Mid-Michigan Sustain...

10 photos, 560 Views, Flag

This project is considered one of the most exciting and unique residential environmental projects of its kind in the mid-Michigan area. This project is the first residential sustainability project in the mid-Michigan area that helps protect our water resources. The homeowners are very committed to doing their part to help the environment. They chose to undertake this project as a way to demonstrate and teach the mid-Michigan area, as well as the world how we can have a beautiful hardscape and softscape, but greatly reduce our impact on the environment. All of these Low-Impact Design (LID elements work together as storm water management tools.

The project features magnificent Allan Block retaining walls and decorative pillars encompassing the entire front yard and a set of beautiful, custom, curved steps at the city sidewalk. The downspouts on the front of the home were designed to drain into two gorgeous rain gardens filled with perennials and ornamental grasses. Belgard 'Subterra' permeable paver landings and walkways create the beautiful random cobblestone surfaces that lead you between awe-inspiring pillars through the front garden down a ramp to the permeable paver driveway. The front concrete city sidewalk was removed and replaced with permeable concrete.

This project broke ground on the morning of August 15, 2008 and was completed Saturday, October 4, 2008.

Blue House

7 photos, 435 Views, Flag

We are thinking about selling our home and we are trying to come up with ways to maximize the curb appeal. Someone suggested painting the red brick veneer and porch. Everyone I ask seems to agree that the red brick has to go. The brick is not in the best of shape. Painting brick scares me and I really don't want to mess it up. Painting the rest of the house is not an option financially. Any advice or suggestions would help immensely!

Castle Room

2 photos, 776 Views, Flag

Story book time is in. This room is being created around some pretty special and lucky little ones, I hope it brings them many many years of memories and pleasure that they too can share with their kids someday, enjoy.

Faux Brick Wall or fl...

5 photos, 612 Views, Flag

Step by step instructions as to how I made my kitchen faux brick wall.

Our first home

9 photos, 251 Views, Flag

This is our first house. We just closed and moved here Sept 11th from a 1,000 sq foot townhouse. We've tried to focus our little bit of improvement money on the areas inside that need it most. We have not done anything to the outside of the home, except I put some pumpkins on the front porch. Going to add a little more seasonal decorations next weekend.

Our Family Room

12 photos, 1,974 Views, Flag

Our family room has a style that is perfect for our young family and a Colorado lifestyle. We have beautiful, warm rugs and shutters paired with drapery to complete the space. I mix a variety of pieces that come from all price points. I don't spend a fortune on accessories because I tire of them quickly. I do splurge on good rugs and lighting. Enjoy looking!!

My colorful dining roo...

13 photos, 565 Views, Flag

The ceiling is dark brown ane the walls are a brick red. The floors are painted concrete. The dinig room table and many other things in the room are heirlooms.

My Loft Like Studio ...

5 photos, 1,106 Views, Flag

Hi everyone! My studio is practically unfurnished and I gladly accept all of your advice/tips/ideas/inputs etc… I do have a queen-sized platform bed, it's a wooden frame in a chocolate-black along with the matching coffee table (t.v. stand. As for the apartment itself, it's a great location in Boston just a few blocks from Symphony Hall and Berklee College of Music. I'm not quite sure on measurements, but I'll estimate the square footage at being somewhere between 500-600 sq. ft. & 10 to 11 ft. in height. I have an exposed brick wall giving the studio a very loft like feel, or at least I like to think so. My mini loft? Light hard-wood floors and white paint on the other walls and ceiling. On the opposite end from the entrance "length wise" I have 3 bay like windows that create somewhat of a breakfast nook and allows for plenty of sunlight to shine in during the day. I also have a small yet decent sized kitchen with two additional windows, theres a walk-in closet to the left of the entrance, and lastly the bathroom; I have the lighting very bright, the floor is white tile, the bottom half of the bathroom wall is a grayish colored tile and the top half is regular wall painted white. I apologize if my description is all over the place, but i'm hoping once I get all of your great tips and ideas I'll be speaking fluent interior-design in no time. : PS, I'm not even sure what color I should choose for my couches, duvet cover, art, etc... ? Help

Backyard Gazebo Patio...

9 photos, 2,302 Views, Flag

We took the backyard corner and turned it into a beautiful focal point.....nothing but grass and dirt was turned into a beautiful eating, resting, and gathering space.

Viva Casa California

6 photos, 2,761 Views, Flag

Drawing on California's architectual historical ties to Spain and Mexico, best expressed in Santa Barbara, California, call it love or obsession, the Spanish Colonial Revival style was destined to captivate our dream of what could be.

This is the result of years of hard work, love and the determination to see our dream come to fruit. Learn more at www.casasmithdesigns.com

Brick patio for rental...

7 photos, 2,060 Views, Flag

This is extremely small back yard in a historic neighborhood. I made this brick patio for my friend.

brick blunder

5 photos, 153 Views, Flag

Boy oh boy where do we start? This space is 31ft x 24 ft which makes almost anything possible but we have no idea where to start. Cooking is our passion. We believe the kitchen should be the heart of the home where friends and family can gather. As you can see this room needs help the entire kitchen is brick. The layout is very chopped up and dated and yes that is straw on the ceiling.