Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized coastal dark wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in Boston with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, paneled appliances and an island

Elegant master alcove bathtub photo in Other with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets and beige walls

Brad Haines knows a thing or two about building things. The intensely creative and innovative founder of Oklahoma City-based Haines Capital is the driving force behind numerous successful companies including Bank 7 (NASDAQ BSVN), which proudly reported record year-end earnings since going public in September of last year. He has beautifully built, renovated, and personally thumb printed all of his commercial spaces and residences. “Our theory is to keep things sophisticated but comfortable,” Brad says. That’s the exact approach he took in his personal haven in Nichols Hills, Oklahoma. Painstakingly renovated over the span of two years by Candeleria Foster Design-Build of Oklahoma City, his home boasts museum-white, authentic Venetian plaster walls and ceilings; charcoal tiled flooring; imported marble in the master bath; and a pretty kitchen you’ll want to emulate. Reminiscent of an edgy luxury hotel, it is a vibe conjured by Cantoni designer Nicole George. “The new remodel plan was all about opening up the space and layering monochromatic color with lots of texture,” says Nicole, who collaborated with Brad on two previous projects. “The color palette is minimal, with charcoal, bone, amber, stone, linen and leather.” “Sophisticated“Sophisticated“Sophisticated“Sophisticated“Sophisticated Nicole helped oversee space planning and selection of interior finishes, lighting, furnishings and fine art for the entire 7,000-square-foot home. It is now decked top-to-bottom in pieces sourced from Cantoni, beginning with the custom-ordered console at entry and a pair of Glacier Suspension fixtures over the stairwell. “Every angle in the house is the result of a critical thought process,” Nicole says. “We wanted to make sure each room would be purposeful.” To that end, “we reintroduced the ‘parlor,’ and also redefined the formal dining area as a bar and drink lounge with enough space for 10 guests to comfortably dine,” Nicole says. Brad’s parlor holds the Swing sectional customized in a silky, soft-hand charcoal leather crafted by prominent Italian leather furnishings company Gamma. Nicole paired it with the Kate swivel chair customized in a light grey leather, the sleek DK writing desk, and the Black & More bar cabinet by Malerba. “Nicole has a special design talent and adapts quickly to what we expect and like,” Brad says. To create the restaurant-worthy dining space, Nicole brought in a black-satin glass and marble-topped dining table and mohair-velvet chairs, all by Italian maker Gallotti & Radice. Guests can take a post-dinner respite on the adjoining room’s Aston sectional by Gamma. In the formal living room, Nicole paired Cantoni’s Fashion Affair club chairs with the Black & More cocktail table, and sofas sourced from Désirée, an Italian furniture upholstery company that creates cutting-edge yet comfortable pieces. The color-coordinating kitchen and breakfast area, meanwhile, hold a set of Guapa counter stools in ash grey leather, and the Ray dining table with light-grey leather Cattelan Italia chairs. The expansive loggia also is ideal for entertaining and lounging with the Versa grand sectional, the Ido cocktail table in grey aged walnut and Dolly chairs customized in black nubuck leather. Nicole made most of the design decisions, but, “she took my suggestions seriously and then put me in my place,” Brad says. She had the master bedroom’s Marlon bed by Gamma customized in a remarkably soft black leather with a matching stitch and paired it with onyx gloss Black & More nightstands. “The furnishings absolutely complement the style,” Brad says. “They are high-quality and have a modern flair, but at the end of the day, are still comfortable and user-friendly.” The end result is a home Brad not only enjoys, but one that Nicole also finds exceptional. “I honestly love every part of this house,” Nicole says. “Working with Brad is always an adventure but a privilege that I take very seriously, from the beginning of the design process to installation.”

