SATURDAYS edition ofLockdown Scepticsreminded us that care-home cruelty is continuingunder the Governments callous coronavirus policy.

Relaying a heartbreaking email hed received from a reader, Toby Young asked: when will this needless cruelty end?

The letter read:

I am desperate and beside myself having received some information from my fathers care home today. It is only allowing one member of his family to visit him for 30 minutes once a fortnight. Full PPE,outdoors and at two metre distance.

What is most upsetting is that it is a reduction in what we have been managing to do to try to support him since March. We have been allowed by the care home to see him through double glazed patio doors for 30 minutes, twice a week. So down from four visits a fortnight to one.

I cannot see an end to these restrictions in care homes and I am now, more than ever, certain I will never see my father in person again before his natural death. There must be more to the end of a persons life than this loneliness and being deprived of family support and love.

Please do print any aspects of this on the website as you feel fit.

A very very sad day for my family today.

Another reader in touch withLockdown Scepticsrelates how hedbeen told by his friends care home that hes not even able to send flowers. The guidance issued by the home includes the following gem: We are unable, unfortunately, to accept any flowers, due to the inability to sanitise them.

Were there any evidencethat the Governmentspolicy had protectedcare home residents or had saved their lives, there might have been an excuse for temporarily locking them away from their families. But not only is therenone, the evidence is that the governments policy succeeded in doing the reverse far from curbing the death rate, theirofficious and tin-eared edicts exacerbated it.

It is over five months now since TCW first warned of the fatal flaws in their policyand that a crisis was about to unfold with rotating shifts of unprotected and untested staff.It is four months since we (and other media) reportedOffice for National Statistics (ONS) data which showed that the number of deaths in care homes haddoubled since pre-crisis, from 2,471 in week 11to 4,927 in week 15, but that only 826 of those deaths a third of them were actually Covid-19 related.

So what was happening? We asked (but the Government did not) whether patients were dying of neglect and understaffing as had been reported in Spain; whether also from sheer misery at their apparentabandonment by their locked-out families?

Two months later, in mid-June, the shocking news broke that to clear beds hospitals had discharged 25,000 Covid-infected geriatric patients back to their care homes in the first weeks, which we reported here,putting an impossible strain on institutions already ill-equipped to manage the virus.

By this stage, also in the public domain was thatat least 15,000 care-home residents had died from Covid-19. Analysts LaingBuisson predicted that care homes would account for half of Englands coronavirus-related deaths. Despite this,the Department of Health and Social Care continued to maintain that it took the right decisions at the right time.

As if it couldnt get any worse, moreONSdata on Britains care-home gulag was released in early July.

The headlineswerebrutal.Forty per centof Covid-19 deaths to date were care-home residents and of 54,430excess deaths(above average) in England and Walesover half (54 per cent) were care-home residents, confirming the deadly impact of the isolation caused by blanketlockdown policies.

Here we are coming towards the end of August and letters like those received by Toby Young reveal that littlehas changed and that the Government has learnt nothing. It remains deaf to the dreadful consequencesof its lockdown and social distancing policies on care homes, and blind to its continuing inhumanity.

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Original post:
Cruelty still unchecked in the care-home gulag - The Conservative Woman

Real EstatePublished: Wednesday, 19 August 2020 21:42 Sophia Albert

The luxury market showed some life this week with three sales over $3 million. See what sold and find many appealing homes on the market below.Sales80 Sheldrake RoadThis beautiful home is set on a one acre on a tranquil tree-lined street. This magnificent center hall colonial in Murray Hill/Heathcote Elementary School was completely renovated. Totally private with incredible landscaping. Sunny throughout - 7000 interior square feet including high-end eat-in kitchen with family room with gas fireplace, mudroom and backstairs, butler's pantry, second family room and beautiful all glass solarium with radiant heated floor-enjoy nature all day long. Second floor: master suite and each of the six bedrooms have walk-in closets plus five bathrooms and two half bathrooms.The entire back of the house looks out to amazing property, room for a pool, large bluestone terrace, backyard is all fenced in. Circular drive for easy living. Whole house generator.

Sale Price: $4,250,000Assessed Value: $3,825,000Real Estate Taxes: $90,052

9 Oak LaneThis red brick six bedroom/five bathroom/3 powder room Center Hall Georgian Colonial on a premier street in Scarsdale radiates elegance. In this new world, two home offices overlooking resplendent property is a gift. The gourmet chef's kitchen with marble countertops, custom cabinetry, Wolf stovetop/oven, Subzero fridge/freezer, Bosch dishwasher, Wolf microwave and under counter fridge drawers is the heart of this home. Hardwood floors throughout complement unique architectural details. The first floor boasts an oversized living room with fireplace, dining room ready for entertaining and the coveted family room right off the kitchen. Upstairs is the spa-like master suite with an exquisite master bath and oversized walk-in closets, 3 family bedrooms and bathrooms. Lower level included in overall square footage with a rec room with a climbing wall, gym, billiard room, two bedrooms, and 3 baths. The house sits perfectly on an ideal, level, private piece of property - a short distance from the village, train and schools.

Sale Price: $4,050,000Assessed Value: $3,950,000Real Estate Taxes: $98,125

8 Brittany CloseMagnificent custom-built home of unsurpassed quality on Brittany Close in Scarsdale, a tranquil enclave of 12 homes designed by award-winning architect Carol Kurth. Built in one of the best locations on Brittany Close, this six-bedroom, eight-bath Colonial boasts .67 acres of level manicured property, with a sweeping front lawn, three car garage, private yard and a gorgeous outdoor heated pool and spa. Soaring ceilings, custom millwork, and windows and doors of the finest quality are hallmarks of this architectural beauty. No detail was overlooked in this luxurious home with perfect flow for modern living and gracious entertaining. The luxe gourmet eat-in kitchen opens directly into the huge family room accented by a stone fireplace and doors to the pool deck. A true oasis, the master suite features a balcony, den, gas fireplace, spa bath with steam shower, jetted tub and radiant heated floors. The walk-out lower level has a playroom, bedroom, two baths, laundry, and gym.

Sale Price: $3,180,000Assessed Value: $3,000,000Real Estate Taxes: $74,837

6 Prince Willow LaneBeautiful colonial in quiet neighborhood in the Scarsdale School District set on gorgeous, level half acre. This six-bedroom, 4.5 bath home has 4,300+ square feet of living space, including two master suites (one on the first floor, ideal for extended family), a first-floor office and a 300+ square foot bonus family room on the second floor. Highlights include: bright kitchen/family room with vaulted ceiling, surround sound speakers, wet bar, wood burning fireplace and sliders to the flagstone deck; second-floor laundry; wainscoting, California Closets and plantations shutters throughout; in-ceiling speakers (indoor and out); 4 zone heating, including radiant floor heating in kitchen, fenced-in yard with swing set, Ninja Warrior course and graveled oasis with fire pit; central vacuum system; in-ground lighting; and a 2,400 killowatt whole home natural gas generator. This rare gem also comes with a free bus to Quaker Ridge Elementary School, Scarsdale Middle School and Scarsdale High School.

