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SUSTAINABLE, COOL, AND A SMOOTH FLIGHT FOR YOU
This was the first Executive VIP CAT I & II Airport Hangar ever sold at the Boulder Municipal Airport. We completed the first phase of this pilot project in 2019. We completed a remodel for a national shoe brand's headquarters in 2022.
The original build made it perfect for private aircraft/jet owners who want to be based right in the heart of the developing area of Boulder City.
The first of three planned executive hangars is nestled in the premium south-west location of Boulder Airport with stunning waterfront & mountain views of Hayden Lake, the iconic Flatirons, Boulder Foothills, and white capped Front Range.
Before being remodeled primarily for office space, the 4,650 SF executive hangar could accommodate as many as 5 aircraft and included a 30’x15’ 2nd floor mezzanine office flooded with natural light, operable skylight providing ventilation, large picture window and phenomenal Skydeck with panoramic views of the lake and flatirons. The new owners added more mezzanine square footage and windows to section off the area for an executive office space and multi-purpose/multi-media room.
This is one of the only high-performance renewable energy executive airport hangars in the country, exempt from energy code requirements due to low energy usage of less than 1 watt/SF. It was designed with a 6 hour fire-rating, fire sprinkling system, and built with high performance hybrid engineering and technologies to offset the energy load pathways so when all renewables are added it can operate completely standalone and self-sustainable. The building envelope insulation & sound attenuation systems includes 10” Insulated Concrete Form walls using recycled materials & radiant in-floor heat. In the recent remodel we added geothermal loops to utilize the in-floor tubing for renewable cooling in the hot summer months.
The 58’x18’ Schweiss hydraulic hangar door features insulated panels (like what NASA uses inside their rockets) and 6 windows. There’s an additional 10’x10’ overhead door & 2 personnel doors. The 4,095 SF new structural concrete slab apron was constructed to CDOT spec with 65’ trench drain at apron entrance. The main floor features an ADA bathroom with shower, utility floor sink, 2 interior hot & cold hose bibs. Electrical service is a commercial 480-volt, 3-phase with 400 amps with outlets throughout. Ready with 2 EV (Electric vehicle) charging outlets on the west exterior.
As mentioned, after the hangar was purchased by a sustainable national shoe brand, we remodeled it for the new owner's work and warehousing requirements. We added 3 Viessman Solar thermal collectors, HRV-Geothermal Pre-Heating and Cooling System & Battery Power Back-Up System, portable work station “pods”, a large bar, kitchen area, eating spaces, lounge, multimedia room, shoe display areas, more natural lighting and other custom finishes.
Once a solar PV system is added to the south-facing rooftop, the hangar will achieve better than a net zero designation, it could in fact help power some of the other facilities at the airport as well as several EVs through outdoor charging stations.
Contact Constructive Alternatives if you’re interested in a similar self-sustainable executive hangar, built to suit.

White High Gloss Doors for Laundry Closet incorporated underneath the staircase to utilize the space.
Staircase - small contemporary staircase idea in Vancouver
Staircase - small contemporary staircase idea in Vancouver

This is the "crown jewel" of the remodel—the hidden wine room that anchors the speakeasy experience. It’s a perfect blend of high-tech storage and old-world mystery, utilizing every inch of the lower level to create a high-end destination for a collector.
The space is defined by custom floor-to-ceiling wine racking and a moody, monochromatic palette that allows the labels and glass to pop. The integrated LED ribbon lighting provides a sophisticated glow, highlighting the masonry or dark millwork textures. Whether it's tucked behind a hidden pivot door or framed by steel and glass, this room is the ultimate "flex" for an upscale Kansas City basement.
Find the right local pro for your project

A sea of perfect green. This shot showcases the premium texture and high-density pile of an artificial turf installation by CLT Pros. By utilizing professional-grade synthetic grass, we’ve created a lush, uniform surface that provides a high-contrast, vibrant look against the home's architecture and surrounding landscape

Second floor hall study with clerestory windows into hall bath.
This custom, high-performance home was designed and built to a LEED for Homes Platinum rating, the highest rating given to homes when certified by the US Green Building Council. The house has been laid out to take maximum advantage of both passive and active solar energy, natural ventilation, low impact and recyclable materials, high efficiency lighting and controls, in a structure that is very simple and economical to build. The envelope of the house is designed to require a minimum amount of energy in order to live and use the home based on the lifestyle of the occupants. The home will have an innovative HVAC system that has been recently developed by engineers from the University of Illinois which uses considerably less energy than a conventional heating and cooling system and provides extremely high indoor air quality utilizing a CERV (conditioned energy recovery ventilation system) combined with a cost effective installation.
Lawrence Smith Photography

