Sustainable Home Design & Technology Welcome to LEED Platinum Certified efficiency combined with luxury living. Built around the historic 1815 studio of architectural photographer Balthazar Korab, this unique home marries unparalleled aesthetics with the latest in green technology, all of which is fully integrated to provide a seamless user experience. Lutron RadioRA 2 lighting control and Lutron QS Wireless motorized shades work in harmony with solar panels and light harvesting techniques to create a sustainable, efficient lifestyle. A Savant control system not only choreographs all this, but monitors all energy both used and generated by the home. Photo Credit: McKee Creations

Historic homes are a hidden gem, and when this client approached me about remodeling her family home in one of the oldest neighborhoods in Dallas I knew we had a diamond in the rough. Under many layers of vinyl tile and plywood, the kitchen floors revealed pristine hardwoods waiting to be brought to life. An inefficient vintage kitchen had begun to break down and cramp the client's style and productivity. Mullioned windows obstructed the client's view and hindered her from connecting with nature. The detail elements such as soft arches transitioning from room to room were lost in a sea of white. This beloved home had become something it wasn't meant to be. Our goal was to help it welcome friends and family with open arms and provide a casual atmosphere in which to love, laugh and relax. We needed to transform it all; floors, walls, kitchen and bedrooms. We left no stone unturned until we had the perfect collaboration of traditional family heirlooms mixed in with a modern palette. New brown stained floors, grey European style cabinets, white quartz counters, textured backsplash tile, mullion free vinyl windows and an open floorplan modernized this kitchen while staying true to its natural roots. Neutral gray walls collaborate with dark accents in the arches to define their detail. Reupholstering the furniture in patterned fabrics updated each room to span the spectrum of traditional to modern. The curated collection of family antiques finished in new hues and newly acquired pieces create a space unique to and adored by this client. Photos by Zack Lewis of Showcase Photographers

Historic homes are a hidden gem, and when this client approached me about remodeling her family home in one of the oldest neighborhoods in Dallas I knew we had a diamond in the rough. Under many layers of vinyl tile and plywood, the kitchen floors revealed pristine hardwoods waiting to be brought to life. An inefficient vintage kitchen had begun to break down and cramp the client's style and productivity. Mullioned windows obstructed the client's view and hindered her from connecting with nature. The detail elements such as soft arches transitioning from room to room were lost in a sea of white. This beloved home had become something it wasn't meant to be. Our goal was to help it welcome friends and family with open arms and provide a casual atmosphere in which to love, laugh and relax. We needed to transform it all; floors, walls, kitchen and bedrooms. We left no stone unturned until we had the perfect collaboration of traditional family heirlooms mixed in with a modern palette. New brown stained floors, grey European style cabinets, white quartz counters, textured backsplash tile, mullion free vinyl windows and an open floorplan modernized this kitchen while staying true to its natural roots. Neutral gray walls collaborate with dark accents in the arches to define their detail. Reupholstering the furniture in patterned fabrics updated each room to span the spectrum of traditional to modern. The curated collection of family antiques finished in new hues and newly acquired pieces create a space unique to and adored by this client. Photos by Zack Lewis of Showcase Photographers

Architect Matthew Coates’ award-winning “ReHOME: Resilience & Regeneration” project takes on two pressing social and environmental issues: the lack of affordable housing in cities throughout the United States, and the vast amount of waste produced during construction and demolition. This project won the prestigious 2022 AIA Seattle’s Award of Merit in “Research & Innovation” owing to its plan to save millions of dollars in resources while creating jobs that develop employable skills and constructing low-cost housing for diverse demographics. Through community engagement and volunteer work, future residents will benefit from the housing while learning skills of construction and management. The vision is to then introduce volunteers to industries wherein they might acquire future employment. This project introduces innovations not yet utilized in efforts to increase the inventory of affordable housing.