Sale Price: $1,850,000Assessed Value: $1,894,000Real Estate Taxes: $43,561

5 Chedworth RoadWork from home or walk to train from this elegant, sun-filled Cotswold home with many high end upgrades. Beautifully set on a tranquil road, its features include a gracious marble entry and flexible floor plan, spacious living room with fireplace that opens to a sunny family room/play room with french doors to a private patio and level backyard. Large formal dining room that leads to a music room/den, chef's eat-in kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances, butler's pantry, radiant heat floor, laundry and doors to deck. Powder room, two bedrooms and full bath on main level, plus five more amply sized bedrooms and three full baths on the second floor, including a master bedroom with large, custom designed walk-in closet and en-suite bath with whirlpool and separate shower. Spacious lower level with powder room. Professionally landscaped four season garden with specimen plantings, new 2-zone hydro air heating ventilation and air conditioning system, mahogany floors, slate roof and generator. Square footage does not include 577 square feet of finished storage in lower level.

Sale Price: $1,805,000Assessed Value: $1,681,700Real Estate Taxes: $57,052

2 Berkeley RoadCharming, updated and expanded Greenacres colonial style home. Old world style combines with modern conveniences. There are high ceilings, an oversized fireplace, home workspace on the first floor (or second or third), a flat and fully fenced backyard, a beautiful expanded eat-in kitchen with professional grade appliances, a family room and walk to train are just a few of the desirable features of this home.

Sale Price: $1,600,000Assessed Value: $1,575,000Real Estate Taxes: $38,885

26 Old Lyme RoadStunning multi-level home on an oversized corner lot with tons of natural light and a wrap-around yard with gorgeous trees. Step inside to find gleaming hardwood floors throughout, a marvelous floor plan and the largest and most spacious rooms you will find out there. The kitchen (with stainless appliances and granite countertops) is huge; the bright, cheerful formals are huge, the living room with pampered fireplace is huge and wait until you see the bonus room. With its own private entrance, you will find a bonus room so large you can use it as an office for 6, comfortably and easily. Ideal for the work-from-home professional. Also ideal for a member of the family who wants privacy from the rest of the gang. The home is very easy to divide into separate areas affording plenty of privacy for all. Three of the six bedrooms are in one wing and the other three are in a separate wing. The options are endless in this beauty.

Sale Price: $1,350,000Assessed Value: $1,000,000Real Estate Taxes: $24,000

54 Sycamore RoadLarge 5 bedroom and 4 bathroom home in the revered Quaker Ridge section. This one-owner home since 1973 sports a grand entrance foyer with new hardwood flooring and a vintage spiral staircase leading to the second floor and has been freshly painted inside and outside. Large eat-in kitchen with an island, separate formal dining room and large living room and family room with a rustic wood burning fireplace. A huge walk out basement above ground with windows provides endless possibilities for renovation. Extensive landscaping has been done for maximum curb appeal. One bedroom on the first floor with a full hall bathroom is perfect for a guest bedroom/live-in Au Pair. Three spacious bedrooms plus a large master bedroom with en suite bath on the second floor. Laundry room is conveniently located on the first floor with a walk out to the gorgeous patio from the kitchen.

Sale Price: $1,200,000Assessed Value: $1,319,000Real Estate Taxes: $31,182

156 Brewster RoadThis beautiful home is walking distance to the train and backs up to the Greenacres School playground. It has all the charm of a 1926 house with all the modern conveniences. It has been very well maintained with a 5-year old (65 year) roof, a brand new oven, and also a brand new oil tank and burner. There are hardwood floors throughout, antique glass doorknobs, and lovely architectural details. The location of this house is perfect. It's on one of the most sought after, beautiful streets in Scarsdale and is convenient to transportation, shopping, and schools.

Sale Price: $1,200,000Assessed Value: $1,000,000Real Estate Taxes: $24,842

209 Brewster RoadColonial in the sought-after Greenacres neighborhood. The first level features a large living room with fireplace, a dining room/family room and an updated eat-in-kitchen with room for a work space or sitting area. The second level hosts a spacious master bedroom with a fireplace, en-suite bath and walk-in closet, plus two additional bedrooms with a renovated hall bath. This level also includes a bonus room, perfect for a home office and/or gym. Beautiful hardwood floors throughout. On the lower level, you'll find a large recreation room with full bath, plus an additional room that could be a guest or nanny's room. This home sits on a tranquil, corner lot and has multiple spaces to enjoy the outdoors, with a deck off the living room and flagstone patio off the kitchen. Truly the perfect home for everyday living and entertaining. Numerous improvements include a new roof and copper gutters, upgraded drainage pipes, new boiler, and basement dehumidifying system.

Sale Price: $1,150,000Assessed Value: $1,050,000Real Estate Taxes: $26,632

18 Ardmore RoadChic, turn-key Heathcote home, set on a level lot on a tranquil street and well-located only a few blocks to elementary school, nursery schools, Five Corners shopping, Crossways playground and fields, and the Scarsdale Pool. The first level boasts an open-plan renovated kitchen/family room, formal living room with fireplace, formal dining room, spacious study, powder room, patio, and two car garage. The second level features a gorgeous master bedroom with ensuite bath, two additional large bedrooms, and a full hall bath. The lower level includes a large room, laundry, storage and utilities. The perfect layout for everyday living and formal entertaining plus a first level office that could double as a guest room.

Sale Price: $1,105,000Assessed Value: $1,025,000Real Estate Taxes: $25,450

19 Hamilton RoadWonderfully maintained 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath Tudor in the heart of Scarsdale. Gourmet eat-in kitchen includes Viking and Wolf appliances, Christopher Peacock cabinetry and marble counters. All baths are updated. Bonus room in the basement can be used for music studio/exercise room. Amenities: new electric, new above oil tank, cedar closets, and slate roof maintained yearly by professional local company. Many improvements include: newly polished hardwood floors, freshly painted inside and out. Walk to Edgewood Elementary School.

Sale Price: $1,069,000Assessed Value: $900,000Real Estate Taxes: $23,811

12 Robin Hill RoadBright Center Hall Colonial on a beautiful and peaceful street in Edgemont within walking distance to schools, train station, shops and restaurants. The oversized Living Room with fireplace, built-ins overlooks the large patio with built-in benches. A formal dining room opens to a newly renovated modern kitchen with Quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances. There is also an additional guest room/home office and full bath on the first floor. The window seat on the second floor landing is a special touch. Master bedroom with renovated master bathroom, two additional bedrooms and hall bath. The lower level has a tiled family room with built-ins, laundry area, ample storage and door to tandem two car garage. Level fenced-in private yard. New central air conditioning and new windows.

