This lovely little modern farmhouse is located at the base of the foothills in one of Boulder’s most prized neighborhoods. Tucked onto a challenging narrow lot, this inviting and sustainably designed 2400 sf., 4 bedroom home lives much larger than its compact form. The open floor plan and vaulted ceilings of the Great room, kitchen and dining room lead to a beautiful covered back patio and lush, private back yard. These rooms are flooded with natural light and blend a warm Colorado material palette and heavy timber accents with a modern sensibility. A lyrical open-riser steel and wood stair floats above the baby grand in the center of the home and takes you to three bedrooms on the second floor. The Master has a covered balcony with exposed beamwork & warm Beetle-kill pine soffits, framing their million-dollar view of the Flatirons. Its simple and familiar style is a modern twist on a classic farmhouse vernacular. The stone, Hardie board siding and standing seam metal roofing create a resilient and low-maintenance shell. The alley-loaded home has a solar-panel covered garage that was custom designed for the family’s active & athletic lifestyle (aka “lots of toys”). The front yard is a local food & water-wise Master-class, with beautiful rain-chains delivering roof run-off straight to the family garden.

Holly Hill, a retirement home, whose owner's hobbies are gardening and restoration of classic cars, is nestled into the site contours to maximize views of the lake and minimize impact on the site. Holly Hill is comprised of three wings joined by bridges: A wing facing a master garden to the east, another wing with workshop and a central activity, living, dining wing. Similar to a radiator the design increases the amount of exterior wall maximizing opportunities for natural ventilation during temperate months. Other passive solar design features will include extensive eaves, sheltering porches and high-albedo roofs, as strategies for considerably reducing solar heat gain. Daylighting with clerestories and solar tubes reduce daytime lighting requirements. Ground source geothermal heat pumps and superior to code insulation ensure minimal space conditioning costs. Corten steel siding and concrete foundation walls satisfy client requirements for low maintenance and durability. All light fixtures are LEDs. Open and screened porches are strategically located to allow pleasant outdoor use at any time of day, particular season or, if necessary, insect challenge. Dramatic cantilevers allow the porches to project into the site’s beautiful mixed hardwood tree canopy without damaging root systems. Guest arrive by vehicle with glimpses of the house and grounds through penetrations in the concrete wall enclosing the garden. One parked they are led through a garden composed of pavers, a fountain, benches, sculpture and plants. Views of the lake can be seen through and below the bridges. Primary client goals were a sustainable low-maintenance house, primarily single floor living, orientation to views, natural light to interiors, maximization of individual privacy, creation of a formal outdoor space for gardening, incorporation of a full workshop for cars, generous indoor and outdoor social space for guests and parties.

This lovely little modern farmhouse is located at the base of the foothills in one of Boulder’s most prized neighborhoods. Tucked onto a challenging narrow lot, this inviting and sustainably designed 2400 sf., 4 bedroom home lives much larger than its compact form. The open floor plan and vaulted ceilings of the Great room, kitchen and dining room lead to a beautiful covered back patio and lush, private back yard. These rooms are flooded with natural light and blend a warm Colorado material palette and heavy timber accents with a modern sensibility. A lyrical open-riser steel and wood stair floats above the baby grand in the center of the home and takes you to three bedrooms on the second floor. The Master has a covered balcony with exposed beamwork & warm Beetle-kill pine soffits, framing their million-dollar view of the Flatirons. Its simple and familiar style is a modern twist on a classic farmhouse vernacular. The stone, Hardie board siding and standing seam metal roofing create a resilient and low-maintenance shell. The alley-loaded home has a solar-panel covered garage that was custom designed for the family’s active & athletic lifestyle (aka “lots of toys”). The front yard is a local food & water-wise Master-class, with beautiful rain-chains delivering roof run-off straight to the family garden.

