Since 1993, the Chrysalis Awards, which are sponsored by Kitchen & Bath Design News and Qualified Remodeler, have honored the finest remodeling projects in our country. The entries are judged by the very knowledgeable editors and writers of publications such as Better Homes & Gardens and Southern Living. This year’s national winner in the category of bath remodel was S&W Kitchens, designed by Lacie Rice.

For most people, shopping for plumbing fixtures is not the most fun part of remodeling a kitchen or bath.

In fact, it can be confusing and daunting to know what to select, if your selections will coordinate with your plans for the rest of the space, and if the fixtures are fairly priced for the features and quality you are choosing. This is why it’s important to find a source for plumbing fixtures that has knowledgeable consultants who know their products inside and out, literally.

With the help of Southwest Florida’s premier outdoor lighting professionals at Pleasant Lightscapes, the fun does not have to end when the sun goes down. You can illuminate your lush landscape, lanai pool cage, and backyard patio with a seemingly endless array of customized lights that will make your outdoor space glisten and glow, adding beauty, safety, and security to your home.

If you’re a homeowner, one of the major bonuses that comes with autumn is the reduction of yard work. Although Florida lawns enter dormancy later in the season compared to other states, fall maintenance and winter preparation are still crucial if you want your lawn to green up properly come springtime. EMPIRE® Zoysia, The Proven Zoysia Grass®, has been the standard across Florida lawns for over 20 years. With its superior durability, adaptability and performance, EMPIRE is among the easiest grasses to maintain in the Sunshine State.

One solution that is becoming a trend is to build a small pool. Todd Paldin, designer with Premier Pools of Central Florida (PPCF), qualifies a small pool as one that is smaller than the average 14' x 28' size. “It’s so important to build a pool that fits logistically within the property’s space. Pools must be engineered so that they are set back from the electrical pool equipment. There are also codes for property lines and how close a pool can be to the doors and windows of the house.