.1. Surface Protection:
Begin by carefully protecting all sensitive areas surrounding the marble surfaces to prevent any unintended damage during the restoration process. This may involve covering adjacent surfaces, walls, or fixtures.
2. Grinding to Remove Stains & Scratches:
Employ precision grinding techniques to address stains and scratches on the marble surface. This step involves the use of specialized tools and abrasives to level the surface and eliminate imperfections.
3. Polishing to a High Sheen:
Follow the grinding phase with a meticulous polishing process. Utilize progressively finer polishing compounds and pads to enhance the marble's natural shine, achieving a high-gloss finish. This step not only minimizes scratches but also brings out the inherent beauty of the stone.
4. Sealing with 2 Coats of Sealer:
Seal the restored marble surfaces with two coats of high-quality sealer. The sealer creates a protective barrier, guarding against future stains and damage. Ensure even and thorough coverage to maximize the effectiveness of the sealer.
This straightforward process outlines key steps to rejuvenate marble surfaces, addressing both aesthetic and protective aspects. It's a systematic approach that combines precision in addressing imperfections with a focus on enhancing the overall appearance of the marble.

Elegant hand burnished leather accented with brass nail heads makes the Victoria Tufted Leather Sofa a fine addition to any home. This classy piece of furniture boasts a subtle curving shape that allows it to blend seamlessly into any room. The sofa features commanding, solid shapes and lines, complimented by a deep tufted inside seat back. The Victoria Tufted Leather Sofa is one of the most stunning examples of an elegant sofa design.
Suitable for use in any fine rustic or traditional home, the Victoria tufted Leather Sofa is a commanding centerpiece in any living room, sitting room or front room, formal enough to use while entertaining guests, and comfortable enough to use while unwinding after a long day. Regal yet comfortable, this high-quality tufted leather sofa is an heirloom piece to build your living room around. 100% American Made to the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship!
Overall Dimensions: 104" W x 44" D x 43" H
Arm Height: 26"
Seat Depth: 28"
Seat Height: 19"
Leather Description: Artisan Leathers beautifully evoke this time worn quality, unique to every individual piece, like the originals. To pure aniline leather crusts, already fully and carefully upholstered to the piece, a base color is created with multiple applications of waxes and oils, hand-worked by the leather Artisan. After drying, this craftsman then carefully builds-up the finish with an expert's eye, and touch, to achieve an aged patina in just the right places to reflect the aged qualities only time, wear, and frequent care could have accomplished naturally.
Every individual piece upholstered with Artisan Leather finishing methods is first beautifully built to the highest standards of quality. The leather is then hand-colored and aged to bespeak the loving touch of time, providing a quality antique appearance to a beautiful new piece of quality leather furniture. Every chair, sofa, or bench has its very own unique identity only these hand-crafted methods can provide, reflecting the presence of a time honored past.
True 100% top grain cowhide leather is characterized by variations in shade, texture, color and grain. Healed marks and scars are to be expected and enhance the natural beauty of the hides. These variations are normal and unique features of true genuine 100% top grain cowhide leather.
Frame Construction: Using traditional hand craftsmanship with modern manufacturing methods to produce frames that are among the finest used in the upholstery business. Each frame is precisely cut and hand assembled using kilned dried lumber. Double dowels are utilized in all structural parts to form sturdy, long lasting joints. To complete construction and add stability to the frame, large precisely cut corner blocks are positioned at each corner where the greatest stress occurs using both glues and screws. Double cone coil springs of high carbon tempered steel produce the ultimate in seating comfort. Eight-way hand tied construction provides durability and luxurious seating. We use only premium, highly resilient polyurethane cushions to ensure consistent shape and comfort. Limited Lifetime Warranty
Seat Cushions: Marshall Springs encased in 1.8 density foam, wrapped in 2 ounce fiber and encased in a sewn ticking. Limited Lifetime Warranty

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Structural Remodeling
Franklin County's Heavy Timber Specialists | Best of Houzz 2020!

