Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Many people in Carroll County, and around Maryland, are opening up their pools for the year, so we at Westminster Lawn Landscape Supply Yards wanted to post an article with some landscaping ideas around pools.

A swimming pool can be the social centerpiece to the summer for your friends and your family, so its worth putting that extra effort into making it a beautiful and inviting waterscape.

Mulch and landscape stone can turn your pool into an attractive garden space, making your yard into the perfect summer hangout, however you should make sure youre using the right materials, in the right kind of combination.

While mulch is a great landscaping material for placing around plants, be careful not to place a mulched area too close to the water. It can be very effective to have mulched plant life around the perimeter of your pool, as a transition from the pool to your lawn, but take into consideration what happens when gusty winds blow.

1 Pure Red Landscape Stone, with its deep brick red color, blends well with other accents at this home. This particular setting has ample concrete immediately bordering the water, providing a smooth walking area (click here for a coupon for stamped concrete designs around pools).

Between the concrete paving and the lawn, you can create a hardscape wall filled with the decorative red stone, which provides drainage from water runoff from the concrete.

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Landscaping Ideas Around Pools - Landscape Stone Carroll County MD ...

Mahwah, NJ (PRWEB) November 02, 2013

On October 18, 2013, the Northeast Spa and Pool Association (NESPA), bestowed several awards of excellence to the top pool designers in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania, who exhibited ingenuity and innovation in the design and implementation of custom swimming pools within the past year. This year, the Landscape Architecture division of Bergen County, NJs, Cipriano Landscape Design, won the coveted Best Of Competition Award, which celebrated their incredible feat in designing a 1700s era Stradivarius violin replica pool, in Bedford, NY.

The Cipriano Landscape Design's Architecture office faced extraordinarily challenging obstacles during the designing stages of the Bedford, NY violin pool. William Moore, Ciprianos primary NJ Landscape Architect, has had more than 15 years of experience designing intricate pools and landscapes, and explained that what made the violin pool so tough to design, was the fact that it had to be shaped into the exact parameters of a violina very recognizable item. Moore explained that when a pool has free form, it is treated as something that has its own identity, and as such can be altered to fit as needed. The violin shape however, is comprised of complex curves and corners that must match a violin shape exactly, and they must be completely symmetrical on both the left and right sides of the pool. The pool was designed with every detail of the Stradivarius, including the chinrest, strings, a tail piece, f-holes, purfling, and a bridge. To take it a step further, the violin pool houses within it three separate bodies of water: the pool itself, a perimeter overflow spa designed as the chinrest of the violin, along with the bow which straddles the neck of the violin, which is designed as two koi ponds.

The entire violin pool was finished in nearly half a million individual translucent glass tiles, which were designed in a unique 4-way gradient pattern. Generally, a gradient color blend of glass tiles only transitions in one direction from a centerline, going either north and south or east and west. The glass tiles in the violin pool however, are a custom designed gradient blend that transitions in every direction. In order to attain this noteworthy result, Ciprianos Landscape Architecture office along with the tile manufacturer assigned gradient values to the sheets of tile, which were then numbered from 1-15 based on the gradient transition. They then had to map out in Auto Cad every single sheet of tile on the pool floor, in order to ensure that there was a consistent color transition from the center of the pool to the various distances of the pool walls.

The strings of the violin that run down the center of the pool floor are comprised of jet-black translucent tiles that demarcate the lap lanes during the day, while the fiber optics continue to do so at night. The strings are interlaced with 5760 strands of fiber optics, which beautifully illuminate the strings at night. The infrastructure design of the fiber optics was also quite detailed, as there were 2 rows of 18 conduits installed prior to steel and gunite, which ran evenly down the center of the pool. The conduits came up through the pool floor within the proposed gradient tile design, which allowed space to weave the strands within the joints of the tile. The strings were three tiles wide, and every other row had three fiber strands. The interweaving of the glass tiles together with the fiber optics while still maintaining the exterior aesthetic beauty was astonishingly complex, but well worth the effort.