Nestled in the hills of Orinda, California, this 1951 residence is one of only seven extant homes, now known as “The Magnificent Seven”, designed by architect Olof Dahlstrand, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright. With its low-slung rooflines, natural materials, and deep integration with the sloping landscape, the home is a pristine example of mid-century modern design inspired by Wright’s organic principles. Over the years, prior homeowners have emphasized preservation, ensuring that the house remained relatively untouched. Each owner has respected the original architecture and stayed true to Dahlstrand’s intent. When a family of five—two college-aged sons and a middle school-aged daughter—acquired the property, they were captivated by its history, legacy of care, and architectural significance. While they appreciated Dahlstrand’s original vision, they also recognized the need to adapt the home for contemporary living while preserving its design integrity. The remodel was conceived as a thoughtful response to the past—an effort to bring the house into the 21st century without compromising its soul. The primary mandate was to maintain architectural continuity while improving the functionality, comfort, and livability for a modern family. The design team—architects and contractor alike—worked with a shared reverence for the original architecture, allowing that mindset to guide even the most technical or pragmatic decisions. A key objective was to increase natural light in the kitchen—a departure from Wrightian principles of enclosed, intimate cooking spaces—while maintaining the home’s architectural language. The kitchen was reconfigured to foster a stronger connection to adjacent living spaces while retaining the underlying concept of spatial separation. One of the most transformative architectural changes was the removal of a ridge beam that was originally planned to remain visible through the kitchen. During construction, the team collaborated on a better solution: a wide-flanged steel beam concealed within the roof envelope. This subtle move preserved the clean lines and ceiling continuity, a modern update carried out with utmost respect for the existing framework. The home’s original powder room, previously accessible only through the kitchen, was relocated for better flow and privacy. A new powder room was carved out of former kitchen cabinetry—a narrow, interior space that could have felt dark and enclosed. To avoid this, the design extended the line of original transom windows into the new powder room and added a skylight above the vanity. The result is a bright and airy space that feels consistent with the rest of the home. Other updates included the installation of new solid-core interior doors with veneers carefully matched to the original mahogany, enhancing the continuity of the interiors. Even smaller decisions, such as placing the door knobs at 42 inches high, mirrored the original proportions. Every choice reflected a shared belief between the architect, contractor, and client: that new work should serve the integrity of the old. The home’s extensive interior redwood millwork and paneling was meticulously restored. Where new materials were introduced—such as the replacement redwood soffit paneling—the contractor took pains to find finish nails that matched the original, rather than using modern equivalents. This level of craftsmanship and collaboration defined the project. It extended even to the detailing of a blind door to the new powder room, which had to disappear into the existing redwood board-and-batten wall. It was a team effort: the owner found a suitable handle, the architects devised the custom in-swing mechanism, and the contractor executed it so the door aligned precisely with the battens. Throughout, the homeowners were deeply engaged in the design process. One, a meticulous design enthusiast, focused on aesthetic integrity and historic detail. The other brought a practical and function-driven perspective, ensuring that new fixtures and materials would be durable and require minimal maintenance. While the home’s location posed no major site challenges, sustainability was a key concern. The team upgraded the roof insulation, installed solar panels with battery storage, and added ductless mini-split cooling systems. Lighting was another area where modern technology was woven into a historic framework: new square LED fixtures echo the original custom perimeter soffit lights, maintaining the design language while offering advanced performance. A planned expansion of a bedroom into suite with a bathroom had to be shelved due to budget constraints and the high cost of below-grade foundation work. Still, the team focused their efforts on making the most of the existing footprint, resolving constraints through design ingenuity rather than adding square footage. This renovation represents a collaborative achievement in preserving and evolving a historically significant home. Every decision was shaped by a shared ethos among clients, architects, and contractor: to maintain the home’s architectural soul while updating it for contemporary life. The result is a timeless modernist residence that continues Olof Dahlstrand’s legacy, remaining grounded in nature, craftsmanship, and human-scale design. Klopf Architecture Team: John Klopf, AIA, Klara Kevane, Fernanda Bernardes
Interior Architectural Design: Klopf Architecture
Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao
Contractor: Don Larwood, Larwood Construction Photography: Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2022

