A classic, elegant master suite for the husband and wife, and a fun, sophisticated entertainment space for their family -- it was a dream project! To turn the master suite into a luxury retreat for two young executives, we mixed rich textures with a playful, yet regal color palette of purples, grays, yellows and ivories. For fun family gatherings, where both children and adults are encouraged to play, I envisioned a handsome billiard room and bar, inspired by the husband’s favorite pub.

This is an example of a mid-sized southwestern drought-tolerant, partial sun and desert side yard brick landscaping in Phoenix.

Design by Debbie Peterson Architects and LMB Interiors
Inspiration for a contemporary master green tile gray floor corner shower remodel in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, beige walls, an undermount sink, a hinged shower door and white countertops

Reverse Shed Eichler This project is part tear-down, part remodel. The original L-shaped plan allowed the living/ dining/ kitchen wing to be completely re-built while retaining the shell of the bedroom wing virtually intact. The rebuilt entertainment wing was enlarged 50% and covered with a low-slope reverse-shed roof sloping from eleven to thirteen feet. The shed roof floats on a continuous glass clerestory with eight foot transom. Cantilevered steel frames support wood roof beams with eaves of up to ten feet. An interior glass clerestory separates the kitchen and livingroom for sound control. A wall-to-wall skylight illuminates the north wall of the kitchen/family room. New additions at the back of the house add several “sliding” wall planes, where interior walls continue past full-height windows to the exterior, complimenting the typical Eichler indoor-outdoor ceiling and floor planes. The existing bedroom wing has been re-configured on the interior, changing three small bedrooms into two larger ones, and adding a guest suite in part of the original garage. A previous den addition provided the perfect spot for a large master ensuite bath and walk-in closet. Natural materials predominate, with fir ceilings, limestone veneer fireplace walls, anigre veneer cabinets, fir sliding windows and interior doors, bamboo floors, and concrete patios and walks. Landscape design by Bernard Trainor: www.bernardtrainor.com (see “Concrete Jungle” in April 2014 edition of Dwell magazine). Microsoft Media Center installation of the Year, 2008: www.cybermanor.com/ultimate_install.html (automated shades, radiant heating system, and lights, as well as security & sound).

R. Brad Knipstein Photography
Inspiration for a bedroom contemporary boy dark wood floor and brown floor kids' bedroom remodel in San Francisco with gray walls

The Tice Residences replace a run-down and aging duplex with two separate, modern, Santa Barbara homes. Although the unique creek-side site (which the client’s original home looked toward across a small ravine) proposed significant challenges, the clients were certain they wanted to live on the lush “Riviera” hillside. The challenges presented were ultimately overcome through a thorough and careful study of site conditions. With an extremely efficient use of space and strategic placement of windows and decks, privacy is maintained while affording expansive views from each home to the creek, downtown Santa Barbara and Pacific Ocean beyond. Both homes appear to have far more openness than their compact lots afford. The solution strikes a balance between enclosure and openness. Walls and landscape elements divide and protect two private domains, and are in turn, carefully penetrated to reveal views. Both homes are variations on one consistent theme: elegant composition of contemporary, “warm” materials; strong roof planes punctuated by vertical masses; and floating decks. The project forms an intimate connection with its setting by using site-excavated stone, terracing landscape planters with native plantings, and utilizing the shade provided by its ancient Riviera Oak trees. 2012 AIA Santa Barbara Chapter Merit Award Jim Bartsch Photography

Example of a mid-sized trendy enclosed dark wood floor and white floor living room design with gray walls, a ribbon fireplace, a wall-mounted tv and a tile fireplace

Wes Stearns
Inspiration for a traditional side yard landscaping in Charlotte.

Mountain style formal living room photo in Minneapolis with a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

The exterior of this home is a modern composition of intersecting masses and planes, all cleanly proportioned. The natural wood overhang and front door stand out from the monochromatic taupe/bronze color scheme. http://www.kipnisarch.com Cable Photo/Wayne Cable http://selfmadephoto.com

Lake Cottage Porch, standing seam metal roofing and cedar shakes blend into the Vermont fall foliage. Simple and elegant. Photos by Susan Teare
Rustic one-story wood exterior home idea in Burlington with a metal roof and a black roof

Giovanni Photography
Living room - transitional formal and open concept living room idea in Miami with white walls, a ribbon fireplace, a tile fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Inspiration for a contemporary backyard tile and rectangular pool remodel in Miami with a bbq area

Point West at Macatawa Park J. Visser Design Insignia Homes
Basement - coastal look-out carpeted basement idea in Grand Rapids with white walls and no fireplace

Example of a large minimalist open concept porcelain tile and beige floor living room design in Miami with white walls, a ribbon fireplace, a wall-mounted tv and a tile fireplace

David Slaughter
Kids' bedroom - bedroom traditional boy carpeted and beige floor kids' bedroom idea in Austin with blue walls

We were so delighted to be able to bring to life our fresh take and new renovation on a picturesque bathroom. A scene of symmetry, quite pleasing to the eye, the counter and sink area was cultivated to be a clean space, with hidden storage on the side of each elongated mirror, and a center section with seating for getting ready each day. It is highlighted by the shiny silver elements of the hardware and sink fixtures that enhance the sleek lines and look of this vanity area. Lit by a thin elegant sconce and decorated in a pathway of stunning tile mosaic this is the focal point of the master bathroom. Following the tile paths further into the bathroom brings one to the large glass shower, with its own intricate tile detailing within leading up the walls to the waterfall feature. Equipped with everything from shower seating and a towel heater, to a secluded toilet area able to be hidden by a pocket door, this master bathroom is impeccably furnished. Each element contributes to the remarkably classic simplicity of this master bathroom design, making it truly a breath of fresh air. Custom designed by Hartley and Hill Design. All materials and furnishings in this space are available through Hartley and Hill Design. www.hartleyandhilldesign.com 888-639-0639

Photo: Tom Jenkins TomJenkinsksFilms.com
Large country detached two-car garage photo in Atlanta

The wainscoting is made from reclaimed white barn board. For this special job, no wood was joined, every edge was eased to look worn with a wavering block plane. Knots, bullet holes, gouges, old paint, saw marks and every other imperfection were embraced and showcased for the story they represented. Nothing looks new. The ceiling is treated with tongue and grooved, beveled cedar planks. There is nothing more incongruous than when a room is rustic but the sheetrock walls are left smooth - especially when the wall are left white. To give the walls an aged look we used a two-tone yellow-gold, coarse Venetian plaster. PHOTO CREDIT: John Ray