Mid-Century update to a home located in NW Portland. The project included a new kitchen with skylights, multi-slide wall doors on both sides of the home, kitchen gathering desk, children's playroom, and opening up living room and dining room ceiling to dramatic vaulted ceilings. The project team included Risa Boyer Architecture. Photos: Josh Partee

Custom A/V - Two custom Middle Atlantic pull out racks located in a dedicated A/V control room provide full control of audio and video equipment, lighting, security, and more in this North Scottsdale home. The home is controlled with Crestron's AV2 Processor and programming by SmartHome Solutions LLC. Customer has full control of the home's audio/video equipment, motorized shades, thermostats, garage doors, security cameras, pool and spa, lighting, and ancillary devices all from any touchscreen or iPad/iPhone within the home. Even the custom wine cellar is remotely controlled, monitored, and alarmed by the home automation system to keep this wine connoisseurs collection safe. Components Include: - Crestron PAD8A 8 Room Pre-amplifers - Crestron CNAMPX 1(6 and 12 Channel) Powered Amplifiers - CNX-TFM and CNX-TXM FM Radio & XM Radio Tuners for Whole Home Audio - Crestron's ADMS Adagio Music Server for High Fidelity Audio Storage (CD/MP3/Streaming) - Lutron Radio RA Controllers & Dimmers for Full Lighting Control - AprilAire HVAC Controllers for Zoned HVAC and Individual Room Temperature Control - Sanyo Security DVR Provides 30+ Days of Video Surveillance & Viewing From Any TV - Crestron TMPC-8X Wireless Touchscreen Remote Controls - HD DirecTV Tuners w/ DVR Functionality - ... and much more! Design, Installation, and Programming by SmartHome Solutions LLC - Visit us online at www.mysmartmanor.com or by calling 480-451-1300.

We took on quite the task bringing this beautiful home into the year 2020. Jay and his team helped this family renovate their home and make it a whole new space for them. Tearing down walls and opening up rooms. Now instead of 3 separate areas, it all feels like it is one uniform space. From the Kitchen to the Bar and the family room in between. Of course we did a quick remodel on the powder room, entryway, and redid the flooring between it all, making this home stunning from the entryway through the rear door. By removing the wall, we were able to vault the ceiling to match the dining room, that alone opened things up. First thing you notice is the clean look of the shaker cabinets sitting atop a gorgeous quartzite countertop. This countertop incorporates all the cool tones of the cabinets, and the warm tones of the hard wood floor beneath. We used the same slabs to top the counters in the kitchen, bar area, and a small section of the new entertainment center. The old kitchen had a free standing island, but the homeonwner wanted more. Creating a sink in the island and including extra storage with both pull out drawers and cabinets, plus seating to boot created a centerpiece worth talking about. Now we all love Hardwood floors, but as Jay mentioned, you may want to think about engineered wood. It is piled together just like plywood is. It is just a beautiful, and even more water resistant than solid wood floor. Plus, if need be, you can refinish by sanding it down and refinish once or twice depending on the depth of the top layer. Moving on to the stove portion. Originally, as you can see in the before videos there was a separate wall unit stove, and counter top range. Well we changed that! Keeping the counter top range and adding a build in oven below it created a center unit for cooking. Topping it with subway tile in a herringbone pattern, and gussying it up with the ever popular pot filler. Creating a custom built bench seat created a space to enjoy your coffee in the mornings, or a place for family to sit as you prepare dinner. A gorgeous addition to a space begging for character. In the adjacent Family Room, we used the same white shaker cabinets to build a brand new entertainment center that is custom made to hold this homeowners prized music. Which includes, or course records and a turntable, and speakers to hear it as loud as they may desire. Last, but certainly not least, we customized the built in bar. With matching countertops and cabinetry to the kitchen and entertainment center, we really unified the spaces. Most exciting for us, was we installed our very first tap system! So take a moment to look around. We think you will like what you see.

