Rutledge Farm in Middleburg, VA reveals the work of an earlier version of Washington, DC’s Blackburn Architects, known in the 1980’s as Smith Blackburn Architects. Today’s pastoral view of fields, creosote fences, historic elms and elegant old barns carries the legacy of the renowned equestrian design practice and client Hermen Greenberg. The architect’s work on the estate has become more beautiful as it has acquired the rich patina of time.

If the kitchen is the heart of the home, this one was far from inviting. The new owners wanted to make all the rooms in their newly acquired Victorian house brighter and more functional and the kitchen was the first to be designed. We proposed a new layout which included an eat-at island and lots of space for the cook of the family. Him! We designed the space to give our clients everything on their wish list, including a wall oven which was installed in the storage space in adjacent laundry room. The beautiful blue backsplash tiles make this kitchen not just another white kitchen and the dark soapstone counters add so much personality. The existing brick wall is a nice nod to the history of the home and raising the ceiling slightly makes a big difference (thin LED pot lights were just the trick).

This home office was created out of two rooms; a bedroom and the adjacent garage. The floor of the garage was raised to house level after the intervening wall was removed. The built in bookcases are stained to match the Brazilian pecan floor. Photo by Arnel Garcia, colorsoflife.biz

The homeowners engaged our team in 2022 after acquiring their property in Stone Lake Ranch, partnering with Olivera Custom Homes to bring their vision to life. From the earliest stages of architectural planning, we curated a refined interior design concept that seamlessly integrates timeless elegance with modern sophistication. The finishes, fixtures, and furnishings were thoughtfully selected to create a home that feels both luxurious and effortlessly livable.

Hampton-inspired master bedroom, Beadboard combined with horizontal planking, Architectural detail of the walls is painted white to highlight the lines of the furniture, Layering of art and acquired accessories, Strong pattern and colors in rug and upholstery Designed by Sarah King Photo by Jordan Sternberg

For the best effect when looking for fabrics to furnish your house, it is best to use fabrics that have varying textures. This is the only way to avoid getting a flat and bland look. When furnishing, consider collecting different types of fabrics and then mixing them until you get a result you find appealing. Do not be afraid of trying out as many fabrics as possible. Remember it is only through carrying out trials that you will be able to identify the right color schemes as well as find what works best for your items or house. Voyage Maison share some tips to make the most of your soft furnishing. When Choosing Fabrics, Consider Where You Want Them To Go

When selecting a fabric scheme, consider where you want the fabrics to go. If you look at the back of most fabrics, you will find that most manufacturers usually indicate the most suitable area where they should be placed such as on upholstery or for windows. You will also find that most fabrics usually come with labelled with their composition and rubs. Understanding the rubs on a fabric will help you know more about the durability of the material as well as the most suitable areas of use. The number of rubs on a fabric are typically found on little icons on the material or they can be indicated in the form of a number after a Martindale test has been carried out by the manufacturer. The number of rubs is the best way to know how to purpose a fabric. For example: • Fabrics with less than 10,000 rubs are most ideal for decorative uses • Fabrics with between 10,000-15,000 rubs are ideal for light domestic uses • Fabrics with between 15,000-25,000 rubs are ideal for general domestic uses • Fabrics with between 25,000-30,000 rubs are ideal for heavy duty uses When Choosing Fabrics For Furnishing, Consider Their Practicality and Maintenance Needs

It is best that you select your fabrics based on your existing needs while at the same time looking at the care that will be required to keep the material in prime condition. For example, if you have pets and kids, you should go for fabrics that can easily be wiped or cleaned. Most of the fabrics in the market today can be easily cleaned but you should ensure that you specify to your retailer that you need a material that is easy to clean when making a purchase. On finding your fabric of choice, you can also acquire Scotchgard – A strong fabric cover that repels most spills making cleaning of fabrics easier.

When selecting fabrics, you should also consider the orientation of the room where they will be used. This will help you pick the right material of fabric as well as select the right fabric color. For example, if your room has a southern orientation, light will be filtering into the room in such a way that it will not be prudent to use fabrics made of silk material for your cushions and windows.

