This small, medium and large planter pot set has a rattan style texture, but thanks to its polypropylene resin construction you will never have to worry about the peeling or the unraveling that happens with traditional rattan or wicker materials. These sturdy round planters will stand the test of time without fading. The quality plastic is water resistant and won't deteriorate, break, rot, rust or stain like other materials can when subjected to the elements. This guarantees that these containers will last a long time whether they are placed in the living room or outside on the patio.

In the back of this estate just outside of Omaha, Nebraska, Elite Landscaping designed a custom concrete swimming pool with a covered pool house and 360-degree, negative-edge spa. The pool house features an outdoor kitchen and bar area, which rests on posts that adjoin the raised pool wall. The pool house was built as an exact architectural match to the house, from the stucco, to the cedar decking beams, down to the paint color. This covered outdoor entertaining area provides a shady spot in the afternoons, where guests can lounge on four in-pool, swim up bar stools. The rest of the pool remains in full sun. The sunken swim-up bar is adorned with glass tile accents, and the pool wall features natural stone. Oversized, UniLock bluestone pavers comprise the pool deck and patio. The unique negative-edge spa sits above the pool, and was designed so one half of the spa flows into the pool while the other half flows back into the landscaping. The entire poolscape is automated by a Pentair IntelliTouch system that runs off of a smartphone or other device. With the touch of a button, the homeowners can adjust pool and spa temperatures, change water flow speed, program the FX color-changing LED lights, and even test the pool chemistry.

Context Norbert and Robin had dreamed of retiring in a Passive House-certified home overlooking the Lubberland Creek Preserve in Southeastern New Hampshire, and they’d done their homework. They were interested in using four integrated Zehnder America (www.zehnderamerica.com) technologies to make the 1,900 square foot home extremely energy efficient. They didn’t miss any opportunity to innovate or raise the bar on sustainable design. Our goals were focused on guaranteeing their comfort in every season, saving them money on a fixed income, and reducing the home’s overall impact on the environment as much as possible. Response The home faces directly south and captures sunlight all winter under tall and vaulted ceilings and a continuous band of slim-lined, Italian triple-pane windows and doors that provide gorgeous views of the wild preserve. A second-story office nook and clerestory provide even deeper views, with a little more privacy. Zehnder, which previously sold its innovative products only in Europe, took on the project as a test house. We designed around Zehnder’s vent-based systems, including a geothermal heat loop that heats and cools incoming air, a heat pump cooling system, electric towel-warmer radiators in the bathrooms, and a highly efficient energy recovery ventilator, which recycles heat and minimizes the need for air conditioning. The house effectively has no conventional heating system—and doesn’t need it. We also looked for efficiencies and smart solutions everywhere, from the lights to the windows to the insulation. The kitchen exhaust hood eliminates, cleans, and recirculates cooking fumes in the home’s unique kitchen, custom-designed to match the ways Norbert likes to prepare meals. There are several countertop heights so they can prep and clean comfortably, and the eat-in kitchen also has two seating heights so people can sit and socialize while they’re working on dinner. An adjacent screened porch greets guests and opens to the view. A roof-mounted solar system helps to ensure that the home generates more energy than it consumes—helped by features such as a heat pump water heater, superinsulation, LED lights and a polished concrete floor that helps regulate indoor temperatures.

The Owners of a home that had been consumed by the moving dunes of Lake Michigan wanted a home that would not only stand the test of aesthetic time, but survive the vicissitudes of the environment. With the assistance of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as well as the consulting civil engineer and the City of Grand Haven Zoning Department, a soil stabilization site plan was developed based on raising the new home’s main floor elevation by almost three feet, implementing erosion studies, screen walls and planting indigenous, drought tolerant xeriscaping. The screen walls, as well as the low profile of the home and the use of sand trapping marrum beachgrass all help to create a wind shadow buffer around the home and reduce blowing sand erosion and accretion. The Owners wanted to minimize the stylistic baggage which consumes most “cottage” residences, and with the Architect created a home with simple lines focused on the view and the natural environment. Sustainable energy requirements on a budget directed the design decisions regarding the SIPs panel insulation, energy systems, roof shading, other insulation systems, lighting and detailing. Easily constructed and linear, the home harkens back to mid century modern pavilions with present day environmental sensitivities and harmony with the site. James Yochum