Sale Price: $990,000Assessed Value: $981,000Real Estate Taxes: $33,343

Featured Listings15 Brookby RoadScarsdale, NYListing Price: $3,650,000Picture perfect Colonial on park-like property in the Murray Hill section, perfect for everyday living and entertaining inside and out. The interior impresses as you walk into the entry with a 2-story family room with views of the property and pool gives you the feel of country club living. Living room, large dining room, all with high ceilings, open layout and walls of windows, chefs kitchen with island/breakfast area.Learn more here.

221 Griffen AvenueScarsdale, NYListing Price: $2,495,000Comfort, quiet elegance, amazing outdoor space. This welcoming colonial home has been beautifully remodeled. Generous formal living and dining rooms flow to a large kitchen for casual dining that opens to a family room with a vaulted ceiling, fireplace and stunning French double doors to a private deck creating seamless indoor/outdoor space that spans across an immense backyard bordered by Winged Foot Golf Club, home to the 2020 US Open!Learn more here.

4 Bradford RoadScarsdale, NY 10583Listing Price: $2,200,000An exceptionally maintained Tudor set on a spectacular half acre of level and private property on a tranquil street, only 2 blocks to Quaker Ridge Elementary School. The first level features a formal living room with fireplace leading to a screened porch with access to the patio overlooking the gorgeous property, a formal dining room, eat-in-kitchen with premium appliances opening to large radiant-heated family room with sliders to the patio and yard, renovated powder room, mudroom, laundry and a 2.5-car garage. The second level boasts a beautiful master bedroom suite with separate office, luxurious master bath with jacuzzi tub, shower and separate water closet, walk-in closet, four additional bedrooms and two renovated full hall baths. The lower level includes a recreation room and wine storage. Enjoy the Scarsdale town pool, tennis courts, parks and highly-ranked schools. Only a 32 minute commute to Grand Central. Free bus to Middle and High School. Don't miss this impressive home!Virtual tourLearn more here.

6 Brookline RoadScarsdale, NY 10583Listing Price: $2,200,000Stunning Collet-built, renovated Tudor in beautiful Sherbrooke Park, a sought-after private neighborhood. The first level features a foyer, formal living room with fireplace and Venetian plaster ceiling, formal dining room with Venetian plaster ceiling, expansive kitchen with a 6 burner Viking range, Wolf convection wall oven and microwave, Sub Zero Fridge/Freezer, two dishwashers, Jerusalem stone counters and a Brazilian marble island, radiant heated floors and a large breakfast or family room with coffered ceiling, family room with built-ins and gas fireplace, powder room, bedroom and full bath. The second level includes a large master bedroom with home office area, 2+ walk-in closets and a renovated ensuite bath, three bedrooms, 2 full hall baths and a family room. The third level contains fantastic bonus space. Recreation room, laundry, mudroom and 3 car attached garage on lower level. Smart home with Savant and Nest systems. Walk to High School, town and train. A+ location!Learn more here.

22 Woods LaneScarsdale, NY 10583Listing Price: $2,150,000Gorgeous, Neoclassical Colonial in the heart of Edgewood on sought-after Woods Lane, a short walk to Elementary, High School, town and train on a tranquil tree-lined street. This beautifully built 1930s home has been updated and expanded to offer a large eat-in-kitchen with adjacent family room with a gas fireplace overlooking the level property. The first level also includes a formal living room with wood-burning fireplace, formal dining room, large, private office, powder room and attached 2 car garage. The spacious second level features a master bedroom with renovated ensuite bath and walk-in closet, two bedrooms with ensuite baths and two bedrooms with a jack-n-jill bath. The lower level boasts a playroom with fireplace, laundry and storage. Dine outside on the patio all summer long and enjoy Scarsdale schools, town pool, tennis courts and a 32 minute commute to Grand Central. Upstairs air conditioning updated June 2020. All interior walls recently painted and floors refinished. Move right in!Learn more here.

4 Parkfield RoadScarsdale, NY 10583Listing Price: $1,895,000This sun-filled Fox Meadow contemporary home was fully renovated in 2014 and is conveniently located only a short walk to downtown shopping, dining and Metro North train for the express train to NYC. Walk to Elementary School, High School and the Public Library. The fabulous first level open plan layout has a great flow for entertaining and features an expansive family room with vaulted ceiling adjacent to a chef's kitchen plus formal living and dining rooms. A few steps to a large bedroom with ensuite bath plus two bedrooms with a full bath. Up a few more steps to the new master suite with a luxurious master bath ensuite plus a spacious walk-in closet, two bedrooms with ensuite baths, and ample storage space. The lower level includes a bright study with fireplace, large mudroom and two car garage. The finished basement level boasts a large playroom, laundry, room and bath. Free bus to Middle School. Don't miss this ideally located, renovated home with Scarsdale schools and amenities. Virtual tourLearn more here.

16 Pheasant RunScarsdale, NY 10583Listing Price: $1,215,000Renovated and stylish Contemporary Colonial in the Edgemont School District located on a beautiful, private almost half acre of level property. This beautiful and bright home offers a gorgeous cook's kitchen with an expanded breakfast area which seats six, custom cabinetry, high-end appliances, granite counters, center island and large pantry. Some of the other special features include: renovated and expanded master bath with oversized shower and heated floor, updated powder room (1st level) and full bath (lower level), renovated master bedroom with oversized closets, custom closets in 3 bedrooms, new furnace (2020), hot water heater (2019), driveway (2018), replaced fireplace, renovated laundry room, built-ins in family room, interior six paneled doors, new front door and painted interior (2020). The finished lower level has a recreation room, potential nanny's/in-law suite with full bath, gym/office and great storage. This exceptional home is the one you have been waiting for!Learn more here.

Open Houses6 Mayflower RoadScarsdale, NY 10583Listing Price: $2,895,000Open House: Sunday 8/23/2020 2pm - 3:30pmBright new 6,672 square feet, six-bedroom, Center Hall Colonial on level half acre. This house has a classic layout with a gracious entry that opens to the living room and dining room. The Chef's kitchen: Wolf stove, two Bosch dishwashers, 48" SubZero refrigerator, microwave, wine refrigerator, granite countered island, quartz topped countertops opens to a big bright family room with fireplace and lots of windows overlooking the level property and patio. Additionally, there is a bedroom/den and full bath, guest powder room, and outfitted mudroom on first floor. Upstairs is a master bedroom with tray ceiling, his and hers walk-in closets, and spa bathroom. There are three generously sized bedrooms each with their own bathroom and a generously sized laundry room. The lower level is bright with oversized windows and it is very open. There is a bedroom and bathroom as well. 2432 square feet on first floor, 2149 square feet on second floor, and 2091 square feet finish the lower level. Potential pool site.Learn more here.