Realty Landscaping Corp./Real Winter, Inc. http://www.realtylandscaping.com
2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner
Category: Commercial $75,000 & Over
Award Level: Silver
Project Description:
Located in a highly commercialized area of lower Bucks County, the property that was once a declining horse track is now revitalized as Pennsylvania's #1 casino. Parx Casino is owned and operated by Greenwood Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. and includes high stakes
gaming, horse racing, premium entertainment and multiple restaurants and amenities. It's doors are open 24 hours a day. In the midst of an economic downturn, Parx brought in many much needed jobs, stimulating the local economy.
The construction of the Parx Casino project began in 2008. The main portion our landscape installation ran the course of 2009 and into 2010. We originally were contracted to install a landscape that was already designed. The owner however was not totally satisfied with the design that he had commissioned, so we made a few recommendations to them. We took a leap of faith and installed one section of the landscape as a mock-up for a concept that we envisioned. Hoping to stir some interest and excitement and help the client draw in huge numbers of patrons, our concept included a high energy, formal and contemporary layout based upon low hedging and bright panels of color to match the Parx Casino logo. Lines were clean to compliment the building theme and layout. We were given the owners blessing right away and proceeded to redesign the majority of the newly re-developed site.
There were a number of demanding deadlines and site related challenges. The site is very windy and open. Large volumes of vehicular and pedestrian traffic pulse through the site's veins continuously. The scale of the building and property is immense. In order to complete a project of this magnitude, a large labor force was utilized. Overnight and overtime hours were sometimes a necessity. Our veteran supervisory team ensured a good quality product on demand. Great quantities of the highest quality plant materials were needed to soften the huge expanse of asphalt, concrete and building facade. Massive 20 foot evergreen trees were brought in as a wind break, softening the building and obscuring the view to the valet security areas. Views were kept open from the main road to allow visitors a clear view of building entrances and mega-sized digital signage. A hardy mix of evergreen, deciduous and herbaceous plant materials were used to stir seasonal interest year round. Bright colors light the way down the main boulevard, drawing in the masses toward the casino entrances. We installed an automatic overhead and drip irrigation system to help keep the windy site from drying out. To supply the expansive landscape with water, we provided a large pump, which pushed thousands of gallons of water through a 4” main. The two-wire system features a smart controller and pressure regulating heads.
The installation project as a whole was very successful. We took a plan that was given to us, made it our own, and turned our vision into reality. The client so satisfied that they've contracted us to maintain the landscape we implemented ever since. The casino shows no signs of slowing down. Thousands of patrons test their luck daily at Parx. The local economy, strengthened. The Lower Bucks strip is once again the place to be.
Plant Schedule
Trees:
6- X Cupressocyparis leylandii 8-10’ ht.
2- Ilex opaca 18-20’ ht.
37- Picea abies 20-22’ ht.
9- Picea abies 16-18’ ht.
35- Picea abies 12-14’ ht.
4- Pyrus calleryana ‘Aristocrat’ 4-4 ½” cal.
Shrubs:
1,171- Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea ‘Cr. Pygmy’ 3 gal.
2,954- Boxwood microphylla ‘Winter Gem’ 18-24” ht.
41- Chaemacyparis obtusa ‘Crippsii’ 3-4’ ht.
104- Chaemacyparis pisifera ‘Filifera Aurea’ 7 gal.
124- Ilex glabra 36-42” ht.
496- Juniperus conferta ‘Blue Pacific’ 3 gal.
223- Prunus cistena 5-6’ ht.
281- Pyracantha coccinea ‘Rutgers’ 3 gal.
463- Rosa ‘Meidrifora’ 3 gal.
143- Rosa ‘Radrazz’ 3 gal.
1,045- Rosa ‘Radcon’ 3 gal.
362- Spiraea japonica ‘Lemon Princess’ 10 gal.
113- Spiraea japonica ‘Lemon Princess’ 3 gal.
217- Spiraea japonica ‘Little Princess’ 10 gal.
369- Spirea japonica ‘Little Princess’ 3 gal.
246- Spiraea x bumulda ‘Goldflame’ 10 gal.
106- Taxus baccata ‘Repandens’ 18-24” ht.
Photo Credit:
Matthew P. Aubel, Realty Landscaping Corp./Real Winter, Inc.