This complete swimming pool and hot tub renovation in New Buffalo, MI started with a faulty swimming pool installation. The infinity edge was not level, and consequently did not work at all. Tile work was sloppy, and faulty. The pool surface was rough, uneven, and unattractive. After performing specific engineering and bluff stability testing, the entire project was demolished and begun anew. In its place was installed a new 18’0” x 45’0” swimming pool, which was 3’6” to 7’6” deep. The spa was separated from the pool, and raised 18”. The square steps going into the swimming pool include an enlarged top-step which doubles as a sunshelf. The spa filtration and heating system was then also separated to facilitate a longer season. The pool is also equipped with an in-floor cleaning system and state of the art sanitization systems including ozone and mineral sanitizers. Valders Limestone coping and Ipe decking was utilized to completely change the aesthetic of the swimming pool and surrounding area. The pool finish is Diamond Brite exposed aggregate.

Context Norbert and Robin had dreamed of retiring in a Passive House-certified home overlooking the Lubberland Creek Preserve in Southeastern New Hampshire, and they’d done their homework. They were interested in using four integrated Zehnder America (www.zehnderamerica.com) technologies to make the 1,900 square foot home extremely energy efficient. They didn’t miss any opportunity to innovate or raise the bar on sustainable design. Our goals were focused on guaranteeing their comfort in every season, saving them money on a fixed income, and reducing the home’s overall impact on the environment as much as possible. Response The home faces directly south and captures sunlight all winter under tall and vaulted ceilings and a continuous band of slim-lined, Italian triple-pane windows and doors that provide gorgeous views of the wild preserve. A second-story office nook and clerestory provide even deeper views, with a little more privacy. Zehnder, which previously sold its innovative products only in Europe, took on the project as a test house. We designed around Zehnder’s vent-based systems, including a geothermal heat loop that heats and cools incoming air, a heat pump cooling system, electric towel-warmer radiators in the bathrooms, and a highly efficient energy recovery ventilator, which recycles heat and minimizes the need for air conditioning. The house effectively has no conventional heating system—and doesn’t need it. We also looked for efficiencies and smart solutions everywhere, from the lights to the windows to the insulation. The kitchen exhaust hood eliminates, cleans, and recirculates cooking fumes in the home’s unique kitchen, custom-designed to match the ways Norbert likes to prepare meals. There are several countertop heights so they can prep and clean comfortably, and the eat-in kitchen also has two seating heights so people can sit and socialize while they’re working on dinner. An adjacent screened porch greets guests and opens to the view. A roof-mounted solar system helps to ensure that the home generates more energy than it consumes—helped by features such as a heat pump water heater, superinsulation, LED lights and a polished concrete floor that helps regulate indoor temperatures. Photo credit Chris Smith

In the back of this estate just outside of Omaha, Nebraska, Elite Landscaping designed a custom concrete swimming pool with a covered pool house and 360-degree, negative-edge spa. The pool house features an outdoor kitchen and bar area, which rests on posts that adjoin the raised pool wall. The pool house was built as an exact architectural match to the house, from the stucco, to the cedar decking beams, down to the paint color. This covered outdoor entertaining area provides a shady spot in the afternoons, where guests can lounge on four in-pool, swim up bar stools. The rest of the pool remains in full sun. The sunken swim-up bar is adorned with glass tile accents, and the pool wall features natural stone. Oversized, UniLock bluestone pavers comprise the pool deck and patio. The unique negative-edge spa sits above the pool, and was designed so one half of the spa flows into the pool while the other half flows back into the landscaping. The entire poolscape is automated by a Pentair IntelliTouch system that runs off of a smartphone or other device. With the touch of a button, the homeowners can adjust pool and spa temperatures, change water flow speed, program the FX color-changing LED lights, and even test the pool chemistry.