We took on quite the task bringing this beautiful home into the year 2020. Jay and his team helped this family renovate their home and make it a whole new space for them. Tearing down walls and opening up rooms. Now instead of 3 separate areas, it all feels like it is one uniform space. From the Kitchen to the Bar and the family room in between. Of course we did a quick remodel on the powder room, entryway, and redid the flooring between it all, making this home stunning from the entryway through the rear door. By removing the wall, we were able to vault the ceiling to match the dining room, that alone opened things up. First thing you notice is the clean look of the shaker cabinets sitting atop a gorgeous quartzite countertop. This countertop incorporates all the cool tones of the cabinets, and the warm tones of the hard wood floor beneath. We used the same slabs to top the counters in the kitchen, bar area, and a small section of the new entertainment center. The old kitchen had a free standing island, but the homeonwner wanted more. Creating a sink in the island and including extra storage with both pull out drawers and cabinets, plus seating to boot created a centerpiece worth talking about. Now we all love Hardwood floors, but as Jay mentioned, you may want to think about engineered wood. It is piled together just like plywood is. It is just a beautiful, and even more water resistant than solid wood floor. Plus, if need be, you can refinish by sanding it down and refinish once or twice depending on the depth of the top layer. Moving on to the stove portion. Originally, as you can see in the before videos there was a separate wall unit stove, and counter top range. Well we changed that! Keeping the counter top range and adding a build in oven below it created a center unit for cooking. Topping it with subway tile in a herringbone pattern, and gussying it up with the ever popular pot filler. Creating a custom built bench seat created a space to enjoy your coffee in the mornings, or a place for family to sit as you prepare dinner. A gorgeous addition to a space begging for character. In the adjacent Family Room, we used the same white shaker cabinets to build a brand new entertainment center that is custom made to hold this homeowners prized music. Which includes, or course records and a turntable, and speakers to hear it as loud as they may desire. Last, but certainly not least, we customized the built in bar. With matching countertops and cabinetry to the kitchen and entertainment center, we really unified the spaces. Most exciting for us, was we installed our very first tap system! So take a moment to look around. We think you will like what you see.

Trendy bathroom photo in San Francisco with a trough sink

Photo Credit: Neil Landino, Counter Top: Connecticut Stone Calacatta Gold Honed Marble, Kitchen Sink: 39" Wide Risinger Double Bowl Fireclay, Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Arctic Gray 1577, Trim Color: Benjamin Moore White Dove, Kitchen Faucet: Perrin and Rowe Bridge Kitchen Faucet VIDEO BLOG, EPISODE 2 – FINDING THE PERFECT STONE Watch this happy client’s testimonial on how Connecticut Stone transformed her existing kitchen into a bright, beautiful and functional space.Featuring Calacatta Gold Marble and Carrara Marble. Video Link: https://youtu.be/hwbWNMFrAV0

Awarded "Best Smart Home of the Year" by EH. Spire outfitted this beautiful Michigan home with the best in high quality luxury technology. The homeowners enjoy the complete control of their home, from lighting and shading to entertainment and security, through the Savant Control System. Homeowners and guests can easily create “scenes” to manage their days and social gatherings. Lutron shades help maintain light, climate and privacy to balance the inside and outside views. Outdoor entertaining is easy with the Sonance Landscape Audio System, Lutron light controls for pools and fountains and Savant control of outdoor fire pits. The fully managed Whyreboot network allows for uninterrupted system control. To maintain security, Holovision doors and gates are equipped with Doorbird system to notify residents of visitors and to give control to open and close doors and gates. Music lovers can enjoy the highest level in audio from Meridian 7200 speakers in the lower level, as well as, Sonance in wall and in ceiling speakers throughout the home. In order for the homeowners to enjoy different music and entertainment in various rooms, 14 zones of video and 26 zones of audio were necessary. Spire added many special touches to this amazing home. The master bathroom boasts a MirrorTV so owners can enjoy some entertainment while preparing for the day. A floor lift in the kitchen and dining room allows for entertainment, but can be tucked away when distractions are not wanted. A floor lift in the bedroom makes watching TV convenient, but can be put away when not in use. A fingerprint lock was placed at the bar for peace of mind. Spire’s expertise and commitment to detail were key to the intricate design concepts throughout the home. Spire worked closely with design teams to ensure under cabinet lighting was just right.

We designed a new front walk with more stone steps to eliminate the odd pitch of the existing front walk. Lannon stone medallions mimic the tri-window detail above on the home. Renn Kuhnen Photography

All photos courtesy of Havenly. Full article here: http://blog.havenly.com/design-story-amys-600-square-feet-of-eclectic-modern-charm/

Surrounded by permanently protected open space in the historic winemaking area of the South Livermore Valley, this house presents a weathered wood barn to the road, and has metal-clad sheds behind. The design process was driven by the metaphor of an old farmhouse that had been incrementally added to over the years. The spaces open to expansive views of vineyards and unspoiled hills. Erick Mikiten, AIA