"Transforming utility into a design statement. This Modern Laundry Room features high-gloss cabinetry and precision-cut quartz countertops that create a seamless, high-performance workspace. At Granite Palace, we specialize in the custom stone fabrication necessary to integrate utility sinks and folding stations into compact residential layouts with a 'well-done' finish.
For builders and contractors, we provide durable, low-maintenance surface solutions that add significant value to modern home builds. From custom cabinetry to high-end stone installation, let us help you deliver a laundry space that is as beautiful as it is functional. ⚒️"

open-concept kitchen and dining area designed in a modern contemporary style. The view is framed by a staircase landing in the foreground, looking down into the main living space.
Architectural Features
Ceilings: The room features soaring vaulted ceilings painted white, accented by dark, exposed wood beams that provide contrast and warmth. A high clerestory window adds additional natural light near the roofline.
Windows: Large sliding windows in the dining/sink area offer views of the outdoors (wooded scenery), integrating nature with the interior.
Flooring: Light-toned hardwood flooring runs throughout the space.
Kitchen Design
Island: A large center island serves as the focal point, featuring a "waterfall" edge where the white, gray-veined stone (likely quartz or marble) continues down the side.
Cabinetry: The kitchen utilizes a two-tone design. The perimeter lower drawers are white with sleek gold/brass hardware, while the tall wall cabinets display a rich, dark wood finish with glass-front display sections.
Appliances & Fixtures: A professional-grade stainless steel range and hood are visible. A white farmhouse apron sink with a black faucet sits beneath the large windows.
Furniture & Decor
Seating: Four counter-height bar stools line the island, featuring wooden frames, cane/woven backs, and white upholstered seats (Mid-Century Modern influence). To the right, high-back velvet dining chairs in a mustard/gold tone are partially visible.
Rug: A brown area rug with a circular geometric line pattern defines the dining space.
Lighting
Pendants: Three large, matte black dome pendant lights hang suspended from the ceiling beams over the kitchen island.
Sconces: Matching black double-cone wall sconces are mounted high on the wall above the kitchen cabinets.
Foreground
Railing: A modern black metal railing with horizontal cable infill creates a boundary in the immediate foreground, suggesting the photo was taken from a loft or upper staircase.
Plant: A blurred fiddle leaf fig (or similar houseplant) is visible on the far left, adding a touch of greenery.

This project showcases a bold, architectural approach to a large-scale residential landscape, emphasizing clean lines and high-contrast materials to create a truly high-end outdoor experience.
The Design Vision:
The objective was to transform this expansive estate into a series of functional "outdoor rooms" that maintain a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. We focused on precision masonry and a neutral palette to allow the structural elements of the design to take center stage.
Key Features:
Architectural Hardscaping: We utilized large-scale, custom concrete pavers in a "floating" layout, creating a rhythmic and structured pathway that guides movement through the estate.
The Sunken Fire Lounge: A primary focal point, the sunken fire pit area features a custom-built, L-shaped bench with integrated stone backing. The use of sleek, light-toned stone veneer and smooth concrete surfaces creates a sophisticated space for evening entertainment.
Lush, Low-Maintenance Greenery: Vibrant, emerald artificial turf provides a stark, clean contrast against the cool gray tones of the concrete and stone. To add texture, we integrated native agave and yucca plantings set within dark basalt gravel beds, anchored by large natural boulders.
Structural Definition: The entire space is framed by clean-lined black ornamental fencing and multi-level concrete retaining walls, which manage the site's grade while adding to the modern, tiered look of the property.
The final result is a seamless blend of luxury and functionality, offering a refined Texas Modern aesthetic that is built for both high-impact visual appeal and effortless living.

This project showcases a bold, architectural approach to a large-scale residential landscape, emphasizing clean lines and high-contrast materials to create a truly high-end outdoor experience.
The Design Vision:
The objective was to transform this expansive estate into a series of functional "outdoor rooms" that maintain a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. We focused on precision masonry and a neutral palette to allow the structural elements of the design to take center stage.
Key Features:
Architectural Hardscaping: We utilized large-scale, custom concrete pavers in a "floating" layout, creating a rhythmic and structured pathway that guides movement through the estate.
The Sunken Fire Lounge: A primary focal point, the sunken fire pit area features a custom-built, L-shaped bench with integrated stone backing. The use of sleek, light-toned stone veneer and smooth concrete surfaces creates a sophisticated space for evening entertainment.
Lush, Low-Maintenance Greenery: Vibrant, emerald artificial turf provides a stark, clean contrast against the cool gray tones of the concrete and stone. To add texture, we integrated native agave and yucca plantings set within dark basalt gravel beds, anchored by large natural boulders.
Structural Definition: The entire space is framed by clean-lined black ornamental fencing and multi-level concrete retaining walls, which manage the site's grade while adding to the modern, tiered look of the property.
The final result is a seamless blend of luxury and functionality, offering a refined Texas Modern aesthetic that is built for both high-impact visual appeal and effortless living.

