This wonderful client was keeping their New Hampshire home, but was relocating for 2 years to Texas for work. Before the family arrived, I was tasked with furnishing the whole house so the children feel "at home" when they arrived. Using a unified color scheme, I procured and coordinated the essentials for an on time, and on budget, and on trend delivery! Photo Credit: Boldly Beige

When planning this custom residence, the owners had a clear vision – to create an inviting home for their family, with plenty of opportunities to entertain, play, and relax and unwind. They asked for an interior that was approachable and rugged, with an aesthetic that would stand the test of time. Amy Carman Design was tasked with designing all of the millwork, custom cabinetry and interior architecture throughout, including a private theater, lower level bar, game room and a sport court. A materials palette of reclaimed barn wood, gray-washed oak, natural stone, black windows, handmade and vintage-inspired tile, and a mix of white and stained woodwork help set the stage for the furnishings. This down-to-earth vibe carries through to every piece of furniture, artwork, light fixture and textile in the home, creating an overall sense of warmth and authenticity.

So often our task as residential architects is not to create something out of nothing. Instead, it is to help evolve, or bring forward something that is already there; to see with new eyes the best of what exists and to clarify and expand it, so that the house supports and celebrates how the client lives, and hopes to live, in the home. So was the case with our House of Blues. The house was already wonderful. There was plenty of space, good views, a functioning floor plan, and the home was in overall good condition. The best features however, were embedded in the time it was built – mid 1960’s. The views were good, but too small. The kitchen location worked well, but is was closed off, cramped, and lacking counter space. The dining room was elegant, but too large and isolated. The graceful central hallway remained the homes most unique feature, but it was dark and the entry to the rooms on either side were accessed via small doorways. The bathrooms were large enough, and in the right locations, but they were tired and dated, and there was no mudroom. We created something out of something. Beautiful shades of blue permeated the owner’s things and became a central theme in new elements. Daylight was expanded and brought deeper into the space. Doorways were widened and walls removed. The central hallway was fully opened at the end with two-story glass to improve on an already good idea. The kitchen was wholly new and expanded by borrowing space from the dining room. A mudroom was carved out of the garage. All the bathrooms were remodeled with fresh materials and new features. The gracious concrete stoop was reclad in stone and the front door was changed out for a splash of color. Light now permeates all the rooms and spaces flow together without losing their identity or function. The owners no longer feel blue in their House of Blues! Location: St Paul, MN Project Team: Ben Awes, AIA, Principal- in -Charge Nate Dodge

Our PLJW 102 range hood is modern, powerful, and user-friendly. It comes with a 1000 CFM blower, which is enough power for all tasks in the kitchen. You can adjust the power to four different speeds using the elegant LCD touch control panel in the front of the hood. The convenience doesn't end there. You can use the two heat lamps in the back of the range hood to warm your food before it's served – or add some LEDs for additional lighting. This model also comes with dishwasher-safe baffle filters, so that you can spend more time focusing on making your delicious food than cleaning! For more information on our 102 island range hood models, click on the link below. https://www.prolinerangehoods.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=pljw%20102

The tiles shown in the photographs below are classic distressed Black and White Italian Marble installed in the kitchen of a property in Bamber Bridge which is South of Preston. Some of the tiles had an issue with loose grout which I suspect was due to the suspended wooden floor and a small amount of movement had resulted in the grout cracking. Ideally more support would be needed under the floor to prevent this, in the meantime however I recommended removing the grout and replacing with a flexible grout product that could cope with the movement. The tiles also needed a clean, polish and reseal so it made sense to address the issue with the grout as part of the work. Working as a two-man team we started by cleaning the floor with a set of diamond burnishing pads starting with a coarse 400-grit, followed by 800 and 1500 grit. Water was used to lubricate the process and the floor was rinsed with water between pads with the fine slurry generated by the process extracted using a wet vacuum. These pads remove ingrained dirt and then slowly refine the appearance of the Marble building up its polished appearance in the process. The next step was to rake out all the grout which as discussed was compromised and needed replacing. We had to be very careful when removing the grout due to the electric heating mat under the floor, any damage to that would require ripping the floor up. With the old grout removed and the floor cleaned the floor was then grouted using Mapei Ultra-colour which is a flexible and fully waterproof grout more than suitable for this situation. Between us we managed to pack a lot into day one which was tough, however with the hardest tasks out of the way day two should be a lot easier. Day two started with an initial clean making sure to remove any excess grout smeared on the surface that can affect the look of the tile if not removed. This was followed by the application of the last of the set of burnishing pads which is a 3,000-grit pad that really brings up the polish on the marble. You only need a small amount of water sprayed onto the floor when applying this last pad so by late morning the floor was dry and ready for sealing. The customer wanted a better sheen appearance than they previously had, fortunately we find the Diamond burnishing pads do this well, they also tighten up the pores of the stone as well which means less sealer is needed. The floor was then sealed with Tile Doctor Colour Grow which is an impregnating sealer that improves colour and soaks into the stone occupying the pores and thereby preventing dirt from becoming ingrained. Once complete the floor looked great and the client was very happy. Sealers and Polish do wear down with use over time so before leaving I discussed our annual maintenance plan option which will ensure the appearance of the Marble floor always looks good. The plan involves returning once a year to further polish the floor with a high-grade burnishing pad and to add more sealer if required. We also discussed the use of Tile Doctor Stone Soap for regular cleaning, it is a pH neutral cleaner which is ideal for stone floors like Marble which are acid sensitive. Russell Taylor Lancashire Tile Doctor

