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SW Florida Articles

Quality Design Written by Tiffany Sawyer See Entire Article Remodeling a home is a long-term investment - one that will enhance a client’s lifestyle and the value of their property. Therefore, choosing a quality contractor is an important decision. Founded in 1989, Progressive Builders, Inc. is a full-service Design/Build/remodeling company located in Fort Myers, Florida. Over the years, Progressive Builders, Inc. has refined the design/build process to ensure the highest level of client satisfaction. The process includes a team of professionals that are committed to high standards. Creating beautiful spaces from concept to completion is their specialty.
Restoring the Past The Historic Everglades City Hall Written by Marla J. Ottenstein See Entire Article Originally built in 1928, the historic Everglades City Hall was almost completely destroyed in 2005 by the ravages of Hurricane Wilma. In the winter of 2006/2007, the once stately building was lovingly restored to its majestic stature with funds raised by the dedicated citizens of Everglades City, Florida.
european excitement See Entire Article Cucine Ricci's Naples showroom is the very first stop anyone building a new kitchen, or undertaking a kitchen remodel, should make before beginning their design project. Clean lines, built-in convenience and the ultimate utilization of space are all on display in the showroom, which features products from three of the top Italian kitchen design firms.
Generations of Excellence See Entire Article Extracted from quarries all over the world, our blocks are selected by our team of experts and shipped to Italy where they are cut and polished. Our special attention to the selection process allows us to offer you not only the ability to be creative with our variety, but also the best quality marble, granite, limestone, travertine, onyx and more. At Stone Tech International, your choices in natural stone are virtually limitless. Design professionals have unique challenges, and with over 300 different patterns, colors and textures, we are confident you’ll find what you are looking for.
It's All In The Details by Helena Wellesley See Entire Article When remodeling a home or updating a home for resale, contractors, designers and real estate agents will all tell you that the success of the project rests on the details. According to Steven DeShields, vice president of Smith & DeShields, “Because homes have gained so much in appreciation, many owners are deciding to upgrade their home interiors with new products rather than sell them. The new and improved products offered today were not available ten years ago. They can give any home a much-needed facelift.”
All In A Day's Work by Kate Pakenham See Entire Article When designing the interior or exterior of a home, genius is all in the details, especially as a means of implementing the homeowners' personal style into the design scheme. At Karved & Forged Design, Inc., the decorative elements of handcrafted stone and iron are used to impart both personal style and unique detail in such decorative elements as banisters, range hoods, columns and much more.
The Gift Of Music by Kristine Hughes See Entire Article There is nothing like a finely crafted grand piano to give a home a touch of elegance for the holidays or everyday. In Naples, Euro Grand Piano Gallery offers a staggering collection of new and used pianos, including grand, upright and player pianos from such quality makers as Bösendorfer, C. Bechstein, Steinway, Sauter and Schimmel.
A Well-Designed Kitchen See Entire Article Kitchens should be fun. Often functioning as the heart of the home, a well-designed kitchen will represent the most exciting traits of a family’s personality. To achieve this, clients have to entrust themselves to a company that prides itself in the personalized results that it delivers.
Enjoy Life! See Entire Article Enter the exciting world of contemporary design. Cucine Ricci offers a unique range of fully imported Italian kitchens, bathrooms and closets that is an exciting departure from the norm.
Cabinet Artistry See Entire Article If you’re looking for a creative and personal approach to the purchase of cabinets for your home, the special blend of design, function and experience that it takes is certainly available at Gulfshore Kitchens of Bonita Springs. Considered the foremost local source of cabinetry in Southwest Florida, Gulfshore Kitchens can easily guide you through the process, be it new construction or remodeling.
Flooring Provides Instant Update by Kristine Hughes See Entire Article No one can deny that Southwest Florida has enjoyed an unprecedented boom in new home sales over the past decades, but what people often overlook is that resales of area homes account for a large majority of the turnover in today’s real estate market. With many area homes and condos having been built upwards of fifteen years ago, buyers who are currently purchasing these residences invariably have a remodeling job ahead of them. Builders, designers and contractors are all agreed on one remodeling concept - updating the existing flooring can instantly provide a more contemporary look to an older home.
