The past few decades have brought a plethora of design options and material finishes to our homes, and nowhere is this more evident than in the kitchen. Luxury cabinetry and countertops are now within reach of far more family budgets than even ten to twenty years ago, and the range of design and finish options just keeps expanding to an almost-bewildering extent. In fact, it's the range that is the focus of our article this month. Well, not so much the range as what we do behind it and over it. Often the new range is itself a focal point in the kitchen due to its size (more folks are installing 36" or 48" units instead of the old 30" standard) and the elegant features of our 21st Century appliances.

But usually the eye is drawn not so much to the range as to the backsplash or the hood - and that's where we need to keep things in focus. The issue here is putting too much in place for the eyes to process. For instance, a Walker-Zanger patterned backsplash tile is itself a piece of art; to pair it with an elaborate range hood cabinet might just put your guests into optic overload. In general, the fancier the hood surround, the less complex the backsplash tile, and vice versa. An excellent middle ground is to install a framed tile mosaic centered over the range and balanced by a simple, straight subway tile in the field. This further draws the eyes to the range without losing focus.

“Often the range is the focal point in the kitchen”

Another thing to consider is compatibility. A Greek-revival hood cabinet with elaborate corbel supports should be matched with a somewhat understated travertine backsplash tile or even a marble backsplash. Custom, reclaimed wood surrounds work well with simple or beveled subway tile backsplashes, and so forth. Our design staff has the tools and skills necessary to develop renderings so that you can see the projected combination of finishes in this most focal of spaces in your kitchen.

We at Designed for Downtown, LLC keep ourselves up to date on the latest appliance trends and styles as well as the myriad options for that perfect, well-focused and eye-soothing finishing touch to the central cooktop area.

Why we love them? AJH Custom Homes LLC specifies Worldwide Steel Buildings because they combine the affordable pricing of a pre-engineered building with quality steel, custom design and extremely attentive customer service.

Pre-engineered metal buildings, also known as PEMBs have been a popular product in the  light commercial market and for agriculture use buildings for many years. They utilize engineered steel posts and beams that are dialed in to be just as strong as the particular building and location call for. These beams and posts are connected with light gauge girts or purlins which support an exterior skin. This engineering means the customer is only paying for exactly what they need and doesn’t invest money in redundant assemblies or “one-size-fits-all” materials. However the process of minimizing expense in PEMBs often extends into the sales and support of those buildings and clients hear “you can’t do that” when they want to customize a structure. This sometime lack of customer service has earned PEMBs a reputation with residential customers as not being worth the trouble.

However, AJH Custom Homes has experienced something uncommon among PEMB vendors when working with Worldwide Steel Buildings. We find their products to be well designed, their team is willing to customize plans and incorporate client wishes, and their production support is excellent with attentive engineering review and comprehensive assembly drawings. They also provide notes as well as videos for team training! They are the best choice for a client interested in a detached garage, barn, stable, or workshop. The financial savings of a PEMB can be combined with custom engineering to create a structure and a space that complements your home and complies with HOA requirements. Instead of complaints you can expect envy from the neighbors!

Check out their website from this link!

And take a look at the video of a recent garage and outdoor living space AJH completed in summer of 2025!

"Curb appeal" often conjures images of elaborate landscaping, and significant investments of both time and money. However, enhancing the visual appeal of your home's exterior doesn't have to be a complex or daunting task. A simple, well thought out layout can create a welcoming atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression on visitors and passersby alike.

One of the most effective ways to enhance curb appeal is decluttering and simplifying. A strong, simple layout will be more inviting and easier on the eye. Greenery has a remarkable ability to add vibrancy and depth to any outdoor space. We can help you choose low-maintenance varieties that thrive in our local climate to minimize upkeep while maximizing visual impact. We design landscaping elements such as shrubs or ornamental trees to frame your property and create a sense of balance and symmetry.

Proper lighting can dramatically enhance the visual appeal and safety of your home's exterior during the evening hours. Illuminate your entryway with strategically placed outdoor lighting fixtures to create a warm and inviting ambiance. Path lights, wall sconces, or overhead fixtures can all contribute to a well-lit and visually appealing entrance.

Sometimes, it's the smallest details that can make the biggest difference in curb appeal. Pay attention to elements such as mailbox design, house numbers, and door hardware, as these seemingly minor features can significantly impact the overall aesthetic of your home. Choose cohesive and stylish accents that complement your home's architecture and color palette to create a cohesive and polished look. By focusing on a few key areas and implementing simple yet effective strategies, we can elevate the visual allure of your home's exterior. Whether you're preparing to sell or simply aiming to create a more welcoming atmosphere, investing time and effort into curb appeal can yield substantial returns.

An experienced developer once told us, “roofs don’t leak, it’s windows that leak.” And while there is an exception to every rule, we at AJH have found that it’s important to specify and install a quality window if you want to keep your home leak free! Over the past decade of building we have had opportunity to fit Jeld-Wen Windows on many different homes. Their classic double hung units with grids between the glass or simulated lites fit seamlessly in the suburban 5 over 4 with-a-door or in a Charleston-style row home. AJH appreciates the ability to manipulate the scale of their double hung units to match the exterior elevation character with light for the interior spaces.  When we build in the mountains, their ultra slim plate units capture the views while keeping out the wind and cold, and they can be engineered to withstand mountain storms.

“Jeld-Wen provides options for our customers in multiple lines and styles all while backing their windows up with a consistent warranty.”

Jeld-Wen offers low maintenance vinyl windows in several integral exterior colors; from traditional white and clay to dark bronze and black. In the past, AJH has relied on the their all-wood product when building in a historic overlay zoned districts. This product line also offers both stain or paint grade exteriors, and while the wood exterior does require a more attentive maintenance routine, there is no better way to match  historic fenestration. The Jeld-Wen aluminum clad product line is our go-to product and offers over 20 standard aluminum exterior colors and can even be customized to a color of your choice. We have yet to encounter a selection that we were unable to fulfill in the clad product line.

When specifying and purchasing windows AJH recommends Jeld-Wen because the lifetime cycle of their windows coordinates with the exterior finishes we install. It’s not smart to install a window that won’t last 10 years in a thoughtfully detailed exterior that will easily weather 50 years of sun, rain and cold! Choosing from Jeld-Wen’s product lines lets AJH match the right window both aesthetically and functionally to the home. And it allows our clients to enjoy beautiful views with peace of mind.

Key to that peace of mind is knowing AJH & Jeld-Wen will be there to service any issue that might arise. Whether in the frame of the window or the glass itself their warranty department is ready and willing to help AJH correct it, so our customers don’t have to live with anything less than an optimal unit.

Check out Jeld-Wen by following this link!