The 5,000 square foot private residence is located in the community of Horseshoe Bay, above the shores of Lake LBJ, and responds to the Texas Hill Country vernacular prescribed by the community: shallow metal roofs, regional materials, sensitive scale massing and water-wise landscaping. The house opens to the scenic north and north-west views and fractures and shifts in order to keep significant oak, mesquite, elm, cedar and persimmon trees, in the process creating lush private patios and limestone terraces. The Owners desired an accessible residence built for flexibility as they age. This led to a single level home, and the challenge to nestle the step-less house into the sloping landscape. Full height glazing opens the house to the very beautiful arid landscape, while porches and overhangs protect interior spaces from the harsh Texas sun. Expansive walls of industrial insulated glazing panels allow soft modulated light to penetrate the interior while providing visual privacy. An integral lap pool with adjacent low fenestration reflects dappled light deep into the house. Chaste stained concrete floors and blackened steel focal elements contrast with islands of mesquite flooring, cherry casework and fir ceilings. Selective areas of exposed limestone walls, some incorporating salvaged timber lintels, and cor-ten steel components further the contrast within the uncomplicated framework. The Owner’s object and art collection is incorporated into the residence’s sequence of connecting galleries creating a choreography of passage that alternates between the lucid expression of simple ranch house architecture and the rich accumulation of their heritage. The general contractor for the project is local custom homebuilder Dauphine Homes. Structural Engineering is provided by Structures Inc. of Austin, Texas, and Landscape Architecture is provided by Prado Design LLC in conjunction with Jill Nokes, also of Austin. Cecil Baker + Partners Photography

Christy and Matt have traveled the world, picking up a love of Monet’s garden in France and many unique artifacts along the way. They had accumulated an extensive art collection of their own which expanded to include an eclectic array of folk art inherited from Christy’s mom. With an eye on downsizing, the couple realized their living environment had become cluttered. They wanted a more serene feeling in their home…like a modern version of Monet’s Garden. LiLu’s inspiration began with a new color palette, using green as a neutral and adding a mixture of vibrant colors reminiscent of a garden. Sheer drapes in the living room diffuse the natural light, almost as if the sun is being filtered through a canopy of trees. The design team also brought focus to their art collection by designing custom built-ins to display their artwork. The dark wood finish relates to the color of the custom dining table creating a cohesive composition. The clean-lined furniture features soft curves to suggest a more botanical feel. The result has brought dazzling serenity to this condo hidden among the busy streets of downtown Minneapolis. ---- Project designed by Minneapolis interior design studio LiLu Interiors. They serve the Minneapolis-St. Paul area including Wayzata, Edina, and Rochester, and they travel to the far-flung destinations that their upscale clientele own second homes in. ---- For more about LiLu Interiors, click here: https://www.liluinteriors.com/ --- To learn more about this project, click here: https://www.liluinteriors.com/blog/portfolio-items/secret-garden/

This large, light filled room for a family with young children did not have a single shelf or cabinet for the mounds of books, toys, videos and paraphernalia most families accumulate. Katherine wrapped two sides of the room in custom-built book cases and cabinets and a built-in window seat. Window Treatments: Leatherwood Design Co.

Next Door Photos Lakeshore

If you are a bold personality and want to incorporate the same essence into your bathrooms also, go for bold décor. And nothing can do this better than all-black tiles with not-so-jazzy prints on them. With such dark-toned bathroom tiles, incorporate stainless steel fixtures to make this space sleek and chic. You may also use some bold accents and furniture pieces such as black wooden window frames, bold dark mirror frame and a huge brass chandelier. If you like, you can also let a cute cactus stay in a corner, or hang a plant from a corner!

When owners contacted us they were looking for a new look for their kitchen: definitely white, beautiful and functional at the same time, with granite countertops, window bench and dining space. Working together we created the new space they will enjoy for many years to come. Custom-made kitchen cabinets from Crystal Cabinets Work, high quality, durable windows from Marvin Windows and Doors, Caesarstone granite countertops and other high end products accumulated all in one kitchen for functionality, for pleasure and excitements.

