Rodwin Architecture and Skycastle Homes Location: Boulder, CO, United States A 1200 sf. straw bale, off-the-grid mountain retreat featuring passive and active solar systems, radiant floors, and local and non-toxic materials throughout. This project has received three national and one local design award.

Photography by Peter Vanderwarker This Second Empire house is a narrative woven about its circulation. At the street, a quietly fanciful stoop reaches to greet one's arrival. Inside and out, Victorian details are playfully reinterpreted and celebrated in fabulous and whimsical spaces for a growing family - Double story kitchen with open cylindrical breakfast room Parents' and Children's libraries Secret playspaces Top floor sky-lit courtyard Writing room and hidden library Basement parking Media Room Landscape of exterior rooms: The site is conceived as a string of rooms: a landscaped drive-way court, a lawn for play, a sunken court, a serene shade garden, a New England flower garden. The stair grows out of the garden level ordering the surrounding rooms as it rises to a light filled courtyard at the Master suite on the top floor. On each level the rooms are arranged in a circuit around the stair core, making a series of distinct suites for the children, for the parents, and for their common activities.

This secluded single-family home in Great Falls, had a beautiful backyard setting. The owners recently built a gorgeous pool and surround deck on the right side of the house in their backyard. They inherited a rundown deck off of the kitchen patio doors. Our team designed a two-story outdoor living addition which offers the family everything that they can hope for in outdoor living. Our massive plan required excavation to make the lower level patio both attractive and functional for all kinds of outdoor activity. We excavated down two feet to create a nine-foot high patio, cut concrete walls to add French doors from to dark and unused side of the basement bringing improved use for the basement. The entire back wall was covered with matching brick veneer to entire front and side elevations. The roof of this patio was covered with EPDM roofing rolls to make the lower patio stay dry and protected. Steps away from pool sun deck, this flagstone covered patio turned into a prime space for entertainment. The built-in middle bar equipped with under counter beverage fridge and beer tab to make gatherings more exciting. The side steps built in with matching solid stone threads offered access to driveway and the second floor covered porch. The second floor is finished with porcelain floor tiles, stain grade ceiling panels, wrought iron rails, decorative recessed panel columns, hanging gorgeous ceiling fans steps away from the kitchen. Just outside of this covered porch, there is a deck with the same tile floor facing the pool area offering a breath taking view. Carefully selection of soft toned wood looking plank porcelain tiles compliment the knotty soft grey stain ceiling panels making this project one that shines even on rainy days. The custom-made spiral rod iron staircase offers an elegant second set of steps so that the upper level deck can reach into backyard and pool deck.

The Presrv™ French Door Wine & Beverage Cooler is the ultimate in sophisticated home party accessories, ready to store wine, beer, sodas and more. This large capacity cooler maintains two distinct temperature zones with PreciseTemp™ temperature control, Active Cooling Technology and boasts loads of other features — from an updated kickplate with lock to Full-Extension Wood Racks to a Vibration Dampening System, and more. Set the vibe for any gathering with an illuminated control panel and dual-level 3-Color LED lighting.

Photography by Peter Vanderwarker This Second Empire house is a narrative woven about its circulation. At the street, a quietly fanciful stoop reaches to greet one's arrival. Inside and out, Victorian details are playfully reinterpreted and celebrated in fabulous and whimsical spaces for a growing family - Double story kitchen with open cylindrical breakfast room Parents' and Children's libraries Secret playspaces Top floor sky-lit courtyard Writing room and hidden library Basement parking Media Room Landscape of exterior rooms: The site is conceived as a string of rooms: a landscaped drive-way court, a lawn for play, a sunken court, a serene shade garden, a New England flower garden. The stair grows out of the garden level ordering the surrounding rooms as it rises to a light filled courtyard at the Master suite on the top floor. On each level the rooms are arranged in a circuit around the stair core, making a series of distinct suites for the children, for the parents, and for their common activities.

