Outdoor Living should look, feel and taste FABULOUS. The free standing DI FIORE Outdoor Pizza Oven is perfect for family outings. The realism is the trend of outdoor dining and preparation that reaches far beyond the grill. The wood fired Outdoor Pizza oven can cook pizza, calzones, baked stuff shells, breads and much more. Two ways to cook with the Wood Fired Pizza Oven. One way with the door open and flamed pushed to the side and pizza place on the other. The Pizza is cooked right on the floor of the oven. Secondly is the old fashioned hearth oven technique of escalating the temperature of the oven and then closing the door with the food placed in the now temperate oven heat. The Outdoor Pizza oven is a great way to anchor teens home outdoors with family and friends. Michael Gotowala founder of THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE.Outdoor Living should look, feel and taste FABULOUS. The free standing DI FIORE Outdoor Pizza Oven is perfect for family outings. The realism is the trend of outdoor dining and preparation that reaches far beyond the grill. The wood fired Outdoor Pizza oven can cook pizza, calzones, baked stuff shells, breads and much more. Two ways to cook with the Wood Fired Pizza Oven. One way with the door open and flamed pushed to the side and pizza place on the other. The Pizza is cooked right on the floor of the oven. Secondly is the old fashioned hearth oven technique of escalating the temperature of the oven and then closing the door with the food placed in the now temperate oven heat. The Outdoor Pizza oven is a great way to anchor teens home outdoors with family and friends. For more great Outdoor Pizza Oven ideas and projects go to THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE. www.Outdoorkitchendesigner.com www.OutdoorLivingDesignerCt.com For more great Outdoor Pizza Oven ideas and projects go to THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE. www.Outdoorkitchendesigner.com Michael Gotowala founder of THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE

With wings braced, this duck is ready to drop into the river's edge at twilight, or onto the rooftop of your house, barn, garage, or cupola. Our Good Directions' artisans use Old World techniques to handcraft this fully functional, standard-size weathervane that's unsurpassed in style, quality and durability. • Expertly handcrafted by Good Directions artisans using Old World techniques • Blue verde copper provides an attractive patina • Includes easy-to-assemble, all-weather rod, solid brass directionals and copper spacer balls. 401AL Roof Mount sold separately. • Makes a great gift for wildlife enthusiasts • Assembled Size: 19” L x 27” H x 27" wingspan; Figure Only: 19" L x 17" H x 27" wingspan — ideal for your house, barn, garage, or cupola. Weight: 10 lbs. Material: Blue Verde Copper

Custom Timber Trusses & Beams created using a "time-worn" texture technique. This technique gives the appearance of a piece of timber that weather has "worn" or aged the softer areas of the timber.

This updated faux finish technique adds elegance and drama to this Dining Rm, but could also make impact in an Entry, Living Rm, Bedroom or Bath.
Mid-sized minimalist enclosed dining room photo in Sacramento with beige walls

Custom pave-stones and balustrade, hot rolled wall cladding. Photo: Greg Anderson, Design: Hawkins Architecture
Large urban backyard concrete patio photo in Other with no cover

This rustic style home on Hartwell Lake was designed and built for the owners to enjoy with family and friends during their active weekend lifestyle. The home was built on a narrow, deep lot that was semi-level on the roadside and steep on the lakeside. The back half of the lot heavily wooded with mature oak and poplar trees reducing the harsh sun’s heat gain on the home. The exterior utilizes fiber cement cedar shake and lap siding complimented by deep brown colors for the windows, soffit, trim and the large square columns. A nice balance of natural earth toned stacked stone rounds out the exterior materials completing the rustic casual lake living. The home 5400 SF is designed and built on thee levels each having a primary focus. The main level creates primary daily living for the owners. This level features an open plan with an entry, stair, dining, kitchen and living areas leading to a large lakeside screened porch. A master suite is privately tucked off its own hallway and allowing it to enjoy the lakeside as well with its own private deck. On the opposite side are two bedrooms, a study and a shared bathroom for each to utilize. An open carport for two vehicles was created with the motor court and connects to the mudroom/utility room giving the owners direct entry into their home. The upper level is for the grand children with an oversized bedroom, bathroom and loft area for play. The lower level is the considered the party level. Its primary feature is an elevated stage for the owner’s band opened to a large seating area, dining and kitchen for viewing and listening with direct access to another screened porch. Flanking each side is a theater and two additional bedrooms and bathrooms. Energy Efficient features include: • The majority of the lower level sunk into the site below grade • 6” thick walls utilizing advanced framing techniques • Foil covered roof sheathing • Extensive use of blown in cellulous • All windows & doors are double paned low E argon filed glass • Tank-less water heaters • Three separate high efficiency HVAC units with programmable thermostats and a fresh air ERV. Lastly the owner requested we make every effort to sound proof the home. Many materials and techniques gave a duel purpose and added to the energy efficiency. These items include: • 2x6 walls with staggered studs • Extensive use if rock wool acoustic batting • Tempered glass in all exterior doors and windows • ¼ thick Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) was installed on the top and bottom of the floor trusses and on all lower level walls. The combination of the design and detailing utilizing these specific materials enabled us to achieve a 5 Star Plus Energy Star Certification with a HERS Index Score of 50. This home received a the 2015 Pinnacle Award from the SC Home Builders Association for the “Best Achievement in Energy Efficiency” sponsored by the SC Department Commerce.

