Whit Preston
Large trendy brown two-story wood house exterior photo in Austin

Located in the heart of Downtown St. Petersburg, the Vinoy Renaissance Resort & Golf Club is one of the city's most iconic hotels. This downtown gem can easily be distinguished by its salmon color and Mediterranean Revival style architecture. Situated right on the bay, this luxury resort is just a short walk from all of the area’s major attractions such as the Dali Museum, Beach Drive, and the Mahaffey Theater. The Vinoy was constructed in 1925 and has been through a long history of renovations and construction within its lifetime. Efforts are constantly being made to preserve the hotel’s historic past while still providing guests with a unique, comfortable, and luxurious experience. With that being said, it was recently announced that the hotel will undergo a three-year $50 million plan to improve several aspects of the property. Patio Lane took part in these upgrades by designing and producing custom cushions for two locations on the property: the veranda and smoking area seating. We fabricated a total of 187 custom cushions with 13 different configurations for the hotel: dining chair seat, lounge chair, love seat, center sectional, end sectionals, as well as ottomans. Patio Lane directly competed with the original furniture and cushion manufacturer for this project. However, being an essential part of St. Petersburg, the resort appreciated a local vendor with strong initiative to earn their business. As far as the project requirements, the Vinoy needed something that will hold up through the harsh sun and storms of Central Florida. Typically, cushions in a commercial setting will last a few years depending on the human traffic. For a luxury hotel, such as the Vinoy, these cushions should have been replaced within 3 years. To ensure that they would have high performing seating for their guests, they chose cushions fabricated with Sunbrella Rain performance fabric. This fabric is 100% waterproof and specifically made for outdoor spaces that endure heavy rainfall or any kind of moisture. Sunbrella Rain eliminates drying time after wet weather. Resort staff can simply wipe the cushions down and their guests are ready to continue lounging and relaxing. The Vinoy’s original cushions used a polyurethane foam that had since lost its strength and was no longer providing a comfortable seat. (When we initially surveyed the Vinoy, we witnessed many customers doubling up on cushions to place behind their backs!) Numerous cushions had ripped at the seams and the zippers were non-functional. Dry-fast foam, the preferred option for cushions fabricated with Sunbrella Rain, was the perfect choice with the 4 in. thick seats & 5 in. thick backs because it will provide a firm seat and support for years to come.

This home was designed to be a Passive House in Mendham, New Jersey. This design combines the charm of a New Jersey farmhouse with cutting edge building technology. Passive Homes consume only 10% of what a typical home consumes, and is built to last centuries. Windows are maximized and shaded from the summer sun on the south facade and on the north facade the windows are minimized. With the addition of solar panels, this Passive Home could achieve Net Zero energy consumption

This summer travel season, we're especially inspired by the possibilities presented by the Barndominium - a unique style of home which has emerged as a popular "up north" family getaway concept over the last couple of years. Barndominiums are the product of large barn kits which are converted into a living space. They tend to be affordable, low-maintenance, and energy efficient houses that typically include a large attached garage. For large families and outdoor enthusiasts, the allure of the barndominium is clear - it combines a cottage-like, open-concept living space with a large attached garage capable of accommodating all of your vacation toys! We recently had the pleasure of helping make one Byron Center client's barndominium dream a reality. The home sits on several acres of northern Michigan land in which the family enjoys hunting, fishing, and all the recreational activities that the great outdoors have to offer.

