My latest project. I always strive to give my client the best that I can. I think in the this case I managed it. This living room was very dark and had no character at all, with old furniture and a carpet that was way past its life... I started by replacing the old carpet with a new lighter wheat color wood floor. That instantly brighten the space up. The walls I painted with light colors, a pale yellow and a pale blue wall color. Repainted all the trim in a cream color. On the one wall I designed a built in TV entertainment center. Guided the homeowners in choosing a light sectional. We also added wainscoting which we also painted a cream color. New window treatments adds more light. Then with accessories we pulled all the colors together. The deep orange is our pop color in the room. Part of my process is also to "teach" my clients on being comfortable with accessorizing when I am all done. So I leave enough "room" for them to add even more of their personal touch to the space.

Photo: © Jude Parkinson-Morgan
This is an example of a small mediterranean drought-tolerant and full sun backyard stone water fountain landscape in San Francisco.

After serving as a rental for some time, this home was ready to be reclaimed by its owner and her son. Gutting “back to the studs” was an understatement for this one. This transformation involved replanning everything; including the roof, the HVAC system, the entire plumbing system, and relocating the side entrance and staircase to the back of the house. Only the subfloors, the exterior framing structure, and the brick remains from this original 1940’s-built bungalow. When we’re renovating an old structure, we’re bound to find some surprises. This renovation did not disappoint! From basement to roof, we found more than a few, shall we say, potentially catastrophic surprises along the way. Let’s start with the basement. The homeowner wanted to update the basement and make it a usable living space for her adult son as well as a spa with a sauna for her. This required bringing the 6 foot ceiling height up to code at 7 feet. To do this, we had to re-think the HVAC system that was in the basement ceiling. When we opened up the basement ceiling to remove the HVAC supply and return trunks, we discovered asbestos! The asbestos had to be removed before we could dismantle and remove the HVAC system. For the main floor, when we were replanning the existing 2-bedroom layout to create two master bedrooms each with their own ensuites, we looked at the possibility of removing the main load-bearing wall. But our investigations led to the discovery that the load bearing wall was not lined up with the roof or the basement load points, so the load of the house was not continuous throughout. This was a disaster waiting to happen. And as we found out, this lack of alignment was causing major issues with the roof when we went to replace the shingles. We discovered portions of the roof truss in very poor condition, literally moments away from giving out. These were replaced and other truss components were fortified before we went on to re-shingle the roof and replace all the soffits and eavestroughs. Once the structural and space planning elements were sorted out, we could turn our focus to helping this homeowner select the finishes she and her son wanted for their new spaces. She wanted white all the way, and he wanted bold colours. You will see these color choices reflected in their private bathrooms as well as in the upper kitchen and living area that she will mostly use, and the basement entertainment area that he will mostly use. To round out the personalization of this made-new-again home, we converted the basement into an entertainment center with a bar for her son, and a sauna and third full bathroom with a jacuzzi tub for a spa-like feel for her. Without having to build from scratch, this homeowner got the custom home of her dreams. While you “can’t teach an old dog new tricks”, the sky’s the limit on how you can transform an old home into the home of your dreams. When your “old dog” needs some new tricks, we are the Renovator You Can Count On.

Education center with an upper and lower pond connected by a stream with beach area for birds, concrete walk and bridge, outcropping stones (moved from other areas of the preserve), and wide variety of native plants for naturalists to teach about to the St. Paul students.

● The Climbing furniture is made from high-class polished birch plywood. Birchwood is very strong and flexible. The products are tested at a load of 100 kg, but the maximum load for use is 60 kg. We make sure that everything is brought to perfect condition. ● It is absolutely safe for children: for painting, we use only high-quality, sustainable water-based paints, environmentally friendly varnish. And that’s why our products do not cause any allergic reactions, do not emit harmful substances. ● Climbing set like one of the foundations of Montessori teachings helps developing independence. Children independently work on the improvement of their motor skills (explore their body limits in a safe manner) and encourage children's imagination. ● Our furniture is CE and CPC certified due to the major international toy safety standards, including EN71, ASTM F963, 16CFR, and 15USC 1278a DIMENSIONS •━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━• ● Climbing ramp Small size (with sidewalls and a ladder): Height: 98.5 cm / 38.78 inches Width: 31 cm/ 12.2 inches ATTENTION •━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━• ⚠️ This set DOES NOT CONTAIN ANY DANGEROUS CHEMICAL ELEMENTS AND IS SAFE FOR YOUR BABY!!! ⚠️ Watch your children during games on children's furniture!!! Always be vigilant during children's games!!! ⚠️ The color of the product may be slightly different (lighter / darker) because it is made of natural wood.