A personal kitchen for a professional chef. Photos by Philip Jensen-Carter.
Example of a minimalist kitchen design in New York with stainless steel appliances

If you want to make a statement in your bathroom, don't hesitate to add a full height, mixed color backsplash, and pair it with a big sink.
Example of a trendy bathroom design in Los Angeles with a trough sink

Awarded "Best Smart Home of the Year" by EH. Spire outfitted this beautiful Michigan home with the best in high quality luxury technology. The homeowners enjoy the complete control of their home, from lighting and shading to entertainment and security, through the Savant Control System. Homeowners and guests can easily create “scenes” to manage their days and social gatherings. Lutron shades help maintain light, climate and privacy to balance the inside and outside views. Outdoor entertaining is easy with the Sonance Landscape Audio System, Lutron light controls for pools and fountains and Savant control of outdoor fire pits. The fully managed Whyreboot network allows for uninterrupted system control. To maintain security, Holovision doors and gates are equipped with Doorbird system to notify residents of visitors and to give control to open and close doors and gates. Music lovers can enjoy the highest level in audio from Meridian 7200 speakers in the lower level, as well as, Sonance in wall and in ceiling speakers throughout the home. In order for the homeowners to enjoy different music and entertainment in various rooms, 14 zones of video and 26 zones of audio were necessary. Spire added many special touches to this amazing home. The master bathroom boasts a MirrorTV so owners can enjoy some entertainment while preparing for the day. A floor lift in the kitchen and dining room allows for entertainment, but can be tucked away when distractions are not wanted. A floor lift in the bedroom makes watching TV convenient, but can be put away when not in use. A fingerprint lock was placed at the bar for peace of mind. Spire’s expertise and commitment to detail were key to the intricate design concepts throughout the home. Spire worked closely with design teams to ensure under cabinet lighting was just right.

"National Designer Show House at the Historic Greystone Estate in Beverly Hills" ** Our overaching theme was "It's definitely NOT your granddad's mansion anymore!"

Inspiration for a huge mediterranean backyard custom-shaped natural pool remodel in Miami

Interior Design by Tucker & Marks: http://www.tuckerandmarks.com/ Photograph by Matthew Millman

Awarded "Best Smart Home of the Year" by EH. Spire outfitted this beautiful Michigan home with the best in high quality luxury technology. The homeowners enjoy the complete control of their home, from lighting and shading to entertainment and security, through the Savant Control System. Homeowners and guests can easily create “scenes” to manage their days and social gatherings. Lutron shades help maintain light, climate and privacy to balance the inside and outside views. Outdoor entertaining is easy with the Sonance Landscape Audio System, Lutron light controls for pools and fountains and Savant control of outdoor fire pits. The fully managed Whyreboot network allows for uninterrupted system control. To maintain security, Holovision doors and gates are equipped with Doorbird system to notify residents of visitors and to give control to open and close doors and gates. Music lovers can enjoy the highest level in audio from Meridian 7200 speakers in the lower level, as well as, Sonance in wall and in ceiling speakers throughout the home. In order for the homeowners to enjoy different music and entertainment in various rooms, 14 zones of video and 26 zones of audio were necessary. Spire added many special touches to this amazing home. The master bathroom boasts a MirrorTV so owners can enjoy some entertainment while preparing for the day. A floor lift in the kitchen and dining room allows for entertainment, but can be tucked away when distractions are not wanted. A floor lift in the bedroom makes watching TV convenient, but can be put away when not in use. A fingerprint lock was placed at the bar for peace of mind. Spire’s expertise and commitment to detail were key to the intricate design concepts throughout the home. Spire worked closely with design teams to ensure under cabinet lighting was just right.

Cape Cod is a vacation hot spot due not only to its vicinity to amazing beaches and seafood, but also because of its historic seaside charm. The Winstead Inn & Beach Resort located in Harwich, MA, is the perfect place to enjoy everything Cape Cod has to offer. If you are lucky enough to stay in the "Commodore's Quarters" prepare to be greeted with the soothing sounds of moving water and the rich textures of historic natural stone. This charming getaway reminds you of years past with STONEYARD® Boston Blend™ Mosaic, a local natural stone that was used as cladding, on retaining walls, stair risers, and in a water feature. Corner stones were used around the top of the retaining walls and water feature to maintain the look and feel of full thickness stones. Visit www.stoneyard.com/winstead for more photos, info, and video!

Newport Beach, California Marcia Heitzmann Photographer
Photo of a large contemporary full sun backyard concrete paver landscaping in Orange County.