Out in the countryside of Boise lays an up beat family neighborhood where the homes and people are nice and polite, its one of those old fashioned neighborhoods where you see people walking there dogs waving at each other and stopping to talk about the days ups and downs. The pace of life is a bit slower, but the aesthetic is becoming dated and so typical. One homeowner wanted to change their way of living and their surroundings to something more urban and modern but wanted to keep the lifestyle and pace that is present in the neighborhood. We came up with unique ideas that completely sets this home apart from the neighborhood but gives a sense of richness and a breath of fresh air as you drive through. Materials were carefully chosen to incorporate the softness of nature and the hard modern lines of the city and “modern” design. Cedar that was taken through a long three part process of staining, drying, wiping went up as the main focal point, we wanted to begin accentuating the horizontal lines of this tall home to bring the scale back to a more personal level. Cedar, by itself, would look to bland, even though the stain is beautiful it needed a pop and a bit of contrast. Anodized aluminum reveals were added to continue the horizontal theme and make the cedar pop even more against the new dark paint colors on the home. This reveal begins to highlight more custom work as the powder coated sunshades cantilever off of the homes front providing that last needed detail to bring the whole project together. They not only provide visual interest, but are a functional piece of artwork as well. All of these elements welcome you into the front porch where you stand, gazing at a glowing frosted glass door wanting to know what is inside.

New Zealand Wool runner, custom made. Custom made headlight glass for Front Door and side lights.
Example of a classic dark wood floor single front door design in Auckland with beige walls and a white front door

This double-sided fountain is the focal point of a cozy courtyard surrounded by boxwood, flowering shrubs, and an herb garden.
Inspiration for a timeless patio remodel in Columbus

Nestled in the heart of Dallas, our clients enjoy a 4-acre estate where they have developed the property for a "park" and "garden" like feel with lots of privacy and sound barrier from the neighbors and busy street along the front. They travel a lot for work and want to be able to come home and enjoy their own backyard oasis that is properly maintained and cared for. They also have 4 grandchildren who live on part of the property and roam around everywhere, so having lots of manicured lawn space to drive their toys around on, explore, etc. is important too. We service the property one day per week, since they retain a full-time porter. However, he is stretched thin as doesn't tend to much of the landscaping as needed as he's typically working on other side projects for the client. In order to complete our maintenance work within 5 hours on our service day, we work diligently with the client and the client’ assistant to constantly communicate issues we see and/or need to have resolved. Thankfully our client is very quick to respond and allows us an abundance of freedom to make necessary improvements when deemed necessary. Additionally, last minute work functions and/or parties are often hosted at their house. We often times have to respond quickly with an extra service visit, service date change, seasonal color change, bed mulching, etc. to help get it ready for their company. We value the trust and communication we have with this client and look forward to working with them for years to come!

Like the regular sized Moonrise, the Moonrise XL power reclining chair from Famaliving California reflects modern style due to its contemporary, rounded shape and extra large size, making it look almost like a small sofa. But what’s really special about the Moonrise XL is that it was designed as a recliner for two, making it a perfect choice for couples or close friends. It features rocking motion, 360 degrees rotation, and reclining capability, which will only enhance your experience; plus, it also comes with a powered reclining mechanism that allows the seat to be adjusted with a touch of a button. Built to last using pine wood and MDF materials in its frame construction, this special recliner is custom made and crafted by world-renowned Spanish manufacturer Famaliving. It’s also built with comfort in mind because of the cushioned foam used in the seat and fibersilk used in the back cushion and oversized arm pillows. And like all other Famaliving products, the Moonrise XL is made with a webbing system for suspension and support instead of the old spring design of the past, which typically sags over time. With more than 600 fabrics to choose from, the Moonrise XL can come upholstered in a wide range of colors or patterned fabrics, which means you’ll have plenty of choices to choose from to add to your home’s decor. The bottom has a circular metal base in a black finish that helps to maintain its low profile design and allow the 360 degree rotation.

