Raleigh, Wake County NC Hurst Home Company
Inspiration for a timeless kids' room remodel in Raleigh

Toys can really begin to take over the house - so figuring out an organization system will not only make you happy but it's a great way to teach those tykes the importance of organization. Clear Shoe Boxes from The Container Store also make for great containers to store by color, shape, or set.

Entryway - industrial entryway idea in New Orleans

Located on a narrow urban infill lot, this single-family residence with attached ADU was fashioned for a food brand designer and restaurateur with an affinity for pre-war Parisian apartments. Use of minimal form and materials, on a cost-conscious budget, was intended to achieve a maximum atmospheric interior result. The daylight filled interior focuses on an easterly, inward facing courtyard through a rhythm of punched openings, western light is introduced for balancing only. The home is classically proportioned with subtle drywall details which recall decorative mouldings. From the primary room the Owner teaches cooking classes, entertains, and samples potential menu items while hosting dinner parties. The walls are adorned with her own paintings (made for her first restaurant with no budget). Health-conscious decisions were made both inside and out, selecting no V.O.C. finishes, wall- board and sheathing which prohibit mold and protective exterior coatings which prevent EMFs from penetrating the building envelope. The home is designed to nurture aging-in-place; maintenance friendly materials and plans for a future solar array will reduce overhead expenses in coming years.

The Jason Alba Playpark is designed as an extension of the client's mission statement: To unite the mind, body, and spirit. Students work in specially designed areas (zones) alongside therapists to support individual needs with sensory-seeking and avoiding tendencies. • Acoustic –Embracing rhythm during vibration and sound therapy can lead to dance: a physical embodiment of emotions created by sound. • Tactile - Sensory exposure is expressed through different textures, colors, and surface temperatures of materials. A tactile wall and pathway allow students to encounter varying surface conditions, strengthening their ability to react to changing conditions encountered every day. • Active – Promoting healthy minds through activity: the active zone encourages the use of adaptive and accessible equipment, social engagement through physical activity, and inspires confidence through play. • Color - Each color evokes different feelings that can calm, soothe, invigorate, and excite. • Nature - A calming space with a greenhouse and sensory gardens establishes a welcoming environment for therapy sessions. Aromatherapy in the gardens stimulate one’s senses engaging in all aspects of therapy through the selection of safe plant materials. • Water –Features such as harvesting, cleaning, and reusing rainwater teach sustainability and permeable surfaces facilitate save play.

