A 100-year-old farmhouse in Central Maryland was totally renovated and now sports a brand new RHEINZINK roof that gives it an authentic old-world look and feel. The property, which was originally a dairy farm, has been in the owner’s family since the 1920’s. The renovation involved gutting virtually the entire house and keeping only the frame. The asphalt roof, which had started leaking, was replaced with approximately 4,700 sq. ft. RHEINZINK’s PrePATINA graphite-grey Double Lock Standing Seam Panels. Fabrication and installation of the RHEINZINK panels was done by Hardin Construction, Union Bridge, MD. According to Craig Hardin, president, “The owner contacted me and said he wanted a roof on the house that would last for generations. We considered various metal material options but quickly settled on RHEINZINK because of its low to no maintenance and the color. The graphite-grey develops a nice patina that complements the house and makes the roof look like it’s always been there.” “Another factor that steered us toward RHEINZINK was their European detailing techniques,” Hardin said. “You don’t see any other metal roofs around here that have the kind of detailing and seaming techniques like this one.” Prior to doing the job, Hardin attended a how-to workshop at RHEINZINK America headquarters in Woburn, MA. The workshops, led by technical training manager Lou Rondeau, provide practical instruction in the installation of RHEINZINK roofing, façade and gutter systems. “These are hands-on sessions,” Rondeau said, “and they can really contribute to the craftsmanship of installers.” Hardin explained his approach to the project. “We’re a small company and I’m personally involved in the actual installation. Unlike larger companies with large crews that have to move fast, we really take the time to pay close attention to the detailing and finish work. This project is really distinctive in that regard,” Hardin said. In addition to the main roof, the RHEINZINK panels were used on the front porch, a screened-in back porch and a small, freestanding outbuilding. The stone outbuilding once enclosed a cold water spring where the dairy farm’s milk was stored. It now welcomes visitors to the property. The RHEINZINK distributor on the project was Sheet Metal Supply, Mundelein, IL.

At I'm The Man Services, we had the pleasure of transforming an ordinary backyard corner into a feline paradise designed for play, relaxation, and adventure. This thoughtfully crafted cat oasis features a multi-level enclosure with climbing ramps, perches, scratching posts, and plenty of vertical space for endless exploration. Durable yet stylish rope-wrapped steps add a playful touch, giving curious kitties the freedom to climb and roam. The outdoor area is landscaped with lush artificial turf, providing a soft, low-maintenance surface that’s easy on paws and easy to clean. Natural light filters through the clear corrugated roofing, ensuring a warm, sunny environment while keeping cats protected from the elements. The enclosed garden bed offers a slice of nature with carefully chosen plants and rocks, giving cats a safe taste of the outdoors. Every detail, from the secure wire mesh to the sturdy construction, ensures both safety and fun—so owners can relax while their furry friends live their best lives. This cat oasis is more than a play space; it’s a testament to how thoughtful design can bring joy and enrichment to both pets and their owners. At I'm The Man Services, we believe every project should make tails wag—and this one definitely does!

Walking into this reimagined primary bath feels like stepping into a boutique spa. The entire space is wrapped in a soft, barely-there blush-white wall color that reads almost like warm light itself, creating an instantly calming atmosphere that the design then builds upon thoughtfully. Twin sage blue-gray vanities run along both sides of the room, each finished in a shaker-style painted cabinetry with polished chrome bar pulls and topped with a gorgeous Calacatta-style quartz — the same material flowing seamlessly across countertops and up as a low backsplash. Above each vanity hang individual black rounded-rectangle mirrors with matching chrome picture-light sconces, creating a clean, modern hotel-bath aesthetic that feels crisp without being cold. The walk-in shower is the undeniable heart of the room — a generous double-entry wet room featuring dual rainfall showerheads, dual handheld wand fixtures, and a natural light source through a privacy glass window that floods the space with soft, diffused daylight. Large format white wall tile set in a simple grid pattern keeps the shower feeling expansive and serene, while large-format Calacatta marble-look porcelain tile on the floor carries the quartz veining language from the vanities underfoot throughout the entire bathroom. A polished chrome heated towel rack mounted on the bathroom wall adds a luxurious, spa-grade detail — warm towels waiting after every shower. A teak wood bath mat on the floor completes the spa atmosphere perfectly. The Laundry Room Just steps away, the laundry room received an equally remarkable transformation — one that proves this hardworking space can be just as design-forward as any other room in the house. Deep hunter green painted cabinetry with brushed brass bar pulls commands the room from floor to ceiling, creating a rich, dramatic palette that feels collected and intentional rather than builder-grade. Upper shaker-style cabinets maximize storage above the machines, while a tall pantry-style column cabinet on the end wall provides floor-to-ceiling concealed storage for supplies. A painted shiplap accent panel between the upper cabinets and the counter is fitted with a row of brass coat hooks — a dual-purpose detail that adds texture and hang space for bags and reusable totes. The counter surface in white quartz sits above the side-by-side front-load washer and dryer, creating a functional folding station. A white square tile backsplash behind the machines adds a clean, easy-care surface that holds its own against the bold green cabinetry. A built-in wood bench with open storage below creates a secondary mudroom function, while a warm-toned live-edge wood floating shelf adds organic contrast. A custom built walnut open bookcase tucked at the room's end provides stylish overflow storage that gives the space personality beyond its utility.