Tips On How To Accentuate The Appeal Of a Room By Adding Throws & Cushions

In the market, you will find cushions and throws in all shapes, sizes and colors. These fittings can essentially be said to be the cherry on top of the cake when it comes to accentuating the décor in a room. After planning out the furnishings for the rest of the room, cushions and throws can help you brighten up a room and further, they can help you transform it entirely. For example, you can change the look of a room from formal to informal just by selecting the right cushions. You can also transform the look of a room to suit the season at hand, say from summer to winter by simply changing cushions and playing around with the fabric covers. You can also achieve different effects by changing the sizes of cushions and throws in a room. Changing cushions and fabrics to suit different occasions, moods or seasons is a great way to achieve your desired look without breaking the bank.

Mid-sized beach style formal and enclosed medium tone wood floor living room photo in Tampa with white walls and no tv

Wolf 30" M Series Contemporary Convection Steam Oven Black | CSO30CM Available at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center | uakc.com Easy-access water tank: The oven’s large water tank provides 90 minutes of continuous steam cooking. Thoughtfully designed, it can be refilled when needed without opening the oven door and interrupting the cooking process. Largest interior capacity: More than 25 percent larger than similar units, large enough to roast a 15-pound turkey, Wolf’s steam oven lets you prepare larger items and even multiple dishes at once. Design flexibility: Install the unit flush with cabinetry to seamlessly integrate it into your kitchen design. And since the unit isn’t plumbed, it can be installed anywhere without requiring special water lines. 10 cooking modes: Precisely control heat, steam and airflow for the best results with any dish with 10 cooking modes: Steam, Reheat, Auto Steam Bake, Convection, Convection Humid, Convection Steam, Gourmet, Slow Roast, Recipes, and Keep Warm. Steam mode: Steam mode heats with steam and hot air, achieving a temperature range from 85°F-210°F. From vegetables, poultry and fish to grains, beans, pasta and egg dishes, gentle steam heat is ideal for capturing nutrition, color and flavor. Reheat mode: Reheat mode uses steam and hot air to rehydrate food gently. Using convection and the right amount of moisture, Reheat mode warms one to four pans of food evenly and without drying with a temperature range from 210°F to 300°F. Auto Steam Bake mode: By heating with steam first, then using convection heat to finish, bagels, breads, buns, rolls and pastries acquire a tender interior and a natural shine without the need for brushing with an egg wash. Auto Steam Bake mode temperatures range from 210°F to 445°F. Convection mode: A fan circulates hot air from a heating element at the back of the oven to distribute heat evenly around food for consistent results and browning. Convection mode temperatures range from 85°F to 445°F. Convection Humid mode: In Convection Humid mode, a heating element at the back of the oven produces heat and oven ventilation is sealed so that moisture produced during cooking remains in the oven. Convection Humid temperatures range from 85°F to 445°F. Convection Steam mode: Use Convection Steam for any foods you want to be tender inside and roasted or crisped outside. Convection steam mode temperatures range from 85°F to 445°F. Gourmet mode: Gourmet mode uses a climate sensor to adjust time, temperature and humidity for ideal results with no guesswork. Slow Roast mode: Slow Roast mode is an ultimate convenience. Insert the probe into your prepared meat, select a slow roast setting for the dish you're preparing, tell the oven what time you want it done, and come home to a perfectly cooked meal. Recipes mode: Use Recipes mode and the collection of built-in recipes to harness the power of the oven's many different cooking modes to easily cook entire meals from appetizers and entrees to desserts. Keep Warm mode: The combination of convection and steam heat preserves food’s taste, texture, looks and quality so every bite is as delicious as if it were fresh from the oven. Keep multiple dinner plates warm at once, making staggered meal times more convenient. Temperature probe: The temperature probe alerts you when your dish has reached the desired temperature, eliminating guesswork when preparing roasts and other meats. Multiple pans and rack positions: Two included pans can be placed in any of four rack positions. Both pans are stainles steel – one solid, and the other with a perforated bottom that is particularly well-suited for dishes prepared in Steam mode. Delayed start: What time would you like your dish to be ready? Simply program in a time. The oven turns on at the right moment and adjusts the cooking process so the food is ready to serve precisely when you want it. Technical Features: Shipping Weight (lbs): 80 Electrical Requirements: 220/240V, 60Hz, 20 amp dedicated circuit Dimensions: 29 7/8"W x 17 7/8"H x 21 1/2"D Star-K Kosher certified as Sabbath and holiday-compliant

If the kitchen is the heart of the home, this one was far from inviting. The new owners wanted to make all the rooms in their newly acquired Victorian house brighter and more functional and the kitchen was the first to be designed. We proposed a new layout which included an eat-at island and lots of space for the cook of the family. Him! We designed the space to give our clients everything on their wish list, including a wall oven which was installed in the storage space in adjacent laundry room. The beautiful blue backsplash tiles make this kitchen not just another white kitchen and the dark soapstone counters add so much personality. The existing brick wall is a nice nod to the history of the home and raising the ceiling slightly makes a big difference (thin LED pot lights were just the trick).