96 Walworth AvenueScarsdale, NY 10583Listing Price: $2,495,000Open House: Sunday 8/23/2020 2pm - 3:30pmFabulous, sunny, move-in ready, open floor plan, new Colonial home in Greenacres close to the Train and Hartsdale village. There are nine-foot ceilings on every level. The first floor has a bright living room, dining room, big kitchen-family room with fireplace and oversized windows and door to big patio, powder room, garage, mudroom, big food pantry, and a butler's pantry with beverage refrigerator. Upstairs, the master bedroom has a tray ceiling, two fully outfitted walk-in-closets, and bright master bath with marble tile, two sinks, contemporary tub and separate shower, there are two bedrooms with connecting bathroom, and a bedroom with its own bath. The lower level has a big finished "L" shaped play room, full bath and a 5th bedroom/home office. The lush landscaping includes a newly sodded lawn, and many flowering bushes. Square footage is: first floor-1752 square feet, second floor-1892 square feet, lower level-1571 square feet.Learn more here.

29 Bonaventure AvenueArdsley, NY 10502Listing Price: $799,000Open House: Sunday 8/23/2020 12:30pm - 2pmIt's easy to fall in love with this diamond in the rough. This beautifully maintained Cape sits at the end of private cul-de-sac in the award winning Ardsley School District. This four-bedroom, four-bathroom home has two separate living areas, peaceful outdoor space with deck and an above ground pool plus patio and outdoor kitchen area. Perfect for entertaining with plenty of space to spread out. Ideal if you need to work from home. The main floor living area has a beautifully renovated open floor plan kitchen/family room with plenty of light and a master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, two additional bedrooms, and a second hallway bathroom. The upper level has a kitchenette, outdoor deck, living room and one additional bedroom with bathroom. Lower level includes an additional family/recreation room with wood burning fireplace, wet bar, bathroom and laundry area. Two-zone central air, and Central Vac, sprinkler system and outdoor lighting, and so much more. Endless possibilities in this home!Learn more here.

More here:
Three Sales Above $3 Million In Another Strong Week for Home Sales in Scarsdale - Scarsdale10583.com

Nora Austons older cat, Bertie, has a history of getting into trouble while roaming her Portland neighborhood. The feline teamed up with another cat to ambush and taunt an elderly dog in its backyard, and also took down dozens of birds, despite having bells dangling from her collar.

When cats Peaches and Herb were adopted as kittens, Auston, a professional nurse who taught herself construction, decided to build a catio, a safe, screened cat patio that would direct her cats away from the house through a skybridge or tunnel and into the yard.

Her inventive enclosure will be one of 10 outdoor feline playgrounds in the Portland area showcased online during the 8th annual Catio Tour on Saturday, Sept. 12.

The coronavirus pandemic wont allow in-person visits to peoples backyards as in past Catio Tours, but this years virtual experience includes a professionally filmed tour and a live Q&A with experts and other catio fans.

People who were not able to walk around or be in the Portland area for previous tours can now enjoy it from their own home.

Tickets on sale at CatsSafeAtHome.org are $25 for full access to the tour, presentation, guidebook, catio videos and images; or $15 for the guidebook and catio videos and images only.

Hosted by the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon and the Audubon Society of Portland, the fundraising Catio Tour was created to inspire cat owners to build or buy their own outdoor cat enclosure to keep cats safe from outdoor hazards while also protecting wildlife from cat predation.

Funds from the Catio Tour support the Portland Audubons and Feral Cat Coalition of Oregons Cats Safe at Home campaign, which aims to reduce free-roaming cats in the Portland metropolitan area. For more information about the campaign, visit CatsSafeAtHome.org.

A cat patio lets frisky felines exercise, play out hunting instincts and safely snooze in the sun while getting fresh air. They cant bother birds, and dogs, cars and other outdoor hazards cant harm them.

The birds really need a break and our shelters need less homeless pets, says Auston, and I think catios are a good solution to both of those problems.

Auston attended the in-person 2019 Catio Tour a total blast! she says and found other cat patio examples on Pinterest, but some were a bit misleading, she says, so I had to think through the project carefully.

She selected to build a cat condo with cedar since she wanted a traditional-looking garden structure that would weather well.

Ive heard that cedar oil repels fleas as well, she adds. I havent seen any fleas on the cats since building our catio, so I am extra pleased I spent the money on the wood.

She used durable, -inch hardware cloth, rather than chicken wire, that was easy to cut for the walls and to fit on the ground to thwart digging.

Access doors have the wire attached on the outside of the structure to allow her to remove the screws and reach the cats if needed.

A number of catios Ive seen feature panels or tunnels that are constructed with the hardware stapled on the inside, which makes for a nice clean look but could be frustrating if your cat gets stuck somewhere along the way, she says.

Auston, who learned from her mistakes constructing a chicken coop, knew to install a few fencing panels at the end of the cats walkways to stabilize the entire structure when most of the weight is on one side.

She hired a professional to break through a wall in her house and install the cat door.

Now she can watch the cats frisking around, grooming themselves and pawing toward her through the fencing, she says.

The orange kittens now do crazy loops chasing each other through the house, out to the catio and back again a couple times a day, she says. We are home a lot more now and its made all of us cats included a lot more comfortable and it is endlessly entertaining.

A catio can be any size. A small window enclosure will work if youre short on space. Existing patios can be transformed into catios simply by enclosing them with screen or wire.

If you dont want at DIY cat enclosure, there are premade kits.

PetCo. has a wooden cat run on sale for $395.99 (save 34%) and Aosom has PawHuts large wooden outdoor cat condo at $444.99, which is 36% off, plus free shipping.

Wayfair has a variety of cat houses, cat cages and cat playpens on sale with free shipping.

Make sure the catio is fully enclosed so cats cannot get out and predators cannot get in. Add a cat flap to a door, window, wall cut, or build a tunnel or screened walkway.

Provide cats a view of the outdoors (called Cat TV) and ventilation. Monitor the weather: You might need a fan in the summer or a heater in the winter.

Include toys such as climbing shelves, scratching posts or trees.

Keep a litter box in the catio. Auston uses biodegradable, non-dyed, natural mulch to avoid any toxicities with the kitties.

Until the coronavirus pandemic is over, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends owners keep their pets away from people or other animals outside the household.

Cats should stay indoors or an enclosed outdoor structure when possible and dogs should be walked on a leash, maintaining at least six feet from other people. Avoid dog parks and public places where people or pets gather.

People sick with COVID-19 should avoid contact with people and animals. If your animals need to see a vet, PetPlan offers medical insurance.