This is an example of a tropical landscaping in Orange County.

This modern kitchen remodel features clean-lined gray shaker cabinets paired with white quartz countertops for a bright and contemporary finish. The U-shaped layout maximizes storage and workflow efficiency, making it ideal for compact kitchen spaces. Full-height upper cabinets enhance vertical storage, while brushed nickel hardware complements the stainless steel appliances for a cohesive look. A window-centered sink brings in natural light, highlighting the soft gray cabinetry and marble-look backsplash. The white quartz countertops provide durability, low maintenance, and a seamless surface for everyday cooking. Designed using ready-to-assemble (RTA) kitchen cabinets, this project demonstrates how high-quality cabinetry can deliver both affordability and modern style without compromising performance. Cabinetry supplied by The Cabination.

The decking color used for picture framing and parting boards in this project is TimberTech AZEK’s English Walnut, the perfect contrast to Weathered Teak. For the ceiling on the interior of their new shade cover, the clients selected rich, luxurious Synergywood in the Auburn color. The roof cover itself is supported by six steel posts that run all the way to the ground. With the deck 6’ above the ground, we were able to supply the homeowners with a huge under-deck storage area of 26’ x 14’.

At the outset, this project began with the transformation of a 2-car attached garage. The goal was to create a mudroom, an exercise room, and a breezeway to seamlessly connect the spacious detached garage with the main part of the house. Additionally, the project involved partial roof removal and the addition of a new front entry. But then came an unexpected twist – scope creep. We found ourselves veering away from the initial client-supplied architectural plans. After numerous consultations with the clients and several iterations of the design, we arrived at a significantly improved plan for the remodel and addition. Our journey commenced with the demolition of almost the entire former 2-car garage, making space for a new, oversized 3-car garage measuring 40′ x 28′. This garage was strategically placed between the existing house and the large detached garage. We introduced a custom low-sloped flat roof, designed to address historical drainage issues. To mitigate water pooling, we created a custom concrete step at the back corner of the garage, equipped with a sturdy metal grate that sits flush with the step. We also installed a PVC drainage system, commencing at the step and running beneath a newly designed patio, ultimately draining into the yard. These measures have significantly reduced water accumulation around the house. The new garage boasts several features, including Longboard aluminum siding, custom full glass garage doors, interior drywall finished to a level 4, an abundance of can lights, an epoxy floor coating, vinyl base trim, a new forced air garage heater, and more. The clients also requested a designated space for their three kids and their friends to enjoy, thus giving birth to the “Kid Zone.” We partitioned a section of the existing oversized garage, resulting in a space measuring approximately 22′ x 32′, brimming with entertainment possibilities. To enhance control over the temperature in the Kid Zone, we collaborated with our licensed HVAC partner to install a cold weather mini-split system. One of the most significant challenges was the modernization and consolidation of the home’s main electrical systems. We reconfigured and combined 6-7 different electrical panels into just two. One panel serves the main house, while the second is dedicated to backup power from a generator. These panels, along with the boiler for the in-floor heating system, are housed in a newly constructed mechanical room within the Kid Zone. Inside the main house, we completed various tasks, such as removing the ceiling in the hallway from the new garage to address prior water damage, improve insulation, and rework electrical and HVAC systems. We also replaced the ceiling from the front door to the base of the stairs, adding new can lighting and enhancing insulation. Skilled drywall specialists then installed and finished new drywall to a level 5 standard. The exterior of the house underwent a complete overhaul. Before installing new roofing on the entire house and garage, we modified an existing flat roof by adding custom lumber and plywood to enhance the pitch, preventing future ice dams. A new rubber roof was expertly installed on the oversized 3-car garage, and the flat roof section we re-framed. Our meticulous exterior team removed old white aluminum soffit, fascia, and gutters, replacing them with new framing to accommodate Longboard soffit material. This task was particularly challenging due to the age of the house and the non-standard wall and roof framing. Our skilled exterior subcontractors ensured a perfect fit. Near the pool area, we discovered severe rot and decay from years of water intrusion. After informing the homeowners, we ordered and installed five new commercial-style block framed windows and a custom 8′ high Anderson patio door. This involved careful removal and replacement of window headers from the outside to avoid disturbing the finished part of the house. We reframed the large openings to fit the new windows, and our skilled trim carpenters installed new walnut casing, base, and window sills. In total, we replaced around 900 lineal feet of soffit and installed approximately 32 squares of aluminum siding. The entire house was meticulously prepped, repaired, and painted according to the client’s chosen color. Throughout the project, we incorporated numerous custom touches and unique design elements, some of which you can see in the pictures. Our team also addressed various unforeseen challenges, from soil issues to rot and decay repair, roof leaks, drainage problems, electrical and HVAC complexities, and much more. At Xpand Inc., we take pride in making it all happen, turning your remodeling and renovation dreams into reality.

