled. As per usual, when we get a new inquiry, we quickly Google the project location while we are talking to you on the phone. My excitement escalated when I saw the Google Earth Image of the sweet Sage Green bungalow in Mid-Town Stockton. "Yes, we would be interested in working with you," I said trying to keep my cool. But what made it even better was meeting C&L and touring their home, because they are the nicest young couple, eager to make their home period perfect. Unfortunately, it had been slightly molested by some bad house-flippers, and we needed to bring the bathroom back to it "roots." We knew we had to banish the hideous brown tile and cheap vanity quickly. But C&L complained about the condensation problems and the constant fight with mold. This immediately told me that improper remodeling had occurred and we needed to remedy that right away. The Before: Frustrations with a Botched Remodel The bathroom needed to be brought back to period appropriate design with all the functionality of a modern bathroom. We thought of things like marble countertop, white mosaic floor tiles, white subway tile, board and batten molding, and of course a fabulous wallpaper. This small (and only) bathroom on a tight budget required a little bit of design sleuthing to figure out how we could get the proper look and feel. Our goal was to determine where to splurge and where to economize and how to complete the remodel as quickly as possible because C&L would have to move out while construction was going on. The Process: Hard Work to Remedy Design and Function During our initial design study, (which included 2 hours in the owners’ home), we noticed framed images of William Morris Arts and Crafts textile patterns and knew this would be our design inspiration. We presented C&L with three options and they quickly selected the Pimpernel Design Concept. We had originally selected the Black and Olive colors with a black vanity, mirror, and black and white floor tile. C&L liked it but weren’t quite sure about the black, We went back to the drawing board and decided the William & Co Pimpernel Wallpaper in Bayleaf and Manilla color with a softer gray painted vanity and mirror and white floor tile was more to their liking. After the Design Concept was approved, we went to work securing the building permit, procuring all the elements, and scheduling our trusted tradesmen to perform the work. We did uncover some shoddy work by the flippers such as live electrical wires hidden behind the wall, plumbing venting cut-off and buried in the walls (hence the constant dampness), the tub barely balancing on two fence boards across the floor joist, and no insulation on the exterior wall. All of the previous blunders were fixed and the bathroom put back to its previous glory. We could feel the house thanking us for making it pretty again. The After Reveal: Cohesive Design Decisions We selected a simple white subway tile for the tub/shower. This is always classic and in keeping with the style of the house. We selected a pre-fab vanity and mirror, but they look rich with the quartz countertop. There is much more storage in this small vanity than you would think. The Transformation: A Period Perfect Refresh We began the remodel just as the pandemic reared and stay-in-place orders went into effect. As C&L were already moved out and living with relatives, we got the go-ahead from city officials to get the work done (after all, how can you shelter in place without a bathroom?). All our tradesmen were scheduled to work so that only one crew was on the job site at a time. We stayed on the original schedule with only a one week delay. The end result is the sweetest little bathroom I've ever seen (and I can't wait to start work on C&L's kitchen next). Thank you for joining me in this project transformation. I hope this inspired you to think about being creative with your design projects, determining what works best in keeping with the architecture of your space, and carefully assessing how you can have the best life in your home.

“EURO-LAKEVIEW ESTATE” This beautifully wooded lake-side estate is owned by a very special couple who contacted the Fred Parker Company design-build team from the company’s Houzz.com professional website profile. The owners were interviewing design-build firms, and Custom Builder and AIBD Building Designer Ron Parker and ASID Interior Designer Lila Parker connected with this special couple on their first appointment. The couple was recently married and both had survived the loss of their spouse in years past. Ron and Lila accepted this as a very special opportunity to fulfill the owner’s dreams for this home through taking a fresh and very unique approach to this amazing residence and property. The incredible home was originally designed and built by the husband for his family. Ron and Lila understood the importance of honoring and respecting the significance of these memories. The wife had a beautifully restored home on White Rock Lake and desired for the design and feel of her existing home to be incorporated with the architecture and style of this home to be renovated. The Parker’s design / build team embraced this tremendous opportunity and were awarded the contracts for design and construction. Additions were created to expand the Kitchen and Dining Area overlooking the lake. A beautiful European style kitchen was designed to include flush inset and stained cabinets; quartz counters with a “waterfall effect” at the island and serving bar; significant cabinet and storage details; large and expansive Andersen Windows and Patio Doors, custom wood beams, and oversized porcelain tile flooring. The Family Area was redesigned with a custom entertainment center and new Andersen Doors and Windows. Other remodeling and interior design upgrades were completed in the home including converting the existing Dining Room and Butler’s Pantry into a Library and Reading Area, and remodeling the Powder Room to include a free-standing contemporary vanity. Changes and upgrades were also made to the Study and Master Bath. A large patio was built with stone retaining walls, borders, planters, and steps leading to the beautifully terraced yard. This project also included a quaint and refreshing detached Art Room addition with cathedral ceiling, nestled in the trees overlooking the lake. A new two-car garage addition with storage closets was also added to the existing garage. Due to the proximately of these additions to the lake, special permission and critical guidelines were required by the Corps of Engineers and local city building authorities. These legal requirements created design, engineering, and building challenges which were approved and completed as required. Ron and Lila Parker and the Fred Parker Company Design / Build Team are extremely proud of the work that was achieved to redesign, renovate, and update this amazing estate for this fine couple and their families. Ron’s personal mission statement “To meet or exceed the client’s expectations and end with a good relationship” was certainly tested but he believes this was respectively achieved as indicated by the client’s eloquent “Five-Star Houzz Review”.

Inspiration for a contemporary kitchen remodel in New York

Not an inch was left unused. The space directly below the stairs was perfect for storage cubbies created by the homeowner's contractor to complement the desk area.