If pets are healthy but anxious, due to separation or fear caused by loud noises, strange people or animals, or a new environment, there are ways to help:

Dog obedience training is essential to preventing and managing dog anxiety, according to the American Kennel Club. The Great Courses has online dog training videos and lectures to listen or watch on a TV screen, laptop, tablet and smartphone. Practice fetch with an obedience retrieving dumbbell.

Healthy food and hemp or CBD products are used to calm pets that have anxiety or hyperactivity.

Honest Paws has all-natural, vegan CBD bites and oils that cat and dog owners use to help their pet cope with daily stressors and enhance joint mobility. The products are free of Xylitol, GMOs, soy, corn, dairy and gluten.

Chewy has chicken-flavored, soft chew dog supplements made of organic hemp powder, chamomile, ginger and valerian root. And Ollie will deliver human-grade meat, fruit, vegetables and superfood to your door based on your pets age, breed, activity level, allergies and ideal weight.

Regular exercise and mental stimulation also reduce anxiety. Hide treats in multiple pockets of a snuffle mat to test canine foraging skills. Toss discs in FitPAWS dog training targets, or set up an obstacle course or an indoor agility course.

Wild One has a Triangle Tug made of dual-textured rubber with a cotton rope, and Bolt Bite is a natural rubber chew toy. Plush chew toys come in all shapes, from a wine bottle to a TV dinner. And Barkshop has a monthly BarkBox subscription of dog products, services and experiences.

Let your pet sleep soundly in a calming coat tucked into a donut-shaped comfort bed.

Orvis has dog toys and treats, crates and clothes, beds and bowls, collars and coats.

And Petco has cat toys, furniture and scratchers, beds and apparel.

Janet Eastman | 503-294-4072

jeastman@oregonian.com | @janeteastman

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Explore 10 purr-fect cat patios from your home (and make one): See the 8th Annual Catio Tour virtually - oregonlive.com

Have I mentioned that my daughter and son-in-law and my adorable granddaughter are living with me right now? They sold their house and are waiting to move on to bigger and better. Im in hog heaven because when I come home a little voice screams, G. Its supposed to be Grammy, but I will take G. But the other night my daughter sat close to me and said in a quiet voice, Mom, I think you have foundation problems.

Well, I know I dont have foundation problems, but I do know it has been extremely dry lately and that can cause some shifting in foundations. Foundations are made to flex, so during extreme dry spells or lots of rain, they move. It can cause inconveniences, but its not cause for alarm. So, I want to go over some things that you can do to alleviate some problems associated with this dry weather.

The easiest thing to do is put a soaker hose around the house and water the foundation on the days that you are allowed to water. Just leave it there out for the duration of the summer. Buy yourself a Y connector and attach it to your outdoor faucet. That way you can water both the foundation and hand water when you want to.

Check out how convenience a Water Wigot can be. It will allow you to put water where you dont have a faucet. And then you wont have to drag around a 100-foot hose during this 100-degree heat.

Sometimes extreme dryness will cause doors not to close completely. You might have to push on the door to get it to latch. Maybe your door rattles when the A/C comes on, or its hard to get it to unlock. Defender Security makes an Adjustable Strike for just this problem. It will allow you to adjust the strike up to a quarter of an inch. And in door terms, thats a lot!

If you are really worried about your foundation, there is a way to check it out. Go outside and look around the foundation. If you see little hairline cracks, dont worry. They are just cosmetic and can be easily fixed. Use a product made by Sascho Sealants called Slab. Its for sealing up those little cracks around the foundation and on stucco. Foundations have a smooth concrete skirting and that can crack, and you can repair it with Slab. If you have some mortar cracking around the brick facade, use Mor-Flex to fill in the damage. Mor-Flex looks just like mortar, but it flexes. And when you repair the mortar with Mor-Flex, it will never crack again.

I hope if you have been concerned about your foundation this article will put you at ease. If you have any questions, call me at the store in San Antonio.

Question: I just sold my house and moved to a smaller condo. I love my condo because it has a large patio and I could bring all my plants with me. It makes me feel like I am still at home. However, there is no faucet outside. How can I water my plants without having to lug water from the sink. It didnt seem like a lot a first, but I have a lot of plants.

Answer: That is no problem! There is a faucet to garden hose adapter that can hook up right to your kitchen faucet. Attach a lightweight hose and start watering. Good luck with this next adventure.

Question: We have a master bedroom downstairs. We have an upstairs bathroom and bedroom that only gets used when we have company. Well the other day I was upstairs and noticed water under the toilet and quickly turned off the water. It was leaking from the connector. We replaced the connector, but I started thinking if I had not seen that, I could have had a mess. Do you have any suggestions about turning off the water to the unused bathrooms?

Answer: Instead of turning off the water, use a Leak Alert under the toilet. Leak Alert has sensors on the bottom of the unit, and when they get wet, it sets off an alarm. All leaks start off as a drip, and Leak Alert will let you know.

If you cannot find the products mentioned here locally, you can find them at http://www.happyhandyman.com . Click on Shop Johnnies Favorites, or call the store at 210-341-1573. Email Trudy Chuoke Lesage at happyhandyman2@yahoo.com. Mail can be sent to Johnnie Chuokes Home and Hardware, 2361 NW Military, San Antonio, TX 78231.

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Shifting foundations can be inconvenient but not a cause for alarm - Houston Chronicle

The City of Lacombe has introduced a new Patio Policy aimed at making the process of building a new on-street patio easier for the businesses who apply, as well as the city staff who process the applications.

The new policy, introduced at the August 10th council meeting, lays out a streamlined process whenever someone wants to expand their seating to the great outdoors, something that's become more and more common in the pandemic era.

Director of Operations and Planning for the City Jordan Thompson said this policy has been in the works since before the pandemic as the desire for an expanded space increase, particularly for places that serve food and drinks.

We have an attractive downtown and the patios allow residents, visitors, tourists to take advantage of that scenery when they are eating. We wanted to ensure were supporting that through a fair approval process.

Thompson says the pandemic has certainly forced us to change how we think about a lot of things, and the City wanted to make it easier for businesses to adapt to these new changes.

We are seeing businesses inquire about innovative ways to use the space that they have. Innovative ways to use the outdoor space that may be available that previously was perhaps used for storage, or for kind of back-of-house type of uses that they want to clean-up and repurpose for more business purpose, and so we are exploring those applicants and ensuring that we can support those businesses the best we can through our Land Use Bylaw.

A number of on-street and private property patios have sprung up in Lacombe this summer, including at Tollers Bistro, Leto's Steakhouse and Bar, and an alley patio located behind Ugly's Pub and Grill. Cilantro and Chive have had their patio open for over a year now, and Boston Pizza has had outdoor patio seating since they first opened their doors.

As the current global pandemic is making people re-think the way they do business, restaurant's in Alberta are doing what they can to get as many people as possible safely through their doors.

It...