Stable Works will provide labor, material and equipment for the completion of the scope of work outlined below. -Current (22'x8') New (22'x20' with 5'x'5 landing for stairs) -Supply and install deck extension as pictured in rendering - Remove current facia, soffet and header - Temporarily support roof while work is being performed - Move center support beam to against the house (Needed to carry the load of new LVL) - Install new 5 1/2" x 11 7/8" x 22' LVL header - Replace all facia and soffet -All footings will use 4000psi concrete -6"x6" pressure treated supports -Decking will be Fiberon Good Life (Cottage) $2.49 per linear foot) -Railing will be White vinyl "Safe-T-Rail" -Gate at top of steps to be made same as railing. -Fascia and risers will be PVC board to color match -Fix all missing fasteners on current deck -Relocate electrical under new stairs -Add LED low voltage lighting to post caps and stair treads -All trash and debris will be removed from site -Deck area will be power washed after completion

The 2007 Mountain Living Magazine Natural Dream Home Warmboard joined with Ken Piper and Associates and numerous other eco-friendly suppliers to showcase green building trends. This 8,200-square-foot, five-bedroom home has been designed and constructed to surpass Built Green standards, using natural, reclaimed, and organic materials wherever possible. Energy efficient, low maintenance, fire resistant and luxurious.

Stable Works will provide labor, material and equipment for the completion of the scope of work outlined below. -Current (22'x8') New (22'x20' with 5'x'5 landing for stairs) -Supply and install deck extension as pictured in rendering - Remove current facia, soffet and header - Temporarily support roof while work is being performed - Move center support beam to against the house (Needed to carry the load of new LVL) - Install new 5 1/2" x 11 7/8" x 22' LVL header - Replace all facia and soffet -All footings will use 4000psi concrete -6"x6" pressure treated supports -Decking will be Fiberon Good Life (Cottage) $2.49 per linear foot) -Railing will be White vinyl "Safe-T-Rail" -Gate at top of steps to be made same as railing. -Fascia and risers will be PVC board to color match -Fix all missing fasteners on current deck -Relocate electrical under new stairs -Add LED low voltage lighting to post caps and stair treads -All trash and debris will be removed from site -Deck area will be power washed after completion

Blending high + low, modern + traditional, colourful + calm, organic + industrial. A lower level family room incorporates a children's play area using organic + natural materials. Plants, children's original artwork + a play teepee complete with campfire adorn this space.

Pool - mid-sized contemporary rooftop concrete paver and rectangular lap pool idea in Los Angeles

Walking into this reimagined primary bath feels like stepping into a boutique spa. The entire space is wrapped in a soft, barely-there blush-white wall color that reads almost like warm light itself, creating an instantly calming atmosphere that the design then builds upon thoughtfully. Twin sage blue-gray vanities run along both sides of the room, each finished in a shaker-style painted cabinetry with polished chrome bar pulls and topped with a gorgeous Calacatta-style quartz — the same material flowing seamlessly across countertops and up as a low backsplash. Above each vanity hang individual black rounded-rectangle mirrors with matching chrome picture-light sconces, creating a clean, modern hotel-bath aesthetic that feels crisp without being cold. The walk-in shower is the undeniable heart of the room — a generous double-entry wet room featuring dual rainfall showerheads, dual handheld wand fixtures, and a natural light source through a privacy glass window that floods the space with soft, diffused daylight. Large format white wall tile set in a simple grid pattern keeps the shower feeling expansive and serene, while large-format Calacatta marble-look porcelain tile on the floor carries the quartz veining language from the vanities underfoot throughout the entire bathroom. A polished chrome heated towel rack mounted on the bathroom wall adds a luxurious, spa-grade detail — warm towels waiting after every shower. A teak wood bath mat on the floor completes the spa atmosphere perfectly. The Laundry Room Just steps away, the laundry room received an equally remarkable transformation — one that proves this hardworking space can be just as design-forward as any other room in the house. Deep hunter green painted cabinetry with brushed brass bar pulls commands the room from floor to ceiling, creating a rich, dramatic palette that feels collected and intentional rather than builder-grade. Upper shaker-style cabinets maximize storage above the machines, while a tall pantry-style column cabinet on the end wall provides floor-to-ceiling concealed storage for supplies. A painted shiplap accent panel between the upper cabinets and the counter is fitted with a row of brass coat hooks — a dual-purpose detail that adds texture and hang space for bags and reusable totes. The counter surface in white quartz sits above the side-by-side front-load washer and dryer, creating a functional folding station. A white square tile backsplash behind the machines adds a clean, easy-care surface that holds its own against the bold green cabinetry. A built-in wood bench with open storage below creates a secondary mudroom function, while a warm-toned live-edge wood floating shelf adds organic contrast. A custom built walnut open bookcase tucked at the room's end provides stylish overflow storage that gives the space personality beyond its utility.