A beautifully designed and highly functional laundry room in McLean, VA, that proves utility spaces can be stunning. Featuring warm wood cabinetry, a striking blue hexagon tile backsplash, and a clean quartz countertop with an undermount sink, this space is as practical as it is elegant. The natural light from the skylight enhances the rich textures, making this high-end renovation a perfect blend of style and efficiency.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Structural Remodeling
Franklin County's Heavy Timber Specialists | Best of Houzz 2020!

This project showcases a bold, architectural approach to a large-scale residential landscape, emphasizing clean lines and high-contrast materials to create a truly high-end outdoor experience.
The Design Vision:
The objective was to transform this expansive estate into a series of functional "outdoor rooms" that maintain a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. We focused on precision masonry and a neutral palette to allow the structural elements of the design to take center stage.
Key Features:
Architectural Hardscaping: We utilized large-scale, custom concrete pavers in a "floating" layout, creating a rhythmic and structured pathway that guides movement through the estate.
The Sunken Fire Lounge: A primary focal point, the sunken fire pit area features a custom-built, L-shaped bench with integrated stone backing. The use of sleek, light-toned stone veneer and smooth concrete surfaces creates a sophisticated space for evening entertainment.
Lush, Low-Maintenance Greenery: Vibrant, emerald artificial turf provides a stark, clean contrast against the cool gray tones of the concrete and stone. To add texture, we integrated native agave and yucca plantings set within dark basalt gravel beds, anchored by large natural boulders.
Structural Definition: The entire space is framed by clean-lined black ornamental fencing and multi-level concrete retaining walls, which manage the site's grade while adding to the modern, tiered look of the property.
The final result is a seamless blend of luxury and functionality, offering a refined Texas Modern aesthetic that is built for both high-impact visual appeal and effortless living.

This pull-down metal storage rack with built-in ambient light is installed inside upper wall cabinets, adopting humanized downward-pulling design that resolves the inconvenience of fetching items from high-level cabinets. Made of high-grade matte metal with an integrated handgrip and embedded lighting strip, this branded hardware accessory upgrades the utilization rate and use experience of top cabinet storage space, a premium practical fitting for modern customized cabinets.

Looking for a high-class western-style barstool that can add elegance to your entertaining space? Look no further than our Chisum Stetson Barstool. Made with decorative outback and button tufting in wax pull-up leather, this rustic yet refined barstool is sure to impress. It features a high-quality 360-degree ball bearing mechanism and is crafted with American Alder Wood for the frame. You can choose from both bar and counter heights to fit your needs. Our goal was not only to make the Chisum Stetson Barstool blend with any design scheme but also to uplift and accentuate the surrounding decor. Just like a classic gin martini or rye old fashioned, this barstool is always appropriate and never boring. So why not raise a glass to the Chisum Stetson Barstool?
Overall Barstool Dimensions: 43" H x 26" W x 22" D
Seat Height: 30"
Top of Arm Height: 40"
Overall Counter Stool Dimension: 38" H x 26" W x 22" D
Seat Height: 25"
Top of Arm Height: 35"
Leather Description:Produced on English bull hides and tanned in Italy by fifth-generation tanner. This top grain leather has a unique, soft oil tannage and a paraffin top to provide a clear, transparent surface. This leather also has a vibrant pull-up effect and is unique in that it maintains its luster when pulled in tight areas of the frame. The soft tannage allows this leather to be easily tailored with such applications as pleating and tufting and thus can be used on a broad range of frames. This leather will continue to burnish and polish over time, and wear will continue to enhance its appearance. This leather visual appeal combined with its soft, supple hand make it a leather to notice.
100% true top grain cowhide leather is characterized by variations in shade, texture, color and grain. Healed marks and scars are to be expected and enhance the natural beauty of the hides. These variations should not be considered defects as they are normal and unique features of genuine 100% top grain cowhide leather.
Embossed Leather Description: A leather used to accent many of today's home interiors. The leather hide is first embossed with a floral and then colored by applying two base color coats of micro pigments. The leather is then wiped-off to give it a contrast of colors utilizing the base color combination. This color contrast is further accented by two additional top coat colors that are wiped-on by hand to give the leather a beautiful antique look. The last step is to slightly protect the hand work of the leather hide with a lacquer topcoat that provides great depth and warmth to the finished product.
Frame Construction: Made with American Alder Wood, our frames are glued, screwed and dowelled at the joints. Two coats of high quality stain is hand rubbed on the wood finish and then sealed with industrial grade clear coat.