The NJ landscape architecture office also designed a fiber optic rope lighting detail that illuminates the entire perimeter of the violin pool. The rope lighting (350 feet of fiber optics), are lit by two, 150 watt illuminators. The fiber optic rope was also designed to be countersunk beneath the coping in order to conceal it from those swimming in the pool.

The 12-person perimeter overflow spa is located on the chinrest of the violin, is finished entirely in jet-black glass tiles, and boasts its own LED lighting which is separate the pools fiber optic lighting. It is a perimeter overflow spa, which means that the water within the spa conveys the illusion that the water is infinitely flowing over all of the edges into both the pool on one side, and the patio stone on the other. In all actuality however, the water overflowing from the spa is being collected in a discreet trough, and is re-circulated back into the spa. A creative use of the violin chinrest with this difficult element of design made this one-of-a-kind project even more dynamic.

The musically inspired design of the violin and the homeowners enjoyment of koi, evolved into the integration of the bow of the violin as two ponds that intersect the neck of the violin pool. These ponds are filled with numerous koi fish, which can project the illusion of swimming together in the pool to the underwater swimmer through two acrylic panels. The pond was further designed with multiple platforms in order to hold lily pads, water irises, and various other aquatic plants. This ensured that the view of the ponds from outside the pool would be very aesthetically pleasing, just as looking at the ponds through the acrylic panels from inside the pool would be. After dark this connection is even more incredible with the bather able to view the 250 twinkling fiber optic star-lights on the floor of the pond from inside the pool.

Incorporating the acrylic viewing panels was quite challenging due to a large variety of skilled craftsman having to work together at precisely the same time. Once the forms were set, the steel reinforcement had to be mounted, concrete then needed to be applied to form the window casing, then waterproofing measures were installed, followed by having tile and pond surfacing applied up to the edge of the window. The coordination had to be impeccable in order for the installation to take place successfully, and ultimately, it was.

Overall, installing the aforementioned features were only a few of the challenges that were triumphantly overcome by the Cipriano Landscape Architects design team. The difficulties they encountered where unlike any other experienced before in the luxury pool industry, yet through it all they prevailed, and the finished product is truly breathtaking. The Bedford, NY, violin pool also won NESPAs Gold award for Glass Tiled Pools, the Peoples Choice Award, as well as the Best in Competition Award for its innovative design, and stunning results.

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Bergen County, NJ Landscape Architecture Office Wins 2013 Best ...

Privacy, safety, beauty and convenience are some of the considerations to keep in mind when landscaping around swimming pools.

Plants provide beauty and privacy around a swimming pool. They soften the harsh lines of swimming pool equipment and help swimming pools to blend more naturally with the surrounding environment. If you grow plants that are tall enough, they will form privacy screens around the pool area. But plants must be chosen wisely. Strive for low-maintenance plants. For instance, you don't wan't large deciduous trees around a swimming pool, as you'll end up fishing all those leaves out of the water! Even needle-bearing evergreen trees can be messy. A good alternative is a broadleaf evergreen such as holly. Avoid fruit trees: not only are they messy, but the fruits attract bees. And as beautiful as flowers are, be aware that they, too, can be bee-magnets. Even worse, plants with invasive root systems can damage a swimming pool over the years.

Fencing around swimming pools is a must when small children are present, for the purpose of safety. The right fence design can also offer you privacy. If you don't like the look of a fence, soften it by training vines to grow over it; the vines will enhance privacy to boot. Another safety feature around pools is outdoor lighting.

Patios or pool decks provide not only beauty, but safety for swimming pool areas. Climbing out of the swimming pool, you can be assured of a slip-resistant surface to land on with a scarred concrete patio. If you opt for a brick patio instead, be sure to keep the surface of the bricks rough (you'll have to clean moss off patios periodically). For convenience around swimming pools, nothing beats a closed gazebo in which you can change into/out of your clothes and relax in the shade. Outdoor furniture also affords convenience around your swimming pool, as do barbecue equipment and outdoor furnaces.