No Dream Is Too Big by Linda Sechrist See Entire Article Dream Along with Me” could easily be the theme song for DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen, just as it was for Perry Como, an icon of the 1950s. As Como crooned his weekly way to stardom on NBC’s Kraft Music Hall, the velvety baritone voice delivered the message that no dream was too big.
Storage Solutions by Christy Maxwell-Clark See Entire Article Fact: Florida homes are typically short on storage space and have no basements, necessitating use of the garage for storage. That’s not good for your car or those things you need to store. PremierGarage has the solution. With the help of a computer-aided design program, their consultants can show you three-dimensional renderings of storage plans, created just for you.
Beautiful Floors Define Style See Entire Article To see the latest in area rugs, carpet, and hardwood and laminate floors, as well as marble, granite, stone and porcelain, one-stop shopping is minutes away. For a clear view of the finest selection in flooring, visit Bonita Springs Floor Covering, Marco Island Floor Covering or Naples Bay Floor Covering. Serving Southwest Florida for two decades, this family-owned business employs more than 100 sales and installation professionals at three state-of-the-art showroom locations.
An Enchanting Entry by Kristine Hughes See Entire Article Entry doors do more than provide security and insulation to a home. When done right, entry doors make a statement, provide visual emphasis, and define the personality of your home. The entrance doors to a home are also an important factor in remodeling, especially today, when homeowners want to maximize the value and eye appeal of their houses.
Wood Floors make a Splash by Marla J. Ottenstein See Entire Article Who would have thought that hardwood flooring, once reserved for every room but the kitchen, is now the rage in what many believe to be the heart and soul of the home? Architects, designers and builders, once hesitant to spec wood flooring for a kitchen application, have had a change of heart.
Flooring Trends Are Timeless by Kristine Hughes See Entire Article When it comes to flooring trends, Clarry Miller, general manager of The Floor Club in Bonita Springs, has seen them all. “No matter what the `hot’ trends are in flooring, there are mainstays that are tried-and-true and which never go out of style. High end flooring is what endures and never goes out of style.”
Kitchens. European Style See Entire Article Kitchens should be fun and exiting - that is what Cucine Ricci is all about. With more than 200 different door and finish combinations, Cucine Ricci offers the latest in fully imported Italian kitchens, bathrooms and closets. Styles range from classical to very contemporary and will be an asset to any home in the Naples market.
Brightening Up A Dark Kitchen by Helena Wellesley See Entire Article The entire staff at DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen prides themselves on being one of the most trusted names in the kitchen and bath remodeling industry. This philosophy, coupled with unsurpassed attention to detail, led to the firm being awarded the National Association Of The Remodeling Industry’s Coty Award for Best Bath last season.
To See or Not to See? The Kitchen Question by Marla J. Ottenstein See Entire Article Is it a den or a kitchen? According to Bill Mullet, president of Mullet’s Appliances in Sarasota and Naples, “The trend today is that people really don’t want to see their kitchen appliances. As a direct result of having ‘open’ kitchens where the family room is in close proximity to the kitchen, they want a softer, library-like feel about their kitchens.”
Diving Into Your Dream Pool by Stock Development See Entire Article Nothing can enhance the beauty and value of a new home like a custom built pool or spa. In Southwest Florida, with the emphasis on casual outdoor living, your pool and outdoor living area can make as much of an impact on your home as the living room. The pool is one of the biggest selections you make, other than choosing the home itself.
It’s All In The Details by Kristine Hughes See Entire Article With the price of homes rising and the value of them appreciating, many homeowners are now investing in remodeling their existing home rather than buying a new one. A well-done remodeling job can bring new life to an old home and needn’t entail tearing down walls or ripping out kitchens. Small, yet significant, changes can be made that make all the difference.
Elegant Finishes Of Stone And Iron by Kristine Hughes See Entire Article Attention to detail through elegant finishing touches is the key to delivering visual impact in interior design. At Karved and Forged Design, Inc., the decorative elements of handcrafted stone and iron are combined to deliver a luxurious knock-out punch while evoking any architectural style from medieval to modern American.
