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.

The decision to go small is about her personal values, committing to a lifestyle, and living within her means. The move to design small is a subjective decision that weighs in on a number of factors that can’t possibly be summed up in one statement, but the obvious benefits jump to the front...easier to maintain, less cleaning, less expensive, less debt, less environmental impact, less temptation to accumulate. Her design requirements were simple, small footprint less than 1000 sq. ft., garage below the living area, and take advantage of the amazing view. It’s smaller than the average house, but designed in a way that it won’t feel like a shoebox. My client thought long and hard about downsizing her home and her lifestyle, and she couldn’t be happier

Modern home front entry features a voice over Internet Protocol Intercom Device to interface with the home's Crestron control system for voice communication at both the front door and gate. Signature Estate featuring modern, warm, and clean-line design, with total custom details and finishes. The front includes a serene and impressive atrium foyer with two-story floor to ceiling glass walls and multi-level fire/water fountains on either side of the grand bronze aluminum pivot entry door. Elegant extra-large 47'' imported white porcelain tile runs seamlessly to the rear exterior pool deck, and a dark stained oak wood is found on the stairway treads and second floor. The great room has an incredible Neolith onyx wall and see-through linear gas fireplace and is appointed perfectly for views of the zero edge pool and waterway. The center spine stainless steel staircase has a smoked glass railing and wood handrail. Photo courtesy Royal Palm Properties

Sofie Barfoed © 2015 Houzz
Inspiration for an eclectic living room remodel in Copenhagen

Matt Delphenich
Example of a mid-sized trendy medium tone wood floor and beige floor kitchen design in Boston with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, paneled appliances and an island

When symmetry and abstract meet it creates a beautiful effect as shown on each side of the bed. A pair of horn lamps and nightstands sits in front of a large antiqued mirror with 3-dimensional filigree wall bowls.

Decorating with clocks is another easy way to inject style into a space without spending much money. Here’s a cool wall display I created using clocks I’ve accumulated over time. At the cottage, I didn’t have enough space to dedicate a whole room as an office, instead I created a drop zone desk in the hallway which can be used by our guests. Since I had an odd number of clocks (5 of them), I lined up the middle one with the desk and hung two on either side. I displayed the vintage clock in the middle because it was the largest, and also because it was the only one with a yellow background – two great reasons to place it center stage. For a fun contrast, I set my laptop across from an antique chair, and a vintage Royal typewriter facing a modern chair. The overall look is funky eclectic chic. Did you notice each clock shows a different time? I actually don’t have batteries in any of them. Since the guest bedroom is only a few steps away from the work station, I thought I’d be nice and not let the tic toc of each clock keep friends and family awake at night. On the other hand, if you want to set the time for each clock, make sure to insert the batteries and set the time before you hang them up. Trust me, it’ll save you lots of time and aggravation too as it can be quite a finicky process to re-hang each clock. UTRdecorating

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/

White Everwood blinds above the sink and Nantucket shadings over the sliding glass door in this kitchen on the water.
Inspiration for a mid-sized coastal medium tone wood floor kitchen remodel in New York with white cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Dynamic Garage Door specializes in Tuscan Architectural beautification in the Newport Beach, CA through our custom designed and hand made architectural shutters, garden gates and garage doors. This Newport-Mesa Tuscan home was exquisitely decorated with a combination of custom gates, decorative shutters and balcony barn door style shutters all handcrafted out of authentic, century-old reclaimed barn wood specifically harvested for this custom project. Beginning with the balcony shutters which actually slide from side to side like a real barn door we worked a charming rustic shutter design that would typically be seen in the Tuscan Riviera. We opted for sliding shutters as the balcony spacing limited the swing action of even bi-folding shutters. Incorporating real barn door hardware railing and crowing it behind the faux reclaimed wood beam made an excellent statement while adding functional shutters that can be shut close for comfort during the summer morning when the sun beats down into the master suite. The four shutter leafs are decorated with real hand forged dummy straps that were hammered and crafted by hand to achieve that gorgeous rustic charm typical of Tuscan architecture. The reclaimed barn wood from a century-old barn gives off a timeless appearance that increase in characters as the years go by. Because rustic barn wood has already aged beautifully over hundreds of years, the next century will only increase its authentically gorgeous appearance. The culmination of this project has been a meticulous collaborative input of our in-house head designer and the clients themselves. Although the completion of this project is lengthy and intricate, the results speak volumes and the wait simply justifies the outcome. The rest of thew windows on this Tuscan home have been accessorized with rustic barn wood as well and accentuated with our custom designed and handmade dummy iron hinge straps. Our dummy hardware is so authentically done in the same tradition used for hundreds of years in Europe to create shutter hardware that looks authentic and functional although it is only decorative. The details of our custom shutters is evident in the slightest of details including the bolts used to hold the shutter straps in place. Each of the shutter also has a decorative ring pull with a hand-hammered back plate which enhances the appearance of true functional shutters and defining that authentic Tuscan look. The beauty of this Tuscan home is visible throughout the entire property including the garden gates, garage doors and entry door. Again, for the garden gates, we went with rustic barn wood carefully crafted to preserve the original surface that has aged over hundreds of years but building the gates on galvanized steel frames that will ensure structural durability for the next few hundred years. The gates are highly secure, sound and can definitely hold back a crowd with authentic rustic charm. Don't be fooled with the simple-looking gate design. It is quite intricate with its 45 degree angle cuts around the perimeter of the trim which deviates water away from crevices that would otherwise make the gates vulnerable to the accumulation of moisture from the elements, sprinkler system or simply air humidity since the home is located near the ocean. Each one of the garden gates is equipped with European style mortise lock mechanisms and roller catches. Dynamic Garage Door gates are not your typical garden gates, they are truly made with quality and durability in mind as well as aesthetic attention to detail. Everything, from the hardware used, the core steel frame and overlay material used is hand selected and approved individually for maximum beauty and timeless appreciation. At Dynamic Garage Door, we specialize in multiple facet projects that include garden gates, driveway gates as well as barn doors and shutters. It is very important because these are the accessories that can make or break the beauty and continuity of your home's architectural style and authenticity. Increase your curb appeal and home value with Dynamic Garage Door's gates, shutters and automatic custom garage doors. Our in-house designers would love to speak with you today! Design Consultation Center: (855) 343-3667