Updated Spec Home: Foyer and Great Room In our last post, we introduced you to my mom and sister’s Updated Spec Home; the Foyer and Great Room will be featured in this post. Foyer As you enter their home, to the right is a hall closet and a french door which leads to the Basement. To the left is a long wall which was perfect for an extra long console table in a rustic finish that served as a sofa table in their previous home. I love repositioning furniture, and by using this table in the entry, it makes it feel new. Additionally, we placed a vibrant piece of art previously used in my sister’s Bedroom above the table. This piece not only sets the tone for our color palette, it also makes the kind of statement you want in your Foyer – Wow! We added accessories and an unique lamp to complete the space. Great Room In the Great Room which is open to the Foyer, we installed our inspiration artwork in the place of honor over the mantel. Since the piece was vertical, it did not take up enough space. I do not like a “fussy” mantel with lots of accessories so we found these two vases in a silver leaf finish. They were perfect because they were large enough, but not too deep. Accessorizing mantels can be tricky because the majority of them are not deep. We went to Jan’s Floral Design to add vibrant color and interesting textures to the vases. The original mantel was too small and uninspired. Therefore, we had our contractor Brad Anderson built a new one based on a photo of a mantel we liked. The new mantel has lots of great detail and is the appropriate proportion for the fireplace. We replaced beige 12×12 ceramic tiles with gorgeous large pieces of smoked carrara marble for a striking fireplace surround. Check out this other mantel that we updated. For furniture, we purchased a shorter sofa in a gray tweed fabric. Typically, two throw pillows come with a sofa.We added a fun fringe to the pillows that came with the sofa. I recommend ordering pillows that match your sofa fabric and layering with custom pillows that support your color palette. We added a patterned custom pillow and a striped throw. Next, we got a small scale recliner in a yummy gray leather for my mom and a chair and ottoman in a small scale mint and gray geometric pattern for my sister. We added an accent chair in a fun small scale stripe to fill a corner and add additional seating – which is always a good thing. Remember that this was a Spec Home so there were no built-ins. As a result, we needed a media cabinet for the television and some bookcases to display my mom’s decorative box collection and my sister’s collection of blown colored glass. This set from Ballard Designs fit the bill perfectly. The back is open and airy with nice detail. The wood finish also adds a richness to the space. My mom needed a space for her computer, and this small writing desk fit the space perfectly. Finally, for finishing touches, we added a patterned rug, cornice boards in a mint leaf fabric, and great lamps for ambient lighting. These two rooms are stunning, vibrant and livable. Can’t wait to show you more in our next post! Enjoy!

The bare furnishing typical of Finnish design is perfectly according to our U-light suspensions, the last born lamps by Axo Light. The Iittala & Arabia Design Centre, recently opened at the Arabia Center, offers a diverse programme of activities for audiences with an interest in design. The design centre shop has also been revamped, it presents the extensive range of Iittala and Arabia products where they were originally created. The Design Centre tells the story of the brands and presents the expertise of today and of the future. The centre is located in Arabia, Helsinki, where the history of the brands has been made for more than 130 years and they continue to be developed with passion.

Metal Comp. A galvanized structural steel decking system that fully integrates with our IntegraStone tile system. Metal Comp radically changes the way decks are built because we can now build deck structures that last for generations, while still being cost effective. Metal Comp is: structural, waterproof and a non-combustible decking system that is made from 25 % recycled materials. The integrity of the whole system will remain for generations without shifting, warping or rotting. We create new possibilities for luxury outdoor living. Metal Comp Deck System is manufactured in components that can be assembled and built by certified builders. The Metal Comp Deck System is ordered to size and is delivered with all the components required to build the structure and tile the deck. We remove the “running around” that builders typically face in construction. Our goal is to provide the builder with all the materials that they will need to for the entire job

Power stretching is a process that stretches the whole piece of carpet, wall to wall. A kicker stretches the last few inches of carpet. If you've had a company only use a kicker for a big room or the whole house, you will soon find out that you will have to have your carpet restretched or reinstalled, typically in under a year. Some of the big box stores are notorious for using kickers only. We get the calls for needing a restretch.