A cabin in Western Wisconsin is transformed from within to become a serene and modern retreat. In a past life, this cabin was a fishing cottage which was part of a resort built in the 1920’s on a small lake not far from the Twin Cities. The cabin has had multiple additions over the years so improving flow to the outdoor space, creating a family friendly kitchen, and relocating a bigger master bedroom on the lake side were priorities. The solution was to bring the kitchen from the back of the cabin up to the front, reduce the size of an overly large bedroom in the back in order to create a more generous front entry way/mudroom adjacent to the kitchen, and add a fireplace in the center of the main floor. Photographer: Wing Ta Interior Design: Jennaea Gearhart Design

Shop the Look and See the Photo Tour here: https://www.studio-mcgee.com/studioblog/2015/9/7/coastal-prep-in-the-pacific-palisades-entry-and-formal-living-tour?rq=Pacific%20Palisades Photos by Tessa Neustadt

Please see this Award Winning project in the October 2014 issue of New York Cottages & Gardens Magazine: NYC&G http://www.cottages-gardens.com/New-York-Cottages-Gardens/October-2014/NYCG-Innovation-in-Design-Winners-Kitchen-Design/ It was also featured in a Houzz Tour: Houzz Tour: Loving the Old and New in an 1880s Brooklyn Row House http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/29691278/list/houzz-tour-loving-the-old-and-new-in-an-1880s-brooklyn-row-house Photo Credit: Hulya Kolabas

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!

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!

If you’re active on GardenWeb sharing plant photos, asking for advice, tracking seasonal progress you already understand how much detail goes into gardening. Soil pH, rainfall, emerging leaves, bloom counts, fertilizer schedules it adds up fast. But all that rich information often remains buried in posts, lists or memory. What if you could visualize that data and turn it into clear quick insights? That’s where a graph maker becomes a game-changer for your gardening workflow. 1. Why garden data belongs on a graph On GardenWeb, you’ll find forums for everything from perennial care, vegetable gardening, patios, herbs, even cooking and craft projects. While plant lovers share observations and ask questions, many track progress manually in spreadsheets or memory. A graph maker flips that around: Instead of a list of numbers (e.g., “Soil test: pH 6.4 in May, 6.1 in October”), you get a line graph showing the decline over time. Instead of guessing which plant bloomed most, you see a bar chart comparing counts across plants. Instead of manually calculating average rainfall effect, you plot scatter points of bloom count vs. rainfall. By turning your data into visuals, you’re not just recording—you’re analysing, learning and improving. For GardenWeb users this means smarter decisions: Which fertilizer actually improves bloom count? Which shady spot recovers slower? A graph maker gives clarity. 2. What is a graph maker and how to use one A graph maker is a web tool or software that lets you input raw data (numbers, dates, categories) and output visual charts like line graphs, bar charts, scatter plots, etc. It might allow you to import a spreadsheet, select chart type, customize colours, label axes, and export the image for your blog, forum post or personal log. Here’s how you could apply it for gardening: Log blooms per week for each rose plant. Using the graph maker, choose line graph to track changes over weeks. Label your y-axis “Number of Blooms”, x-axis “Week of Year”. Add colour lines for each plant for easy comparison. Export as PNG and embed it in a GardenWeb forum post: “See bloom trend for my ‘Peace’ vs ‘Knock Out’ roses”. This isn’t just pretty-to-look-at: it makes the trend obvious, invites discussion (“Hey, your ‘Knock Out’ line dips after week 28—what changed?”) and helps you refine your routine. 