Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Having rescued this Tuscan villa from near ruin, its British owners commissioned Artichoke to design a hard-working kitchen. Arabella Youens explains more.

Originally built in 1916 by a Swiss family, this 12-bedroom villa stands nearly 4,000ft above sea level on the border between Tuscany and Umbria. It was used as a hotel, but was abandoned in the 1980s. For its new British owners, a hard-working kitchen to suit their large family of enthusiastic cooks was essential.

When we first took on the project, a tree was growing through the kitchen and the basement was full of snakes and scorpions, says Artichokes creative director, Bruce Hodgson.

Using Tuscany-based artisans and local materials where possible, the company oversaw renovation works that took four years. Part of the project included merging smaller rooms to create this voluminous kitchen in the centre of the house, where it acts as the engine room, says Bruce.

One of the stipulations that informed the architecture was that a traditional inglenook fireplace spacious enough to cook porchetta (roast suckling pig) should be included. This involved running a flue under the main staircase that crosses the top of the kitchen resulting in a vaulted ceiling from which hang two striking wagon wheel-style chandeliers from Ralph Lauren Home.

Much of the decorative interest comes from the wood used on the dresser and cabinetry a mixture of local chestnut and oak, which has been bleached. For day-to-day cooking, a Wolf range was installed, with a surround of tiles in a glossy sage from Verona adding a splash of colour. An acid-etched zinc extractor, designed and made by Artichoke, adds an industrial feel.

We wanted the story behind the room to make it feel as if it had evolved over many centuries, adds Bruce.

Of all the decorating trends that have been in vogue over the last 50 years be it Scandi, Minimalism

People across the country are using their time to decorate,and with the big companies still running delivery services you're likely

Listening to the worlds greatest interior designers talk about their work is one of the best ways to get to

Interior designer Philippa Thorp tells Arabella Youens about the transformation of her Grade II-listed house in Hampshire.

Emily Todhunter took a restrained approach to the decoration of her Wiltshire bathroom. She explained more to Arabella Youens.

Read more here:
A Tuscan kitchen reborn: When we first took it on a tree was growing through the kitchen and the basement was full of snakes - Country Life

This swift, dutiful retreat into the home has a distinctly historical feel to it. Suddenly, the refuge of the bars and restaurants of Soho is no longer and our communities have shrunk to Medieval proportions. Of course, we are lucky to be able to keep up with friends and family outside of our own homes with video technology unlike our ancestors, but nonetheless, our worlds are reduced to a couple of people, a series of rooms and a little garden (if were even luckier). It is this inwardness, this government approved withdrawal from society, that is ushering us towards a sort of considered degeneration, however contradictory that may be.

I dont mean this to sound accusatory nor even cautionary. Retreating to our more primitive selves in the face of lockdown is quite wonderful; it is a sort of contemplative regression to simpler ways of living in our homes. Isnt it true that even the busiest of the city workers are slowing down the pace of their lives, enjoying the resourcefulness required in such extenuating circumstances, cooking from scratch, worshipping the outdoors and keeping eyes and ears on vulnerable neighbours more than ever before?

In fact, I rather feel as if I should be writing this article with a quill by candlelight and drinking some variety of sickly mead. And theres a thought fire is having something of an engulfing presence in our lives throughout this lockdown period, and I think this has something to do with our return to the primal comforts afforded to us in this slower, more localised way of life. I cant say the same for mead.

Sharing the full story, not just the headlines

A gently flickering candle or the roar of a stoked fire has its place in this picture of British cosiness. Kindwood, a sustainable firewood company in the UK, has reported a surge in consumer demand for its kiln-dried logs since the lockdown was put in place. Taylor Gathercole, the companys founder, says: Fire has been bringing us together for millions of years, but now, being at home 24/7 is giving us more of a chance to spend quality time together with loved ones in our homes and our gardens and for many, fire is the perfect backdrop for this.

Gathercole is absolutely right to reference the garden and the popularity of a burning flame outdoors. Moda Furnishings, a British rattan garden furniture company, has reported that its sales of both gas and charcoal firepits are up 88 per cent, compared to figures for May last year. As we make the most of our precious square-footage in more considered and grateful ways, our gardens have become a real extension of our living spaces.

