The homeowners, parents with two young children, desired a backyard oasis where they could entertain with large groups of family and friends. With the backyard being very steep and up against a conservation easement, we had a narrow space to create within. We designed and installed a multi-tiered backyard that offered multiple outdoor living spaces, namely: a swimming pool patio/pavilion platform, lawn terrace, and an upper deck. The swimming pool features three waterfalls and two dive rocks surrounding a “C”-shaped underwater bench. The pavilion platform has the effect of being a treehouse with open walls and being 15’ above the forest floor. In addition, the pavilion features a grand masonry fireplace. The upper deck features an outdoor kitchen.

Project 3362-1 NE Minneapolis Traditional Kitchen Refresh - Castle Building & Remodeling, Inc. Twin Cities MN 55418 This project was a unique kitchen refresh project. The original Northeast Minneapolis home was built in 1920, and sometime in the 90’s an addition with a remodeled kitchen was completed. While the current homeowners appreciated the size and general layout of the kitchen, they wanted a more open floor plan to the dining room and to add some additional storage within the existing kitchen space. An old desk area was not useful for them, so that was removed and the fridge was moved to that area. New cabinets were added in the corner for some additional storage space for the homeowner’s baking goods and was set up as a coffee area. Where the old fridge once stood, the wall was opened up to create a new, wider opening to the dining room with a new peninsula for their kids and guests to sit. With some challenges in finding significant plumbing and HVAC in the wall being opened, the end result is a little different than originally planned – but that is the story of remodeling! All the original oak and new, matched oak cabinets were stained darker on the bottom, and painted white on the top. New Cambria countertops add a classic touch to the space, and the homeowners did a fantastic job of installing their own tile backsplash and Adura luxury vinyl flooring. They now have a more classic yet eclectic space to entertain their guests (and children) in for years to come. Designed by: Natalie Hanson See full details, including before photos at https://www.castlebri.com/kitchens/project-3362-1/

Photo: Faith Towers © 2017 Houzz
Living room - eclectic living room idea in Boston

Where: Colorado What: Residential Product: ranchwood™ color: Southern Solution: Wire Brushed, Shiplap, fascia, soffit This Colorado home feature's Montana Timber Products prefinished rustic ranchwood™ siding, featuring Wire Brushed texture in the color Southern, applied as fascia and soffit. ranchwood™ is Montana Timber Products' flagship rustic natural wood siding, a reclaimed barn wood alternative that is milled from new, rough stock, kiln dried, chemical free wood. ranchwood™ is put through a texturizing and coloring process that creates aesthetically beautiful rustic wood siding and authentic reclaimed barn wood and reclaimed lumber alternatives. Typically less expensive than authentic reclaimed barn wood, ranchwood™ offers uncompromising rustic wood beauty. Circle Sawn and Wire Brushed are Montana Timber Products' common cedar siding texturizing options. The Circle Sawn texture commonly seen on rustic reclaimed barn wood is created from the large circular saw blades used in more traditional milling practices. The Wire Brushed option adds physical and aesthetic depth to the wood grain. In addition to the aesthetic beauty added from the texturing process, greater surface area is created, which allows the Seal-Once, a 100% NO VOC waterproofer with a 10 year limited warranty against water ingress and safe for interior and exterior use, pets and children. If environmentally friendly and the renewable aspect of natural wood siding is important to you, be sure to do your homework when choosing your siding, flooring, interior accents, trim, beams, timbers, or other wood siding products. Some companies choose to use degenerative chemicals to achieve the desired look and texture of rustic wood siding. This is not the case with Montana Timber Products. Vintage wood, reclaimed barn wood and reclaimed barn wood alternatives are very popular building materials due to their aesthetic beauty, traditional look, and chemical free finish.

This 1930's Barrington Hills farmhouse was in need of some TLC when it was purchased by this southern family of five who planned to make it their new home. The renovation taken on by Advance Design Studio's designer Scott Christensen and master carpenter Justin Davis included a custom porch, custom built in cabinetry in the living room and children's bedrooms, 2 children's on-suite baths, a guest powder room, a fabulous new master bath with custom closet and makeup area, a new upstairs laundry room, a workout basement, a mud room, new flooring and custom wainscot stairs with planked walls and ceilings throughout the home. The home's original mechanicals were in dire need of updating, so HVAC, plumbing and electrical were all replaced with newer materials and equipment. A dramatic change to the exterior took place with the addition of a quaint standing seam metal roofed farmhouse porch perfect for sipping lemonade on a lazy hot summer day. In addition to the changes to the home, a guest house on the property underwent a major transformation as well. Newly outfitted with updated gas and electric, a new stacking washer/dryer space was created along with an updated bath complete with a glass enclosed shower, something the bath did not previously have. A beautiful kitchenette with ample cabinetry space, refrigeration and a sink was transformed as well to provide all the comforts of home for guests visiting at the classic cottage retreat. The biggest design challenge was to keep in line with the charm the old home possessed, all the while giving the family all the convenience and efficiency of modern functioning amenities. One of the most interesting uses of material was the porcelain "wood-looking" tile used in all the baths and most of the home's common areas. All the efficiency of porcelain tile, with the nostalgic look and feel of worn and weathered hardwood floors. The home’s casual entry has an 8" rustic antique barn wood look porcelain tile in a rich brown to create a warm and welcoming first impression. Painted distressed cabinetry in muted shades of gray/green was used in the powder room to bring out the rustic feel of the space which was accentuated with wood planked walls and ceilings. Fresh white painted shaker cabinetry was used throughout the rest of the rooms, accentuated by bright chrome fixtures and muted pastel tones to create a calm and relaxing feeling throughout the home. Custom cabinetry was designed and built by Advance Design specifically for a large 70” TV in the living room, for each of the children’s bedroom’s built in storage, custom closets, and book shelves, and for a mudroom fit with custom niches for each family member by name. The ample master bath was fitted with double vanity areas in white. A generous shower with a bench features classic white subway tiles and light blue/green glass accents, as well as a large free standing soaking tub nestled under a window with double sconces to dim while relaxing in a luxurious bath. A custom classic white bookcase for plush towels greets you as you enter the sanctuary bath. Joe Nowak