Our clients are always teaching us. In this case, our clients had a vision that changed the direction of the design process midstream. Often our clients tell us they have trouble visualizing. This time, we must admit, we had a little trouble visualizing how their big idea was better than what we were planning. And then, it clicked! This young family of five had outgrown their dark and dated kitchen. Food prep, cooking and baking play a large daily role in this home. Pantry storage was overflowing to the point where bulk ingredients, small appliances and other daily necessities were stored in a nearby closet and the laundry room at the end of the house. Counter space was scarce. The kitchen also served as an office area for the husband, who works from home, and a study area for the three school age children. Given some constraints and a fixed budget, our inclination was to work with the existing kitchen to design a much more efficient space, keeping it close to the laundry room/pantry, which could be maximized for convenient storage and access. We would create an organized work area within the kitchen as well. Our clients were happy with the design. Then, out of the blue, they announced that they would like to move the kitchen into the family room space! Our first reaction was to question how this could work being so far from the pantry storage areas, and the other living spaces of the home. The flow seemed as though it would be odd, but we heard them out and allowed some time for the idea to blossom. And blossom, it did. The existing kitchen and eating space became the new study and family room with enlarged windows and an added sliding door bringing their beautiful gardens into clear sight. The pantry dilemma was solved by adding a full wall of tall cabinetry with roll out storage flanking a beautiful fireplace. A large island with waterfall sides provides copious counter space and seating for the whole family. Dark, dated traditional styling of the past kitchen gave way to contemporary high gloss white and warm rosewood elements. The dramatic Dekton Aura backsplash is the icing on the cake! Matt Villano Photography

This newly remodeled family home and in law unit in San Anselmo is 4000sf of light and space. The first designer was let go for presenting grey one too many times. My task was to skillfully blend all the color my clients wanted from their mix of Latin, Hispanic and Italian heritage and get it to read successfully. Wow, no easy feat. Clients alway teach us so much. I learned that much more color could work than I ever thought possible.

Studio Apartment. This newly remodeled family home and in law unit in San Anselmo is 4000sf of light and space. The first designer was let go for presenting grey one too many times. My task was to skillfully blend all the color my clients wanted from their mix of Latin, Hispanic and Italian heritage and get it to read successfully. Wow, no easy feat. Clients alway teach us so much. I learned that much more color could work than I ever thought possible.

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?

All rights credited to photographer. This Copyright Disclaimer under the Copyright Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-42), allowance is made for “fair dealings” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

Mid-sized trendy carpeted l-shaped staircase photo in Denver with wooden risers

This newly remodeled family home and in law unit in San Anselmo is 4000sf of light and space. The first designer was let go for presenting grey one too many times. My task was to skillfully blend all the color my clients wanted from their mix of Latin, Hispanic and Italian heritage and get it to read successfully. Wow, no easy feat. Clients alway teach us so much. I learned that much more color could work than I ever thought possible.

Witch Hazel: A Shrub That Teaches Patience in the Garden Witch hazel is a reminder that some of the most rewarding garden plants operate on a different timetable. Unlike shrubs that demand attention with bold flowers or fast growth, witch hazel reveals its value slowly and intentionally. Its most striking feature often appears when gardeners least expect it, with delicate, ribbon-like blooms emerging in late winter while much of the landscape still rests. This timing alone sets witch hazel apart. Winter-blooming shrubs change the way gardeners experience their landscapes, encouraging observation during a season that is often overlooked. Planted near windows, paths, or entryways, witch hazel offers moments of surprise and quiet beauty when color is scarce. Its subtle fragrance and fine-textured flowers add depth without overwhelming the surrounding environment. Beyond bloom, witch hazel contributes structure and balance to the garden year-round. Its branching form develops naturally into an open, graceful shape that rarely requires pruning. During the growing season, its foliage blends effortlessly with perennials, groundcovers, and woodland plants, creating cohesion rather than competition. In autumn, the leaves shift to soft golden tones, easing the transition into dormancy. Witch hazel also supports a slower, more sustainable approach to gardening. Once established, it asks very little in return, adapting well to its surroundings and thriving without constant inputs. Its fallen leaves enrich the soil, reinforcing natural cycles that benefit neighboring plants. In a garden culture often driven by instant results, witch hazel stands as a counterpoint. It rewards patience, invites reflection, and becomes more meaningful with time. For gardeners willing to embrace its rhythm, witch hazel offers not just seasonal interest, but a deeper connection to the quiet moments that make gardening truly fulfilling. https://www.onlineplantnursery.com/products/witch-hazel https://treenurseryco.com/witch-hazel-shrub https://www.wholesalenurseryco.com/products/witch-hazel https://www.tennesseewholesalenursery.com/products/witch-hazel https://www.tnnursery.net/products/witch-hazel