This room encompasses one of the most technical examples of woodwork we’ve seen in a long time. Normally, to create a raised panel wainscot wall, pieces of 1x wood are cut and used to create the boxes, and panel moldings are installed inside the frames to finish off the look. This can be done by typical finish carpenters. The problem is that over time, the numerous joints separate and look bad. In the case of this project, we wanted to avoid that pitfall and do something exquisite AND long-lasting. Over several days, each section of the wall was laid out to determine the appropriate size of each panel. Electrical outlets or switch plates that weren’t centered were moved. Each panel was then specially made at the shop out of 3/4” MDF because its smooth surface is ideal for painting. The raised panels (the pieces that go into each square opening) as well as the panel mouldings (the pieces that frame out each interior panel) were fabricated off site at the shop. Between the set-up, fabrication and the installation, two skilled craftsmen required three solid weeks to make each aspect absolutely perfect. Other finishing details including using a “Back Band” moulding to cap the top of the wainscot and using matching moldings (base, window casings and crown moldings) in areas that needed it for continuity of design. This room’s woodwork is an exquisite example of true craftsmanship. Words and pictures cannot describe the level of skill required for this project. Once everything was completed, it was sprayed with white enamel paint and wallpaper was installed above the wood wainscot to finish off the room. In a nutshell, each wall panel was constructed like a custom made high end cabinet. Literally.

This room encompasses one of the most technical examples of woodwork we’ve seen in a long time. Normally, to create a raised panel wainscot wall, pieces of 1x wood are cut and used to create the boxes, and panel moldings are installed inside the frames to finish off the look. This can be done by typical finish carpenters. The problem is that over time, the numerous joints separate and look bad. In the case of this project, we wanted to avoid that pitfall and do something exquisite AND long-lasting. Over several days, each section of the wall was laid out to determine the appropriate size of each panel. Electrical outlets or switch plates that weren’t centered were moved. Each panel was then specially made at the shop out of 3/4” MDF because its smooth surface is ideal for painting. The raised panels (the pieces that go into each square opening) as well as the panel mouldings (the pieces that frame out each interior panel) were fabricated off site at the shop. Between the set-up, fabrication and the installation, two skilled craftsmen required three solid weeks to make each aspect absolutely perfect. Other finishing details including using a “Back Band” moulding to cap the top of the wainscot and using matching moldings (base, window casings and crown moldings) in areas that needed it for continuity of design. This room’s woodwork is an exquisite example of true craftsmanship. Words and pictures cannot describe the level of skill required for this project. Once everything was completed, it was sprayed with white enamel paint and wallpaper was installed above the wood wainscot to finish off the room. In a nutshell, each wall panel was constructed like a custom made high end cabinet. Literally.

Beach style living room photo in Orange County

When homeowners Garry and Sherry bought their 1799 farmhouse in Lancaster, they prepared themselves for many years of renovation: 28 years, to be exact. They gradually tackled inside projects like the master bath, basement, a recent kitchen remodel and even an office-turned-Irish pub. During one painfully hot summer, they installed a pool that became their go-to for summer entertainment and parties. Now, Garry and Sherry’s four children have grown and the couple has found free time in not devoting their days to hockey, volleyball and softball games. So several years ago, they decided to take on the outdoor space. The couple contacted Bobby Kenyon and Adrian Kapp of C.E. Pontz (www.cepontzsons.com) to create a design that would blend with the rustic look of their farmhouse. They hoped to increase the amount of entertaining space by enlarging the patio area and adding a pavilion and outdoor kitchen. Another must-have was a covered area that could ensure the party would not end even if the weather would not cooperate. After brainstorming with Bobby and Adrian, they decided to include a gas fireplace, an outdoor television in the pavilion, and a Kegerator in the kitchen. For the outdoor overhaul, C.E. Pontz began by adding two separate patios of flagstone and natural stone that combine to a total area of 1,100 square feet. They laid large stone slabs to create a walkway connecting the kitchen and living area. For sunny days, C.E. Pontz installed an outdoor kitchen complete with granite countertops, sink, gas burner, grill and storage area. A pergola above the grill offers shade to whomever is tending the tongs that night. Sherry said that having an outdoor kitchen has made entertaining a time for sharing and enjoying food rather than preparing and serving it. When their indoor kitchen was being remodeled last summer, the family prepared nearly all of their meals outdoors, from eggs at breakfast to pasta at dinner. And they still love the summer staple of anything with grill marks. Because the perfect addition to charred meats and veggies is usually a cold draft, C.E. Pontz completed the kitchen with a Kegerator, placed conveniently in arm’s reach of the guest seating. Across the walkway and above the adjoining stone patio, C.E. Pontz built a 16- by 20-foot pavilion, or, essentially, a living room under the trees. A fan hanging from the vaulted ceiling keeps guests cool while they lounge in plush wicker chairs, watching television. Sherry and Garry furnished the space with dark wicker seating from Wicker Imports in Lancaster (www.wickerimportsonline.com). They added pillows and cushions in earth-toned patterns for extra comfort and color. To keep the space alive after the sun sets, they decorated with lots of candles as well as copper lighting that Garry, having an electrical background, installed himself. Plus, C.E. Pontz constructed a gas-fed stone fireplace just outside the pavilion that illuminates the living area and provides a cozy warmth in colder months. Garry, who has a green thumb according to his wife, sets out 18 to 20 large planters around the pool and patio in the summer. These complement the roses, nandina and various grasses that C.E. Pontz used to landscape around the patios. In spring, the couple works to beautify the beds so that in summer, they simply need to water the plants and enjoy the flora. “It is truly an outdoor oasis that we utilize during the warm months and are sorry to see closed during the winter months,” Sherry says. After nearly thirty years of transformation, their 217-year-old home is the entertaining hot spot for friends, family and grandkids. Fun Facts: A Kegerator? Simpler than it sounds, a Kegerator is a dispensing device connected to a keg (typically of beer) that is kept in a refrigerated container. It maintains the quality of the beer for longer periods of time, even for several months. Approximately 60 tons of stone base material were used for this project. Two patios were added that combined a total area of 1,100 square feet of natural flagstone. This landscape features about 18,000 pounds of flagstone. This article appears in the April 2016 issue of Susquehanna Style Did you like what you read here? Subscribe to Susquehanna Style » http://www.susquehannastyle.com/April-2016/Historic-Hot-Spot/