The Home A family heirloom full of warm memories passed down for generations to come greets you after opening the beautiful knotty alder front door. The rear staircase and separate back entrance allows for multi-generations to share this home. The Eagles Nest is a place for all to land. The five bedroom, four bath mountain modern plan offers several areas for relaxing and entertaining. Upon entering, you are welcomed by the warmth of the beams, hickory floors and inviting fireplace. The overall environment gently whispers, “come in, sit down and relax”. The back staircase off the kitchen leads you to a private oasis. The lower level is designed to serve two purposes. It can be a separate living quarter because of its private entrance, or an extension of the house for entertaining. The open floor plan maximizes square footage for all to enjoy and partake, or for one to find their own quiet space. The Builder We build your dreams is the heartfelt motto of Murphy’s Custom Homes, and that’s because we take great pride in crafting homes that reflect the individuality of the people who live in them. With more than 35 years of experience and passion, Murphy’s Custom Homes personally crafts clients’ dream homes by combining their ideas with our expert design team, experience, the environmental elements of the land, quality construction techniques and state-of-the-art products. We are committed to our clients’ satisfaction during every step of the homebuilding process — from the development of ideas and acquiring land — until the final celebration of walking through the front door and seeing those dreams fulfilled. View a full gallery of our work at murphyscustomhomes.com or call 719-488-8818. The Interior Design Inspired by nature’s palette and a touch of modern, the Eagles Nest is a calm haven of earth tones and casual elegance. The interior is an inviting blend of subtle neutrals and pops of color, combined with metals, textures, and fine finishes, creating a transitional rustic design. Entertain guests in the large downstairs rec room with a glass of wine at the built-in bar, or take on an opponent with a game of foosball. The homeowners joined forces with Caprice King at Upstage Furniture Consignments to paint the pallet of the home. Caprice King staged the home with additional furnishings and accessories, lending the home a designer’s touch while utilizing her spatial expertise and attention to detail.

The owner of this newly built Kingsway Tudor home had acquired the empty lot behind, offering the opportunity to create a series of outdoor rooms that stretch beyond what would be imaginable. The first third of this garden offers a structured over-sized deck and lower stone terrace for entertaining, which steps down to a long lawn allee anchored on both sides with deep gardens reaching almost 20 ft. At the back of the garden, we have a reclaimed barn timber pergola set on concrete pillars with wisteria draping the secluded sitting area offering a true oasis in the heart of the city.

Whether you are building a new home or remodeling one, DesBuild Construction is your best bet for a job well done. With years of making folks happy in the DC Metro area we have acquired a long list of well satisfied clients.

HOMEREDI completed this 700 square feet basement from demo stage to complete installation of electrical, plumbing, framing, tiling and installation of Water and Mold Proof Basement Wall Finishing System in record time under 4 weeks. We acquired required Building Permit and provided all paper work to the satisfaction of the Village Building Department. This proprietary panel system is unlike the run of the mill basement panel systems that uses fiberglass insulation,

The existing kitchen in this turn-of-the-century (c. 1901) home in Newton, MA was in dire need of updating when the owners acquired it for their family of four. They wanted to both enlarge it and open it up to an existing adjacent dining space that they planned to transform into a family sitting area. In the spirit of the home’s original classical columns and detailing, we introduced short Doric columns on half-walls to shape a new opening between the former dining space, now family room, and the kitchen. The white inset kitchen-cabinetry and white marble counter were chosen for both their vintage appeal and clean, contemporary palette. To further improve function a half-bath was tucked in off the family room and a 12’ x 12’ mud room was added to the back of the kitchen. Katie Hutchison Studio collaborated with designer Tara Albright Robinson of Newton, Mass. (tara282@gmail.com) on this project. Cabinetry by Kingswood Kitchens of Danbury, Conn. photo by Katie Hutchison

Originally built in 1970, this later-model Eichler—designed by architect Claude Oakland—features a distinctive “Model 14” roofline with a clipped gable, a subtle nod to the charm of English thatch-roof cottages. Acquired from the original owner, the home remained in untouched, original condition—offering a rare opportunity for restoration, but also presenting an urgent need for updates. Our approach was grounded in respect for Oakland’s original design intent, while thoughtfully incorporating essential upgrades to meet modern building codes and today’s lifestyle expectations. Eichler homes were originally built using modest, cost-effective materials to make modern architecture accessible to the growing mid-century middle class. While iconic, elements like laminate countertops, particle board cabinetry, and vinyl composition tile flooring haven’t stood the test of time. We carefully replaced these with more durable, high-quality alternatives—granite countertops, maple-ply cabinets, and luxury vinyl tile—ensuring the home remains true to its spirit while standing strong for decades to come. All images © Ken Gutmaker

Custom Floors helped select, acquire and install all Tile, Wood, and wall to wall Carpet products in the Wedgewood Building Companyhomes, and Williams Custom Art Builders home. Custom Floors also contributed all of this as well as Custom Stone fabricated and installed countertops in the Christopher Scott Homes Home, and the Bedrock Builders home. photos taken by Britney Webb

This remodeling project acquired a new face and interpretation of the spaces by liberating the floor plan. Walls were removed to allow natural light to come into the space. This old split level home was transformed from the inside to the outside.