3. Use these specific scenarios on GardenWeb A. Soil pH and plant health tracking After multiple tests you have pH values over time and bloom results. Upload both datasets into the graph maker, produce a dual-axis line graph: soil pH on one axis, bloom count on the other. Post your findings in the “Soil, Fertility & Nutrients” forum and get feedback. B. Seasonal pest or disease appearance Record number of aphids spotted each month and whether you used treatment. A bar chart via the graph maker can show pre- and post-treatment figures. Then ask the “Insect & Disease Control” forum for advice based on your visual data. C. Yield comparison between varieties You grow two zucchini varieties. You keep weekly yield in pounds. Use the graph maker for a side-by-side bar chart. Share in the “Vegetable Gardening” forum: “Which was better this year? See the chart”. D. Rainfall vs growth rate You log weekly rainfall and growth (in cm) of your tomato plants. Use scatter plot in graph maker. If a pattern emerges, you’re ready to post: “Is my growth plateau due to drought? Chart shows a clear correlation.” 4. Why this elevates your GardenWeb contributions When you post with a chart made by a graph maker, you’re doing more than asking or showing off. You’re investigating. You’re analysing. You invite the community to give feedback on data, not just anecdotes. That elevates the discussion. Instead of “My plant died, any ideas?” you post “See this graph of pH drop and bloom count—what might be the limiting factor?” High-quality visuals raise your post’s value and garner more thoughtful responses. Plus, your posts become useful references for others: someone else can say, “Cool graphic, can you share your data sheet?” You build credibility and help the forum become a learning hub—not just a Q&A board. 5. Tips for using a graph maker effectively in the GardenWeb context Keep it simple: One chart, one insight. Don’t overcrowd. Label clearly: Titles, axis labels, units (e.g., cm/week, mg/L, °F). Use readable colours: Avoid faint tones that vanish on mobile. Annotate when needed: Add notes like “Fertiliser switched week 12” or “Shade cloth added”. Provide context in your post: Don’t leave the chart alone—write a few sentences explaining what it shows and what you’re seeking. Embed carefully: Make sure your image displays properly in GardenWeb; check mobile view. Share raw data: If possible link to your spreadsheet so others can replicate or comment. Be open to feedback: The chart invites questions; embrace them. 6. Possible pitfalls and how to avoid them Bad data = bad chart: If your measurements aren’t consistent, your graph will mislead. Use standardized data collection. Too much complexity: Multi-axis charts, too many variables—confusing. Stick to one or two variables. Overlooking mobile viewers: Many GardenWeb users browse via phones. Use large fonts and simple visuals. Ignoring the narrative: Chart alone won’t answer. Explain what it means and what you need. Outdated charts: If you update your data annually, keep your visuals current or label them clearly as “2024 data”. 7. Final thoughts On GardenWeb you’ll find a vibrant community of gardeners, DIYers, cooks and design lovers.Using a graph maker for your posts and progress turns your experience from casual hobby-logging into smart data-driven gardening. You’ll not only learn more—your peers will learn more, too. So next time you log your plant growth, record your yield, test your soil or track pests—don’t just note it. Plot it. Use a graph maker. Share it in the forum. Let your garden tell the story, and let the community help you write the next chapter.