Our clients are always teaching us. In this case, our clients had a vision that changed the direction of the design process midstream. Often our clients tell us they have trouble visualizing. This time, we must admit, we had a little trouble visualizing how their big idea was better than what we were planning. And then, it clicked! This young family of five had outgrown their dark and dated kitchen. Food prep, cooking and baking play a large daily role in this home. Pantry storage was overflowing to the point where bulk ingredients, small appliances and other daily necessities were stored in a nearby closet and the laundry room at the end of the house. Counter space was scarce. The kitchen also served as an office area for the husband, who works from home, and a study area for the three school age children. Given some constraints and a fixed budget, our inclination was to work with the existing kitchen to design a much more efficient space, keeping it close to the laundry room/pantry, which could be maximized for convenient storage and access. We would create an organized work area within the kitchen as well. Our clients were happy with the design. Then, out of the blue, they announced that they would like to move the kitchen into the family room space! Our first reaction was to question how this could work being so far from the pantry storage areas, and the other living spaces of the home. The flow seemed as though it would be odd, but we heard them out and allowed some time for the idea to blossom. And blossom, it did. The existing kitchen and eating space became the new study and family room with enlarged windows and an added sliding door bringing their beautiful gardens into clear sight. The pantry dilemma was solved by adding a full wall of tall cabinetry with roll out storage flanking a beautiful fireplace. A large island with waterfall sides provides copious counter space and seating for the whole family. Dark, dated traditional styling of the past kitchen gave way to contemporary high gloss white and warm rosewood elements. The dramatic Dekton Aura backsplash is the icing on the cake! Matt Villano Photography

● The Climbing furniture is made from high class polished birch plywood. Birchwood is very strong and flexible. The products are tested at a load of 100 kg, but the maximum load for use is 60 kg. We make sure that everything is brought to perfect condition. ● It is absolutely safe for children: for painting, we use only high-quality, sustainable water-based paints, environmentally friendly varnish. And that’s why our products do not cause any allergic reactions, does not emit harmful substances. ● Climbing set like one of the foundations of Montessori teachings helps developing independence. Children independently work on the improvement of their motor skills (explore their body limits in a safe manner) and encourage children's imagination. DIMENSIONS •━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━• ● Climbing Triangle Small size: Height: 65 cm / 25.6 inches Width: 65 cm/ 25.6 inches Length steps 73 cm / 28.7 inches ATTENTION •━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━• ⚠️ This set DOES NOT CONTAIN ANY DANGEROUS CHEMICAL ELEMENTS AND IS SAFE FOR YOUR BABY!!! ⚠️ Watch your children during games on children's furniture!!! Always be vigilant during children's games!!! ⚠️ The color of the product may be slightly different (lighter / darker) because it is made of natural wood.

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.

● The Climbing furniture is made from high-class polished birch plywood. Birchwood is very strong and flexible. The products are tested at a load of 100 kg, but the maximum load for use is 60 kg. We make sure that everything is brought to perfect condition. ● It is absolutely safe for children: for painting, we use only high-quality, sustainable water-based paints, environmentally friendly varnish. And that’s why our products do not cause any allergic reactions, do not emit harmful substances. ● Climbing set like one of the foundations of Montessori teachings helps developing independence. Children independently work on the improvement of their motor skills (explore their body limits in a safe manner) and encourage children's imagination. ● Our furniture is CE and CPC certified due to the major international toy safety standards, including EN71, ASTM F963, 16CFR, and 15USC 1278a DIMENSIONS •━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━• ● Climbing Triangle Standard size: Height: 81 cm / 32 inches Width: 87,5 cm/ 34,4 inches Length steps 80 cm / 31, 5 inches

Huge country kitchen photo in DC Metro with beaded inset cabinets, black cabinets, stainless steel countertops, white backsplash and wood backsplash

Goldenrod in the meadow with milkweed, host species for Monarch butterflies.
Inspiration for a contemporary landscaping in Boston.