Written by Tanek Hood Requested by summer renters and beloved by Island homeowners, the swimming pool has become a basic amenity to LBI living, extending the waterside experience all day long. And while it is a priority for most residents, it’s also a serious financial investment that requires proper planning and fastidious design in order to maximize enjoyment and expectations. Mark Reynolds, owner of Reynolds Landscaping, has been involved in the design and installation of

Written by Lisa Simek Predominantly recognized for its use on athletic fields and sports facilities, artificial grass has been revealing its benefits for decades. Not only does artificial grass reduce maintenance costs and increase the frequency of games held on a particular field, but it also enhances the look of professional, college, and recreationally used fields everywhere with minimal upkeep. Even so the advantages of artificial grass do not have to end with a big game—

Written by JenniferBegonia with Ann D’Astugues of The Red Chair Photos by Dianne Ahto Graphicus 14 Here at the shore, outdoor spaces like backyards and decks offer a primary or secondary option for enjoying coastal sun and breezes—an easy alternative to time on the beach. Making the most of a home’s outdoor space creates an exceptional experience for family and friends, and can extend the usable area of a summer home by thousands of square feet. When creating outdoor spaces—a

Written by Tom London Frameless Shower Enclosures…Quality Makes All The Difference Purchasing a frameless shower enclosure is often the most expensive part of a bathroom renovation. For that reason, it is important to understand the differences among the many products on the market today. Tom Basile of Precision Shower Door, an industry veteran with more than 35 years’ experience, offers advice and great tips to help you be an educated consumer. It seems everyone is selling f

Written by Lisa Simek French door wall ovens indistinguishable from one’s cabinetry, Wi-Fi-synched refrigerators that order take-out, and brushed slate finishing resembling natural stone are just some of the latest trends of the appliance world. Whether remodeling a kitchen or taking on the feat of new construction, these devices are the finishing touches that can make or break the decorative ambiance of a space. Since finding the right appliances that harmonize with both one

Written by Emily Warne Photography by Dave Niziolec The luxury construction business is booming on Long Beach Island, but the latest high-end addition to bayfront real-estate goes above-and-beyond as the epitome of an entertainer’s dream shore home. From a stunning kitchen valued at over $400,000 to 16 rooms designed by a premier interior designer, every detail of the 10,000 square foot home, located in The Dunes section of Long Beach Township, lends itself to building a life

Written by Mike Irvine If you have a home near the shore, you are part of a unique crowd. You can find some of nature’s most glorious displays literally in your backyard: sunrises that explode with color, coastal storms that take your breath away, and crisp blue skies that kiss the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you live at the shore year-round, or enjoy summers here, you’re fortunate to have a home surrounded by such majestic beauty, and naturally you’ll want to make th

Written By Daphne Keller Thomas J Keller Building Contractor LLC. In the excitement of deciding to move ahead and build a new home on Long Beach Island, many quickly learn that there are a lot of moving parts to consider. Whom do you choose that will be an experienced, knowledgeable, and trusted partner through the process? Those who have built new before, whether a primary or vacation home, are typically more equipped with how to go about it, having learned from a previous e

Written by Lisa Simek Long Beach Island is often regarded as a sanctuary from the modern day’s hustle and bustle; upon setting foot on the island, beachgoers generally enjoy slowing their pace, unwinding, and even unplugging. While giving gadgets the cold shoulder encourages most people to sit back and relax, embracing the right technology during a construction project helps keep homeowners in the driver’s seat of the design and building process. As local architect Michael Pa

Written by Halley Feaster When smart home technology first developed, it was considered something extra; something “over the top.” Today, everything in life is starting to be “smart”—smart TVs, smart phones, smart tablets—and “wireless”—WiFi, access points -- and we’re all enjoying the versatility, connectivity, and convenience. Smart home technology now serves a real and present purpose for our everyday lives, not only for comfort and convenience, but for safety and security