Kitchen by Geneva Cabinet Company featuring Brookhaven by Wood-Mode cabinetry. Edgemont Recessed Door, Heirloom Lace Finish with Charcoal Glaze, Granite Counter tops

Using century old techniques Premier Copper Products craftsman are now producing Hand Forged decorative artistic sinks. These sinks are Hand Forged from solid blocks of copper. This technique is very time consuming and therefore the line has a limited amount of production. These sinks are truly works of art!

Outdoor Living should look, feel and taste FABULOUS. The free standing DI FIORE Outdoor Pizza Oven is perfect for family outings. The realism is the trend of outdoor dining and preparation that reaches far beyond the grill. The wood fired Outdoor Pizza oven can cook pizza, calzones, baked stuff shells, breads and much more. Two ways to cook with the Wood Fired Pizza Oven. One way with the door open and flamed pushed to the side and pizza place on the other. The Pizza is cooked right on the floor of the oven. Secondly is the old fashioned hearth oven technique of escalating the temperature of the oven and then closing the door with the food placed in the now temperate oven heat. The Outdoor Pizza oven is a great way to anchor teens home outdoors with family and friends. Michael Gotowala founder of THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE.Outdoor Living should look, feel and taste FABULOUS. The free standing DI FIORE Outdoor Pizza Oven is perfect for family outings. The realism is the trend of outdoor dining and preparation that reaches far beyond the grill. The wood fired Outdoor Pizza oven can cook pizza, calzones, baked stuff shells, breads and much more. Two ways to cook with the Wood Fired Pizza Oven. One way with the door open and flamed pushed to the side and pizza place on the other. The Pizza is cooked right on the floor of the oven. Secondly is the old fashioned hearth oven technique of escalating the temperature of the oven and then closing the door with the food placed in the now temperate oven heat. The Outdoor Pizza oven is a great way to anchor teens home outdoors with family and friends. For more great Outdoor Pizza Oven ideas and projects go to THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE. www.Outdoorkitchendesigner.com www.OutdoorLivingDesignerCt.com For more great Outdoor Pizza Oven ideas and projects go to THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE. www.Outdoorkitchendesigner.com Michael Gotowala founder of THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE

This rustic style home on Hartwell Lake was designed and built for the owners to enjoy with family and friends during their active weekend lifestyle. The home was built on a narrow, deep lot that was semi-level on the roadside and steep on the lakeside. The back half of the lot heavily wooded with mature oak and poplar trees reducing the harsh sun’s heat gain on the home. The exterior utilizes fiber cement cedar shake and lap siding complimented by deep brown colors for the windows, soffit, trim and the large square columns. A nice balance of natural earth toned stacked stone rounds out the exterior materials completing the rustic casual lake living. The home 5400 SF is designed and built on thee levels each having a primary focus. The main level creates primary daily living for the owners. This level features an open plan with an entry, stair, dining, kitchen and living areas leading to a large lakeside screened porch. A master suite is privately tucked off its own hallway and allowing it to enjoy the lakeside as well with its own private deck. On the opposite side are two bedrooms, a study and a shared bathroom for each to utilize. An open carport for two vehicles was created with the motor court and connects to the mudroom/utility room giving the owners direct entry into their home. The upper level is for the grand children with an oversized bedroom, bathroom and loft area for play. The lower level is the considered the party level. Its primary feature is an elevated stage for the owner’s band opened to a large seating area, dining and kitchen for viewing and listening with direct access to another screened porch. Flanking each side is a theater and two additional bedrooms and bathrooms. Energy Efficient features include: • The majority of the lower level sunk into the site below grade • 6” thick walls utilizing advanced framing techniques • Foil covered roof sheathing • Extensive use of blown in cellulous • All windows & doors are double paned low E argon filed glass • Tank-less water heaters • Three separate high efficiency HVAC units with programmable thermostats and a fresh air ERV. Lastly the owner requested we make every effort to sound proof the home. Many materials and techniques gave a duel purpose and added to the energy efficiency. These items include: • 2x6 walls with staggered studs • Extensive use if rock wool acoustic batting • Tempered glass in all exterior doors and windows • ¼ thick Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) was installed on the top and bottom of the floor trusses and on all lower level walls. The combination of the design and detailing utilizing these specific materials enabled us to achieve a 5 Star Plus Energy Star Certification with a HERS Index Score of 50. This home received a the 2015 Pinnacle Award from the SC Home Builders Association for the “Best Achievement in Energy Efficiency” sponsored by the SC Department Commerce.