Fiberglass Swimming pool, Designer, installer, company, Lawrence NY 11559. The installation of this Thursday Goliath 16x37 fiberglass swimming pool was executed with an excavator, after digging the hole, a 3/8 bluestone gravel base was used for the under layer for the pool shell to sit on. The pool was then lifted and dropped in place; numerous adjustments were made before we started filling the fiberglass pool with water and backfilling around the pool shell. Sonar tubes were placed around the all perimeter of the pool to be used as future supports for the concrete slab of the patio base. On this fiberglass swimming pool a safety auto cover was also installed, the Goliath 16x37 is 3.8” to 6’8”deep with which makes this fiberglass pool a non-diving pool but it makes it a fun pool to swim, play sports activities and sit on the extensive benches and step that are molded in the pool shell by the manufacture. This fiberglass swimming pool was installed by Gappsi in Lawrence NY 11559, located on the south shore of Nassau County long Island. Due to the high water table in this area the pool was elevated, and many yards of fill were brought in to raise the property Grade. Fiberglass swimming pools are very challenging to install, starting with the delivery and due to the size of this pool 16x37 it was very expensive to cross the bridges and trucking it on the highway. 2 police car escort were also needed beside the delivery truck.The patio pavers used are the melfi limestone Vincenza pattern along with 2 inches thick random coping for the pool edge. These stones are exclusive Gappsi patio stone.

This lakefront diamond in the rough lot was waiting to be discovered by someone with a modern naturalistic vision and passion. Maintaining an eco-friendly, and sustainable build was at the top of the client priority list. Designed and situated to benefit from passive and active solar as well as through breezes from the lake, this indoor/outdoor living space truly establishes a symbiotic relationship with its natural surroundings. The pie-shaped lot provided significant challenges with a street width of 50ft, a steep shoreline buffer of 50ft, as well as a powerline easement reducing the buildable area. The client desired a smaller home of approximately 2500sf that juxtaposed modern lines with the free form of the natural setting. The 250ft of lakefront afforded 180-degree views which guided the design to maximize this vantage point while supporting the adjacent environment through preservation of heritage trees. Prior to construction the shoreline buffer had been rewilded with wildflowers, perennials, utilization of clover and meadow grasses to support healthy animal and insect re-population. The inclusion of solar panels as well as hydroponic heated floors and wood stove supported the owner’s desire to be self-sufficient. Core ten steel was selected as the predominant material to allow it to “rust” as it weathers thus blending into the natural environment.

An attractive and functional way to access under-deck storage. This active family needed to overhaul this large property but didn't know where to start. "It's like three acres of boring dirt and weeds", said my client. The steeply sloped property did indeed present unique challenges with ever-present voracious deer, the need for erosion control and bank stabilization, large areas that required planting while still considering water conservation, and the need for beautification and modernization to tie into the aesthetic of the newly renovated home. Concurrently, safety and access to all parts of the property were a consideration. Landscaping goals were accomplished through careful plant selection and judicious use of retaining walls in various styles throughout the property. Generous railroad tie steps were used on sloping side yards. The landscaped portions converge gracefully with the existing oak woodland. Children can play and hide in many fun spots, while my client's elderly grandmother can safely walk around.

This lovely little modern farmhouse is located at the base of the foothills in one of Boulder’s most prized neighborhoods. Tucked onto a challenging narrow lot, this inviting and sustainably designed 2400 sf., 4 bedroom home lives much larger than its compact form. The open floor plan and vaulted ceilings of the Great room, kitchen and dining room lead to a beautiful covered back patio and lush, private back yard. These rooms are flooded with natural light and blend a warm Colorado material palette and heavy timber accents with a modern sensibility. A lyrical open-riser steel and wood stair floats above the baby grand in the center of the home and takes you to three bedrooms on the second floor. The Master has a covered balcony with exposed beamwork & warm Beetle-kill pine soffits, framing their million-dollar view of the Flatirons. Its simple and familiar style is a modern twist on a classic farmhouse vernacular. The stone, Hardie board siding and standing seam metal roofing create a resilient and low-maintenance shell. The alley-loaded home has a solar-panel covered garage that was custom designed for the family’s active & athletic lifestyle (aka “lots of toys”). The front yard is a local food & water-wise Master-class, with beautiful rain-chains delivering roof run-off straight to the family garden.