Home office with white writing desk and tall dresser against bright white walls and a black framed window. Purple drapery not only adds color but also doubles for insulation for the 1920's windows. All adding up to be a great home workspace. Design by Danielle Perkins at Danielle Interior Design and Decor. Taylor Abeel Photography

UP 20 Chaise lounge, UP 12 Sofa, BRICK 307 Rocking Chair, LOG S, M, L, GRAY 54 Table.
Minimalist living room photo in Toronto

This sitting room was designed to act as a home office or casual space to read, relax, and play games. This writing desk acts as a game table, with two unique, custom upholstered chairs on either end. The walls are upholstered in a beige linen, and the ceiling is covered in a textured wallcovering, faux finished to look like aged metal. Custom crown molding was designed so artwork can hang from gallery rods without causing damage to the wall upholstery. Gold accents are picked up through the vase artwork, polished brass swing arm wall sconces, and library style desk lamp. The vignette is grounded by a patterned sisal area rug with a custom blue leather border.

FULL HOUSE REMODEL – COMPLETE SCOPE OF WORK 1. Pre-Construction Phase • Initial site inspection and measurements • Architectural design and layout planning (if required) • Structural engineering (if load-bearing walls are modified) • Preparation of plans for city approval • Permit application and plan check • Obtain required building permits • Scheduling of inspections • Homeowner responsible for permit fees unless otherwise stated. 2. Site Preparation & Protection • Protect flooring and non-work areas • Install plastic dust barriers with zipper access • Cover windows and furniture as needed • Temporary utility setup if required • Daily job site cleanup • Final professional cleaning upon completion 3. Demolition • Remove existing flooring (tile, wood, carpet, etc.) • Remove cabinets, countertops, vanities • Remove interior walls per plans • Remove drywall where required • Remove plumbing fixtures • Remove electrical fixtures • Haul away all debris 4. Structural & Framing • Install structural beams if required • Reframe modified walls • Install new partitions per approved plans • Repair or replace damaged framing • Subfloor repair or replacement as needed • Install blocking for cabinets and accessories 5. Plumbing (Up to Code) • Replace old water supply lines (Copper Type L or PEX) • Replace or modify drain lines (ABS) • Relocate plumbing fixtures as needed • Install new shut-off valves and cleanouts • Water heater replacement if included • Call for rough and final plumbing inspections 6. Electrical (Up to Code) • Upgrade electrical panel if required • Rewire entire house as needed • Install new outlets and switches • Install GFCI/AFCI protection per code • Install recessed lighting and fixtures • Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors • Dedicated circuits for appliances • Call for rough and final electrical inspections 7. HVAC • Replace or upgrade HVAC system if included • Install new ducting and registers • Install thermostat or mini-split system if applicable 8. Insulation • Install wall insulation per code requirements • Install ceiling insulation per code requirements 9. Drywall & Plaster • Install new drywall • Tape and mud (Level 4 or 5 finish) • Texture to match existing or smooth finish • Patch all affected areas 10. Flooring • Install tile flooring • Install engineered wood / hardwood / laminate / vinyl • Install baseboards • Floor leveling if required 11. Kitchen Remodel • Install new cabinets • Install countertops • Install backsplash • Install sink and faucet • Install appliances (owner supplied unless specified) 12. Bathroom Remodel(s) • Install new tub or shower system • Waterproofing system installation • Install tile on floors and walls • Install vanity and toilet • Install shower valve and fixtures • Install shower glass if included 13. Doors & Windows • Replace interior and entry doors • Replace windows if included • Install hardware 14. Interior & Exterior Paint • Surface preparation • Prime and paint walls, ceilings, and trim • Exterior painting if included 15. Exterior Work (If Included) • Stucco repair • Roofing repair or replacement • Concrete work or pavers • Drainage improvements 16. Final Phase • Final inspections • Punch list completion • Final cleaning • Final walk-through with homeowner Standard California Contract Terms (Summary) • All work performed in compliance with California Building Code. • Change orders must be approved in writing. • Unforeseen conditions may require additional cost. • One-year labor warranty unless otherwise stated. • Progress payments per agreed payment schedule. • Contractor is licensed and insured.

Coastline to Living Room: Rolling Hills Residenc with NanaWall Folding Doors House Tour: Rolling Hills Residence Maximizes Views This particular residence takes indoor and outdoor living to the next level. Influenced by Japanese culture, this two story house contains five bedrooms, 1 spa room, 1 massage room, 2 sauna’s, 1 gym, an office, plus more! Let’s take a closer look. Located on a private hillside and surrounded by nature, the Rolling Hills Residence overlooks ocean views that can be enjoyed from the residence or nearby hiking trails. Folding doors bring in natural lighting, fresh air and create a seamless transition to the outdoor patio and BBQ area where homeowners can entertain guests. The living room opens up to an infinity pool with spectacular views of the horizon! Window sized folding doors in the kitchen and hallway creates open, unobstructed views. By creating smaller folding windows, the homeowners used the outside space to create a Japanese garden with a pond. “Japan is a group of islands surrounded by oceans and seas” writes Dr. Koichi Kawana in “The Garden – Symbols & Esthetics”. Dr. Kawana continues, “From ancient times, the Japanese people had an affinity for the sea […and] one is suppose to be able to enjoy the tranquility of the sea.” Another private mini garden is connected to the Jacuzzi in the master bathroom. Additional rooms include: a meditation room, mini kitchen, a bamboo room, a club and a gym with two bars. All of the rooms aim to link homeowners and guests to the outdoors and are all connected with accents of Japanese and Chinese art! What do you love about this house? Write it in the comments section below.