Jonny Brierley, the CEO of Moda Furnishings, says: The word cosy has never been associated with gardens. Historically, they have been purely aesthetic or functional, but now people want to make better and more frequent use of them. Many are doing this through the introduction of firepits. Firelight is said to create a more intimate setting, allowing those surrounding it to relax and talk, letting their guards down at the end of the day. The fire provides a visual, psychological comfort from which you and the entire family will benefit.

In front of the fire, you will feel more connected to your surroundings and more switched off from the busyness of everyday life (Contura)

Catharina Bjorkman, lifestyle expert at Swedish woodburning stove manufacturer Contura agrees, telling me: There are few things as comforting as sitting in front of a fire. Flames induce feelings of relaxation. We can feel absorbed, almost hypnotised, as we watch the fire. The ritual lighting of the stove and sitting together offers up quality time, making us feel part of a group or community, which in turn has many benefits for our wellbeing. In front of the fire, you will feel more connected to your surroundings and more switched off from the busyness of everyday life.

The tradition of ritual that Bjorkman references surrounding the lighting of a fire is hugely interesting. From the myriad examples of religious pyrodulia (fire worship) from around the world, such as the Olympic flame ceremony, fire has always played a huge part in marking occasions or signifying the passage of time.

For the contemporary #pyrofiles, it is the act of lighting a fire that seals off the day, symbolising the transition from day to evening, from rush to slow. Issy Granger, the founder of her eponymous homewares brand, swaps out her laptop for her candles in decorative candlesticks every evening after work, so I can allow myself time to switch off and relax.

Theres something wonderful about sitting around an outdoor fire pit at night (Moda Furnishings)

The simple addition of a flickering candle works to instantly change the atmosphere of a room, which is great to signify the end of the working day, she says. These candlesticks are available to buy online in dreamy coloured glass, with candles coming to the online store soon. Ed Ng, the founder of international architecture and design studio, AB Concept, treats the lighting of his outdoor fire after work as the commencement of a meditative experience: From stacking the small piles of kindling to lighting the fire, seeing the white smoke and hearing the crackling sound emitted, the outdoors fire is a means for meditation. The sound, the smell and the light draw me into peacefulness.

This enduring ritual is further evidence to show that the way we use our homes can have positive impacts on our wellbeing and mental health. Katharine Pooley, a London-based interior designer, believes a lit fire really does make a house a home, and in some basic, elemental way, makes you feel cocooned and protected.

Candlelight has the same effect: If you are feeling down or full of tension, as many of us are in these strange times, consider a candlelit bath or perhaps enjoy a supper by candlelight. It is wonderfully relaxing.

For Jo Littlefair, co-Founder and director of Goddard Littlefair, can also attest to this intersection of design and wellbeing. She says: I believe there is an age-old connection between our emotional state and the presence of a flickering candle. The gentle nature of a lit flame is so flattering and alluring, so when it comes to designing my clients homes, I always include lots of candles and access to fireplaces from as many rooms as possible.

Go here to read the rest:
Firelight in the home is a primal comfort for an unsettling time - The Independent

Material Movement

Material selection is an important area where designers are innovating, and particularly with sustainable materials.

There are innumerable benefits to working with recycled materials andfinding sustainable solutions tomanufacturing, Mr. Sidhu said.An example of this isKarta-Pack, whichis a post-consumer material made from the cotton fibers found inclothing like jeans and shirts. It'scommonly manufactured because of its highly customizable features and strength, he said.

Karta-Pack is being used to create molded furniture designs that feel like fabric but are solid enough to sustain the weight of a person.

Designer Timothy Oulton, founder and creative director of Timothy Oulton furniture and interiors based in Hong Kong, gravitates toward leather for its timeless nature but is manipulating it in new ways. For what he calls a buff burnished finish, Mr. Oulton gently burns the leather and then buffs it by hand using lambs wool on the finished piece.

Its the perfect blend of classic vintage style with a rich, burnished finish, he said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Oulton has been working with ancient rocks and crystals.

Our new Frozen lighting and mirror range is made from natural calcite crystals. The calcite emitsa verysoft, gentle glow when illuminated and has this almost mystical romance about it, he said.