We transformed a Georgian brick two-story built in 1998 into an elegant, yet comfortable home for an active family that includes children and dogs. Although this Dallas home’s traditional bones were intact, the interior dark stained molding, paint, and distressed cabinetry, along with dated bathrooms and kitchen were in desperate need of an overhaul. We honored the client’s European background by using time-tested marble mosaics, slabs and countertops, and vintage style plumbing fixtures throughout the kitchen and bathrooms. We balanced these traditional elements with metallic and unique patterned wallpapers, transitional light fixtures and clean-lined furniture frames to give the home excitement while maintaining a graceful and inviting presence. We used nickel lighting and plumbing finishes throughout the home to give regal punctuation to each room. The intentional, detailed styling in this home is evident in that each room boasts its own character while remaining cohesive overall.

Pepper plants are a delightful addition to any garden, offering a vibrant burst of color and spice to your culinary creations. However, even experienced gardeners can encounter challenges when growing pepper plants. In this blog, we'll explore some common issues you might face and provide practical solutions to help your pepper plants thrive. 1. Slow or Stunted Growth Issue: Slow or stunted growth in pepper plants can be discouraging, but there are specific steps you can take to address this issue effectively. Solution: a. Soil Health: - Well-Draining Soil: Ensure your pepper plants are in well-draining soil to prevent waterlogged roots, which can inhibit growth. - Organic Matter: Incorporate plenty of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, into the soil to improve its texture and nutrient content. - pH Level: Test the soil pH and adjust it to the ideal range between 6.0 and 6.8 using lime or sulfur as needed. b. Fertilization: - Balanced Fertilizer: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer designed for vegetables to provide essential nutrients steadily throughout the growing season. - Compost: Amend the soil with compost to enhance nutrient availability and soil structure. This can promote healthier growth. c. Watering: - Consistent Moisture: Maintain consistent soil moisture levels by watering your pepper plants regularly but avoid waterlogging. Aim for 1-2 inches of water per week, adjusting based on your local climate and weather conditions. - Mulching: Apply mulch around the base of the plants to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature. 2. Yellowing Leaves Issue: Yellowing leaves can be a sign of various underlying problems, but addressing them promptly can restore the vibrancy of your pepper plants. Solution: a. Nutrient Deficiencies: - Balanced Fertilization: Use a well-balanced fertilizer that includes micronutrients to address nutrient deficiencies. - Specific Nutrients: If you suspect a particular deficiency, such as magnesium, iron, or nitrogen, apply the appropriate nutrient supplement following package instructions. b. Pest and Disease Control: - Pest Inspection: Regularly inspect the leaves and stems for common pests like aphids and mites. Remove affected leaves and treat with organic pesticides if necessary. - Disease Management: Look out for signs of diseases like bacterial leaf spot or fungal issues. Apply organic fungicides or bactericides as recommended. 3. Blossom Drop Issue: When pepper plants drop their blossoms prematurely, it can hinder fruit development and lead to disappointment. Solution: a. Temperature Control: - Stable Temperatures: Ensure your pepper plants are exposed to consistent temperatures between 70°F and 80°F (21°C to 27°C) during flowering. Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations by providing shelter or using row covers. b. Pollination: - Assist with Pollination: If growing peppers indoors or in a greenhouse, help with pollination by gently shaking the plants or using a small brush to transfer pollen between flowers. Outdoor pepper plants are usually pollinated by insects. 4. Wilting Plants Issue: Wilting or drooping pepper plants can be a sign of various problems, but proper care can revive them. Solution: a. Watering: - Consistent Moisture: Adjust your watering routine to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water early in the day to prevent fungal issues. - Drainage: Ensure proper soil drainage by amending the soil or using raised beds to prevent waterlogged roots. b. Pest Control: - Pest Inspection: Examine the undersides of leaves for signs of pests like aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies. Treat infestations promptly with biological insecticides. 5. Curling Leaves Issue: Curling or misshapen leaves indicate stress in pepper plants, which can be caused by various factors. Solution: a. Environmental Stress: - Stable Conditions: Ensure your pepper plants are in an environment with stable humidity, temperature, and adequate air circulation. Avoid sudden changes in conditions. - Proper Ventilation: Adequate air circulation can reduce humidity and prevent fungal issues. b. Pest and Disease Management: - Pest Inspection: Regularly inspect your plants for pests and diseases, addressing them promptly with organic remedies as needed. 6. Sunscald Issue: Sunscald can lead to discolored, leathery patches on pepper fruits when exposed to intense sunlight. Solution: a. Shade Cloth: - Sun Protection: Shield your pepper plants from harsh sunlight during the hottest part of the day using shade cloth or by planting them where they receive some filtered sunlight. b. Pruning: - Fruit Shading: Prune excess foliage to allow better fruit shading, reducing the risk of sunscald. Ensure that there's a balance between foliage and fruit. 7. Pepper Plant Pests and Diseases Issue: Aphids, mites, whiteflies, and various diseases can affect pepper plants, but you can manage them effectively. Solution: a. Regular Inspection: - Vigilant Monitoring: Regularly inspect your pepper plants for signs of pests or diseases, paying close attention to the undersides of leaves and stems. b. Organic Remedies: - Pest Control: Use organic remedies like neem oil, insecticidal soap, or diatomaceous earth for pest control. - Disease Management: Apply organic fungicides or bactericides as recommended to manage diseases like powdery mildew or bacterial spot. While growing pepper plants can present various challenges, these common issues are manageable with the right knowledge and care. Regular monitoring, proper soil preparation, and timely intervention can help you enjoy a bountiful harvest of vibrant, spicy peppers. Remember that gardening is a learning experience, and each challenge you face is an opportunity to improve your skills and enjoy the rewards of homegrown peppers in your favorite dishes.