Metal Comp is a galvanized structural steel decking system that fully integrates with our IntegraStone tile system. Metal Comp radically changes the way decks are built because we can now build deck structures that last for generations, while still being cost effective. Metal Comp is: structural, waterproof and a non-combustible decking system that is made from 25 % recycled materials. The integrity of the whole system will remain for generations without shifting, warping or rotting. We create new possibilities for luxury outdoor living. Metal Comp Deck System is manufactured in components that can be assembled and built by certified builders. The Metal Comp Deck System is ordered to size and is delivered with all the components required to build the structure and tile the deck. We remove the “running around” that builders typically face in construction. Our goal is to provide the builder with all the materials that they will need to for the entire job

Shower cubicles can be the most difficult of tiled features to keep clean. Most are exposed to various acid-based soaps and shampoos on a daily basis, allowing mould and general muck to quickly build up along the grout lines and silicone. This leaves the entire area looking quite unappealing. In some cases, the grout lines become stained beyond a point where they can be restored to their original condition, so property owners will typically request to have the grout cut out and replaced however a faster and cheaper method is to have the grout completely recoloured. Such was the case with this Ceramic tiled shower cubicle at a house in Wigan. It would take a lot to get the cubicle looking great again, having not been cleaned properly for a long time. The property owner decided to contact me for a professional refresh, including cleaning, new silicone sealer and recolouring of the grout. I started the refresh by applying Tile Doctor Mould Away spray to the tiles and grout, and leaving it to dwell for an hour. As the name of the product suggests, Mould Away is a fast and effective cleaner for the removal of mould from silicone and grout, making it ideal for use on shower cubicles similar to this one. I then rinsed the entire area down with water before scrubbing the grout lines and tiles with a stiff grout brush to remove any remaining mould and lime scale, leaving them looking a lot cleaner. The cleaning process made a big improvement however the grout was still too stained so after removing the silicone strip from around the base of the shower I proceeded to recolour with our white Grout Colourant. The colourant is painted onto the grout and any excess is wiped of the tile before it dries which both improves the appearance of the grout and seals it in to protect it from further staining. The last step was to apply fresh white silicone along the base of the shower. The customer was very pleased with the refreshed appearance of their shower and you must admit it looks much more inviting now. Steve Keary Greater Manchester Tile Doctor