Ever been out in a park, forest, or even just in your backyard and wanted to see just a small side of the picture? Beauty is in the midst of us, but we are not doing enough to see it—we see only at a superficial level. The reality is that there is an entire universe on a scale that is so miniscule yet all around us, waiting to be discovered. Put the digital microscope camera on the scope, and that little quantum universe you never knew was there awaits your gaze. Makes everyday outdoor activities exciting adventures and learning experiences with leaves, rocks, and bugs that are all interesting. It used to look just the same, and now it's vibrant with patterns, textures, and stories you didn't know before!
What is a Digital Microscope Camera?
A digital microscope camera is a compact device that magnifies very small objects and can display its real-time image on the screen. This new type of microscope can be taken outside and is much easier to transport than a conventional microscope. It is based on three important technologies: the magnification lenses, digital imaging, and As the name implies, snapping up shots of the objects when you bring them close and displaying them clearly on your smartphone, tablet, or its built-in display. This gives you the power to see details of a microworld anywhere you go, with no special equipment.
How a Digital Microscope Camera Works in Real Life
It is easy and yet powerful to operate a digital microscope camera. It brings very small objects closer by employing a system of lenses, and through a digital sensor, it turns the image into a compelling display. After focusing, the image becomes so big that it displays details that the human eye isn't able to see. Whereas, in an actual setting, an individual can simply place the gadget over an object, such as a leaf, insect, or soil surface. This is then performed to get a focus on the details, clear and sharp. In the blink of an eye, you will be exploring a hidden reality with patterns and structures.
Why Nature Looks Completely Different at the Micro Level
If you watch nature with an unbiased eye, it's all straightforward. Leaves are green; insects are tiny and land on a mere brown earth. However, things look so different through the microscope camera's zoom-in. A leaf is more than a leaf: it is a complex system of veins and cells! However, the insect is not merely a tiny insect anymore, but it gradually turns into an object with wings, eyes, and patterns, all of which seem almost like art. From soils a combination of small particles of rock, organic material, and unseen creatures.
Gaining appreciation for the details in leaves and plants.
Plant life is one of the most interesting objects to be examined under the microscope. The details on the leaves, stems, and petals are amazing and would get lost in the details otherwise. By using a digital microscope camera, the vein network that transports water and nutrients can be readily observed. These veins are naturally occurring and run in patterns that resemble roads and/or rivers in the landscape. Every leaf grows differently and is as individual as a fingerprint.
Discovering the Hidden World of Insects
There is no better thing to see under the microscope than one of the many interesting insects. They may appear at first glance to be quite unassuming and tiny, but magnified, they let one in on the whole other universe. They feature fine patterns in their wings – like those found on glass artworks – that are often difficult to see. They have eyes comprised of multiple repeating units. Even their legs and segments of their bodies have special textures.
The Secret Life Inside Soil and Sand
A microscope camera reveals a soil in which activity is taking place in a lively world in the seemingly lifeless soil. The very small particles of rock, decayed plant material, and micro-living organisms are interacting. Sand grains look similar to miniature crystals; all of them are distinctively shaped and structured. As organic matter decomposes, it forms patterns that illustrate how nature continually recycles itself.
Tree Bark: A Natural Storybook
Another interesting area of interest for micro-focusing is the bark of trees. Apparently, this appears to be rough and simple, but under magnification, it is seen as a highly detailed landscape of cracks, lines, and textures. The bark patterns that can be observed on each branch offer a glimpse of the branch's years of growth, weather, and environmental stresses. It's as if someone wrote the history of a tree on its trunk!
Tips for Getting the Best Microscopic Results Outdoors
A few simple techniques can make a big difference in the variety of images you get before getting clear and detailed images. Always make sure that the hands are stable or have a resting surface so that there is no shaking. Moving, even slightly, can cause the picture to become blurry. Lighting is one of the other important ones. This is because natural soft lighting is best suited, as it doesn't create strong reflections and it does show detail. Minimize exposure to strong sunlight/deep shade when possible.
Conclusion:
The digital microscope camera isn't just a camera; it's a new way of viewing life. Makes routine walks outdoors into thrilling explorations of the scientific world and how minute details make a difference. It can teach us something about living by the rules of nature! It is something that we can contemplate, clarify, and enjoy more.

Located in the Central District, this project started as a client's "DIY nightmare." Like many, the homeowner watched online "IKEA Hack" videos and thought, "I can do this for cheap." The Reality Check: They bought a room full of flat-pack boxes only to realize that YouTube videos don't teach you how to handle sloped ceilings and uneven walls. They wasted money on the wrong materials and couldn't finish the install. The Sai Remodeling Solution: We stepped in to rescue the space. Re-Design: We re-evaluated the storage needs and redesigned the layout to fit the specific roof pitch. Hybrid Materials: A true "IKEA Hack" isn't just IKEA parts. We sourced custom hardware and lumber that you can't find at the big-box store to ensure structural integrity. Custom Scribing: We precisely fitted the cabinets into the knee wall, creating a seamless, built-in look that no handyman could achieve with standard instructions. Result: A fully functional, high-end toy storage system that maximizes every inch of the attic.

www.cmarchitects.com The fishing pond at this project’s home ranch is down a steep slope, some distance from the main compound. To providing shelter from fast-moving storms, a lunch spot, or just a great place for a nap, the owners asked us to design a small fishing cabin. To ensure it blended in to its environment as much as possible, we chose indigenous materials—such as boulders displaced by mining and local reclaimed timbers—to help solidify the connection between the structure and the site. A sod roof seeded with native grasses and resident wildflowers further connects this structure to its surroundings. Now the fishing cabin is the favorite place for teaching the grandkids how to fish, or for a summer afternoon swim, or simply for reading a good book in front of the crackling fireplace.

