Jan 30

Winner of Best Of Houzz 2013

We are very proud to announce we are a winner of “Best of Houzz” 2013! We were recognized in the “Customer Satisfaction” category. The award was based on ratings and reviews by Houzz’s 11 million monthly users. We won in the “Design” category in 2012 last year for having a portfolio that includes some of the most popular images on houzz. Here is the full press release for you to check out:

Nov 30

Restaurant Interior Tour

Restaurant interior design is often edgy and trendy which can give you an idea of what you like and don’t like in a stylized décor. Take note and use those feelings to bring a tasteful bit of style to your home. Here are two of my top picks for great interior design in restaurants:

Nov 09

Fall Kitchen Clean Up – Organize, Declutter, & Maintain

By Samantha Grose, Designer, JP&CO: A residential construction firm dedicated to delivering a personalized home at a remarkable pace through an enjoyable process. With the change of seasons, now is a great time to dedicate an hour to one of the most heavily used spaces in your home. Try to carve out an hour (maybe two - but it’s worth it!) to decluttering and reorganizing your kitchen. I promise it will feel like new when you’re done. Here’s a simple guide to get you there:

Oct 31

Happy Halloween! Need to get in the SPIRIT before those trick or treaters come knocking?

Happy Halloween! Need to get in the spirit before those trick or treats come knocking? Five simple things to create a creepy front door in no time at all: Find some cotton balls and pull them apart to create faux spider webs. Grab any and all candles you have and light them outside your door. It’s dark, so no one will see anything but the candle light.

Aug 29

Summer Travel Ideas: Southern California

In addition to visiting Kansas City Missouri, I was also able to make a trip down and over to Southern California this summer. The laid-back style of the lovely coastal cities in southern California put me immediately at ease and in vacation mode. The architecture and beauty of the landscape was so great that I decided to share some of my favorite spots with my readers.

Aug 22

Summer Travel Ideas: Kansas City, MO

I’ve had a chance to go on a few long weekend trips this summer. Over the 4th of July I was in Kansas City, Missouri. I’d never been to Kansas City before and I was really amazed at all the great architecture downtown and the lively neighborhoods.

Aug 15

Compost 101: Benefits and Basics

Composting may seem a bit intimidating at first, especially if you feel a little behind the game when it comes to green gardening, but it’s actually easy as pie. Not only is composting quick and simple, but it also benefits your garden, the earth, and your bill.

Aug 08

The Architecture of the 2012 Olympics

Although the Beijing Bird's Nest is hard to complete with, this year’s London Olympics have high design and sustainability in mind. When facing the challenge of building the appropriate infrastructure for the estimated 11 million spectators and athletes, London placed an emphasis on buildings and changes that would contribute to the city long after this summer.

Aug 01

Summer Architecture Tour: Twin Cities Mansions

Some of the coolest, grandest houses in Minnesota will let you walk straight through their front doors to explore and ogle. In this week's blog posting, I’ve listed some of the best mansions in and around the Twin Cities that are worth visiting or at least perusing from the comfort of a weekend drive.

Jul 25

Summer Architecture Tour: Art Deco in the Twin Cities Part 2: Minneapolis

Here in the Twin Cities, we have a number of visually and historically interesting examples of art deco, many of which offer great activities for a fun day in the city. So, in the spirit of mixing some stimulating learning and exploring, I’ve compiled a list of some of the most interesting examples of art deco in St. Paul and Minneapolis. Last week I shared some great spots in St. Paul. This week I’m tackling Minneapolis.

Jul 18

Summer Architecture Tour: Art Deco in the Twin Cities Part 1: St. Paul

Here in the Twin Cities, we have a number of visually and historically interesting examples of art deco, many of which offer great activities for a fun day in the city. So, in the spirit of mixing some stimulating learning and exploring, I’ve compiled a list of some of the most interesting examples of art deco in St. Paul and Minneapolis. This week I’ll share some great spots in St. Paul. Next week: Minneapolis.

Jul 11

How to Store Fresh Fruit

As I explained in my last blog about storing fresh herbs and vegetables, nothing’s better than the fresh produce available during the Minnesota growing season! In the summer and fall, the challenge is no longer the hunt for fresh food. Instead, we face the task of learning how to store these great produce in way that keeps it fresh. Last week I tackled vegies and herbs. This week: fruit.

Jul 05

How to Store Fresh Herbs and Vegetables

Nothing’s better than veggies and fruit fresh off the farm. I enjoy visiting the local farmer’s market because you get to meet the people who grow your food, and it always lasts so much longer than grocery-bought produce. In the winter my greatest grocery challenge can often be tracking down the freshest stuff. Thanks to the local bounty here in Minnesota, freshness becomes less of an issue in the summer and fall. But once you buy your great tasting lettuce, peppers, herbs, and fruit, you face a new challenge: storage.

Jun 19

Who Knew There Were So Many Microwave Options?

The microwave is a staple of the American kitchen. But not all microwaves are built alike and microwave use seems to be a strong personal preference for clients. Some homeowners rarely use their microwave, while others rely heavily on them. Depending on the space in your kitchen, and your specific microwave usage, there are a number of different options. To help you weigh your options, I’ve compiled a list of our most common microwave choices.

Jun 13

How to Get your Garage Back

One part of the house that often goes forgotten, but which can make a huge difference in day-to-day quality of life, is the garage. How nice would it be if the number of cars you could park in your garage was equal to its original capacity? Not to mention the relief you’d feel at finally having a little extra space—and a designated place for everything.

Jun 06

5 Easy Steps to Spectacular Patio Flower Pots

The introduction of potted plants to your patio adds warmth, beauty, and maybe even a little flavor to your meals in the summer and fall. When considering what to do with your potted plants this year, dare to think beyond the impatiens. Plant water-storing succulents in a shallow pot or fill a large container with hydrangeas for a lush, voluminous, burst of color on your porch.

May 30

Combining Classic & Contemporary Design Like an Expert

In the previous blog I waxed poetic about the fantastic mix of classic and contemporary design as the perfect combo for today’s modern lifestyle. A brief reminder: contemporary design pushes the blissful “less is more” philosophy, while classic design finds its roots in the creation of order, balance, and harmony. A brilliant, "when stars align", combination, if you ask me!

May 23

The Design Mix Guide: Classic Contemporary

I’ve always touted the mix of classic and contemporary as the perfect combination of design for today’s lifestyle. Contemporary design pushes the blissful “less is more” philosophy, which many people gravitate toward as a result of their busy lives. Classic design melds well with the contemporary, as it finds its roots in the creation of order, balance, and harmony.

May 16

5 Easy Steps to a Beautiful Lawn

Getting your lawn in top shape may at first seem like a slightly daunting task. But if you follow my guide to lawn care, I promise you a wonderful lawn in no time—and with minimal effort. Within a couple of months you can have a lawn you are proud of showing off—soon you’ll be the envy of the neighborhood. It will only take two growing seasons to have a yard so plush, it’s equal to the Augusta National Golf Course!

May 09

The Cooking with Herbs Resource Guide

As I explained in my last blog, I love growing my own herbs for cooking. I no longer have to lament that one last, fresh herb ingredient I can’t track down at the local grocery store. Once you’ve gotten your herb garden started, you may realize that you face a new dilemma: Just what do you do with all of these amazing looking and smelling plants you’ve got growing? Below are some of my favorite recipe sites, herb guides, and, of course, my top 10 herbs and the way I enjoy using them when I cook.