The Owners of a home that had been consumed by the moving dunes of Lake Michigan wanted a home that would not only stand the test of aesthetic time, but survive the vicissitudes of the environment. With the assistance of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as well as the consulting civil engineer and the City of Grand Haven Zoning Department, a soil stabilization site plan was developed based on raising the new home’s main floor elevation by almost three feet, implementing erosion studies, screen walls and planting indigenous, drought tolerant xeriscaping. The screen walls, as well as the low profile of the home and the use of sand trapping marrum beachgrass all help to create a wind shadow buffer around the home and reduce blowing sand erosion and accretion. The Owners wanted to minimize the stylistic baggage which consumes most “cottage” residences, and with the Architect created a home with simple lines focused on the view and the natural environment. Sustainable energy requirements on a budget directed the design decisions regarding the SIPs panel insulation, energy systems, roof shading, other insulation systems, lighting and detailing. Easily constructed and linear, the home harkens back to mid century modern pavilions with present day environmental sensitivities and harmony with the site. John Allegretti

The Owners of a home that had been consumed by the moving dunes of Lake Michigan wanted a home that would not only stand the test of aesthetic time, but survive the vicissitudes of the environment. With the assistance of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as well as the consulting civil engineer and the City of Grand Haven Zoning Department, a soil stabilization site plan was developed based on raising the new home’s main floor elevation by almost three feet, implementing erosion studies, screen walls and planting indigenous, drought tolerant xeriscaping. The screen walls, as well as the low profile of the home and the use of sand trapping marrum beachgrass all help to create a wind shadow buffer around the home and reduce blowing sand erosion and accretion. The Owners wanted to minimize the stylistic baggage which consumes most “cottage” residences, and with the Architect created a home with simple lines focused on the view and the natural environment. Sustainable energy requirements on a budget directed the design decisions regarding the SIPs panel insulation, energy systems, roof shading, other insulation systems, lighting and detailing. Easily constructed and linear, the home harkens back to mid century modern pavilions with present day environmental sensitivities and harmony with the site. Property Owner

Taragano Design & Build completed this addition in Orinda, California, extending the front of an existing single story ranch. The original elevation ran flat across its whole length, which on a long low house leaves the entry with nothing to distinguish it. The addition breaks that line by projecting forward, and the entry now sits in the inside corner where the two volumes meet. That corner does the work a porch or portico would do on a different house, without adding anything applied. Roof pitch and eave height were matched to the original rather than raised. A taller addition would have read as newer construction grafted on. Holding the ridge below the existing line keeps the house reading as one building, which is the entire test on a front elevation. The bay window carries a stone base rather than running siding to grade. That detail is practical before it is decorative. Splash back from the walkway and planting beds is what eventually damages siding at the bottom course, and stone at the base ends that problem permanently on the most exposed face of the addition. Approach was reworked at the same time. The walkway swings across rather than running straight at the door, so the house is seen before it is entered. Licensed general contractor, CSLB #1143420. Diamond Certified.