An organic, russet-colored finish over Cathedral Primavera veneers with light distressing and a dusty wax hang up with a minimalist rustic knob.
Home office - rustic home office idea in Milwaukee

The Trenton Room was the smallest of the three bedrooms. In order to have both a writing desk, and a chair suitable for reading, a reproduction secretary desk was used in the space, allowing for more room next to it for the chair, which can be used for reading, or pulled up to the secretary desk as needed. Each desk has a writing pad, a guest book about the space, and with helpful guest information. On top of this desk is another New Jersey soldier. The New Jersey Blues ( the 3rd New Jersey) wore a distinctive blue uniform coat with red facings. This inspired the red banding on the window treatment. Nailhead trim on the chair adds a handsome bit of elegance to the space. Bob Narod, Photographer. Design by Linda H. Bassert, Masterworks Window Fashions & Design, LLC.

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!

FULL HOUSE REMODEL – COMPLETE SCOPE OF WORK 1. Pre-Construction Phase • Initial site inspection and measurements • Architectural design and layout planning (if required) • Structural engineering (if load-bearing walls are modified) • Preparation of plans for city approval • Permit application and plan check • Obtain required building permits • Scheduling of inspections • Homeowner responsible for permit fees unless otherwise stated. 2. Site Preparation & Protection • Protect flooring and non-work areas • Install plastic dust barriers with zipper access • Cover windows and furniture as needed • Temporary utility setup if required • Daily job site cleanup • Final professional cleaning upon completion 3. Demolition • Remove existing flooring (tile, wood, carpet, etc.) • Remove cabinets, countertops, vanities • Remove interior walls per plans • Remove drywall where required • Remove plumbing fixtures • Remove electrical fixtures • Haul away all debris 4. Structural & Framing • Install structural beams if required • Reframe modified walls • Install new partitions per approved plans • Repair or replace damaged framing • Subfloor repair or replacement as needed • Install blocking for cabinets and accessories 5. Plumbing (Up to Code) • Replace old water supply lines (Copper Type L or PEX) • Replace or modify drain lines (ABS) • Relocate plumbing fixtures as needed • Install new shut-off valves and cleanouts • Water heater replacement if included • Call for rough and final plumbing inspections 6. Electrical (Up to Code) • Upgrade electrical panel if required • Rewire entire house as needed • Install new outlets and switches • Install GFCI/AFCI protection per code • Install recessed lighting and fixtures • Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors • Dedicated circuits for appliances • Call for rough and final electrical inspections 7. HVAC • Replace or upgrade HVAC system if included • Install new ducting and registers • Install thermostat or mini-split system if applicable 8. Insulation • Install wall insulation per code requirements • Install ceiling insulation per code requirements 9. Drywall & Plaster • Install new drywall • Tape and mud (Level 4 or 5 finish) • Texture to match existing or smooth finish • Patch all affected areas 10. Flooring • Install tile flooring • Install engineered wood / hardwood / laminate / vinyl • Install baseboards • Floor leveling if required 11. Kitchen Remodel • Install new cabinets • Install countertops • Install backsplash • Install sink and faucet • Install appliances (owner supplied unless specified) 12. Bathroom Remodel(s) • Install new tub or shower system • Waterproofing system installation • Install tile on floors and walls • Install vanity and toilet • Install shower valve and fixtures • Install shower glass if included 13. Doors & Windows • Replace interior and entry doors • Replace windows if included • Install hardware 14. Interior & Exterior Paint • Surface preparation • Prime and paint walls, ceilings, and trim • Exterior painting if included 15. Exterior Work (If Included) • Stucco repair • Roofing repair or replacement • Concrete work or pavers • Drainage improvements 16. Final Phase • Final inspections • Punch list completion • Final cleaning • Final walk-through with homeowner Standard California Contract Terms (Summary) • All work performed in compliance with California Building Code. • Change orders must be approved in writing. • Unforeseen conditions may require additional cost. • One-year labor warranty unless otherwise stated. • Progress payments per agreed payment schedule. • Contractor is licensed and insured.

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!