Sometimes you just have to go all in for Christmas and our Musical Nutcracker stands nearly 5 ft. tall and ready to delight one and all. This stalwart soldier will never be called upon to crack a cashew, instead he will greet your guests with quite a show. Front lighting illuminates the drum, belt, coat, and crown. An array of 15 multi-colored lights synchronized with a selection of eight classic Christmas carols including "Jingle Bells," "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," and more, all while his hands move to the music – he's a perfect greeter for one and all. Other thoughtful features include a generous 63" power cord and volume control. Wonderfully detailed, brightly painted and sturdily constructed of element-defying materials.

www.cmarchitects.com The fishing pond at this project’s home ranch is down a steep slope, some distance from the main compound. To providing shelter from fast-moving storms, a lunch spot, or just a great place for a nap, the owners asked us to design a small fishing cabin. To ensure it blended in to its environment as much as possible, we chose indigenous materials—such as boulders displaced by mining and local reclaimed timbers—to help solidify the connection between the structure and the site. A sod roof seeded with native grasses and resident wildflowers further connects this structure to its surroundings. Now the fishing cabin is the favorite place for teaching the grandkids how to fish, or for a summer afternoon swim, or simply for reading a good book in front of the crackling fireplace.

LEED Certification Level: V4 Builder: BPC Green Builders, LLC Architect: Trillium Architects The Taft School faculty home serves as a high performance residence and learning lab for students. The project also earned certification through ENERGY STAR, Indoor airPLUS, Water Sense, PHIUS, and Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Homes with Living Building Challenge Petal recognition pending. The project team was honored with third place in the 2014 Connecticut Zero Energy Home Challenge. Excluding the photovoltaic installation the HERS index was 33, and with the 13.1 kW the HERS index is -14. A year of utility bills show the home is producing more electricity than it uses. Located on a quiet street adjacent to campus the existing, historic home was deconstructed and materials donated or reused where possible. Challenged to find high efficiency windows that were historic commission acceptable, the team installed Klearwall awnings or casements over fixed glass (to mimic double hungs) with simulated divided lites (u-values as low as 0.13). A high solar heat gain coefficient (0.58) facilitates the passive solar gain for winter months, while well designed overhangs and a pergola shade summer sun. Double stud walls have 2¼” closed cell foam plus 8½” dense pack cellulose for a R-49 cavity. The exterior sheathing is R-6.6 Zip Wall System with taped seams to create the continuous air barrier. Inside the solid concrete foundation is 3” closed cell foam behind 2x4 stud walls and R-32 cellulose in the cavity. Prefabricated TJI joists frame the attic floor, an insulated “room” houses the heat recovery ventilator and ductwork, and blown in cellulose blankets it all in R-86. The house tested 0.6ACH50 proving the effectiveness of its air-tight envelope and attention to air sealing. Heating and cooling is provided by efficient air source heat pumps (9.2 HSPF, 16.5 SEER) and delivered by short duct runs which tested extremely tight. A heat pump water heater provides domestic hot water and an on-demand switch, with an occupancy sensor at each bath, ensures hot water is delivered fast and efficiently. Low flow fixtures are WaterSense certified, appliances are Energy Star labeled, and all LED lighting. A Zehnder Novus 300 (93.3% efficient) HRV supplies 112 cfm of continuous fresh air while using only 32 watts of power and running quietly. The homeowners control the mechanical ventilation through the intuitive wall-mounted control pad to shut off or increase the ventilation. Chemicals and contaminants were reduced by using low VOC and GreenGuard certified sealants, adhesives, primers, and paints. A walk-off matt at the side entry and hardwood floors help control dirt and dust. The granite front steps were salvaged and local stone used for the patio and stone walls. Storm water runoff from the roof, patio, and driveway is managed by the rain garden. The native landscaping is low maintenance, a community garden produces vegetables, and the chicken coop is powered by its own roof mounted PV panels. Taft School Director of Environmental Stewardship, Carly Borken has used the design and construction process as a teaching tool for her science classes. With access to the home monitoring system they can virtually access the residents’ consumption.

www.cmarchitects.com The fishing pond at this project’s home ranch is down a steep slope, some distance from the main compound. To providing shelter from fast-moving storms, a lunch spot, or just a great place for a nap, the owners asked us to design a small fishing cabin. To ensure it blended in to its environment as much as possible, we chose indigenous materials—such as boulders displaced by mining and local reclaimed timbers—to help solidify the connection between the structure and the site. A sod roof seeded with native grasses and resident wildflowers further connects this structure to its surroundings. Now the fishing cabin is the favorite place for teaching the grandkids how to fish, or for a summer afternoon swim, or simply for reading a good book in front of the crackling fireplace.