When I came to this property not only was the landscape a scrappy mess the property also had some very real grading and drainage issues that were jeopardizing the safety of this house. As recent transplants from New Jerseys to Southern California these clients were in awe of all the plants they were seeing in their neighborhood. Living on the water at the Ventura harbor they wanted to be able to take full advantage or the outdoor lifestyle and cool ocean breeze. Being environmentally conscious citizens, these clients were very concerned that their garden was designed with sustainability as a leading factor. As they said in our initial consultation, “Would want or garden be part of the solution not part of the problem.” This property is the last house on the bottom of a gently sloping street. All the water from the neighbor’s houses drain onto this property. When I came into this project the back yard sloped into the house. When it would rain the water would pool up against the house causing water damage. To address the drainage we employed several tactics. Firstly, we had to invert the slope in the back yard so that water would not pool against the house. We created a very minor slope going away from the house so that water drains away but so the patio area feels flat. The back of the back yard had an existing retaining wall made out of shabby looking slump stone. In front of that retaining wall we created a beautiful natural stone retaining wall. This retain wall severs many purposes. One it works as a place to put some of the soil removed from the grading giving this project a smaller carbon foot print (moving soil of a site burns a lot of fossil fuel). The retaining wall also helps obscure the shabby existing retaining wall and allows for planting space above the footing from the existing retaining wall. The soil behind the ne retaining wall is slightly lower than the top of the wall so that when the run on water on from the neighbor’s property flows it is slowed down and absorbed before it has a chance to get near the house. Finally, the wall is at a height designed to serve as overflow seating as these clients intend to have occasional large parties and gatherings. Other efforts made to help keep the house safe and dry are that we used permeable paving. With the hardscape being comprised of flag stone with gravel in-between water has a chance to soak into the ground so it does not flow into spots where it will pool up. The final element to help keep the house dry is the addition of infiltration swales. Infiltration swales are depressions in the landscape that capture rain water. The down spouts on the sides of the houses are connected to pipe that goes under the ground and conveys the water to the swales. In this project it helps move rain water away from the house. In general, these Infiltration swales are a powerful element in creating sustainable landscapes. These swales capture pollutants that accumulate on the roof and in the landscape. Biology in the soil in the swales can break down these pollutants. When run of watered is not captured by soil on a property the dirty water flows into water ways and then the ocean were the biology that breaks down the pollutants is not as prolific. This is particularly important in this project as it drains directly into the harbor. The water that is absorbed in to the swales can replenish aquafers as well as increasing the water available to the plants planted in that area recusing the amount of water that is needed from irrigation. When it came to the planting we went with a California friendly tropical theme. Using lots of succulents and plants with colorful foliage we created vibrant lush landscape that will have year around color. We planted densely (the images in the picture were taken only a month after installation). Taller drought tolerant plants to help regulate the temperature and loss of water from the plants below them. The dense plantings will help keep the garden, the house and even the neighborhood cooler on hot days, will provide spaces for birds to enjoy and will create an illusion of depth in a somewhat narrow space. Today this garden is a space these homeowners can fully enjoy while having the peace of mind that their house is protected from flooding and they are helping the environment.

Alcove shower - traditional beige tile, gray tile and ceramic tile mosaic tile floor and multicolored floor alcove shower idea in Indianapolis with multicolored walls

Just Add Paint was called into action to finish this gorgeous houzz after the original painting company sent in some unqualified painters and ended up leaving the job before completion. And it was a good thing - we were mortified to find patches that had been painted over before sanding, joints on the tray ceiling and throughout with excess caulk that had been sealed in with paint, fuzzy walls from low grade paint rollers, splatter all over brand new hardwood floors, and the list goes on, We used every trick in the book that we had accumulated from years of experience to get this one cleaned up. It ended up feeling more like a restoration than a repaint, and we easily the most challenging and satisfying project this year. Very proud of work the crew did on this one and happy to put our name on it. Photos by Grant "Shutterbug" Tankersley

This primary bathroom remodel in Olney, Maryland, showcases a sophisticated transition from traditional architecture to a clean, modern aesthetic. The design centers on a high-contrast palette of crisp whites, deep blacks, and warm wood tones, creating a bright and functional sanctuary. Design Highlights Walk-In Shower: The curbless shower features large-format marble-veined wall tiles paired with a dark grey hexagonal mosaic floor. Matte black hardware, including a rain showerhead and a handheld wand, provides a bold, contemporary finish. Vanity & Storage: Dual white shaker-style vanities are topped with white quartz counters featuring subtle grey veining. Minimalist matte black faucets and pulls tie the look together. A custom window bench with drawer storage sits beneath the large arched window, maximizing utility and seating. Lighting & Fixtures: Modern four-light vanity fixtures with textured glass shades provide ample illumination. Rounded-corner black framed mirrors add a soft geometric touch to the workspace. Flooring: Durable luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring in a multi-tonal wood finish adds warmth to the space and balances the cooler tones of the cabinetry and tile. Architectural Features: The original arched window and vaulted ceiling were preserved and enhanced with custom plantation shutters, allowing for privacy without sacrificing the room's natural light. Frequently Asked Questions What are the benefits of using large-format tile in a shower? Large-format tiles create a more seamless appearance by reducing the number of grout lines. This not only makes the space feel larger and more open but also significantly reduces the surface area where mold and mildew can accumulate, making the shower easier to clean. Why choose matte black hardware over chrome or brushed nickel? Matte black serves as a strong "anchor" in a white bathroom, providing a high-contrast, modern look that hides water spots and fingerprints more effectively than polished finishes. It pairs exceptionally well with various wood tones and stone patterns. Is luxury vinyl plank (LVP) a good choice for a bathroom? Yes, high-quality LVP is 100% waterproof, making it an ideal choice for bathrooms. It offers the aesthetic warmth of hardwood—which is susceptible to moisture damage—with the durability and slip resistance needed for a wet environment. How does a custom window bench improve a bathroom layout? Beyond providing a place to sit, a custom bench utilizes the often-underused space beneath a window for extra storage. It creates a cohesive, "built-in" look that ties the vanities together and adds a high-end, furniture-like quality to the room. What is the advantage of a "design-build" approach for a remodel like this? The design-build model integrates both the design and construction phases into a single contract. This ensures that the aesthetic vision stays within the established budget and allows for better communication between the designers and the craftsmen during the actual renovation.