Optiek Herpol wanted to move to a better, more central location with plenty of parking space. A property that complied with these conditions was found on the Market in Deinze, and JUMA architects were subsequently asked to design a new interior for the store. The property in question is very deep and narrow with little natural light entry. JUMA set to work despite these constraints in an attempt to transform these challenges into qualities. The architects positioned the sales counter right behind the shop window, so as to make optimum use of the available natural light. This also makes store activities visible from the outside, adding an extra element of attraction. At the narrowest section of the store, a large wall mirror was put in to visually double the space. The wall onto which the eyeglasses are displayed is located opposite the mirror and is literally the eye catcher in the store. A wooden lattice makes for an interesting play of diagonal lines behind which the glasses are presented. This unique concept animates the entire store without detracting from the fact that the glasses should remain the main focal point in the store. The workshop is located in the back, separated from the store by a wall in smoked grey glass. In this way, the optician can keep an eye on the store at all times. The colour palette is predominantly white, to keep the interior as light as possible. As a counterpoint, warm wood accents are added. The chairs at the counter are upholstered in a colour that harmonizes perfectly with the wood. Pictures © Thomas De Bruyne

Optiek Herpol wanted to move to a better, more central location with plenty of parking space. A property that complied with these conditions was found on the Market in Deinze, and JUMA architects were subsequently asked to design a new interior for the store. The property in question is very deep and narrow with little natural light entry. JUMA set to work despite these constraints in an attempt to transform these challenges into qualities. The architects positioned the sales counter right behind the shop window, so as to make optimum use of the available natural light. This also makes store activities visible from the outside, adding an extra element of attraction. At the narrowest section of the store, a large wall mirror was put in to visually double the space. The wall onto which the eyeglasses are displayed is located opposite the mirror and is literally the eye catcher in the store. A wooden lattice makes for an interesting play of diagonal lines behind which the glasses are presented. This unique concept animates the entire store without detracting from the fact that the glasses should remain the main focal point in the store. The workshop is located in the back, separated from the store by a wall in smoked grey glass. In this way, the optician can keep an eye on the store at all times. The colour palette is predominantly white, to keep the interior as light as possible. As a counterpoint, warm wood accents are added. The chairs at the counter are upholstered in a colour that harmonizes perfectly with the wood. Pictures © Thomas De Bruyne

Modern Minimalism Meets Everyday Life in Lancaster Project Overview Challenge: With three children, two cats, and frequent visits from friends and extended family, the homeowners needed a kitchen that could keep up with their active household. As certified foster parents, [LINK TO THIS MONTH’S BLOG POST] they also required secure, lockable storage for knives, alcohol, and cleaning supplies. While functional, the existing kitchen felt dated and lacked efficiency. Their vision: clean countertops, hidden appliances, and durable finishes with timeless appeal. Design: Lenton Company created a tailored plan that honored the family’s budget and priorities. The U-shaped layout was preserved, but the stove was moved to the opposite wall to improve flow for two active cooks. Dark green shaker-style base cabinets were paired with white uppers and quartz countertops, delivering a high-contrast, classic look. Water resistant, wood-tone flooring was installed throughout the kitchen and main living areas for durability and cohesion. The drop ceiling remained due to ductwork but was refinished for a fresh appearance. Build: Construction began with a full demo and was carefully sectioned off to maintain a safe environment. The remodel included all-new appliances, lighting, cabinetry, and finishes. Thoughtful features like soft-close drawers, oversized pull-out trash and recycling, locking storage, a hidden microwave, and dedicated space for a toaster oven contributed to a clutter-free and functional kitchen. Under-cabinet lighting, overhead fixtures, and a half lazy Susan further enhanced efficiency and usability. Reveal: In the words of our homeowners, “Working with Lenton Company made the process feel seamless and turnkey. Having the designer, project manager, and build team all under one roof was a huge advantage. Our designer really listened to our needs and design preferences, offering thoughtful layout options and guiding us toward choices that fit our style and budget. The build team was efficient, professional, and kept everything on track—and tidy! After the renovation, we knew without a doubt we had made the right decision.”

