Current Projects: Bathroom Vanity Update
Here is a long over-due update of the Master Bath Vanity -- hopefully we haven't been keeping you in too much suspense. Take a look and see what you think! The final picture is coming soon.
Current Projects: Bathroom Vanity
We are in the beginning stages of three bathroom remodels at the Lewis home. Joe has been hard at work building new vanities for the hall bath and the master bath, and they look great! The picture below shows the master bath vanity. Due to the space constraints in this bathroom, a majority of the
To Build or Not to Build
That is an important question. For many years we at Stearns Design Build (Stearns Construction at the time) insisted on only remodeling, or, as we like to put it, recycling homes. We have since justified designing and building new homes. The justification is that new building stock is necessary. The fact is that we love
Should You Replace Your Windows?
In February the Federal Trade Commission handed down a complaint against five window manufactures for making wildly false claims in their marketing material about expected energy savings from their replacement windows.
This is not to say that you should not pay attention to your windows with an eye toward energy savings and possibly even consider replacing them. But on average most window replacements will reduce overall energy bills less than 5%, not the 50% claimed by some manufactures. But there are other reasons than return on investment that may encourage you to replace your windows. One of those reasons is comfort. Good windows will make your home more comfortable. The other reason is aesthetics. Windows frame the world beyond and should be just as beautiful as your best framed work of art. Indeed, a properly placed window may be your best piece of art. A high quality window will encourage you to open it on a nice day, unlike poor quality windows that must be fought to get them opened and closed. These are good reasons to replace windows, but most people are sold new windows on the idea that they will have a short return on investment, which is seldom the case.
Recent Project: Private Courtyard
Take a look at one of our recently completed projects!
Honoring Black History Month: Ietef Vita
For Black History Month, we wanted to dedicate a weekly blog to an influential African American individual in a field related to the environment and/or building science. Sometimes championing a cause requires a unique approach, especially when reaching a younger audience. Such is the case with Ietef Vita, aka DJ Cavem (which stands for “Communicating
Windows & Concrete Sills
This is part of a project we recently completed on Hugh Stearns' personal home -- Take a look at the pictures!
More Kitchen Storage Creativity
This blog builds upon the kitchen de-cluttering ideas we've already discussed, and will hopefully get you geared up for finding those underutilized areas of your kitchen that can be harnessed for maximum functionality. Even if you have a large kitchen, these ideas can help keep it open, organized, and original.
Outdoor Kitchens: Adding to the Basics
Begin your outdoor kitchen by creating cooking and food prep areas. With these elements plus an outdoor seating or dining area, you’re all set to enjoy a meal in the outdoors. Here are some other things you might consider adding to your outdoor kitchen to expand its usefulness!
Outdoor Kitchens: Start with the Basics
An outdoor kitchen is a great addition to your home. In the summer months, cooking outdoors allows you to decrease extra cooling loads on your air conditioning that comes from heat created in your kitchen (from turning on the oven, etc). Outdoor kitchens also provide a great transitions space that connects you and your home to your surrounding environment. Outdoor kitchens can be as useful and unique as their indoor counterparts—it’s all up to what you choose to include in the design!