And you'd better keep some sunscreen in that gazebo....

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Landscaping Around Swimming Pools - About.com Landscaping

There's More To It than Planting Flowers

Landscaping is about more than just planting a few flowers and bushes around your pool. It's about planning and creating a pool environment thats easy to get to and hard to leave. Your first step is to get inspired. It can be a movie, a native flower or a planter you just couldnt resist. You can also find inspiration from different gardening styles. Just find ideas you love and build from there.

Next, design your deck and plan your walkways. After the pool itself, your deck is the foundation for your landscape design. Walkways are important, too you want to make access to your pool area easy so your plants dont get trampled.

Now its time to start planting! Youll want to choose plants that will flourish in your geographic area, so check with your local nurseries before you buy. You can also enlist the help of a professional landscape designer. Either way, it helps to know the lingo and the common pitfalls to avoid.

With the right information, inspired ideas and, perhaps, a fabulous landscape designer, youre on your way to creating a lush and beautiful environment that adds depth and color to your back yard and more enjoyment to your pool. Love your view as much as you love your pool! For even more inspired landscaping ideas, visit Yardbuilder.com.

Where you live, how much you entertain, and how you like to relax will help guide your decision on what to include in your backyard landscaping plans. The key to great outdoor entertaining is making sure that you and your guests feel just as comfortable as they would be indoors.

Turn your backyard pool area into an entertainment retreat with a lounging and eating area or a refreshment bar along with a hot tub. Add a pergola or gazebo for extra shade and privacy, a trickling waterfall, and a patio area complete with bar and grill and you'll never have to leave your home for an exotic winter vacation.

Not too long ago, if you wanted to entertain outdoors without leaving the comfort of your home, you would break out the charcoal, the lighter fluid, the hibachi or the old three-legged grill.

Today the line between indoor and outdoor entertaining has become increasingly blurred. Outdoor entertaining truly has the potential to be the ultimate in luxury and convenience. Outdoor barbeque island designs are varied enough to range from meeting the most basic demands to gourmet islands fit for the most talented chefs. These high-end barbeque islands can house a wide range of appliances like drop-in or slide-in gas grills, refrigerators, ice makers, sinks, wet bars, warmers, and ovens as well as provide ample space for preparing food and storing dinnerware.

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Landscaping | Swimmingpool.com - The Ultimate Swimming Pool ...

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From new custom window treatments to designing entire home interiors, our talented decorators do it all! Magnificent great rooms. Cozy kitchen nooks. Four-season rooms and fabulous bedroom suites. In our Before & After Photo Gallery, you'll see how we've transformed every kind of space, large or small.

The latest trends and styles, the talents and expertise of your own interior decorator and all within your budget. No wonder we're North America's premier in-home decorating company. Why Wait? Let's do something beautiful. Call for your complimentary consultation.

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Decorating Den Interiors® | Decorating Interior Design Company

Interior design describes a group of various yet related projects that involve turning an interior space into an "effective setting for the range of human activities" that are to take place there.[1] An interior designer is someone who conducts such projects. Interior design is a multifaceted profession that includes conceptual development, liaising with the stakeholders of a project and the management and execution of the design.

In the past, Interiors were put together instinctively as a part of the process of building.[1] The profession of interior design has been a consequence of the development of society and the complex architecture that has resulted from the development of industrial processes. The pursuit of effective use of space, user well-being and functional design has contributed to the development of the contemporary interior design profession.

In ancient India, architects used to work as interior designers. This can be seen from the references of Vishwakarma the architect - one of the gods in Indian mythology. Additionally, the sculptures depicting ancient texts, events are seen in palaces built in 17th century India.