Custom Floor-to-Ceiling Linen Storage
This perspective highlights the bathroom’s commitment to maximizing utility without sacrificing its clean, Japandi aesthetic. By utilizing vertical space for custom storage, we've created a clutter-free environment that feels both high-end and highly practical.
Design Highlights:
Integrated Tall Cabinetry: The custom floor-to-ceiling linen cabinet features a vertical wood-grain finish that perfectly matches the vanity and kitchen cabinetry, creating a cohesive design thread throughout the condo.
Minimalist Slab Doors: The flat-panel (slab) doors maintain a sleek, handle-free appearance on the upper sections, while the lower drawers feature modern brushed nickel bar pulls for easy access.
Thoughtful Hardware Placement: A side-mounted, matching brushed nickel toilet paper holder is integrated directly into the cabinetry, a clever detail that saves wall space and maintains the room's streamlined look.
Modern Fixtures: The view includes a low-profile, contemporary one-piece toilet and a glimpse of the frameless glass shower enclosure, emphasizing the bathroom’s modern and airy feel.
Cohesive Palette: The warm wood tones are beautifully offset by the crisp white walls and neutral flooring, reinforcing the home’s signature Organic Modern style.

One Raven is a truely unique project that pushes the boundaries of urban density without losing heritage roots. Located in the heart of North Vancouver‘s up and coming moodyville neighbourhood, One Raven will be a beacon on E 3rd. With one of the last remaining heritage buildings on the front of the lot, the project consists of a NetZero high-performance infill duplex, each complete with its suite. This will add 4 new livable units in an infill laneway format with the heritage home complementing the site. The project is built to Level 5 of the BC Energy Step Code meaning it is already at the energy targets for all buildings in 2032, 13 years early! This spectacular and unique project was designed by the talented architect Tina Hubert at Design Studio 8.
The passive house inspired townhouses and suites will be accessed via an internal courtyard bi-secting the lot in an east-west orientation parallel to the street. A circulation corridor oriented north-south will be accessed from the sidewalk at the existing stone retaining wall and concrete stair.
The site design creates private open spaces yet also fosters connection to the semi-private realm of the inner courtyard. Each townhouse will have access to ground level patios, gardens, balconies and roof decks.
The exterior walls are “super” insulated walls that are 12” or more thick with a focus on air-tight detailing. High performance triple pane windows are oriented southward to maximize solar gain in winter and rely on shading devices in the summer. All other windows are located to promote natural ventilation and to reduce energy losses. The highly air-tight building (0.93 ACH) utilizes heat recovery ventilation system to exhaust air and bring in fresh air. The building is designed to be compact with a reduced surface area.
Maximizing on-site infiltration and rainwater collection will help manage storm water runoff. Ground-oriented landscape lighting and low planting along pathways and lot lines encourage visibility and overlook.
The architecture of the building is uniquely modern and clearly establishes it‘s identity, through horizontal and vertical rectilinear forms, asymmetrical window placement, slim profile detailing, standing seam metal cladding, heritage coloured siding, and architectural panelized guardrails.

Hayden Estate Spa: Kohler Luxury & Artisan Knotty Alder Finishes
In this Hayden, Idaho, residence, we balanced a high-tech hydrotherapy suite with a sophisticated bathing sanctuary. This view highlights the transition from the active steam zone to a tranquil soaking area, utilizing a curated palette of natural wood, Italian stone, and professional-grade Kohler plumbing fixtures.
Refined Design & Technical Features:
Kohler Air Therapy Suite: The centerpiece of the relaxation zone is a Kohler air tub, providing a gentle, effervescent massage. We paired the tub with a precision Kohler floor-mounted tub filler, creating a sleek, sculptural silhouette against the expansive view of the Idaho landscape.
Artisan Knotty Alder Woodwork: The cabinetry and architectural trim feature hand-selected Knotty Alder wood with a traditional Shaker-style door detail. This choice brings a warm, organic texture to the room, grounding the modern technology in a classic "Mountain Modern" aesthetic.
Italian Porcelain Foundation: The entire space is unified by large-format Italian porcelain body tile. To ensure year-round comfort, we installed a thermostat-controlled radiant heating system beneath the tile, providing a consistent, inviting warmth throughout the en-suite.
Precision Task Lighting: The freestanding vanity is anchored by a high-definition LED-lit mirror, offering shadow-free illumination that is essential for both functionality and modern ambiance.
Seamless Material Flow: The transition from the wainscot tile to the custom wood casings demonstrates our commitment to precision framing and finish work, ensuring that every material intersection is clean and intentional.