Lovelier The Second Time Around by Sam Moser See Entire Article For 15 years, Paul Erwin Kollegger has been leading his company, Paul Erwin Design, Inc., to turn woodworking dreams - from design and custom millwork - into reality. With 30 years experience, he understands the need for custom design in woodworking projects ranging from the traditional to contemporary, from architectural detail to furniture. The signature touch of the company is to have clients involved each step of the way.
High-Style Floors by Casey McCabe See Entire Article Forty years ago, Rick Johnson began working in his grandfather’s furniture business in suburban Chicago. He’s had his fingers on the pulse of the trade ever since. He and his wife Sue opened Pelican Bay Floors to cater to new home endeavors and home remodeling projects that require first-class service.
Making The Most Of The Great Outdoors Written by Marla J. Ottenstein See Entire Article When it comes to patio furniture, one of the most fashionable and functional products on the market are the indoor/outdoor, aluminum-framed, woven synthetic wickers, which look like real wicker, but, because they're synthetic, they hold up in all kinds of weather. Floridians generally use their patios more than their living and dining rooms and want their outdoor furniture to be inviting, durable and comfortable.
Outdoor Living - Enjoying Florida’s Great Outdoors Written by Sam Moser See Entire Article In all of South Florida, indoor design melding with outdoor living is much more than a fashion statement. For some time now, the move to make the most of fantastic year-round conditions has been gaining ground. On the home front, the outdoors is indoors and vice versa.
Grill On! Written by Casey McCabe See Entire Article More than any other area of the home front, enthusiasm and innovation have propelled rapid change in the outdoor kitchen. With a bit of professional help, today’s outdoor kitchens can be filled with precision instruments engineered to do justice to the most exacting gourmet’s cooking skills.
Accent on Accessories by Dean Farris See Entire Article Elegant accessories provide the unique and distinctive finishing touch to dress up every room in your home – they are the jewels of your room. Through the magic of beautiful objects, you can brighten and finish off your room with just the right touch. A quick way to freshen a room is to rethink your tabletop accessories. Tablescapes was an idea promoted by the late London designer, David Hicks.
Beautiful Floors Define Style See Entire Article To see the latest in area rugs, carpet, and hardwood and laminate floors as well as marble, granite, stone and porcelain, one-stop shopping is minutes away. For a clear view of the finest selection in flooring, visit Bonita Springs Floor Covering, Marco Island Floor Covering or Naples Bay Floor Covering.
Exotic, Yet Casual See Entire Article Come to Import Market and experience the different world of natural fiber furniture and accessories. Abaca, banana leaf, and water hyacinth are a new generation of ecologically sensitive natural fibers. These sustainable Asian plants are strong, durable, and smooth to the touch.
In Stock and In Style at Incredibly Low Prices by Casey McCabe See Entire Article Tile Outlets of America came to Fort Myers almost 4 years ago with a simple strategy: Search the world for the best values in tile and stone, display the product in a spacious warehouse environment, make it available to the public on a factory-direct basis, and provide exceptional customer service has proven to be a winning formula in the company’s Fort Myers location.
Come See What’s New by Sam Moser See Entire Article “What’s New Lou?” is becoming the question of choice for trend watchers along Metro Parkway in Fort Myers. When the third generation cabinet maker went into the laminate floor business a few years back, the commitment to excellence was a natural progression. During Lewis Leon’s years in kitchen design and remodeling, floors were often a primary focus and laminate flooring became a sideline for customers desiring a reliable supplier.
Incredible Flooring Selections See Entire Article Michael Blane and Jason Seldon have opened their beautiful, new showroom for Tropic Floors in Cape Coral. They offer a strong selection of wood flooring, tile, carpet and laminate flooring to complete the look of any room in your home. Both Blane and Seldon have extensive backgrounds in floors, having worked in the retail and wholesale industry since 1985.
Water Warmth by Sam Moser See Entire Article “We love warm water,” is an appropriate motto for the family-owned business that’s been covering all of the bases poolside since 1983. Advance Solar & Spa delivers warm water three ways. The company’s pool heating business extends from manufacturing, distributing and installing the best heaters in the industry to selling and installing solar systems, including solar pool and hot water heaters. The company sells whirlpool spas and is a dealer of Jacuzzi® whirlpool spa and HydroSpa systems.
