Parrish Construction

Archive for the ‘Interior Design’ Category

Q—While touring a parade of homes recently, we saw an etched glass room divider that appeared to glow from within. We couldn’t detect any light fixtures shining on it. Do you know how they did it?

Tuesday, June 28th, 2011 Posted in Building Trends, Electrical, FAQ, Home Technology, Interior Design, Landscaping, Lighting, Parade of Homes | No Comments »

A—I’ll bet the glass in question was illuminated with fiber optics. This technology uses a high-intensity light source, or “illuminator”, coupled with acrylic fiber optic cable and special fixtures as small as 5/8” x 5/8” cross section to deliver intense ...

Q: We’re about to begin architectural design for a new living room addition on our home. Are there any pitfalls we should watch out for?

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 Posted in Additions, Architecture, Construction Process, FAQ, Interior Design, Money-Saving Tips, Remodels/Additions, Space-Saving/Organization | No Comments »

A: I recommend that you create a detailed plan of furnishings and equipment in all the rooms. Otherwise you may be surprised later to find that your furniture doesn’t fit, or that the room doesn’t function the way you want ...

Q—Can you please describe the difference between a “simulated divided-light” window and a “true divided-light” window?

Saturday, February 6th, 2010 Posted in Energy-Saving Tips, FAQ, Green Building Topics, Interior Design, Lighting, Materials- Construction, Money-Saving Tips, Windows & Doors | No Comments »

A—“True divided-light” or “authentic divided-light” are labels used by manufacturers to describe their modern version of the window which was the standard at the turn of the century, but with modern innovations such as “Low-E” coatings, and insulated glass. These ...

Q—We had some drywall patching done on our kitchen ceiling to repair water damage. The texture seems to match well, but the paint is dull where the new texture is. Any suggestions?

Thursday, January 21st, 2010 Posted in Drywall Repairs, FAQ, Interior Design, Kitchens, Paint, Roofing/Ceilings, Waterproofing | No Comments »

A—The phenomenon is called “flashing”, and is caused by a difference in the speed of drying between adjacent areas. This can be due to objects just under the surface, such as studs or nail heads that conduct heat differently and ...

Q—Will marble and granite countertops stain?

Sunday, January 17th, 2010 Posted in Bathrooms, FAQ, Home Luxury, Interior Design, Kitchens, Materials- Construction | No Comments »

A—While stone is among the most durable materials for kitchen countertops and bathroom tile, it is porous and will stain. Most stone distributors recommend using special sealers to minimize staining potential. Marble is the most susceptible, especially to products containing ...

Q—I saw a hot water dispenser at a friend’s house recently, and would like one in my kitchen. How do they work? Are they difficult to install?

Saturday, January 16th, 2010 Posted in Design Tips, Electrical, FAQ, Handyman/Small Jobs, Interior Design, Kitchens, Plumbing, Remodels/Additions, Winter | No Comments »

A—These dispensers are miniature water heaters with their own electric heating element and storage reservoirs of 1/3 or ½ gallon, capable of delivering approximately 60 cups of near-boiling water per hour. They are usually installed in the cabinet under the ...

Q—We’re planning to remodel our kitchen, and would like to incorporate a new island. What are some of the issues we should consider?

Saturday, January 16th, 2010 Posted in Custom Cabinets, Design Tips, FAQ, Interior Design, Kitchens, Remodeling Concerns, Remodels/Additions, Space-Saving/Organization | No Comments »

Get an Island of Your Own! A--Traditionally rectangular, and located near the center of a kitchen, an island can provide valuable counter space available from all directions, and organize the workflow. In larger or open kitchens, angular islands such as L, ...