We recently acquired 9 sets of drawers that were used by National Cash Register. One drawer out of the set carried the National Cash Register label dated 1949. The drawer units had electric locks where they could be locked or unlocked with the push of a button. The drawers do not lock any longer. We faced each drawer with hickory wood from the tree that was cut down on baseball legend, Ted Williams, baseball camp called Splendid Splinters in Lakeville, MA. The bun feet were hand turned by Stephen Staples and the top is made from reclaimed antique pine. Measurements: 30.5" W x 17.5" D x 20.75" H

A modern transformation was in store for this abused split-level Rockville, MD home. A previous "renovation" created some non-functional spaces and odd transitions. At the center of the design was an antique chandelier that the homeowners acquired from an estate sale early in their marriage, so that challenge was integrating old and new into the shared space. So many walls came down and one wall went up. This family now has not only an open and functional space, but it is dripping with luxury details like the custom cabinets in a glorious emerald green color from Benjamin Moore called "Gondola Ride", gold tone hardware and wall sconces, and a stunning Borghini Gold quartz counter from Emerstone that carries up to the backsplash. Outlets hidden under the cabinets provide plenty of power for small appliances. The cabinetry is loaded with smart features like a trash and recycling center, deep pot storage, gigantic storage pantries flanking the refrigerator and a generous island that provides seating for 4 and hidden storage. Valence boxes create a home for the 3 gold scones that tie the kitchen and the dining buffer together. Dimmable led surface lights throughout provide ample illumination without detracting from the statement lighting in the room. The newly refinished hardwood floors complete the look.

Old architecture combined with new fresh contemporary art and upholstery, Patti Allen created a great space for her long time friend’s second home. She brought fresh contemporary furniture coupled with current edgy colors to call this Asheville retreat their home. Her clients wanted to work around their love for art and special pieces they have acquired. The rooms had a great feel because of all the light coming into the room that naturally spotlighted their art to make it the focal point. They also had a lot of natural textures with the brick walls so they brought in several pieces of metal to compliment the industrial feel. The tufted sofa gave comfort and clean lines. The Vanguard chairs gave another option for upholstery in the room but keeping it in a smaller scale to fit in the room with the other pieces. The pops of yellow and turquoise highlighted the clients desire for color. They used Elite barstools with stainless steel metal that gave simplicity to show off their beautiful granite. The dining room table was by Stanley furniture and she used Century upholstered chairs to compliment the living room. The art deco chair is by Dwell Studios. The Stanton geometric rug helped ground your eye and give definition to the seating areas. The Master bedroom was by Precedent and the fabric flowed nicely with the wall coverings by Lee Jofa. The nightstands were by Vanguard and she spotlighted fuchsia with the chaise. The guest room had a wall that worked great with the American Leather sleeper sofa against the brick wall. Their art went great with it. This was a fun project for Patti because she truly enjoys working with lighter pallets, textured fabric and clean architectural lines with pops of color.

Rivetti Company offers expert custom deck and siding services. While adhering to industry quality standards, we work diligently to meet the needs of our customers. Our staff is committed to performing fine craftsmanship with cost efficiency and exceptional attention to detail. San Diego-born Gianni Rivetti founded his company with the vision of continuing a family tradition passed down from his grandfather to his own father, a master woodworker. During his adolescence, Gianni developed a passion for carpentry learning alongside his father. He was then hired at 18 by a design build company and began honing both his rough and finish carpentry skills. Rivetti went on to gain over a decade of experience through his collaboration with the finest construction companies in Coastal California from Malibu, Santa Barbara, Carmel, Pebble Beach, and San Diego. Throughout his partnerships with the leading craftsmen in the industry, he cultivated a strong command of various tasks ranging from framing luxury homes to installing crown molding. Since then, Rivetti has acquired a specialized knowledge of custom decks, finish carpentry, siding, and general maintenance services. His background in executing projects from the ground up to their completion inspired the creation of Rivetti Company. Rivetti has now settled in San Diego to raise his son, Joseph, and pursue his craft.

Photography by Grey Crawford
Inspiration for a rustic bedroom remodel in San Francisco

Inspiration for a contemporary living room remodel in London