Direct inspiration for my Powder Room derives from Ascot’s Keith Haring ceramic tile collection, “Game of Fifteen.” Upon seeing the series, I knew that, in order to make a significant impact, the bathroom would have to be small in size, as the tile itself was high impact. Thus, we needed to keep the theme sharp and chic, graphic and poignant. The room had to maintain a proportional balance between the recessive background of the white tiles and the strength of the accent tile’s imagery. Thus equal elements of visual proportion and harmony was essential to a successfully designed room. In terms of color, the boldness of the tiles black and white pattern with its overall whimsical pattern made the selection a perfect fit for a playful and innovative room. . I liked the way the different shapes blend into each other, hardly indistinguishable from one another, yet decipherable. His shapes are visual mazes, archetypal ideograms of a sort. At a distance, they form a pattern; up close, they form a story. Many of the themes are about people and their connections to each other. Some are visually explicit; others are more reflective and discreet. Most are just fun and whimsical, appealing to children and to the uninhibited in us. They are also primitive in their bold lines and graphic imagery. Many shapes are of monsters and scary beings, relaying the innate fears of childhood and the exterior landscape of the reality of city life. In effect, they are graffiti like patterns, yet indelibly marked in our subconscious. In addition, the basic black, white, and red colors so essential to Haring’s work express the boldness and basic instincts of color and form. In addition, my passion for both design and art found their aesthetic confluence in the expression of this whimsical statement of idea and function.

Initially designed as a bachelor's Sonoma weekend getaway, The Fan House features glass and steel garage-style doors that take advantage of the verdant 40-acre hilltop property. With the addition of a wife and children, the secondary residence's interiors needed to change. Ann Lowengart Interiors created a family-friendly environment while adhering to the homeowner's preference for streamlined silhouettes. In the open living-dining room, a neutral color palette and contemporary furnishings showcase the modern architecture and stunning views. A separate guest house provides a respite for visiting urban dwellers.

This colorful Contemporary design / build project started as an Addition but included new cork flooring and painting throughout the home. The Kitchen also included the creation of a new pantry closet with wire shelving and the Family Room was converted into a beautiful Library with space for the whole family. The homeowner has a passion for picking paint colors and enjoyed selecting the colors for each room. The home is now a bright mix of modern trends such as the barn doors and chalkboard surfaces contrasted by classic LA touches such as the detail surrounding the Living Room fireplace. The Master Bedroom is now a Master Suite complete with high-ceilings making the room feel larger and airy. Perfect for warm Southern California weather! Speaking of the outdoors, the sliding doors to the green backyard ensure that this white room still feels as colorful as the rest of the home. The Master Bathroom features bamboo cabinetry with his and hers sinks. The light blue walls make the blue and white floor really pop. The shower offers the homeowners a bench and niche for comfort and sliding glass doors and subway tile for style. The Library / Family Room features custom built-in bookcases, barn door and a window seat; a readers dream! The Children’s Room and Dining Room both received new paint and flooring as part of their makeover. However the Children’s Bedroom also received a new closet and reading nook. The fireplace in the Living Room was made more stylish by painting it to match the walls – one of the only white spaces in the home! However the deep blue accent wall with floating shelves ensure that guests are prepared to see serious pops of color throughout the rest of the home. The home features art by Drica Lobo ( https://www.dricalobo.com/home)