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Want to build an on-street patio for your business? Lacombe now has a Patio Policy for that - LacombeOnline.com

The Walt Disney Family Museum in the Presidio of San Francisco hasnt forgotten about Disney fans and their relentless desire to continually learn about the people and events that make Disney what it is. That drive never sleeps.

So in this time of physical distancing, the museum, operated by the Walt Disney Family Foundation, is delivering talks with the folks who make the history directly to your computer.

Here are several of the upcoming bookings. See all of the details and more on their events page at https://www.waltdisney.org/calendar.

Ray Spencer

Art Director and Former ImagineerRay SpencerFri, Aug 21 | 5:30pm PT | Zoom WebinarFREE | Sign-up Required

Join Art Director and Former Imagineer Ray Spencer for backstage stories from his projects for Walt Disney Imagineering, including Buena Vista Street, Trader Sams Enchanted Tiki Bar, and the reintroduction of the Hatbox Ghost character to TheHaunted Mansion.

Bobby Moynihan

Actor Bobby Moynihan Wed, Aug 26 | 5:30pm PT | Zoom WebinarFREE | Sign-up Required

Join actor, comedian, and writer Bobby Moynihan for behind-the-scenes stories from his voice work on several Disney projects, including roles in DisneyPixarsMonsters University(2013) andInside Out(2015), Disney Television AnimationsDuckTales(2017present), Lucasfilm AnimationsStar Wars Resistance(201820), and Disney Channel Original MoviesDescendants 2(2017) andDescendants 3(2019).

Robert Kondo

Animator Robert Kondo Wed, Sept 2 | 5:30pm PT | Zoom WebinarFREE | Sign-up Required

Robert Kondois co-founder and president of Tonko House, a San Francisco Bay Area-based studio focused on creating animated narrative content. Formerly an art director at Pixar Animation Studios on films such asRatatouille(2007) andToy Story 3(2010), he lends his unique design sensibilities and passion for storytelling as co-director of the Academy-nominated short film,The Dam Keeper(2014). Originally from Southern California, Kondo graduated from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena as an illustrator.

Tania Norris

Interior DesignerTania McKnight NorrisSat, Sep 19 | 1pm | Zoom Webinar$12 | Sign-up Required

Tania McKnight Norriswas born in Scotland and spent her childhood in the United Kingdom. She trained as an interior decorator in London before moving to Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). In 1963, she moved to Los Angeles for her husbands profession.

Norris was hired in 1964 as an interior designer at WED Enterprises, the arm of Walt Disney Productions that covered all projects apart from films. She worked with many Disney Legends on projects spanning Disneyland attractions, original concepts for Walt Disney World Resort, and Expo 67 in Montreal. In addition to contributing to the overall design of New Orleans Square, one of her signature contributions to themed entertainment history was her design for the iconic purple wallpaper used in theHaunted Mansion.

In the 1970s, Norris became Project Designer for the RMSQueen Maryin Long Beach. This was followed by a move to central California where she opened an antique shop, anchored a weekly antique-focused radio show, and participated in antique shows across America.

Norris interests include gardening, photography, travel (she has visited over 130 countries), cooking, needlepoint, and botanical art. She is a member of the American Society of Botanical Artists, former President of the Botanical Artists Guild of Southern California, and created the Beverly Hills Rose Society. She also established an endowment fund for botanical art at the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino and donated her rare collection of botanical books and Renaissance woodblocks to the Getty Research Institute.

Related

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Walt Disney Family Museum "Happily Ever After Hours Talks" Just Where You Want Them - At Home - wdwnt.com

Studio Peregallis Swiss Vision

European charm is out in full force in this Swiss kitchen, which was created by AD100 firm Studio Peregalli for a publisher client. The kitchens wooden table and chairs were created in the countrys Engadine Valley. The star-shaped pendant light fixture and floral backsplash tiles were, however, another story. The latter, which are Portuguese and date back to the 17th century, add a charming sense of blue and white to the Alpine space, which Architectural Digest visited in December 2012. They are also evidence of the firms effort to use old materials whenever possible, because of their rich patina, as architect Laura Sartori Rimini said at the time. Other notes of blue and white can be seen elsewhere throughout the interior, from a statement dish here to a well-place dish towel there.

Giverny? No, but close.

A French Kitchen Reminiscent of a Famous Interiors Touchstone

For many fans of blue-and-white kitchens, the ne plus ultra example is the cook space of Impressionist artist Claude Monet. Located at his famous Giverny home, it gives the surrounding garden grounds of the property a run for their money. This kitchen contains many of the same hallmark elements. Black traditional built-in French range? Check. Blue-and-white tiles seen behind it? Check. A litany of copper pots and an overall embrace of wood? Check, check. Fittingly, this space, which appeared in a fall 2011 issue of Architectural Digest, is located in the country region of Auvergne, France.

Ahoy, this kitchen beckons.

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15 Dreamy Blue and White Kitchens from the Pages of 'AD' - Architectural Digest

Its hard to think of a decorator more associated with traditional than Sister Parish, whose use of striped ticking, floral chintzes, whitewashed antiques and patchwork quilts is widely credited with launching American country style into the spotlight by the 1960s. Funny, then, that in recent conversations with Parishs great-granddaughter Eliza Crater Harris, the topics were decidedly 21st century: Instagram Live, e-commerce, and even transparent pricing. Crater Harris was well aware of the potential irony. It may not be expected of us to embrace contemporary design dialogues, but in fact Sister was someone who loved change, she says. We often ask ourselves, What would Sister do?

We is Sister Parish Design, a fabric brand founded in 2000 by Susan Crater, Crater Harriss mother (and Parishs granddaughter). The family connections go deeper. At the time, Crater had just finished collaborating with her mother, (Parishs daughter) Apple Bartlett, on a book about the legendary decorator. From that experience sprang another idea: Why not resurrect some of the prints Parish and her business partner Albert Hadley had created for private clients? I think it was kismetwhich was also the name of one of our prints, says Crater. Launching the firm was about not wanting the Parish-Hadley legacy to die. Whats better than bringing the prints they did for their private clients into the marketplace? Otherwise, people might not have ever seen them again.

What originally started as a historical rescue mission has become a much more forward-looking enterprise, a process hastened by the 2018 appointment of Crater Harrisan interior designer who previously worked with Markham Robertsas creative director of the brand. I visited Craters home in Bedford, New York, this March, just before the coronavirus pandemic triggered nationwide shutdowns; as I sat down with all three generations of the Sister Parish legacy, it was clear that they were brimming with plans for the brandfrom new patterns and colorways to transparent pricing and plans for street-level retailand also that they werent planning to modernize Sister Parish Design at a hesitant, one-step-a-time pace. This was a confident stride into what the family sees as the future of design. And if they have to brush up against a few traditional industry taboos to get there?