Updated Spec Home: Basement Living Area I promised you there would be a Season 2 of our series Updated Spec Home and here it is – Basement Family Room. My mom and sister found themselves spending more and more time in this room because it was a great open space to watch television and hang out with my sister’s two border collies. Color Scheme We pulled our color scheme from a floral fabric that they saw on a chair at my store, and we used it to reupholster their existing wood accent chairs. We used pops of turquoise and green throughout the space including the long back wall which was perfect to make a feature with this vibrant wallpaper in a geometric design. Defining the Space The room was so large that we needed to define different areas. The large rug in the oversized pattern was perfect for the seating area. Lighting Since there is only one small window bringing natural light into the space, we painted the remaining walls a light warm gray (Sherwin Williams’ City Loft SW7631) and added several table lamps and a floor lamp for task lighting. Reusing Existing Furniture Fortunately the space was large enough so my sister could keep her fabulous worn leather chair and ottoman and my mom could have an upholstered chair and ottoman in a subtle blue and green tweed. The large hallway leading to the storage area was the perfect place for these small bookcases which house family photos in various silver frames. The bookcases have a special place in our hearts – they belonged to my grandparents. We accessorized with a long painted box which was the perfect scale for the bookcases and a grouping of vibrant botanical prints. In lieu of a conventional media cabinet, my mom and sister found this one with a built-in fireplace. It brings a lot of warmth into the space – literally! Painted Furniture We had Kelly Sisler of Kelly Faux Creations paint their existing glass front cabinet this awesome apple green. Accessories include turquoise floral vases, a metallic circular vase, and a beautiful floral print. Reading Nook We positioned this original oil painting in the landing so it would be visible from the seating area. The landing was the perfect spot to display my sister’s collection of art glass. I love the small reading nook created with this rattan wooden accent chair and lantern floor lamp. We were able to make good use of the ledge in the stairwell by leaning these vibrant watercolors. The dogs even have their own space. Meet my two “nephews” – Dill and Atticus (the one with his back to us pouting). We used this colorful oversized canvas to define their space and break up the long wall. As you know, one good thing leads to another. Be sure to tune in next week for a surprise addition to this Updated Spec Home. In the meantime, check out this Basement Family Room designed by Robin’s Nest Interiors. Enjoy!

This wonderful client was keeping their New Hampshire home, but was relocating for 2 years to Texas for work. Before the family arrived, I was tasked with furnishing the whole house so the children feel "at home" when they arrived. Using a unified color scheme, I procured and coordinated the essentials for an on time, and on budget, and on trend delivery! Photo Credit: Boldly Beige