Shelley Zatsky © 2016 Houzz
Example of a cottage chic living room design in Boston

Growing up spending summers on the finger lakes with family creates important memories that shape the lives of many of our clients. The nostalgia for those magical times become apparent when life slows down and our priorities come into focus. This home was realized by our clients through the desire to be closer to family while growing a young family of their own. What began as a vision to transform an existing cottage into a modern home for active lake living led to a high functioning space for entertaining guests as well as a peaceful oasis away from their very busy lives. The approach side of the home remains modest and private as it celebrates the arrival of guests with a winding driveway through the descending slope. The twin gables on the lakeside of the home open up to allow vast views of Canandaigua Lake. The programmed spaces in the north and south gables are separated by a connecting catwalk that opens to a large viewing deck on the upper level and a screen porch on the ground level. This realized vision is now actively enjoyed by our clients along with their family and friends.

Growing up spending summers on the finger lakes with family creates important memories that shape the lives of many of our clients. The nostalgia for those magical times become apparent when life slows down and our priorities come into focus. This home was realized by our clients through the desire to be closer to family while growing a young family of their own. What began as a vision to transform an existing cottage into a modern home for active lake living led to a high functioning space for entertaining guests as well as a peaceful oasis away from their very busy lives. The approach side of the home remains modest and private as it celebrates the arrival of guests with a winding driveway through the descending slope. The twin gables on the lakeside of the home open up to allow vast views of Canandaigua Lake. The programmed spaces in the north and south gables are separated by a connecting catwalk that opens to a large viewing deck on the upper level and a screen porch on the ground level. This realized vision is now actively enjoyed by our clients along with their family and friends.

There is enough to love about this space to keep you busy all year round! Indulge in differing outdoor activities with this backyard retreat! With this project, you can enjoy the covered patio all year round, as well as have a relaxing time in this spacious hot tub!

This stunning custom home in Clarksburg, MD serves as both Home and Corporate Office for Ambition Custom Homes. Nestled on 5 acres in Clarksburg, Maryland, this new home features unique privacy and beautiful year round views of Little Bennett Regional Park. This spectacular, true Modern Farmhouse features large windows, natural stone and rough hewn beams throughout. Special features of this 10,000+ square foot home include an open floorplan on the first floor; a first floor Master Suite with Balcony and His/Hers Walk-in Closets and Spa Bath; a spacious gourmet kitchen with oversized butler pantry and large banquette eat in breakfast area; a large four-season screened-in porch which connects to an outdoor BBQ & Outdoor Kitchen area. The Lower Level boasts a separate entrance, reception area and offices for Ambition Custom Homes; and for the family provides ample room for entertaining, exercise and family activities including a game room, pottery room and sauna. The Second Floor Level has three en-suite Bedrooms with views overlooking the 1st Floor. Ample storage, a 4-Car Garage and separate Bike Storage & Work room complete the unique features of this custom home.

An extra-long lot presented unique opportunities for DJL Builders to design and build a charming Cape Cod residence for an active couple with diverse interests. The main floor captures every activity required by the homeowners for one-floor living. A home office made private with sliding doors, a master bedroom and bath featuring a walk-in shower surround an open concept kitchen and living/dining area. The work zones of the home - laundry, powder room, mud room are strategically laid out along a stately corridor leading to a three-car garage. The upper level includes two bedrooms, and full bath to accommodate visiting family in a private setting. Project Location: Plymouth MI Photography: CJ South Photography

From foundation pour to welcome home pours, we loved every step of this residential design. This home takes the term “bringing the outdoors in” to a whole new level! The patio retreats, firepit, and poolside lounge areas allow generous entertaining space for a variety of activities. Coming inside, no outdoor view is obstructed and a color palette of golds, blues, and neutrals brings it all inside. From the dramatic vaulted ceiling to wainscoting accents, no detail was missed. The master suite is exquisite, exuding nothing short of luxury from every angle. We even brought luxury and functionality to the laundry room featuring a barn door entry, island for convenient folding, tiled walls for wet/dry hanging, and custom corner workspace – all anchored with fabulous hexagon tile.