While Gabriela Gargano, founder of Grisoro Designs in New York City, prefers to focus on classic, natural materials (wools, linens, stone, metals), shes also been impressed with a newer generation of synthetics.

Most notably, the progress in nylon rugs has been remarkable, she said. Some of our highest-quality vendors have been able to develop options that feel luxurious and are incredibly durable. The pile, look and feel have come a long way; its a great alternative that is both kid- and pet-friendly, Ms. Gargano said.

And then there are innovative uses of legacy materials.Mr. Sidhu works with a kind of barbed sheet metal to enhance his furniture designsby eliminating traditionalnotions ofconnectivity (i.e. glue, welding, bolting), while strengthening the physical bond between sheets.

Materials like grip metal demonstratean often-unexplored rift between the obligation of the design world to enhance visual appeal and the responsibility ofmanufacturing to focus on structural integrity. Somewhere deep in that rift is a gold mine that seamlessly communicates with both parties, Mr. Sidhu said.

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Forward-Thinking Furniture - Mansion Global

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Interior Design Software Market Analysis: Aim To Attain The Top In Qualitative Trade Research And Business Intelligence - News Distinct

Crews will close S. J Street at Division Avenue to S. 3rd Street to install underground utilities this week. After Memorial Day, the contractor will move to N. J Street and install underground utilities in the N. J St. and Division Ave. intersection during weeknights from May 26 30, 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.

In other areas, crews continue to install track on Martin Luther King Jr. Way from S. 11th St. to S. 10th St., as well as a sewer line on MLK Jr. Way from 6th Avenue to S. 8th St. On N. 1st St., crews continue to install track, the platform for the Stadium District Station, and curb, gutter and sidewalks. On Division Ave., crews are installing track from Yakima Ave. to I St. Commerce Street is closed in both directions between S. 7th St. and I-705 for utility work.

Crews may work on Saturday morning, May 23, at Division and I Street, but otherwise will not work during the Memorial Day weekend. Looking ahead, the contractor plans to install track on the west side of Stadium Way near the I-705 ramp and install a water line on Pacific Avenue north of S. 7th St. after Memorial Day.

COVID-19. The health and safety of all workers on Sound Transits construction sites are of utmost importance to us. Our contractors have primary responsibility for their wellbeing while working on our projects. Sound Transit is actively working with the contractors and construction management teams on all our projects to assure that public health guidelines are being followed.

Construction and traffic restrictions on Commerce Street, Stadium Way, N. 1st Street, Yakima Avenue, Division Avenue, S. J Street, Martin Luther King Jr. Way, S. 7th Street, S. 10th Street, S. 11th Street, and S. 17th Street

Week of May 18

In addition, the contractor continues installing a sewer line on S. 10th St. and MLK Jr. Way. After completing work in this intersection, crews will install the sewer line on S. 10th St. on the west side of MLK Jr. Way to the alley.

View post:
Division Avenue and S. J St. intersection closes for utility work this week - soundtransit.org

Colton Avenue and Nevada Street in Redlands will be closed from 8 p.m. Friday, May 29, through 5 a.m. Monday, May 29, for work on crossings for the Redlands Passenger Rail Project, the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority reports.

Similar work has been underway since April 13 on Arrowhead Avenue and D Street and is scheduled to begin on 24 hours a day starting on June 8 on Central Avenue,both in San Bernardino

In observance of Memorial Day, there will be no construction activity on Monday, May 25.

The next phase of the project will have crews completing civil work and signal installation at each crossing as well as roadwork activities such as repaving in and around the crossings. This work will require mostly alternating lane closures with the possibility of full closures.

Motorists are advised to plan ahead, leave early and allow extra time to reach your destination.Pedestrian access will be available. All businesses are open and accessible during construction.

LANE CLOSURES

For the next few weeks crews will install storm drain and communication duct bank; install electrical conduit; perform signal work; replace curb, gutter, roadway, driveways and sidewalks, and perform potholing. There will be intermittent lane closures on California Street, Nevada Street, Alabama Street, Colton Avenue, Tennessee Street, Texas Street, Eureka Street, Orange Street, Sixth Street, Seventh Street, Ninth Street, Church Street and University Street. Through traffic/two-way traffic will remain at all times at each location.