Basements & Cellars. Finishing Ideas! Turn your basement spaces into smart areas dedicated to leisure, hobbies, play areas, or entertainment. Unfinished basements are usually a headache for home and business owners, not just because of the waste of space and precious square footage, but because unused basements are more likely to deteriorate, accumulate humidity, mold, allergens, and endanger the overall foundations and structures when there is lack of maintenance. Improve and transform your space into an additional guest room, a custom-designed home office, a bar or an an entertainment room; add closets and storage space or contact us to help you with more ideas to give your basement a good make over!

We offer power washing services independent of painting because in some cases, including with this Brookline home, the accumulation of street dust and mildew makes the paint look much worse than it is. These clients are fortunate – they asked us for a painting estimate when we painted their neighbor across the street – after reviewing their home with them I gave them the good news – their home simply needed washing.

Beautiful Living Room Redesign incorporating a variety of things accumulated by the homeowner. Photographer-JoAnne Lenart-Weary
Home design - mid-sized country home design idea

The Home Collection Bed Skirt features 100% ultra-plush microfiber yarns for a luxurious texture and durability. Perfect for concealing bedposts or items stored under the bed and protects against the accumulation of dust. Available in 6 sizes and a variety of 12 beautiful colors to match your comforter or sheet set, this flat, pleated bed skirt is resistant to fading and shrinking and will add the perfect touch to your bedroom decor. FEATURES: • 100% Imported Microfiber Yarns • Home Collection • Wrinkle Free • Fade Resistant • Easy Care – Machine Washable • Available in 12 Beautiful Colors: White, Cream, Taupe, Gold, Sage, Gray, Chocolate, Navy, Aqua, Black, Purple and Burgundy • Available in 6 Sizes: Twin, Twin Extra Long, Full, Queen, King, and California King • Color matches all other Home Collection products

The Home Collection Bed Skirt features 100% ultra-plush microfiber yarns for a luxurious texture and durability. Perfect for concealing bedposts or items stored under the bed and protects against the accumulation of dust. Available in 6 sizes and a variety of 12 beautiful colors to match your comforter or sheet set, this flat, pleated bed skirt is resistant to fading and shrinking and will add the perfect touch to your bedroom decor. FEATURES: • 100% Imported Microfiber Yarns • Home Collection • Wrinkle Free • Fade Resistant • Easy Care – Machine Washable • Available in 12 Beautiful Colors: White, Cream, Taupe, Gold, Sage, Gray, Chocolate, Navy, Aqua, Black, Purple and Burgundy • Available in 6 Sizes: Twin, Twin Extra Long, Full, Queen, King, and California King • Color matches all other Home Collection products

This Mid Century Modern home was designed and lived in by the architect in 1966. Since then there was one other owner but not much was updated to the home. When the current homeowners moved in they found many plumbing and electrical issues that accumulated overtime. They decided it was time for the kitchen, which had a hole in the floor from water damage, to be fixed and updated. They wanted a more open concept in the tight, galley, 60's style kitchen. To do so we needed to move the powder room to another location. New cabinets, flooring, counters, and backsplash were selected for the remodel. And after a lot of construction work was done to update the plumbing, electrical, and mechanical their dreams came true. The homeowners taste and style fits perfectly with the architects intentions for the design of the home. Cabinet Walls and Talls: Dura Supreme Bria series, Alpine door, High Pressure Laminate, Frosty White Granite: Black Uba Tuba Photos By: Kate Benjamin Photography LLC

This project was never really about the architecture. It was about a family that collects — art, ceramics, books, ideas — and needed a home that could hold all of that without turning into a museum. The existing unit had good bones: generous ceiling heights, a floating stair, and enough square footage to work with. What it lacked was a coherent logic — a way of moving through the space that felt intentional, where each transition earned its moment. We rebuilt that logic from the ground up. The ground floor is organized around a single corridor that runs from the kitchen island through to the living room, with the staircase serving as the spine of the whole sequence. Rather than treating the stair as purely functional, we kept the glass balustrade open and lit the treads from below, so it reads as a light source as much as a passage. The console beneath it became a natural landing for ceramics and found objects — not styled, just placed. In the living room, the brief was simple: make room for a very large painting without the room feeling like a gallery. The answer was to keep everything else quiet — a white built-in that does its job, sheer linen curtains that diffuse the light, black leather chairs that anchor the space without competing. The painting does the rest. Upstairs, the landing is lit by a skylight that washes the hallway in natural light through most of the day. We lined one side with a burl wood console and let the ceramics and framed works speak for themselves. The mix of abstract prints, a bold red canvas, and handmade vessels gives the corridor a rhythm that feels accumulated over time rather than installed all at once — because it was. Throughout, the material palette is deliberately restrained: white oak floors, white walls, white millwork. The restraint isn't minimalism for its own sake — it's a backdrop. The owners bring the color, texture, and personality. Our job was to give them the right walls to hang things on.

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