Our team was approached by a lovely client in early January 2022 to undertake a full home renovation project. The scope of the project initially included updating the interior of the home, with a focus on the kitchen, flooring, all the bathrooms, and the basement. We also took on the task of painting the entire interior of the house, giving it a fresh and updated look. As the project progressed, the client expressed interest in updating the exterior of the home as well. We worked with them to design and build a new deck that provided a functional and stylish space for outdoor entertaining. We also tackled the landscaping of the front and backyard of the property, creating a cohesive and inviting look that complemented the updated interior design. Throughout the project, we worked closely with the client to ensure that their vision was realized, taking care to incorporate their input and preferences into every aspect of the design. We also prioritized functionality and durability, selecting materials and finishes that would stand the test of time and provide lasting value for the homeowner. Despite the scale of the project, we were able to complete it in just four months, from day one to last one. Our team worked efficiently and effectively to ensure that every detail was taken care of, from the initial design to the final finishing touches. The end result is a stunning and functional home that the client is thrilled with. The updated interior provides a modern and comfortable living space, while the new deck and landscaping create a welcoming and inviting exterior. We are proud to have been a part of this transformative project and look forward to providing more high-quality renovation services in the future.

Gulf-Front Grandeur Private Residence / Alys Beach, Florida Architect: Khoury & Vogt Architects Builder: Hufham Farris Construction --- This one-of-a-kind Gulf-front residence in the New Urbanism community of Alys Beach, Florida, is truly a stunning piece of architecture matched only by its views. E. F. San Juan worked with the Alys Beach Town Planners at Khoury & Vogt Architects and the building team at Hufham Farris Construction on this challenging and fulfilling project. We supplied character white oak interior boxed beams and stair parts. We also furnished all of the interior trim and paneling. The exterior products we created include ipe shutters, gates, fascia and soffit, handrails, and newels (balcony), ceilings, and wall paneling, as well as custom columns and arched cased openings on the balconies. In addition, we worked with our trusted partners at Loewen to provide windows and Loewen LiftSlide doors. Challenges: This was the homeowners’ third residence in the area for which we supplied products, and it was indeed a unique challenge. The client wanted as much of the exterior as possible to be weathered wood. This included the shutters, gates, fascia, soffit, handrails, balcony newels, massive columns, and arched openings mentioned above. The home’s Gulf-front location makes rot and weather damage genuine threats. Knowing that this home was to be built to last through the ages, we needed to select a wood species that was up for the task. It needed to not only look beautiful but also stand up to those elements over time. Solution: The E. F. San Juan team and the talented architects at KVA settled upon ipe (pronounced “eepay”) for this project. It is one of the only woods that will sink when placed in water (you would not want to make a boat out of ipe!). This species is also commonly known as ironwood because it is so dense, making it virtually rot-resistant, and therefore an excellent choice for the substantial pieces of millwork needed for this project. However, ipe comes with its own challenges; its weight and density make it difficult to put through machines and glue. These factors also come into play for hinging when using ipe for a gate or door, which we did here. We used innovative joining methods to ensure that the gates and shutters had secondary and tertiary means of support with regard to the joinery. We believe the results speak for themselves! --- Photography by Layne Lillie, courtesy of Khoury & Vogt Architects

When your kitchen has no flow or functionality - time to change. This homeowner needed a design that opened open her kitchen into her family room and created functionality. We moved the stove and fridge to create flow and cut back a wall 4 feet. Added some soffits and the homeowner was bold and picked some amazing colors. Kudos to her and what she imagined.

hese days, garage doors are becoming fundamental in every household. The benefit of getting yourself into the garage with an automated door makes life uncomplicated. Garage doors are among the things that are being noticed first by people arriving at our place. That being said, these kinds of doors will need regularly daily sustenance so that you can function properly on a longer time frame and there are a few problems that people encounter with these. Among the most common troubles and garage doors may be the deficiency of greasing This could cause strained operation regarding component, disturbance as well as eventually damage. When your front door yields troubles, make sure you request an expert to handle the rails along with rollers. It may just need some lubrication to be able to work much better. A fantastic lubrication process done by an authority can function wonders. Our company has been leading this industry since the day we opened. The garage door experts working for our company are skilled and have the abilities in dealing with different task. We assure you that you will obtain the best service that you would ever need. Garage Door Parts Dodgertown CA Garage Door Opener Remote Los Angeles CA Garage Door Installation Dodgertown CA Garage Door Replacement Los Angeles CA Garage Door Insulation Dodgertown CA Garage Door Repair Parts Los Angeles CA Custom Garage Doors Dodgertown CA Garage Door Opener Repair Los Angeles CA Garage Door Opener Installation Dodgertown CA Garage Door Spring Replacement Los Angeles CA Garage Door Spring Repair Dodgertown CA Call Us: (213) 536-0622 Visit Us: http://213sectionalgaragedoors.com/garage-door-opener-remote