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Next targets for the rail project: Colton Avenue and Nevada Street - Redlands News

The Highway 191 widening project from north of downtown to the Colorado River continues with work taking place at a variety of locations, including from the Colorado River to Rubicon Trails, where crews have been building a retaining wall to support the shoulder along the highway, as well as for a new sidewalk on the west side.

Signal installation at the highway and 500 West began Tuesday, May 19. Work to improve the shoulder and add width to the road also is taking place in this area.

The middle of the highway is where large sections of pipe for storm drainage are being installed. Storm drain work is also being done on the wetlands section, and from 500 West to Cermak Street.

Businesses in the area might expect temporary water shut-offs as some lines will have to be moved to accommodate the storm drains. They will be notified in advance.

The first application of new pavement from 500 West to 400 North is expected to occur soon, and work to improve the shoulder and install curbs and gutters on the west side of Highway 191 also will take place on the $20.5 million project.

More:
Hwy. 191 work picks up steam; first new pavement applied this week - The Times-Independent

The roof on your home is the first line of defense against the elements of nature, such as high winds, heavy rain, sleet, and snow. Conducting a complete inspection-inside and out-each spring can help avoid costly roof repair Pittsburgh-PA later on. In addition, any reputable roofing contractor Pittsburgh-PA will come check out your roof for free. Look for these key danger signals that indicate your roof is not adequately protecting your home:

A roof inspection in Pittsburgh-PA should start with a check for leaks in the attic. This can occur and be most obvious after heavy, driving rains. Also walk through each room of the house and inspect walls and ceilings. Ceiling spots can be another warning sign your roof needs repairs. And peeling of interior or exterior paint or wallpaper, sometimes from excessive moisture or high humidity, can be a sign of possible inadequate attic ventilation. If more ventilation is needed, it can be relatively easy and inexpensive to install-even if you are not ready to new roofing Pittsburgh-PA.

The most common leak sources on the outside include cracks in flashing around the chimney and vents, or worn-out, decayed, or missing shingles. Check your gutters for debris, including granules in the gutter. If you find an excessive number of granules, it may indicate aging shingles that should be replaced. While up there, check for any missing, cracked, or curled shingles. These should be replaced quickly to avoid structural damage to your roof deck and the interior of your home. If any shingles are blistered, decayed or dirty looking, they need to be replaced, too.

If you find any of these potential problems and need Pittsburgh roof repairs, the first and most important step to take is to find a competent roofing contractor Pittsburgh-PA.

Poorly installed or constructed roofing systems waste American homeowners billions of dollars every year, according to Owens Corning, North Americas largest roofing manufacturer. Fortunately, most risks can be avoided with a professional roofing system that is correctly installed, maintained and/or repaired by the best roofing contractor in Pittsburgh-PA.

Owens Corning offers access to a database of factory-certified, pre-qualified roofing contractors. The highest tier is Platinum preferred and its one of the most difficult levels to achieve, Peak Precision Contracting is Platinum preferred and provides the highest quality installation techniques. Dont trust your roof with just any Pittsburgh roofer, choose the best roofing contractor in Pittsburgh-PA, Peak Precision Contracting!

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Excerpt from:
Pittsburgh Roofing Nightmares And How To Avoid Them - Pittsburgh, PA Patch - Patch.com

LOWELL, Mich. A group of neighbors say their Lowell homes are constantly flooded. They believe the issue is tied to a local nursing home and the lack of storm drains nearby.

Three homeowners say their basements flood every time it rains. Another says his yard is always filled with water, but his crawl space only gets damp.

All of the homes are adjacent to Laurels of Kent, a nursing home in Lowell.

"We're getting run-off off their parking lot and roof that's coming in, just flooding our yards," said Doug Krause, one homeowner.

The problem has been an issue for a decade for some of the residents, but it was always manageable. Now, they are dealing with water dozens of time each year, which they attribute to the newly re-capped parking lot at the nursing home. The organization re-paved on top of the existing lot, which did not require any permits.

"They changed the pitch on the parking lot when they repaved it last year to lean towards us now. In all fairness, there is not a city drain until a block down this way, so there is no storm sewer back in their parking lot at all," said Krause.