Photo by Alan Fraebel
Transitional exterior home photo in Orlando

Be surprised to walk in to a cozy 1986 mid-size home and look out on a panorama of woods in the back--the view that sold these new owners when they moved to Minnesota. And it was the prime age home for considerable updating and improving. Crystal Kitchen Center redefined the kitchen space into an eat-in kitchen/hearth room where they spend most of their at-home time. Durable vinyl walnut flooring was key due to the two Burmese mountain dogs who happily romp in the space. Green elements include locally supplied Crystal white cabinets, granite countertops, glass and copper subway tile, low VOC finishes, LED lighting as well as energy star appliances. A new stacked stone fireplace is the focal point of this intimate, warm room. Traditional kitchen, painted white cabinets, Crystal Cabinets, Remodeled kitchen, green cabinets, Meili induction cooktop, Steam Oven, Colonial Cream granite counter top, Kohler Aspen sink, Armstrong vinyl wood floors, Glass brick deco backsplash, kitchen office

This home needed a functional kitchen, creating visual space and storage at the same time. Selecting high polish finish on flat panels gives this small kitchen a feeling of calm and clean with lots of space. Quartz counters and herringbone backsplash complete the look. Under cabinet lighting allows easy prepping at night. Corner cabinets on upper and lowers creating ample space for dishes and easy access in lazy Susan. Full backsplash behind the new gas slide-in stove makes for easy clean-up after cooking and complementing the stainless steel/glass range hood. Counter depth fridge allows for plenty of space to move around with a pantry next to it. Pantry is equipped with French style pull out shelves for optimal organizing of can goods and cooking supplies. Flooring is an easy low maintenance 12x24 porcelain tile, brickstyle pattern with small groutline. Client is very pleased with the transformation!

Pool - mediterranean pool idea in Orlando

Is your closet busting at the seams? Or do you perhaps have no closet at all? Time to consider adding a mudroom to your house. Mudrooms are a popular interior design trend these days, and for good reason - they can house far more than a simple coat closet can. They can serve as a family command center for kids' school flyers and menus, for backpacks and shoes, for art supplies and sports equipment. Some mudrooms contain a laundry area, and some contain a mail station. Some mudrooms serve as a home base for a dog or a cat, with easy to clean, low maintenance building materials. A mudroom may consist of custom built-ins, or may simply be a corner of an existing room with pulled some clever, freestanding furniture, hooks, or shelves to house your most essential mudroom items. Whatever your storage needs, extensive or streamlined, carving out a mudroom area can keep the whole family more organized. And, being more organized saves you stress and countless hours that would otherwise be spent searching for misplaced items. While we love to design mudroom niches, a full mudroom interior design allows us to do what we do best here at Down2Earth Interior Design: elevate a space that is primarily driven by pragmatic requirements into a space that is also beautiful to look at and comfortable to occupy. I find myself voluntarily taking phone calls while sitting on the bench of my mudroom, simply because it's a comfortable place to be. My kids do their homework in the mudroom sometimes. My cat loves to curl up on sweatshirts temporarily left on the bench, or cuddle up in boxes on their way out to the recycling bins, just outside the door. Designing a custom mudroom for our family has elevated our lifestyle in so many ways, and I look forward to the opportunity to help make your mudroom design dreams a reality as well. Photos by Ryan Macchione

The Light Channel Mill Work LED features the Soft Strip Premium 2 (SS2P) 12 Volt inside a slim aluminum extrusion. The fixture uses 18.40 watts per 96 inches at 12 VDC. Features a 90 degree white clear lens provides a clean line of light projection. Includes 4 spring clips per foot. Fixtures can be continuously linked end-to-end with plug-in in or flexible connectors for maximum of 300 inches before refeeding the power. At only 2.3 watts per foot, each foot of Light Channel contains 36 warm white (3000K) LEDs per foot, 80+ CRI, 115 lumens for good color rendering. The fixtures are powered by a 60 watt power supply, which is dimmable with an electronic low voltage dimmer. Quick ship lengths include 12, 24, 36 and 48 inches. Rated for indoor applications only. Sold in 2 inch increments up to 144 inch inches. ETL listed. Includes 5 year warranty. Made in USA.