An example of vital and immersive living space for plants, wildlife and people. Design-built in summer 2022, our team (including talented local stonemason Matt Nichols) worked hard to reimagine an outdoor living space that integrates a dining area, hot tub, gathering space and raised beds. We were also tasked with successfully mitigating stormwater runoff that now channels from the rear to a rain garden in the front. A relaxed delineation of space allows for an easy ebb and flow for this young family and its pets. Cohesive materials were used throughout (such as the gorgeous irregular chunk stone steppers and retaining wall encompassing the cedar hot tub) to elevate this redesign. Over time, these designed living ‘rooms’ for people will recede into the planted habitat to feel ever more intimate and natural.

Don't forget a desk lamp on top of your desk. Most of us usually rely on our computer screens for light but the minute you pull your notes away from your screen your in the dark. Not only does a beautiful lamp add light but also think of it as an accessory. A table lamp can add the warm glow onto your desk that adds all the dramatic lighting in a room. It focuses the attention to the desk and the desk top. If your desk is small consider a stream lined contemporary lamp on a traditional desk. This is an eclectic approach that works every time.

This transitional kitchen remodel features custom shaker cabinetry, a warm wood-stained island, and a highly functional U-shaped layout designed for everyday living. The original kitchen was reimagined to improve flow, storage, and lighting while maintaining a timeless, neutral color palette. Warm wood custom cabinets extend to the ceiling with crown molding for a built-in look, paired with soft-close drawers and doors for lasting durability. Deep drawer storage near the range, expanded island storage, and improved corner cabinetry solutions maximize organization and efficiency. Under-cabinet lighting and recessed ceiling lighting enhance task areas and create a bright, welcoming atmosphere. Ceramic tile flooring in a natural finish adds warmth and complements the neutral cabinetry, while the centered sink under the window brings in natural light and balances the layout. This custom kitchen renovation blends classic design, modern functionality, and thoughtful storage solutions—creating a warm, family-friendly space built to stand the test of time.

This wonderful client was keeping their New Hampshire home, but was relocating for 2 years to Texas for work. Before the family arrived, I was tasked with furnishing the whole house so the children feel "at home" when they arrived. Using a unified color scheme, I procured and coordinated the essentials for an on time, and on budget, and on trend delivery! Photo Credit: Boldly Beige

For our full gut renovation of this Manhattan loft penthouse, we partnered with architecture firm Todd Zwigard Architects. Many of our clients know us as experts in the full design-build approach, where we handle every aspect of the project. But in this case, architectural plans were already drawn, the full schedule was finished, and our clients needed a partner to execute on the architectural plans – enter Gallery. Construction management is as vital to a project as the design phase, so we’re happy to offer our expertise in this type of scenario. A DIFFERENT APPROACH Construction and design are often the face of most renovations, but the planning and follow-through are naturally just as necessary to make it all come together. The project itself was a fairly straightforward gut renovation of the loft. Everything was included: new floors, a new kitchen, new bathrooms, new lighting. Our task was to manage every aspect of the construction, ensuring that the planning work of Todd Zwigard Architects was executed to the exact vision imagined for this Manhattan loft renovation. CONTEMPORARY GOES ECLECTIC Although we didn’t contribute to the aesthetic of the interior design in this project, we did carry out the plans that brought it life. The tone was very modern, with some eclectic touches. The kitchen, featuring an island with a baby blue lacquered finish, blends contemporary clean lines into an industrial-tinged, almost futuristic aesthetic. Reclaimed wooden doors and art pieces collected throughout the years are an ode to the client's travels, an artistic touch from Todd Zwigard Architects. LET’S TALK Quality of work is of course important, but there are several components of construction management that are equally vital: communication; processes that make sure you're able to adhere to schedules; protocols with both safety and communication. You might say this is the nerding out of the construction process. It’s not often the face of a project, but it’s absolutely massive in terms of carrying out a successful renovation, whether it’s a penthouse loft in Manhattan, a condo in Prospect Heights, or a kitchen in a Brooklyn brownstone. Quality construction management is probably one of the biggest ways to separate professional contractors from those who aren’t. ART FROM CHAOS This was such a large project, so our ability to procure and source all the finishes and fixtures was hugely important to our clients. The sheer number of floors, tiles, and plumbing fixtures alone that need to be ordered, in addition to everything else, plus figuring out lead times, shipments, deliveries, and inspections. It can quickly become chaotic, but there’s an art to the planning and organization, and we’ve mastered it. The larger a project is, the more likely that havoc will rear its head. The antidote is not only really proper planning and construction management, as we achieved in this Manhattan loft penthouse renovation, but also a great working relationship with everyone else involved in the project: contractors, architect, and clients alike. GET IN TOUCH Is a loft renovation in New York in your future? We’re experts in renovating New York homes, from apartment combinations in managed buildings to kitchens and bathrooms in co-ops and condos to gut renovations of historic spaces and landmark renovations. ‍ Contact us to learn more about our approach as a design-and-build firm, where all aspects of your project are handled under the same roof. In addition to construction management, you’ll get our in-house architect in-house and the added renovation benefits of experts in design, material selection, and paperwork.