Mary Parker Architectural Photography
Example of a classic wooden l-shaped staircase design in DC Metro with wooden risers

Inspired by nature: the Coastal Braided Swivel Lounge Chair by Laura Kirar brings dramatic elements of seaside life to any space. The materials used in this statement design mimic the textures and materials Kirar found throughout her many her travels in the Yucatán peninsula; she borrows weaving concepts and techniques from braided rope and baskets, thatched roofs and other raw materials commonly used in the area. The braided back is handmade from 'Class A' Abaca rope (known for its consistently light finish) in an overscaled pattern; hand wrapped Danish Cord accentuates the base and exposed frame. The technique is very similar to the craftsmanship that goes into hand knitting a carpet, taking almost a week to complete. The sprung base, loose down & feather seat cushions and the swivel base makes this generously scaled lounge chair a very comfortable fit. Swivel and Danish Cord come standard; COM.

The VON hidden TV lift cabinet is inspired by a Japanese technique called Naguri, which is a traditional woodworking technique that involves carving intricate patterns onto the surface of wood using chisels and other hand tools. It has been used for centuries to create beautiful designs and textures that enhance the natural beauty of wood. Designed to accommodate TVs of up to 65", our Hidden TV Lift Cabinet features a state-of-the-art motorized lift mechanism that smoothly raises and lowers your TV with the touch of a button, providing you with the ultimate viewing experience without the clutter of exposed wires and cables. The lift can be customized according to your needs, allowing you the option of adding a soundbar mount or a 360-degree swivel function. With the addition of the 360-degree swivel the TV can be manually swiveled to view from any angle. This ensures that you never have to compromise on comfort or convenience when it comes to watching TV at home. On the VON, the center door is fixed, and the two outer doors allow access to the TV and TV lift. Hide Your TV, Not Your Style!

This all-electric certified Passive House sits on a 10-acre parcel in Cachagua, a rural area of Carmel Valley, California. The 2,277-square-foot, 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence was built next to an observatory, the initial draw for the owners who are avid star gazers. The hues of the home’s interior are intentionally neutral, focusing attention on the dramatic natural surroundings. The great room and adjacent bedroom feature pitched ceilings accented with dark wood beam trestles, lending a sense of expansiveness and elegance. Built-in cabinetry and shelving take maximum advantage of the space. Given that it is located in a Wildland—Urban Interface zone, Trex® deck and railing materials, a metal roof and special finishes were added to the exterior to decrease flammability. This helped protect the home during a 2020 wildfire. A state-of-the-art heat recovery ventilation system (HRV) is designed to prevent infiltration of smoke to the interior. Thanks to the highly efficient HRV, and the application of advanced insulation and air sealing techniques, the energy demand for space conditioning is about 90 percent less than a traditionally built structure. The remainder of the home’s energy needs are provided by a solar array. Windows were strategically placed to capitalize on the mountain and valley views as well as naturally control heat gain from the sun. The observatory, once the sole building on the property, now includes a two car garage and a cozy room for relaxing until the stars make their appearance. While the home was under construction and interior walls still uncovered, it was used to demonstrate Passive House techniques and technologies and related benefits. Click here for a virtual tour.