Remodeling Made Easy by Andrea G. Rollin See Entire Article For more than 15 years, The Lykos Group, Inc. has been serving the remodeling/design needs of Collier County homeowners. “We remodel single-family homes, condo- miniums and commercial properties, and build all types of additions,” explained Tom Lykos and Dave Raffa, co-owners of the award-winning Naples, company.
Extreme Addition: Same Location – New Home by Sam Moser See Entire Article One of the most desirable looks in the area’s most upscale luxury homes is that of the European estate that’s been added to over time. Builders striving for the meandering look of age at onset often cite Addison Mizner, the architect known for many of the classic Spanish Revival estates in Palm Beach.
Leather: A Treat for the Senses See Entire Article There’s nothing like the smell or feel of leather. Remember your favorite bomber jacket? How about the seats in that Italian sports car you got for graduation or the big wingchair in Grandpa’s study? Why not treat yourself to something really special? Something your friends will remember and talk about.
Architectural and Design Services Combined by Sue Lynn See Entire Article Looking after a client’s best interests is one reason K2 Design maintains an enviable position in Southwest Florida’s building, architectural and design community. Jenny Carter, owner of this successful conglomerate of energies, wears an assortment of hats as she multitasks and attends to the day-to-day business that has brought K2 Design to its enviable position.
Family Ownership Makes the Difference See Entire Article Marble Granite Direct, Inc. was originally founded in 1994 and is a family owned and operated business specializing in the custom fabrication and installation of natural stone slab countertops and quartz products: granite, marble, limestone, travertine and onyx. From the man-made side, Marble Granite Direct offers a variety of quartz products from several different manufacturers, which include Silestone, Zodiaq, Caesarstone and Cambria. They also design and fabricate custom tables for their clients.
The Design Parc: A Vibrant Addition to the Southwest Florida Market by Susan Sokol See Entire Article Plans were unveiled for a new center dedicated to the design and construction trades.The hub of the project, The Design Parc, is set in a campus-style atmosphere and situated in the Corkscrew corridor, west of Interstate 75.
What Makes a Fine Piano Fine? Written by Sondra Black See Entire Article When asked, “What makes a fine piano a fine piano?” Gunter Manchen, owner of Euro Grand Piano Gallery in North Naples enthusiastically exclaims: “To build a fine piano, it takes the finest materials from around the world, combined with sound construction and design by the master craftsmen and technicians who build these beautiful instruments.
Enjoy Life With Lubé Imported Italian Kitchens by Casey McCabe See Entire Article Kitchens should be fun, and that is what Lubé of Naples is all about. With more than 180 different door and finish combinations, Lubé offers the latest in fully imported Italian kitchens. Styles range from classical to very contemporary and will be an asset to homes in the Naples market. Their supplier, Cucine Lubé S.p.A., is the largest kitchen manufacturer in Europe.
Creating Your Vision See Entire Article Art-Faux Designs is a full-service decorative painting company with an extensive portfolio of unique finishes and a reputation for exceeding their clients’ expectations. Arthur Morehead, the owner and creative force behind Art-Faux Design, has nearly 30 years experience in the painting industry. He has spent the last several years researching and learning the art of faux finishing.
Creating Drama after the Sun Goes Down by Casey McCabe See Entire Article Outdoor lighting spells nighttime curb appeal. A simple up light under a palm creates drama. A sensible safety feature, path lighting provides a warm welcome. Lighthouse Landscape Lighting of Southwest Florida designs and installs lighting for upscale homes in Lee, Collier and Charlotte Counties.
Music Spreads Sunshine by Linda Sechrist See Entire Article Throughout the centuries music has been an integral part of every human society on the planet. Having been credited with the ability to influence human emotion, music has, for many, served as a means of defining a specific time in life. Who amongst us hasn’t experienced a musical reverie that instantly transported us mentally back in time to a first dance, a first date, a particular birthday, an anniversary, or a moment spent accepting a marriage proposal?
Kitchen Remodels Add Luxury by Casey McCabe See Entire Article One of the hottest trends in kitchens today is tearing them out and making them better. Innovations in the past 10 years alone have made cabinetry, appliances and lighting more functional, integrated and attractive. The selection of countertop materials on the market is enormous and the cost of surfaces like granite is reasonable.