The concept of the garden was based on, “Brazilian Hummingbirds II”, a painting the MFAH has in its collection by the artist, Martin Johnson Heade. Heade travelled to the rainforest in Brazil between 1863 and 1864 and painted a series of small paintings depicting hummingbirds in the lush foliage of the Brazilian rainforests. His painting, Brazilian Hummingbirds, II, evokes the sultry atmosphere of the Brazilian rainforest with its misty quality and subtle lighting. His interest in ornithology can be seen in his detailed depictions of the hummingbirds. The garden location is adjacent to one of Buffalo Bayou’s steep, wooded ravines. The ravine, with its native plant communities and topography, is a perfect back- drop for a garden with a rainforest theme. Because the date for the garden opening coincides with the spring migration of hummingbirds into our region, the hummingbird theme seemed appropriate for this garden competition. The garden will include a variety of tropical plants native to the rainforests such as bromeliads, orchids, heliconia, and passion fruit flowers. In addition, native plants to our region such as the Sabal Minor and Southern Wood Fern will be included to integrate plants that are found nearby in the ravine. The Heliconia flowers produce considerable amounts of nectar, a high energy food essential for hummingbirds who are known to consume three times their bodyweight in a single day. In addition to nectar producing plants, there will be hummingbird nest materials dispersed throughout the garden. A misty quality to the garden will be provided by a misting system, and tropical colored lights will be lit at night for special events. Visitors to the garden will have a unique sensory experience reminiscent to that of Heade’s travels to Brazil’s rainforests.

Amazing Kitchen and Bathroom Transformation! -------------HIGHLIGHTS ---------- *Extreme heat resistance – Perfect for countertops! Don’t worry about melting your porcelain slab if you need to put down a hot pan straight from the stove. It’s a great surface material for performing all of your temperature-based tasks without having to be concerned with wear or tear. *Stain-free–it’s almost impossible to stain porcelain. Whereas with marble or quartzite, you risk nasty stains every time you spill dark liquids or food items on it. Even just a touch can cause permanent damage. But the same cannot be said for porcelain, which can be cleaned in a jiffy and will not absorb or resorb stainable substances. *Will, not scratch or wear – It’s super difficult to cause any scratches or chips on a porcelain surface. Unless it were to be rammed by a bulldozer, it can’t be hurt. Anything from dropping a kitchen knife to resting heavy bricks upon it will not cause it to crack or wear down. It’s invincible compared to the caution you must exercise when dealing with a marble surface. -------REMODEL SPECS:-------- *Cabinet Style: Affinity European Frameless: Already a popular concept in Europe-these extralarge-format porcelain slabs are fairly new to the US market, *Wood Species- Paint Grade Finish /White Dove, *Cabinet Box- 3/4" Plywood, *Hinges-Fully Concealed Cup-Hinge, Six-Way Adjustable, Self-Closing, Integrated Soft-Close, *Drawer Guides/Full-Extension Under-Mount, Self-Closing, Soft-Close With Under Cabinet Led, *Strip Lighting (under the cabinetry), *Porcelain Slabs Hyper White (countertop and island), *Porcelain Slabs Calcatta Hyper White (backsplash)

This wonderful client was keeping their New Hampshire home, but was relocating for 2 years to Texas for work. Before the family arrived, I was tasked with furnishing the whole house so the children feel "at home" when they arrived. Using a unified color scheme, I procured and coordinated the essentials for an on time, and on budget, and on trend delivery! Photo Credit: Boldly Beige