The Dark Ages led to a time of wood paneling, minimal furniture, and stone-slab floors. during the time people added a deccorative elements by putting wall fabrics and stone carvings. Coming out of the Dark Ages the work of color and ornamentation was introduced. And in the 12th century the Gothic Style came out and is noted for opened interiors and natural light.[2]

Throughout the 18th century and into the early 19th Century, interior decoration was the concern of the homemaker or, in families an upholsterer or craftsman may influence the style of the interior space. Architects would also employ craftsmen or artisans to complete interior design for their buildings. Towards the end of the 19th century interior decorating emerged as a profession in the Western world. This was due to various actions, particularly by women, to professionalise the homemaking process. Elsie De Wolfe has been credited with the creation of the interior decorating profession.[3] Having successfully re-designed her own home, De Wolfe began offering her services to other people within her social circle. As people began offering interior decoration as a service the professionalization of this service gained momentum.

This movement towards professionalization was reinforced by the publication of books on the subject. Publications include the book Suggestions for House Decoration in Painting, Woodwork and Furniture (1876) by Anges and Rhoda Garrett, Elsie De Wolfes The House in Good Taste (1913) and articles by Candace Wheeler such as Principles of Home Decoration with Practical Examples (1903).[4] Most of the books were published by women and clearly suggested the profession was within the womens domain, E.g. The two-part article Interior Decoration as a Profession for Women (1895), written by Candace Wheeler.

As previously mentioned, before formal interior decorators evolved the job was the concern of craftsmen or upholsterers. This means that many decorators at this time were dealers in the elements needed for interiors. This called into question the qualifications of the decorator and their standing as an independent advisor. This gave term interior decorator negative connotations for some, as a painter or curtain sales person can be a self-appointed decorator. Hence, the decorators favoured term Interior Designer.[1] Interior design has now developed past the point of decoration and the terms, although overlapping, are distinct.

The most prominent development of the interior design profession was after World War II. From the 1950s onwards spending on the home increased. Interior design courses were established, requiring the publication of textbooks and reference sources. Historical accounts of interior designers and firms distinct from the decorative arts specialists were made available. While organisations to regulate education, qualifications, standards and practices, etc. were established for the profession.[4]

Interior design was previously seen as playing a secondary role to architecture. It also has many connections to other design disciplines, involving the work of architects, industrial designers, engineers, builders, craftsmen, etc. For these reasons the government of interior design standards and qualifications was often incorporated into other professional organisations that involved design.[4] Organisations such as the Chartered Society of Designers, established in the UK in 1986, and the American Designers Institute, founded in 1938, were established as organisations that governed various areas of design. It was not until later that specific representation for the interior design profession was developed. The US National Society of Interior Designers was established in 1957, while in the UK the Interior Decorators and Designers Association was established in 1966. Across Europe, other organisations such as The Finnish Association of Interior Architects (1949) were being established and in 1994 the International Interior Design Association was founded.[4]

Ellen Mazur Thomson, author of Origins of Graphic Design in America (1997), determined that professional status is achieved through education, self-imposed standards and professional gate-keeping organizations.[4] Having achieved this, interior design became an accepted profession.

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Interior design - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

2502 W Market, Greensboro, NC 27403
2502 W Market Greensboro, NC Michelle Porter Berkshire Hathaway Yost Little http://www.realestatebook.com/homes/listing/101-3002519911/refer=FP42A This bea...

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2502 W Market, Greensboro, NC 27403 - Video

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Simple Home Security Tips for Spring Cleaning Effective home security protects homes from the outside-in. Outdoor home security system components work with the central system, and just a few tweaks can help home security systems best monitor any dangers. Add some simple tasks to your spring cleaning list to ensure maximum protection for this season and beyond. In addition to testingsmoke detectors [...]

The Best Home Security Systems Are Wire Free Home security systems have protected homeowners and their valuable property for decades. One problem with traditional wired security systems, however, was a lack of reliability in the dangerous situations the security system is meant to protect against. Smart burglars cut the phone line on the security system to disable communication between the home security system [...]

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Home Security Systems and Wireless Burglar Alarms | SafeMart

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