Modern Minimalism Meets Everyday Life in Lancaster Project Overview Challenge: With three children, two cats, and frequent visits from friends and extended family, the homeowners needed a kitchen that could keep up with their active household. As certified foster parents, [LINK TO THIS MONTH’S BLOG POST] they also required secure, lockable storage for knives, alcohol, and cleaning supplies. While functional, the existing kitchen felt dated and lacked efficiency. Their vision: clean countertops, hidden appliances, and durable finishes with timeless appeal. Design: Lenton Company created a tailored plan that honored the family’s budget and priorities. The U-shaped layout was preserved, but the stove was moved to the opposite wall to improve flow for two active cooks. Dark green shaker-style base cabinets were paired with white uppers and quartz countertops, delivering a high-contrast, classic look. Water resistant, wood-tone flooring was installed throughout the kitchen and main living areas for durability and cohesion. The drop ceiling remained due to ductwork but was refinished for a fresh appearance. Build: Construction began with a full demo and was carefully sectioned off to maintain a safe environment. The remodel included all-new appliances, lighting, cabinetry, and finishes. Thoughtful features like soft-close drawers, oversized pull-out trash and recycling, locking storage, a hidden microwave, and dedicated space for a toaster oven contributed to a clutter-free and functional kitchen. Under-cabinet lighting, overhead fixtures, and a half lazy Susan further enhanced efficiency and usability. Reveal: In the words of our homeowners, “Working with Lenton Company made the process feel seamless and turnkey. Having the designer, project manager, and build team all under one roof was a huge advantage. Our designer really listened to our needs and design preferences, offering thoughtful layout options and guiding us toward choices that fit our style and budget. The build team was efficient, professional, and kept everything on track—and tidy! After the renovation, we knew without a doubt we had made the right decision.”

This project is a new 5,900 sf. primary residence for a couple with three children. The site is slightly elevated above the residential street and enjoys winter views of the Potomac River. The family’s requirements included five bedrooms, five full baths, a powder room, family room, dining room, eat-in kitchen, walk-in pantry, mudroom, lower level recreation room, exercise room, media room and numerous storage spaces. Also included was the request for an outdoor terrace and adequate outdoor storage, including provision for the storage of bikes and kayaks. The family needed a home that would have two entrances, the primary entrance, and a mudroom entry that would provide generous storage spaces for the family’s active lifestyle. Due to the small lot size, the challenge was to accommodate the family’s requirements, while remaining sympathetic to the scale of neighboring homes. The residence employs a “T” shaped plan to aid in minimizing the massing visible from the street, while organizing interior spaces around a private outdoor terrace space accessible from the living and dining spaces. A generous front porch and a gambrel roof diminish the home’s scale, providing a welcoming view along the street front. A path along the right side of the residence leads to the family entrance and a small outbuilding that provides ready access to the bikes and kayaks while shielding the rear terrace from view of neighboring homes. The two entrances join a central stair hall that leads to the eat-in kitchen overlooking the great room. Window seats and a custom built banquette provide gathering spaces, while the French doors connect the great room to the terrace where the arbor transitions to the garden. A first floor guest suite, separate from the family areas of the home, affords privacy for both guests and hosts alike. The second floor Master Suite enjoys views of the Potomac River through a second floor arched balcony visible from the front. The exterior is composed of a board and batten first floor with a cedar shingled second floor and gambrel roof. These two contrasting materials and the inclusion of a partially recessed front porch contribute to the perceived diminution of the home’s scale relative to its smaller neighbors. The overall intention was to create a close fit between the residence and the neighboring context, both built and natural. Builder: E.H. Johnstone Builders Anice Hoachlander Photography