Creating Kitchens With Character by Sam Moser See Entire Article In the realm of kitchen design, Southwest Florida is fashion forward. While 70 percent of the kitchens and baths installed nationally are remodels, in our area 95 percent are designed for new homes. With everything new, harmony is possible when kitchen cabinetry melds with entertainment centers, bathroom cabinetry, library built-ins and morning kitchens in luxurious master bedroom suites.
Leather by Design by Marla J. Ottenstein See Entire Article What could possibly delight the senses more completely than the beautiful sight, incredibly rich aromatic smell and luxurious feel of leather? In 1985, Bill Ricigliano, co-owner of Leather by Design in Bonita Springs, installed a leather floor in the antiques department of world famous department store, Bergdorf Goodman.
Italian Style and Sensibility by Marla J. Ottenstein See Entire Article Recognized as the premier engineered-wood flooring company in Italy, Listone Giordano is exclusively represented in North America by Margaritelli USA, a subsidiary of the Italian-based Margaritelli Group. According to Tom Balboni, manager of business development for N. America, Listone Giordano, a product line of 17 different wood species, appeals to builders, architects, designers...
“Where beautiful windows begin…” by Zöe Ott See Entire Article Although it’s hard to imagine ever covering up a window or sliding glass door in this paradise we call Florida, there are times when privacy and light control prevail. That’s the time for considering the wide range of available window covering and privacy options. As a “priority” dealer, Bella Blinds & Shutters carries the entire Hunter Douglas product line.
Home Entertainment and Technology at Your Fingertips by Linda Sechrist See Entire Article Since 2000, home entertainment has emerged as the hottest trend in the home building industry. As many as 80 percent of the new custom homes and production homes in Collier and Lee Counties are now including such features as media rooms, home theatres, remote controlled web based live video monitoring and recording, whole house entertainment systems, and structured wiring systems.
Safety and Style Converge in the Bathroom by Linda Sechrist See Entire Article The hit song “Splish Splash” that topped the music charts back in the 1950s was obviously not written by anyone concerned about bathroom safety. “Splish Splash,” wrote the then yet to be labeled baby-boomer lyricist, “I was taking a bath long about a Saturday night.
Enjoy Life With Lubé Imported Italian Kitchens by Casey McCabe See Entire Article Kitchens should be fun, and that is what Lubé of Naples is all about. With more than 180 different door and finish combinations, Lubé offers the latest in fully imported Italian kitchens. Styles range from classical to very contemporary and will be an asset to homes in the Naples market.
Making a Statement with Hand-Carved Natural Stone by Sam Moser See Entire Article Mexico’s tradition of stone carving predates the 1500s, but it was the Spaniards that gave the country its first infusion of European design. In Southwest Florida, creations with a French or Italian flair fit with our large estates and Mediterranean architecture, but often the stone and the artisans are from Mexico.
Convenience and a Great View with Wireless Technology by Casey McCabe See Entire Article The day has arrived: Home automation is no longer a George Jetson fantasy. Lights, air conditioning, security and even music are pre-programmed to power up and down according to the time of the day or the social event of the week. Home automation is not about eye-popping thrills and techno toys. It’s about comfort, convenience, safety and style.
Cutting-Edge Design for an Upscale Market by Casey McCabe See Entire Article Selling prestige brand appliances has been a Florida Builder Appliances tradition since 1975 when the company opened a full-service design center to serve the specialized needs and discriminating clientele of high-rise condominium developers, custom builders, remodelers, kitchen designers and cabinet shops. Today, with six upscale showrooms from Miami to Tampa, the future is a culinary delight.
Organization and Design Ingenuity See Entire Article California Closets is known the world over for its award-winning insight into closet organization and design ingenuity. The company has been spreading its unique style and sophistication throughout Southwest Florida for nearly two decades.
It’s a Jungle Out There by Marla J. Ottenstein See Entire Article To create the perfect environment for the Southwest Florida lifestyle, landscape designers are joining the inside and outside of the home together to unite and merge the two living spaces as one.
space planning by Sam Moser See Entire Article Space planning, a fundamental building block in interior design, is a process often confused – by consumers, the media and unlicensed decorators – with design or decorating. Space planning, the first step involved in evaluation of a project, is nothing more than manipulation of space.