If we are really listening to Sister, then our brand should not be an altar to the past, says Crater Harris. [It should be] a design studio concerned with how decorators work and design today, and how people live today.

Sister ParishCourtesy of Sister Parish Design

Parishs home in Maine, as featured in House & Garden in 1977Courtesy of Sister Parish Design

Left: Sister Parish Courtesy of Sister Parish Design | Right: Parishs home in Maine, as featured in House & Garden in 1977 Courtesy of Sister Parish Design

In 1933, a 23-year-old Sister Parish launched her design firm, finding early clients in friends who admired the unique sensibility she had deployed in her own home, in Far Hills, New Jersey. Nearly three decades later, she met the young Hadley while working on the Kennedy White House, and the pair founded Parish-Hadley Associates in 1964. Their work and style would dominate American decorating in the coming decades, and they continued to work together until Parishs death in 1994, all the while nurturing the next generation of great American designers. Like the push-and-pull between history and innovation the brand faces today, the Parish-Hadley relationship was often one of opposites attracting. Parish was known for her floral, feminine approach to decorating; Hadley was a modernist who prized an edited, architectural look. That yin-and-yang energy propelled their work to greatness, with a client list that read like the eras whos who: Astor, Getty, Vanderbilt, Whitney, Paley, Mellon, Rockefeller. She wanted to hire someone to take over. She wanted to retire, Hadley told The New York Times in 1996. Thirty-two years later, we never retired. We had a marvelous relationship.

The Sister Parish story, then, is Hadleys too. Indeed, the archives that inspire the companys patterns are a mix of textiles Parish collected on her travels and Hadleys original designs. That said, there are few exact reproductions in the line; each pattern has been updated gently to resonate today. We're not just resurrecting these textiles, we're also refining them, says Crater Harris.

Sintra in Fern, printed on grassclothCourtesy of Sister Parish Design

The rebirth of a pattern called Sintra perfectly illustrates the Sister Parish Design ethosa tree of life pattern on a piece of quillwork in the Parish-Hadley offices that the two designers would ultimately turn into a hand-screened textile for curtains in Brooke Astors Money Room. (So called because it was where she sat to write checks for various charities.) Albert designed Sintra from a piece of quillwork, but now we're printing Sintra on a piece of grass cloth, says Crater Harris. And the colors I've chosen for Sintra might not have been colors he would have chosen or that Brooke would have wanted, but were moving forward to serve the designers and clients of today.

Walking that tightrope balance between paying homage to a storied legacy and embracing the seismic changes that have swept the industryboth aesthetically and in how designers shopis no easy feat. Crater says that her daughters experience as a designer has shaped the companys vision as it positions itself for the future, unspooling some of the more traditional ways of doing business in favor of an approach that reflects the way young designers want to interact with brands today.

The most notable shift came earlier this month with the launch of a new website. We were working on updating our site pre-COVID, but the challenges of the last few months definitely accelerated the need for our company to offer more utility for the design trade online, says Crater Harris.

The website also reflects a shift in business strategy, including sample fulfillment, listed prices, and the ability to transact online. The new site makes it easier to shop Sister Parish fabrics, wallcoverings, and home accessories on your time, with better inquiry abilities for quicker responses from our teamall in an effort to untether our clients creative visions from an analog, 9-to-5 approach to designing, says Crater Harris. Adding pricing to our site is really just one of many other additions that makes it easier for our clients to do their work, and to shop as they please.

Posting pricing can be seen as a challenge to the showroom model, but Sister Parish designs are still represented in 10 showrooms across the country, in addition to its international representation. Instead of taking business away from showrooms, Crater and Crater Harris see their new site as turbocharged lead generation for their partners, delivering qualified customers to the showrooms while still allowing the brand to connect with design enthusiasts who love the Sister Parish story.

Crater Harris channels all things grandmillennial. The bedroom walls and window treatments are in the companys Dolly pattern.Courtesy of Sister Parish Design

COVID clarified our need for online support on many different levels, from e-marketing, to a better capturing of client interest, to providing additional support to all of our showrooms, said Crater Harris last week when asked how the sudden global shift had altered the familys business plans. We feel confident that this investment in our digital space will result in serious sales growth for our showroom representatives around the country and internationally. The world has changed rapidly, and this idea that a trade company that is represented at a showroom should not have an online presence is over, and our amazing showroom partners around the country understand that our ability to create energy online directly supports growing their leads and sales.

The company did recently exit the John Rosselli showroom in New York, though not because of any disagreements about distribution. Last year, the company brought its sampling operations in-house, operating out of a studio in Bedford; for now, the studio will manage order fulfillment in the New York territory, as well. Though the pandemic has delayed the companys plans, the next move for Sister Parish Design will be a street-level flagship in Manhattan, which they hope to open in 2021.

Like transparent pricing, street-level retail is part of the companys emphasis on tapping into the enthusiasm of a new generation of traditionaliststhe grandmillennials, if you will. The term, coined last September by House Beautiful, is associated with a love of ruffled florals, needlepoint pillows, and all things wicker among young people in their 20s and 30s, and hearkens unapologetically to the Sister Parish aesthetic.

The brands latest campaign was styled and photographed remotely by tastemaker Mieke ten Have. Here, a tablecloth in the new Titania pattern in Pink Green shares the spotlight with a new spongeware collection.Mieke ten Have

Its also a label that neatly captures the passions of a certain group of devotees that had been interacting with Crater Harris in the brands Instagram feed. Our brand has connected with the hearts of a new, younger audience that is highly engaged with us on social media, says Crater Harris of the excitement around the Sister Parish look among a group of young people perhaps not quite ready to hire a decorator or order custom drapery. When it went live, the site featured new ways for these fans, young and old alike, to access and interact with the brand: an online shop with hats in Sister Parish fabrics that sold out almost overnight; a selection of pillows and table linens; and a collection of spongeware plates, bowls and pitchers. A campaign featuring the tabletop products and two new fabric patterns was remotely styled (and shot on an iPhone) by tastemaker, stylist and editor Mieke ten Have in a COVID-era creative partnership brokered by strategist and consultant Sean Yashar, who felt that ten Have, like Crater Harris herself, uniquely embodied the grandmillennial sensibility.

Fabrics and wallcoverings will remain the heart and soul of Sister Parish Design as the company forges aheadCrater Harris sees the foray into home products not as a push to enter a new market, but rather as a service to an already-existing audience eager to be part of the conversation. Based on feedback [from our followers], we felt a responsibility to connect with them more deeply, but until recently, our product offerings were trade-only, she explains. With the site relaunch, we have also invested in a more diversified home accessories collection specifically to speak to our growing grandmillennial audience that wants access to the Sister Parish lifestyle through tabletop, linens, pillows and apparel.