Designed and built in conjunction with Freemont #2, this home pays homage to surrounding architecture, including that of St. James Lutheran Church. The home is comprised of stately, well-proportioned rooms; significant architectural detailing; appropriate spaces for today's active family; and sophisticated wiring to service any HD video, audio, lighting, HVAC and / or security needs. The focal point of the first floor is the sweeping curved staircase, ascending through all three floors of the home and topped with skylights. Surrounding this staircase on the main floor are the formal living and dining rooms, as well as the beautifully-detailed Butler's Pantry. A gourmet kitchen and great room, designed to receive considerable eastern light, is at the rear of the house, connected to the lower level family room by a rear staircase. Four bedrooms (two en-suite) make up the second floor, with a fifth bedroom on the third floor and a sixth bedroom in the lower level. A third floor recreation room is at the top of the staircase, adjacent to the 400SF roof deck. A connected, heated garage is accessible from the rear staircase of the home, as well as the rear yard and garage roof deck. This home went under contract after being on the MLS for one day. Steve Hall, Hedrich Blessing

Mud room and kids entrance 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

This Newburyport, MA basement renovation features a versatile family room with a dedicated media wall and adjacent play area. A wall-mounted television anchors the space, complemented by organized storage that keeps toys and everyday items neatly contained. Soft carpeting and recessed lighting create a warm, inviting atmosphere, while the open layout allows for easy flow between lounging and play zones. The result is a functional and family-focused lower-level living space designed for both relaxation and activity.

The Holloway blends the recent revival of mid-century aesthetics with the timelessness of a country farmhouse. Each façade features playfully arranged windows tucked under steeply pitched gables. Natural wood lapped siding emphasizes this homes more modern elements, while classic white board & batten covers the core of this house. A rustic stone water table wraps around the base and contours down into the rear view-out terrace. Inside, a wide hallway connects the foyer to the den and living spaces through smooth case-less openings. Featuring a grey stone fireplace, tall windows, and vaulted wood ceiling, the living room bridges between the kitchen and den. The kitchen picks up some mid-century through the use of flat-faced upper and lower cabinets with chrome pulls. Richly toned wood chairs and table cap off the dining room, which is surrounded by windows on three sides. The grand staircase, to the left, is viewable from the outside through a set of giant casement windows on the upper landing. A spacious master suite is situated off of this upper landing. Featuring separate closets, a tiled bath with tub and shower, this suite has a perfect view out to the rear yard through the bedroom's rear windows. All the way upstairs, and to the right of the staircase, is four separate bedrooms. Downstairs, under the master suite, is a gymnasium. This gymnasium is connected to the outdoors through an overhead door and is perfect for athletic activities or storing a boat during cold months. The lower level also features a living room with a view out windows and a private guest suite. Architect: Visbeen Architects Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography Builder: AVB Inc.

Photography by Peter Vanderwarker This Second Empire house is a narrative woven about its circulation. At the street, a quietly fanciful stoop reaches to greet one's arrival. Inside and out, Victorian details are playfully reinterpreted and celebrated in fabulous and whimsical spaces for a growing family - Double story kitchen with open cylindrical breakfast room Parents' and Children's libraries Secret playspaces Top floor sky-lit courtyard Writing room and hidden library Basement parking Media Room Landscape of exterior rooms: The site is conceived as a string of rooms: a landscaped drive-way court, a lawn for play, a sunken court, a serene shade garden, a New England flower garden. The stair grows out of the garden level ordering the surrounding rooms as it rises to a light filled courtyard at the Master suite on the top floor. On each level the rooms are arranged in a circuit around the stair core, making a series of distinct suites for the children, for the parents, and for their common activities.

The tropical features of the lands surrounding Roberts Bay in Sarasota make you feel like you're in a nature sanctuary. At the edge of bustling pockets of towering trees, there are mangroves for miles, hosting a litany of vibrant flora and fauna. This home is perched along the edge of the bay, with a front row seat to the hustle and bustle of the daily activities of the wading bird community, with the occasional kayak streaming by. The front of the home has a series of planters and porch that help terrace the massing up to the elevated floor level. The main spaces of the home face out the back through wide glass doors, over the pool, terraces and dog lawn. Intricate exterior architectural millwork and mouldings recall the passive ventilation and simple ornamentation indicative of the British West Indies style architecture.

Take touchless to a whole new level of convenience. This touchless faucet frees your hands so you can speed through cooking and cleanup tasks while enjoying a cleaner, more hygienic kitchen environment. intuitive Response® technology is in tune with your every move: a simple wave of your hand--or an object such as a pan or utensil--turns it on or off. The faucet's sensor is precision-designed to provide reliable operation every time and to prevent false activations when you're working in the sink area. Sweep® spray creates a wide, forceful blade of water for superior cleaning. Kohler's new docking system, DockNetik, secures the pull-down sprayhead to the spout using magnetic force. By KOHLER - Available at Broedell Plumbing Supply.