This rustic style home on Hartwell Lake was designed and built for the owners to enjoy with family and friends during their active weekend lifestyle. The home was built on a narrow, deep lot that was semi-level on the roadside and steep on the lakeside. The back half of the lot heavily wooded with mature oak and poplar trees reducing the harsh sun’s heat gain on the home. The exterior utilizes fiber cement cedar shake and lap siding complimented by deep brown colors for the windows, soffit, trim and the large square columns. A nice balance of natural earth toned stacked stone rounds out the exterior materials completing the rustic casual lake living. The home 5400 SF is designed and built on thee levels each having a primary focus. The main level creates primary daily living for the owners. This level features an open plan with an entry, stair, dining, kitchen and living areas leading to a large lakeside screened porch. A master suite is privately tucked off its own hallway and allowing it to enjoy the lakeside as well with its own private deck. On the opposite side are two bedrooms, a study and a shared bathroom for each to utilize. An open carport for two vehicles was created with the motor court and connects to the mudroom/utility room giving the owners direct entry into their home. The upper level is for the grand children with an oversized bedroom, bathroom and loft area for play. The lower level is the considered the party level. Its primary feature is an elevated stage for the owner’s band opened to a large seating area, dining and kitchen for viewing and listening with direct access to another screened porch. Flanking each side is a theater and two additional bedrooms and bathrooms. Energy Efficient features include: • The majority of the lower level sunk into the site below grade • 6” thick walls utilizing advanced framing techniques • Foil covered roof sheathing • Extensive use of blown in cellulous • All windows & doors are double paned low E argon filed glass • Tank-less water heaters • Three separate high efficiency HVAC units with programmable thermostats and a fresh air ERV. Lastly the owner requested we make every effort to sound proof the home. Many materials and techniques gave a duel purpose and added to the energy efficiency. These items include: • 2x6 walls with staggered studs • Extensive use if rock wool acoustic batting • Tempered glass in all exterior doors and windows • ¼ thick Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) was installed on the top and bottom of the floor trusses and on all lower level walls. The combination of the design and detailing utilizing these specific materials enabled us to achieve a 5 Star Plus Energy Star Certification with a HERS Index Score of 50. This home received a the 2015 Pinnacle Award from the SC Home Builders Association for the “Best Achievement in Energy Efficiency” sponsored by the SC Department Commerce.

Individuality is what defines this exquisite line of hand blown glass. This ancient technique of fine craftsmanship ensures that quality and originality is at the heart of every piece. Each piece is meticulously hand blown with up to three layers of uncompromising beauty and style. Only skilled craftsmen who uphold the highest standards to ensure a unique identity throughout each layer perform this art. The special technique of layering allows the light to spread evenly across the glass resulting in a warm glow over the entire surface Measurements and Information: - 1 Light - 60 watt medium - Width 7" - Height 10" - Includes 6 feet of clear cord - Seashore blown glass - Satin Nickel finish

This residential home showcases Tuscan Antique natural thin veneer from the Quarry Mill. Tuscan Antique is a beautiful tumbled natural limestone veneer with a range of mostly gold tones. There are a few grey pieces as well as some light brown pieces in the mix. The tumbling process softens the edges and makes for a smoother texture. Although our display shows a raked mortar joint for consistency, Tuscan Antique lends itself to the flush or overgrout techniques of old-world architecture. Using a flush or overgrout technique takes you back to the times when stone was used structurally in the construction process. This is the perfect stone if your goal is to replicate a classic Italian villa.

Staircase - large contemporary staircase idea in Bridgeport

From The Washington Post: "Developer Ahmad Khreshi of Northern Virginia-based Home Perfection Contracting isn’t afraid to take risks when building a house. He embraces the unexpected, challenging his architect, interior designer and builder to experiment with new techniques. This house in McLean, Va., is his most ambitious project to date. Instead of remodeling an existing house such as the one that was featured as a House of the Week in 2016, Khreshi built an entirely new one. Khreshi worked with architect Peter VanderPoel and designer Karen Bengel to create a modern house that borrows from Frank Lloyd Wright’s philosophy of incorporating the house in the landscape. The house has three distinct masses — garage, living and bedroom — and three levels, each one set at a different ground level. The layout of the structure is one aspect of the design. Another is the influence of Mondrian style, named for Piet Mondrian, a modern abstract artist who popularized paintings with colorful arrangements of squares and rectangles. “We wanted something different,” he said. “That’s what we are on the hunt for. We needed the house to stand out from the rest [of the houses], yet belong to the neighborhood.” Designed first by hand and then by computer, the asymmetrical window pattern is laid out in the Mondrian style, which is repeated in the asymmetrical design of the Hardie board (fiber-cement siding) on one side of the house. The opposite side and the middle section are a combination of brick and yakisugi carbonized-wood siding. The yakisugi siding is heat-treated in a way similar to an ancient Japanese technique, with the wood burned to give it a carbon layer that protects it from insects and decay." Read the full article on The Washington Post here.