Discover how premium light-filtering materials and smart-home automation can secure street-level entryway glass without losing natural daylight.
Choosing the right window treatments for a home's front entrance is one of the most challenging design decisions a homeowner can face. The front door is the focal point of a home's curb appeal, often featuring expansive glass panels or side-by-side double doors designed to make a grand architectural statement.
During the day, these large glass features are an asset, flooding entryways and foyers with beautiful natural daylight. However, for homes situated on busy local roads or highly trafficked street-level lots, the dynamic completely changes once the sun goes down.
The moment interior lights are switched on in the evening, a stark contrast is created with the dark outdoors. This creates a severe privacy issue, leaving the entire foyer completely exposed to passing traffic and pedestrians. Finding a solution that delivers absolute evening privacy without permanently plunging the front entrance into darkness during the day requires understanding how modern window treatment materials and operating systems interact.
Light-Filtering vs. Blackout Fabrics
The first step in solving street-level privacy is selecting the correct fabric type. Many homeowners mistakenly assume they need heavy, opaque blackout shades to secure their home from outside eyes at night. While blackout fabrics certainly block 100% of the view, they also block 100% of the natural daylight during the day, forcing you to constantly raise and lower the shades just to see inside your own foyer.
A more effective approach for entryways utilizes premium light-filtering materials. These specialized fabrics are engineered with a precise, tight weave that operates on the principles of directional light and optical density.
Daytime Functionality: When the sun is shining outside, the exterior light levels are significantly higher than the interior light levels. The light-filtering fabric diffuses the intense, direct sunlight into a soft, ambient glow throughout the entryway. This keeps the home bright, eliminates harsh glares, and protects interior hardwood flooring, paint, and trim from damaging UV rays.
Night-Time Functionality: At night, the lighting dynamic reverses. The interior foyer lights make the inside bright, while the outside is dark. Because of the specialized tight weave, the fabric blocks the transmission of clear shapes and details. To a person standing out on the street or driving by on a busy road, the view inside is completely obstructed, delivering total privacy when the family is home for the evening.
Challenges of Front Door Installations
Securing privacy for a double wide front entrance introduces unique structural hurdles that standard windows do not face. Traditional blinds with hanging cords or manual pull chains are poorly suited for front doors. They disrupt the clean architectural lines of a grand foyer, create a safety hazard, and can easily get tangled or damaged when the doors are opened and closed.
The window treatments must be mounted high and wide enough above the door trim to ensure that the front doors can swing open and close freely without ever catching on the fabric or the lower hem bar.
How We Applied These Principles in Sherrills Ford, NC
Applying these exact educational principles to real-world homes is what Cole and I do every day at Bloomin' Blinds of North Charlotte. We recently worked with a homeowner in Sherrills Ford whose beautiful new construction property sat on a highly trafficked road. They loved their double wide front door entrance but felt entirely too exposed to the street at night.
We brought our mobile showroom directly to their driveway. This allowed us to hold up premium light-filtering fabric samples directly against their entryway glass, matching the materials perfectly to their home's natural lighting, interior paint, and trim before making a single cut.
To solve their street-level privacy issue, we custom-built and installed two matching light-filtering roller shades, mounting them flawlessly side-by-side above the front door frame. To keep the home’s interior design completely cohesive, we carried the exact same style to the back of the house, installing a matching single roller shade on the rear door.
Smart Home Window Automation at Your Fingertips
Because entryway windows can be tall and awkward to reach manually, our family team integrated advanced smart-home motorization into this Sherrills Ford project.
Beyond the convenience of a handheld remote control, these automated roller shades feature seamless Wi-Fi integration. The homeowners can control their privacy through a dedicated smartphone app or link the system directly to their existing voice-activated smart home networks, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.
This allows for complete hands-free window automation. The clients can program custom daily routines—such as setting the front entry shades to automatically lower exactly at sunset—or simply use a voice command to secure the foyer instantly from the comfort of the couch.
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