LEED Certification Level: V4 Builder: BPC Green Builders, LLC Architect: Trillium Architects. The Taft School faculty home serves as a high performance residence and learning lab for students. The project also earned certification through ENERGY STAR, Indoor airPLUS, Water Sense, PHIUS, and Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Homes with Living Building Challenge Petal recognition pending. The project team was honored with third place in the 2014 Connecticut Zero Energy Home Challenge. Excluding the photovoltaic installation the HERS index was 33, and with the 13.1 kW the HERS index is -14. A year of utility bills show the home is producing more electricity than it uses. Located on a quiet street adjacent to campus the existing, historic home was deconstructed and materials donated or reused where possible. Challenged to find high efficiency windows that were historic commission acceptable, the team installed Klearwall awnings or casements over fixed glass (to mimic double hungs) with simulated divided lites (u-values as low as 0.13). A high solar heat gain coefficient (0.58) facilitates the passive solar gain for winter months, while well designed overhangs and a pergola shade summer sun. Double stud walls have 2¼” closed cell foam plus 8½” dense pack cellulose for a R-49 cavity. The exterior sheathing is R-6.6 Zip Wall System with taped seams to create the continuous air barrier. Inside the solid concrete foundation is 3” closed cell foam behind 2x4 stud walls and R-32 cellulose in the cavity. Prefabricated TJI joists frame the attic floor, an insulated “room” houses the heat recovery ventilator and ductwork, and blown in cellulose blankets it all in R-86. The house tested 0.6ACH50 proving the effectiveness of its air-tight envelope and attention to air sealing. Heating and cooling is provided by efficient air source heat pumps (9.2 HSPF, 16.5 SEER) and delivered by short duct runs which tested extremely tight. A heat pump water heater provides domestic hot water and an on-demand switch, with an occupancy sensor at each bath, ensures hot water is delivered fast and efficiently. Low flow fixtures are WaterSense certified, appliances are Energy Star labeled, and all LED lighting. A Zehnder Novus 300 (93.3% efficient) HRV supplies 112 cfm of continuous fresh air while using only 32 watts of power and running quietly. The homeowners control the mechanical ventilation through the intuitive wall-mounted control pad to shut off or increase the ventilation. Chemicals and contaminants were reduced by using low VOC and GreenGuard certified sealants, adhesives, primers, and paints. A walk-off matt at the side entry and hardwood floors help control dirt and dust. The granite front steps were salvaged and local stone used for the patio and stone walls. Storm water runoff from the roof, patio, and driveway is managed by the rain garden. The native landscaping is low maintenance, a community garden produces vegetables, and the chicken coop is powered by its own roof mounted PV panels. Taft School Director of Environmental Stewardship, Carly Borken has used the design and construction process as a teaching tool for her science classes. With access to the home monitoring system they can virtually access the residents’ consumption.

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Home design - eclectic home design idea in Salt Lake City

Contemporary kitchens are characterized by minimalist details, sleek surfaces, and clean lines. They come in different designs and range from simple to complex. If you are looking for a kitchen with modern design details, look no further than the Majestic Kitchen by L’Ottocento. It has a fresh style that redesigns spaces to create continuity between the kitchen and living area. Its continuous and seamless surfaces create a streamlined look you will simply love. The contemporary kitchen comes in neutral hues which add plenty of warmth and interest. Perfect for every taste and preference, the Majestic Kitchen by L’Ottocento is what modern design is all about. It showcases new ways of using materials such as wood and stainless steel. It can be fitted both indoors and outdoors and looks spectacular anywhere. If you have ample outdoor space, install the kitchen there and entertain your friends in style. Majestic comes with open shelves to keep your daily dishes neat and on hand. It will help you to make the most of your time in the kitchen. If you are tired of your traditional kitchen and longing for a change, get the Majestic Kitchen by L’Ottocento. It will take the chill out of your space and create a perfect setting for cooking. While it is simple in appearance, it is far from stark and boring. It is the perfect spot to create new recipes, make heartwarming soups, or teach your young ones how to cook. Does the Majestic Kitchen appeal to your taste?

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"Mom’s retiring after 30 years teaching poetry, Dad’s swapping spreadsheets for gardening. Their sunroom? Still stuck in '80s beige. ?✨ So I surprised them with feather lights — delicate white feathers wired into string lights, hanging above their rattan armchairs. The effect? Their favorite poems come to life in soft, breezy shadows. ? Why feathers?