After moving from California to McLean, Virginia, this large and active family wanted to keep enjoying the outdoors throughout the year. This task required some creative space planning by Matt Sbitani of MJA Design, Inc. The goals: to let the outdoor sounds and fresh air become a part of the family’s daily living while still keeping the bugs out. The enlarged window above the sink gives a clear view to the outdoors. To prevent the space from feeling closed in, Sbitani also turned a single door and standard window into a glass wall that opens to the grand screened-in outdoor living space. The inviting alfresco fireplace keeps the teenagers and their friends chatting at home for hours. One of the lady of the house’s favorite features is the unique platter display rack, showcasing works of art that are also used on a daily basis. Keeping a large family organized can be a challenge, which is why MJA Design created a zone that incorporates the laundry area, utility closet, and coat/shoe closet—all within the kitchen area. The team accomplished this by removing the laundry room and back stairs to enlarge the space. When friends come over to this busy household, they feel right at home, helping themselves to drinks and snacks from the refrigerator drawer. In fact, everyone feels comfortable with the open and airy atmosphere that welcomes guests to join in the great outdoors.

Holly Hill, a retirement home, whose owner's hobbies are gardening and restoration of classic cars, is nestled into the site contours to maximize views of the lake and minimize impact on the site. Holly Hill is comprised of three wings joined by bridges: A wing facing a master garden to the east, another wing with workshop and a central activity, living, dining wing. Similar to a radiator the design increases the amount of exterior wall maximizing opportunities for natural ventilation during temperate months. Other passive solar design features will include extensive eaves, sheltering porches and high-albedo roofs, as strategies for considerably reducing solar heat gain. Daylighting with clerestories and solar tubes reduce daytime lighting requirements. Ground source geothermal heat pumps and superior to code insulation ensure minimal space conditioning costs. Corten steel siding and concrete foundation walls satisfy client requirements for low maintenance and durability. All light fixtures are LEDs. Open and screened porches are strategically located to allow pleasant outdoor use at any time of day, particular season or, if necessary, insect challenge. Dramatic cantilevers allow the porches to project into the site’s beautiful mixed hardwood tree canopy without damaging root systems. Guest arrive by vehicle with glimpses of the house and grounds through penetrations in the concrete wall enclosing the garden. One parked they are led through a garden composed of pavers, a fountain, benches, sculpture and plants. Views of the lake can be seen through and below the bridges. Primary client goals were a sustainable low-maintenance house, primarily single floor living, orientation to views, natural light to interiors, maximization of individual privacy, creation of a formal outdoor space for gardening, incorporation of a full workshop for cars, generous indoor and outdoor social space for guests and parties.

Dining Room in West Trail Drive | Moody Modern Home in Scottsdale, AZ | Room Type: Full home remodel and furnishings | Project Name: West Trail Drive Residence | Key Feature: A moody, modern aesthetic built from the ground up through renovation and furnishings, where every finish, fixture, and piece of furniture was selected to work as a cohesive whole rather than a collection of separate decisions. Challenge: The home had good bones but felt generic. The clients wanted something that reflected a specific point of view, not a safe Scottsdale palette. The risk with moody, dark interiors is that they can feel heavy or disconnected if the layering isn't right. Solution: Living with Lolo led both the remodel and the furnishings, which meant the design intent carried through from the walls and floors all the way to how the room actually lives. Because Lauren holds both an interior design credential and an active Arizona ROC general contractor license, there was no handoff between designer and contractor. That single point of accountability kept the vision intact and the project on track. Materials: Custom cabinetry, natural stone surfaces, designer lighting, curated furniture and textiles sourced through Living with Lolo's trade relationships. Budget: $150,000 to $400,000 | Timeline: 4 to 8 months.