Residents say they have flooded about 8 times within the past year or so, with the worst happening since November.

"I'm concerned for the foundation primarily and then the black mold issue, if I have one," said Amy Marsman. "Also, what if I ever wanted to sell my home? I could never sell that knowing that this happens. That just wouldn't be fair."

All of their homes flooded earlier this week with the heavy rainfall. It still has not dried out days later.

"Whenever I see heavy rain forecast, it always makes me a little uneasy," said Melody Kastanek. "If it ends up here, it's going to be in my basement."

We reached out to Laurels of Kent about the problem. They provided this statement:

"The Laurels of Kent, like many business owners and homeowners in the City of Lowell and Kent County, have been dealing with the effects of the recent heavy rains and unprecedented levels of ground water. Unfortunately, the collection of water on the Laurels of Kent property and the surrounding properties has been an on-going issue for years. The lack of City storm infrastructure near the properties is the primary problem, as the area relies on surface draining to a nearby creek. All the properties in question contribute to the buildup of water with their watershed from roofs, gutters and yards. In an effort to improve the conditions, over the years we have explored solutions to the drainage issues on our property and our neighbors properties. Specifically, we have paid to connect the neighbors low lying areas along the property line to one of our yard drains. Although this has improved the drainage problems, without City storm infrastructure, the issue will likely continue during heavy periods of precipitation. We certainly share the frustrations of our neighbors."

We reached out to the city of Lowell, who said the matter is purely a civil issue. They added the infrastructure for the drains is already in place and has been for several decades.

Marsman, who receives the bulk of the water, called the FOX 17 Problem Solvers in hopes of receiving help. She says she has exhausted every avenue, including allowing the nursing home to install a pump that runs off her electricity.

"I'm doing everything that I possibly can do, and I don't know what else that I can do," said Marsman.

Marsman has also considered hiring a lawyer, but says the fees were too high. It included $10,000 base pay, which did not include hiring an engineer or additional lawyer fees.

Excerpt from:
Neighbors: Consistent flood issues linked to newly-paved parking lot - Fox17

Who is a Roofer?

A roofer is someone who keeps the specialty of roof constructionand repair. Roofing contractor oversees the entire roofing process in bothresidential and commercial construction.

They properly inspect construction projects and ensure that theroofing is in accordance with the design.

In addition, roofs determine materials, substrates and auxiliariesused to install the roof. Other roofing decisions include traces, beams andrafters

Your Edmonton roofing contractor can set up a new roof or repairan old one, as well as repair and replace gutters. Good roofers in Edmonton need to be able to inspect roofs and gutters at once to evaluatedamage caused by a natural disaster or other occasion, and also you have to becapable of without delay estimating the necessary roof repairs. Some roofingcompanies in Edmonton specialize in specific types of roofing, such as tile ormetal, so make sure one you are interested in works with the materials you haveor desire.

There are a lot of rooftops in Edmonton, but Ill tell you aboutthe top 5.

Valuable customers know that Silverline Roofing can be trustedto provide the best roofing services in Edmonton. You can be sure that it usesthe best quality materials and uses the best practices of industry standards.Better yet, its services come with a five-year warranty.

This is the most organized roofing company in the Edmonton area.They recognize way to make it clean for clients as they are very effective incommunicating expectations and time lines.

This work was done in a timely manner with great results.Initially, six other roofing companies were interviewed, but they chose thegypsies because they were separated from their rivals.

All Roofing Edmonton is a great choice for roof contractorEdmonton AB. Roofers are very skilled traders and that is what you will findhere.

Iron Shield Roofing is your leading roofing company in Edmonton.We offer siding and roofing services to Edmonton, St.Albert, Sherwood Park,Leduc and Spruce Grove.

We will be there when you need the absolute best in roofingproducts and residential roofing and siding work. We know the demands that theweather can put on a home.

RapidRoofing & Repairs is an own family ownedEdmonton roofing company. We specialize in residential sloped roof, eavestroughreplacement & repairs. We additionally provide business roofing flat roofrepair & alternative services

There are many Typesof roofing materials, but I will mention some of these.

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Who is a Roofer, 5 best Roofers in Edmonton and Types of Roofing Materials - IMC Grupo