A new storytelling initiative, Tell A SisterInstagram Live conversations between Crater Harris and like-minded creatives that are then recapped in a bloglike formatalso tap into the burgeoning passion online for that Sister Parish ethos. My great-grandmother really believed in a beautifully designed home, but also that that was really just a backdrop for a full lifea life filled with kids and dogs and a career, she says. I see this series as a way to connect with our clients and our community, bringing together designers to talk about those things.

For all of the companys bold moves, much of its business modeland core customer baseremains unchanged. Its a path forward that acknowledges both that the old way of doing things is still incredibly viable (no, the showroom isnt dead), while also leaning into the possibilities that come with building consumer loyalty around the brand. We are always guided by Sisters philosophy, which still runs through every decision we make, says Crater Harris. She said, Innovation is the ability to reach into the past and bring back what is good, what is beautiful, what is useful, what is lasting.

Homepage photo: Eliza Crater Harris, Susan Bartlett Crater and Apple Bartlett | Jonathan Becker

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What would Sister do? A traditionalist icon embraces the future - Business of Home

There are dream clients, and then theres the young family that Michael S. Smith helped settle in at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue back in 2009. A veteran interior designer, he landed an interview to design the Obama White House through a series of connections and flashes of kismet. But he didnt officially have the job, of course, until he met the client. Thankfully, they hit it off. He said, Call me Barack, Smith tells host Dennis Scully on the latest episode of the Business of Home podcast. And ... that was the first and the last time in basically 10 years I ever called him Barack.

Interestingly for such a high-profile project, Smith has kept fairly quiet in the media about his experience as the first familys decoratorthere was only an initial press release, then an Architectural Digest article in the final months of Barack Obamas presidency. Now, however, hes telling the whole story with a forthcoming book, Designing History: The Extraordinary Art & Style of the Obama White House, which he previews in this podcast. In it, Smith shares everything from the advice he got from Nancy Reagan to the secret code his staff used to refer to the Obamas.

Below, listen to the show and check out a few takeaways. If you like what you hear, subscribe to the show (free of charge!) and every week a new episode will be delivered to your smartphone.

High-Stakes DecoratingMake a faux pas in a normal project, and youve got an angry client on your handsmaybe youre out a few thousand dollars. Make a mistake at the White House and it can lead to a national media scandal. (Remember the kerfuffle about Trump and the Oval Office busts?) Smith, no stranger to high-profile clients, was well prepared. What you want to avoid is creating news, he says. If youve ever been in the middle of a celebrity divorce, you absolutely understand[its] great advance training for working [in] the White House. ... Theres that old [medical doctrine]: First, do no harm. [Here, it was]: First, make no news.

Checks and BalancesEverything about the experience of designing the White House, Smith shares, is a little surreal. That includes the process itself. First, theres the challenge of keeping the project under wraps, and making sure vendors dont send out a press release announcing their trim is on a pillow in the White House. Then theres the arduous process of actually getting stuff into the building. He explains, The person you buy a lamp from has to be vetted, to make sure that they arent a violent criminal[theres] all these different things, these criteria. Then it has to be delivered to an off-site location, where its inspected by security people. Heavily inspected. Then it has to come to the physical White House, then you have to find a time when the familys not around, when you can be there, when somebody can get into the building and get into the room, with security. Thats different than [a typical decorating job]: I go to the store and buy a lamp, I bring it over, and plug it in.

Big PictureOf course, designing the White House changed Smiths lifeand for a designer already obsessed with the history of decorative arts, participating directly in that history was a dream come true. But interestingly, he says, it didnt necessarily lead to a crazy rush of new business: In the world, presumably Im better known now, but I dont know. The majority of my practice is still clients that Ive had for a very long time. Listen, it doesnt hurt.

Homepage photo: Michael Mundy

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The inside story of decorating the Obama White House - Business of Home

If you are now finally ready to transform your dream home into a reality, you need the right home builder for your project. Should you have fancy house ideas that include stylish premium details and finishes, then you need to work with luxury mansion buildersthat have the right team, equipment, expertise, and supplies to give you the upscale and luxurious look you wish to see in your future home.

A house is a big investment, so picking the right builder will have a huge impact on the final output. If you choose a great firm, you will have a genuine and true partner who will bring forth to life what your heart desires. With the right team, you will avoid a construction nightmare! Instead, you will have a smooth and fun time building and designing your home, which will safeguard your loved ones and precious belongings. Here are some considerations you must weigh when selecting your construction builder:

Do Your Research

It is always best to work with referrals. You can start by asking relatives, friends, neighbours, and colleagues for recommendations. Chances are someone in your network will know or will have heard of a reputable custom home builder. This will make you feel at ease knowing someone you trust can vouch for a firm.

If asking for referrals doesnt uncover any superstars, go the extra mile and search on the internet. Be very specific and search for terms like luxury mansion builders near me. List down your prospects and visit their official website to peruse their past-work. Also check ratings, reviews and testimonials because these elements say a lot about the reputation of a builder.

Narrow Down Your Prospects

After conducting the initial research, you have to narrow down your list to top two or three choices. It would be best to contact these people and conduct more thorough interviews. Schedule meetings with their team so you can see more of their portfolio. Get to know the team members, suppliers, and subcontractors. Go with someone who is very polite, confident, and responsive. This will show their willingness to help and their professionalism.

Moreover, you want a home builderthat can stick to a timetable and deliver quality work on time. Include a site visit so you can see the quality of their work, the finishes, the job site organization, and other safety measures. You want to assess how hands-on the builder is when it comes to project execution because you want an organized team to build your dream mansion.

Ask Detailed Questions

You must ask detailed questions to find out if a custom home builder is the right one for you. Ask how closely they are willing to work with your chosen architect or interior decorator. You will want to go with someone who prioritizes collaboration. Find out how long they estimate the construction project to last. You want a builder who can stay right on target, so there are no unnecessary delays.

On top of that, you have to find out if they have the necessary permits, licenses, tools, and qualifications to finish the building style that you want. Do include a reference list so they can give you names of past clients. Asking these questions will tell you if the firm has the confidence and capabilities to finish your project.

Discuss the Budget

Money talks, loud and clear. You want a builder who will make a detailed preliminary estimate based on the current market price of supplies. Once your home plans and specs are finalized, you need a detailed budget estimate. Since you are building a mansion with premium finishes, you want to scrutinize this comprehensive list to ensure that you get your moneys worth.

Find out who the suppliers and subcontractors are because all of these have corresponding costs. You want a building team that gives you a concrete budget so that you will not get an unpleasant surprise when the invoice comes.

Final Word

Choosing a builder requires due diligence because this will have a significant impact on your life. Your custom luxury house is a place you will call home for a very long time. This house is more than a building structure, but it will also be a place where you will be building memories with your loved ones. After all, cliche as it may sound, but home is indeed where your heart is.

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How to Pick the Right Custom Luxury Builder - Cyberockk