This custom floating deck was built to solve a tricky side-yard challenge—snow accumulation, uneven terrain, and obstructed access to basement window wells. We installed a sleek, weather-resistant composite deck system that floats above the grade and steps cleanly over two basement egress windows. The deck provides a dry, level walking surface in an otherwise sloped, icy zone. It’s built with proper clearance for drainage and venting, and framed with a self-supporting platform that keeps all utilities accessible. The fascia is mitered clean, matching the modern look of the home while protecting the framing below. Details Framing: Pressure-treated joists with adjustable deck blocks—no anchoring to foundation Decking: Grooved composite planks with hidden fasteners for a seamless surface Trim: Full-wrap mitered fascia around all visible sides Features: Cutout access over egress well; integrated step; zero-penetration design Conditions: Built during cold-weather season with snow on-site and minimal disruption to landscape Result The client now has year-round access along the home—no more slipping on ice or dodging around window wells. This deck brought utility and design together in a clean, functional install that looks like it was always meant to be there.

Protects against allergens, dust mites, bacteria, perspiration, urine and fluids SafeRest Classic Plus Mattress Protectors offer protection against dust mites, fluids, urine, perspiration and allergens making them especially helpful for those with kids, pets, allergies or incontinence. As we sleep we shed thousands of dead skin cells, which can quickly accumulate providing an ideal environment for dust mites to thrive. SafeRest mattress protectors trap dust mites, allergens and skin cells on the surface of the protector where they can be easily washed away during suggested quarterly launderings. This helps provide a cleaner more allergen free sleep environment for you and your family. Breathable and Cool The surface material is made with ultra thin polyester knit back coated with a breathable, hypoallergenic and 100% waterproof membrane layer. Ultra thin knitted polyester also provides a smooth surface that stretches and contours with the body providing an undetectable layer of protection. Fitted Sheet Style To ensure a great fit, an elastic band is used on the side skirt to automatically pull excess material under the mattress. Machine Washable Machine-wash with your sheets using normal household detergents that do not contain bleach. Tumble dry on low heat. Do not iron. Our mattress protection products will not change the feel of your mattress once applied. This is great for those with any type of mattress including innerspring, latex or memory foam.

This young family wanted to update their kitchen and loved getting away to the coast. We tried to bring a little of the coast to their suburban Chicago home. The statement pantry doors with antique mirror add a wonderful element to the space. The large island gives the family a wonderful space to hang out, The custom "hutch' area is actual full of hidden outlets to allow for all of the electronics a place to charge. Warm brass details and the stunning tile complete the area.

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. Paul Bardagjy Photography

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 custom floating deck was built to solve a tricky side-yard challenge—snow accumulation, uneven terrain, and obstructed access to basement window wells. We installed a sleek, weather-resistant composite deck system that floats above the grade and steps cleanly over two basement egress windows. The deck provides a dry, level walking surface in an otherwise sloped, icy zone. It’s built with proper clearance for drainage and venting, and framed with a self-supporting platform that keeps all utilities accessible. The fascia is mitered clean, matching the modern look of the home while protecting the framing below. Details Framing: Pressure-treated joists with adjustable deck blocks—no anchoring to foundation Decking: Grooved composite planks with hidden fasteners for a seamless surface Trim: Full-wrap mitered fascia around all visible sides Features: Cutout access over egress well; integrated step; zero-penetration design Conditions: Built during cold-weather season with snow on-site and minimal disruption to landscape Result The client now has year-round access along the home—no more slipping on ice or dodging around window wells. This deck brought utility and design together in a clean, functional install that looks like it was always meant to be there.

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 Bases: Dura Supreme Bria series, Urbana Vertical door, Textured Foil, Truffle Granite: Black Uba Tuba Floor Tile: Flaviker Urban Concrete Smoke 12x24 Backsplash Tile: Clayhaus 3x3 Futura collection Bubble White Sink: Mirabelle White Faucet: Mirabelle Vilamonte Stainless Hardware: Top Knobs, TK503BSN, Brushed Satin Nickel Photos By: Kate Benjamin Photography LLC

Hinoki Ofuro hand crafted by Zen Bathworks