Existing 2-Ton Lennox Air Conditioner
Patio - small backyard patio idea in Orange County

In the back of this estate just outside of Omaha, Nebraska, Elite Landscaping designed a custom concrete swimming pool with a covered pool house and 360-degree, negative-edge spa. The pool house features an outdoor kitchen and bar area, which rests on posts that adjoin the raised pool wall. The pool house was built as an exact architectural match to the house, from the stucco, to the cedar decking beams, down to the paint color. This covered outdoor entertaining area provides a shady spot in the afternoons, where guests can lounge on four in-pool, swim up bar stools. The rest of the pool remains in full sun. The sunken swim-up bar is adorned with glass tile accents, and the pool wall features natural stone. Oversized, UniLock bluestone pavers comprise the pool deck and patio. The unique negative-edge spa sits above the pool, and was designed so one half of the spa flows into the pool while the other half flows back into the landscaping. The entire poolscape is automated by a Pentair IntelliTouch system that runs off of a smartphone or other device. With the touch of a button, the homeowners can adjust pool and spa temperatures, change water flow speed, program the FX color-changing LED lights, and even test the pool chemistry.

Hygge – pronounced "hoo-ga" – is coziness. A way of living that emphasizes the importance of simplicity and unwinding. It's hospitality and warmth. But at DIRTT, it also means a living lab. The home is a giant test subject for the possibilities of prefabricated construction. The home demonstrates what's possible when traditional craftsmanship and modern technology combine. Complex angles and curves become a possibility. Exquisite finishes become reality when labor costs are flipped on their head. The home has become what it was meant to be all along; a place to gather with colleagues, Clients, family and friends to break bread and get to know one another.

An older white traditional kitchen was transformed into a transitional style modern masterpiece. Dated, angular countertop edges on both the perimeter cabinets and the oversized island were replaced with straight profile countertops in a standard projection. Traditional raised panel cabinet doors were replaced with shaker-style custom doors, creating a modern classic look that will stand the test of time.

The Owners of a home that had been consumed by the moving dunes of Lake Michigan wanted a home that would not only stand the test of aesthetic time, but survive the vicissitudes of the environment. With the assistance of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as well as the consulting civil engineer and the City of Grand Haven Zoning Department, a soil stabilization site plan was developed based on raising the new home’s main floor elevation by almost three feet, implementing erosion studies, screen walls and planting indigenous, drought tolerant xeriscaping. The screen walls, as well as the low profile of the home and the use of sand trapping marrum beachgrass all help to create a wind shadow buffer around the home and reduce blowing sand erosion and accretion. The Owners wanted to minimize the stylistic baggage which consumes most “cottage” residences, and with the Architect created a home with simple lines focused on the view and the natural environment. Sustainable energy requirements on a budget directed the design decisions regarding the SIPs panel insulation, energy systems, roof shading, other insulation systems, lighting and detailing. Easily constructed and linear, the home harkens back to mid century modern pavilions with present day environmental sensitivities and harmony with the site. John Allegretti

Entryway - contemporary entryway idea in San Francisco

In the back of this estate just outside of Omaha, Nebraska, Elite Landscaping designed a custom concrete swimming pool with a covered pool house and 360-degree, negative-edge spa. The pool house features an outdoor kitchen and bar area, which rests on posts that adjoin the raised pool wall. The pool house was built as an exact architectural match to the house, from the stucco, to the cedar decking beams, down to the paint color. This covered outdoor entertaining area provides a shady spot in the afternoons, where guests can lounge on four in-pool, swim up bar stools. The rest of the pool remains in full sun. The sunken swim-up bar is adorned with glass tile accents, and the pool wall features natural stone. Oversized, UniLock bluestone pavers comprise the pool deck and patio. The unique negative-edge spa sits above the pool, and was designed so one half of the spa flows into the pool while the other half flows back into the landscaping. The entire poolscape is automated by a Pentair IntelliTouch system that runs off of a smartphone or other device. With the touch of a button, the homeowners can adjust pool and spa temperatures, change water flow speed, program the FX color-changing LED lights, and even test the pool chemistry.