Optiek Herpol wanted to move to a better, more central location with plenty of parking space. A property that complied with these conditions was found on the Market in Deinze, and JUMA architects were subsequently asked to design a new interior for the store. The property in question is very deep and narrow with little natural light entry. JUMA set to work despite these constraints in an attempt to transform these challenges into qualities. The architects positioned the sales counter right behind the shop window, so as to make optimum use of the available natural light. This also makes store activities visible from the outside, adding an extra element of attraction. At the narrowest section of the store, a large wall mirror was put in to visually double the space. The wall onto which the eyeglasses are displayed is located opposite the mirror and is literally the eye catcher in the store. A wooden lattice makes for an interesting play of diagonal lines behind which the glasses are presented. This unique concept animates the entire store without detracting from the fact that the glasses should remain the main focal point in the store. The workshop is located in the back, separated from the store by a wall in smoked grey glass. In this way, the optician can keep an eye on the store at all times. The colour palette is predominantly white, to keep the interior as light as possible. As a counterpoint, warm wood accents are added. The chairs at the counter are upholstered in a colour that harmonizes perfectly with the wood. Pictures © Thomas De Bruyne

Previously renovated with a two-story addition in the 80’s, the home’s square footage had been increased, but the current homeowners struggled to integrate the old with the new. An oversized fireplace and awkward jogged walls added to the challenges on the main floor, along with dated finishes. While on the second floor, a poorly configured layout was not functional for this expanding family. From the front entrance, we can see the fireplace was removed between the living room and dining rooms, creating greater sight lines and allowing for more traditional archways between rooms. At the back of the home, we created a new mudroom area, and updated the kitchen with custom two-tone millwork, countertops and finishes. These main floor changes work together to create a home more reflective of the homeowners’ tastes. On the second floor, the master suite was relocated and now features a beautiful custom ensuite, walk-in closet and convenient adjacency to the new laundry room. Gordon King Photography

Optiek Herpol wanted to move to a better, more central location with plenty of parking space. A property that complied with these conditions was found on the Market in Deinze, and JUMA architects were subsequently asked to design a new interior for the store. The property in question is very deep and narrow with little natural light entry. JUMA set to work despite these constraints in an attempt to transform these challenges into qualities. The architects positioned the sales counter right behind the shop window, so as to make optimum use of the available natural light. This also makes store activities visible from the outside, adding an extra element of attraction. At the narrowest section of the store, a large wall mirror was put in to visually double the space. The wall onto which the eyeglasses are displayed is located opposite the mirror and is literally the eye catcher in the store. A wooden lattice makes for an interesting play of diagonal lines behind which the glasses are presented. This unique concept animates the entire store without detracting from the fact that the glasses should remain the main focal point in the store. The workshop is located in the back, separated from the store by a wall in smoked grey glass. In this way, the optician can keep an eye on the store at all times. The colour palette is predominantly white, to keep the interior as light as possible. As a counterpoint, warm wood accents are added. The chairs at the counter are upholstered in a colour that harmonizes perfectly with the wood. Pictures © Thomas De Bruyne

Dining Room in West Trail Drive | Moody Modern Home in Scottsdale, AZ | Room Type: Full home remodel and furnishings | Project Name: West Trail Drive Residence | Key Feature: A moody, modern aesthetic built from the ground up through renovation and furnishings, where every finish, fixture, and piece of furniture was selected to work as a cohesive whole rather than a collection of separate decisions. Challenge: The home had good bones but felt generic. The clients wanted something that reflected a specific point of view, not a safe Scottsdale palette. The risk with moody, dark interiors is that they can feel heavy or disconnected if the layering isn't right. Solution: Living with Lolo led both the remodel and the furnishings, which meant the design intent carried through from the walls and floors all the way to how the room actually lives. Because Lauren holds both an interior design credential and an active Arizona ROC general contractor license, there was no handoff between designer and contractor. That single point of accountability kept the vision intact and the project on track. Materials: Custom cabinetry, natural stone surfaces, designer lighting, curated furniture and textiles sourced through Living with Lolo's trade relationships. Budget: $150,000 to $400,000 | Timeline: 4 to 8 months.