This spacious, multi-level backyard in San Luis Obispo, CA, once completely underutilized and overtaken by weeds, was converted into the ultimate outdoor entertainment space with a custom pool and spa as the centerpiece. A cabana with a built-in storage bench, outdoor TV and wet bar provide a protected place to chill during hot pool days, and a screened outdoor shower nearby is perfect for rinsing off after a dip. A hammock attached to the master deck and the adjacent pool deck are ideal for relaxing and soaking up some rays. The stone veneer-faced water feature wall acts as a backdrop for the pool area, and transitions into a retaining wall dividing the upper and lower levels. An outdoor sectional surrounds a gas fire bowl to create a cozy spot to entertain in the evenings, with string lights overhead for ambiance. A Belgard paver patio connects the lounge area to the outdoor kitchen with a Bull gas grill and cabinetry, polished concrete counter tops, and a wood bar top with seating. The outdoor kitchen is tucked in next to the main deck, one of the only existing elements that remain from the previous space, which now functions as an outdoor dining area overlooking the entire yard. Finishing touches included low-voltage LED landscape lighting, pea gravel mulch, and lush planting areas and outdoor decor.

Two-Toned Cabinets This trend has been going strong for the last couple of years and this year its more prevalent than ever. Two-toned cabinets are a great design feature that helps add some variety to your kitchen space. You will typically see the bottom cabinets have the darker color. Blues and grays are common, buyer-friendly choices. We also have seen wood-grained cabinets on the bottom with white cabinets on top.

The owners requested that their home harmonize with the spirit of the surrounding Colorado mountain setting and enhance their outdoor recreational lifestyle - while reflecting their contemporary architectural tastes. The site was burdened with a myriad of strict design criteria enforced by the neighborhood covenants and architectural review board. Creating a distinct design challenge, the covenants included a narrow interpretation of a “mountain style” home which established predetermined roof pitches, glazing percentages and material palettes - at direct odds with the client‘s vision of a flat-roofed, glass, “contemporary” home. Our solution finds inspiration and opportunities within the site covenant’s strict definitions. It promotes and celebrates the client’s outdoor lifestyle and resolves the definition of a contemporary “mountain style” home by reducing the architecture to its most basic vernacular forms and relying upon local materials. The home utilizes a simple base, middle and top that echoes the surrounding mountains and vegetation. The massing takes its cues from the prevalent lodgepole pine trees that grow at the mountain’s high altitudes. These pine trees have a distinct growth pattern, highlighted by a single vertical trunk and a peaked, densely foliated growth zone above a sparse base. This growth pattern is referenced by placing the wood-clad body of the home at the second story above an open base composed of wood posts and glass. A simple peaked roof rests lightly atop the home - visually floating above a triangular glass transom. The home itself is neatly inserted amongst an existing grove of lodgepole pines and oriented to take advantage of panoramic views of the adjacent meadow and Continental Divide beyond. The main functions of the house are arranged into public and private areas and this division is made apparent on the home’s exterior. Two large roof forms, clad in pre-patinated zinc, are separated by a sheltering central deck - which signals the main entry to the home. At this connection, the roof deck is opened to allow a cluster of aspen trees to grow – further reinforcing nature as an integral part of arrival. Outdoor living spaces are provided on all levels of the house and are positioned to take advantage of sunrise and sunset moments. The distinction between interior and exterior space is blurred via the use of large expanses of glass. The dry stacked stone base and natural cedar cladding both reappear within the home’s interior spaces. This home offers a unique solution to the client’s requests while satisfying the design requirements of the neighborhood covenants. The house provides a variety of indoor and outdoor living spaces that can be utilized in all seasons. Most importantly, the house takes its cues directly from its natural surroundings and local building traditions to become a prototype solution for the “modern mountain house”. Overview Ranch Creek Ranch Winter Park, Colorado Completion Date October, 2007 Services Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture

The transformation of this high-rise condo in the heart of San Francisco was literally from floor to ceiling. Studio Becker custom built everything from the bed and shoji screens to the interior doors and wall paneling...and of course the kitchen, baths and wardrobes! It’s all Studio Becker in this master bedroom - teak light boxes line the ceiling, shoji sliding doors conceal the walk-in closet and house the flat screen TV. A custom teak bed with a headboard and storage drawers below transition into full-height night stands with mirrored fronts (with lots of storage inside) and interior up-lit shelving with a light valance above. A window seat that provides additional storage and a lounging area finishes out the room. Teak wall paneling with a concealed touchless coat closet, interior shoji doors and a desk niche with an inset leather writing surface and cord catcher are just a few more of the customized features built for this condo. This Collection M kitchen, in Manhattan, high gloss walnut burl and Rimini stainless steel, is packed full of fun features, including an eating table that hydraulically lifts from table height to bar height for parties, an in-counter appliance garage in a concealed elevation system and Studio Becker’s electric Smart drawer with custom inserts for sushi service, fine bone china and stemware. Combinations of teak and black lacquer with custom vanity designs give these bathrooms the Asian flare the homeowner’s were looking for. This project has been featured on HGTV's Million Dollar Rooms

Erika Tammasy
Inspiration for a large modern open concept carpeted living room remodel in Dallas with gray walls, no fireplace and a media wall

Amy Gritton Photography
Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized modern u-shaped ceramic tile and brown floor eat-in kitchen idea in Austin with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, black backsplash, porcelain backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and white countertops

CAMARGUE join 3 black
Minimalist backyard concrete patio photo in Hawaii with a gazebo

Enjoy natural beauty and organic textures with Salem Grey limestone tiles. Use this natural stone as flooring, for your fireplace façade, for a stunning kitchen backsplash, or as an accent or for the indoor or outdoor project of your choice.

Pinnacle Mountain Homes
Minimalist garage photo in Denver

Modern kitchen with white flat-panel doors and drawers, grey conversational island and white countertops. Separate bar/coffee area with wine refrigerator. Double pantry with and broom closet.

Photo of a mid-sized modern drought-tolerant front yard concrete paver landscaping in San Francisco.

Minimalist exterior home photo in Other

Warm lighting casts golden hues inside this Ehrlich masterpiece. Located in a quiet beach community high on the cliff above the Monterey Bay, this house lends itself to nature and geometry.

Linda Kasian Photography
Minimalist master brown tile and porcelain tile bathroom photo in Los Angeles with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, quartz countertops, a one-piece toilet and white walls

Photo of a large modern drought-tolerant and full sun hillside gravel retaining wall landscape in San Francisco.

Inspiration for a modern backyard deck remodel in Minneapolis

Photo: Lisa Petrole
Inspiration for a huge modern backyard concrete patio remodel in San Francisco with a fire pit and no cover

green tile,
Inspiration for a modern bathroom remodel in Nashville

The Arcadia Louvered Roof enhances the beauty of any style home and provides the flexibility of having an open roof when the weather is good or a solid roof to keep the rain off your patio when the weather turns bad. Eco-friendly Construction The Arcadia system is made up of recycled aluminum making it an extremely Green product. It is also eco-friendly, helping consumers save on passive solar heating and cooling. We Think Green Arcadia is proud to continue the company's tradition with its approach to Environmental Innovation. From the choice of lightweight materials and lean production methods to the efficiency of its drive system and designs, Arcadia is committed to operating as a more sustainable business and reducing its overall environmental impact. High-quality Building Materials Each Arcadia system is a work of art, constructed with care and attention to every little detail. Our system is powered coated, extruded aluminum with stainless steel components giving us the most durable louvered roof on the market today. From our superior drive system, which is UL & CE certified, down to the stainless steel tex screws that secures the system together. Nothing but the best! Our low-maintenance components eliminate painting, staining, and waterproofing of traditional shading structures. Using powder-coated aluminum construction prevents warping, cracking, and corrosion. Photographed by: Roger Chafin