Single Family Residence at Windansea Beach, acquire a parcel 5,000 SQ FT, develop a 3 bedroom and 2 bath, only some steps to the beach. Project has interior courtyard with pool, basement with game room, TV/Movie room and roof deck with panoramic view of the ocean.

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.

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

TRANSCENDENCE — Concrete, Paper Mache, Sand and Modeling Paste / Acrylic, Latex, Enamel, Oil, Metallic and Tempera Paints / Acrylic, India and Iridescent Inks on canvas. 60” x 48” E-Mail For Quote Photo by Siggi Ragnar.

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

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

For the master suite, we created an elegant and chic heaven with a sense of style that is conductive to rest and relaxation. We selected a specific color combination to create the perfect ambiance for this room. We mixed the quietness of a soothing neutral pallet with the sophistication and elegance of silver. We added drops of blue, which is considered beneficial to the mind and body. It slows human metabolism and produces a calming effect. We incorporated green, the color of life, renewal, nature, and energy. Natural silk glimmer curtains, wave reflecting silver wall paper, a hand woven silk and wool rug from India, an original oil painting acquired in Paris 40 year ago, two elegant designer reupholstered chairs, were elements that spoke by themselves in this classic contemporary master bedroom. The sitting room invites you to linger and enjoy the breathtaking vista of the Golf of Mexico. Sinking into the sofa allows you carve out restorative moments, to unwind, unplug and recharge.

This 7500 sf single-family, 5 bedroom home designed, built, and engineered by BGD&C Custom Homes is located in Lincoln Park. The home features classic architecture and timeless detailing with a brick and limestone façade and prominent copper-clad bay windows; and boasts lavish exterior entertaining space, including a side yard, rear yard, balconies, and roof deck. The clients moving from the Chicago suburbs are empty nesters and have two children. Amongst the owner’s must haves- an urban home that could comfortably accommodate their visiting children, and spaces throughout designed specifically for entertaining. The house was already partially built when the client acquired a second lot, allowing for two additions – a conservatory-style game room and a music room – also designed and built by BGD&C Custom Homes.

Symmetry is a form of excellence, something that aspires to be worthy of describing as perfect. The above presented panel deserves such a description. Wave-like carvings are placed symmetrically to each other. Such an operation has enabled us acquire a model that has achieved perfection. The designers have created a true masterpiece – a decorative panel with wave-like, three-dimensional and consistent pattern. Proper assembly enables to make an interior seem wider, and to hypnotize with their good style at the same time. Specification: Width: 80cm* Height: 70cm* Thickness: 0.5-4cm Weight: 13.5kg * dimensions tolerance 1cm, in ordered part up to 1mm. All the patterns are registered trademarks, protected by the law. Using the present patterns without patent owner’s consent will be prosecuted by the certified authorities.

For years, early morning walks past this 1910 Craftsman in Houston's historic Avondale neighborhood left the new owners with lingering fantasies of making it their future home. When it became available, they acquired a home rich with history, but one nearly abolished. The home was once inhabited by Texas Governor (1931-1932) and founder of Humble Oil, Ross Sterling. But, renovations subdivided the home into multi-family rentals and destroyed original finishes. The developer driven modifications were abruptly halted by city red tags in 2018 after original windows were demolished and replaced with vinyl substitutes. With a nearly clean slate on the interior, the HRDD renovation aims to be respectful to the original context while providing coplimentary modern surprises atypical to the era. One such example is a new opening that punctures through the second floor, extending to a roof skylight. Situated at the transition between formal and informal rooms on the first floor and common space on the second floor, this subtraction is lined with a scalloped wood screen. The screen is one of multiple moments within the home where texture will combine with minimal white surfaces, providing a backdrop to the owners' collection of antique Indian furniture pieces. Additionally, a new detached replaced an existing dilapidated garage apartment and contains the owner's photography studio. Windows and a skylight are placed to capture coveted north light, ideal for photographing and editing. The main room remains an austere slate, with ceiling vaulting to a single aperture to create a dynamic moment that carries a dialogue to the opening in the main home.