This 1930's Barrington Hills farmhouse was in need of some TLC when it was purchased by this southern family of five who planned to make it their new home. The renovation taken on by Advance Design Studio's designer Scott Christensen and master carpenter Justin Davis included a custom porch, custom built in cabinetry in the living room and children's bedrooms, 2 children's on-suite baths, a guest powder room, a fabulous new master bath with custom closet and makeup area, a new upstairs laundry room, a workout basement, a mud room, new flooring and custom wainscot stairs with planked walls and ceilings throughout the home. The home's original mechanicals were in dire need of updating, so HVAC, plumbing and electrical were all replaced with newer materials and equipment. A dramatic change to the exterior took place with the addition of a quaint standing seam metal roofed farmhouse porch perfect for sipping lemonade on a lazy hot summer day. In addition to the changes to the home, a guest house on the property underwent a major transformation as well. Newly outfitted with updated gas and electric, a new stacking washer/dryer space was created along with an updated bath complete with a glass enclosed shower, something the bath did not previously have. A beautiful kitchenette with ample cabinetry space, refrigeration and a sink was transformed as well to provide all the comforts of home for guests visiting at the classic cottage retreat. The biggest design challenge was to keep in line with the charm the old home possessed, all the while giving the family all the convenience and efficiency of modern functioning amenities. One of the most interesting uses of material was the porcelain "wood-looking" tile used in all the baths and most of the home's common areas. All the efficiency of porcelain tile, with the nostalgic look and feel of worn and weathered hardwood floors. The home’s casual entry has an 8" rustic antique barn wood look porcelain tile in a rich brown to create a warm and welcoming first impression. Painted distressed cabinetry in muted shades of gray/green was used in the powder room to bring out the rustic feel of the space which was accentuated with wood planked walls and ceilings. Fresh white painted shaker cabinetry was used throughout the rest of the rooms, accentuated by bright chrome fixtures and muted pastel tones to create a calm and relaxing feeling throughout the home. Custom cabinetry was designed and built by Advance Design specifically for a large 70” TV in the living room, for each of the children’s bedroom’s built in storage, custom closets, and book shelves, and for a mudroom fit with custom niches for each family member by name. The ample master bath was fitted with double vanity areas in white. A generous shower with a bench features classic white subway tiles and light blue/green glass accents, as well as a large free standing soaking tub nestled under a window with double sconces to dim while relaxing in a luxurious bath. A custom classic white bookcase for plush towels greets you as you enter the sanctuary bath. Joe Nowak

Project 3362-1 NE Minneapolis Traditional Kitchen Refresh - Castle Building & Remodeling, Inc. Twin Cities MN 55418 This project was a unique kitchen refresh project. The original Northeast Minneapolis home was built in 1920, and sometime in the 90’s an addition with a remodeled kitchen was completed. While the current homeowners appreciated the size and general layout of the kitchen, they wanted a more open floor plan to the dining room and to add some additional storage within the existing kitchen space. An old desk area was not useful for them, so that was removed and the fridge was moved to that area. New cabinets were added in the corner for some additional storage space for the homeowner’s baking goods and was set up as a coffee area. Where the old fridge once stood, the wall was opened up to create a new, wider opening to the dining room with a new peninsula for their kids and guests to sit. With some challenges in finding significant plumbing and HVAC in the wall being opened, the end result is a little different than originally planned – but that is the story of remodeling! All the original oak and new, matched oak cabinets were stained darker on the bottom, and painted white on the top. New Cambria countertops add a classic touch to the space, and the homeowners did a fantastic job of installing their own tile backsplash and Adura luxury vinyl flooring. They now have a more classic yet eclectic space to entertain their guests (and children) in for years to come. Designed by: Natalie Hanson See full details, including before photos at https://www.castlebri.com/kitchens/project-3362-1/

This client came to us with a very clear vision of what she wanted, but she needed help to refine and execute the design. At our first meeting she described her style as somewhere between modern rustic and ‘granny chic’ – she likes cozy spaces with nods to the past, but also wanted to blend that with the more contemporary tastes of her husband and children. Functionally, the old layout was less than ideal with an oddly placed 3-sided fireplace and angled island creating traffic jams in and around the kitchen. By creating a U-shaped layout, we clearly defined the chef’s domain and created a circulation path that limits disruptions in the heart of the kitchen. While still an open concept, the black cabinets, bar height counter and change in flooring all add definition to the space. The vintage inspired black and white tile is a nod to the past while the black stainless range and matte black faucet are unmistakably modern. High on our client’s wish list was eliminating upper cabinets and keeping the countertops clear. In order to achieve this, we needed to ensure there was ample room in the base cabinets and reconfigured pantry for items typically stored above. The full height tile backsplash evokes exposed brick and serves as the backdrop for the custom wood-clad hood and decorative brass sconces – a perfect blend of rustic, modern and chic. Black and brass elements are repeated throughout the main floor in new hardware, lighting, and open shelves as well as the owners’ curated collection of family heirlooms and furnishings. In addition to renovating the kitchen, we updated the entire first floor with refinished hardwoods, new paint, wainscoting, wallcovering and beautiful new stained wood doors. Our client had been dreaming and planning this kitchen for 17 years and we’re thrilled we were able to bring it to life.

Mid-sized craftsman beige one-story mixed siding gable roof idea in Los Angeles with a shingle roof and a brown roof

Inspired by historic homes in America’s grand old neighborhoods, the Wainsborough combines the rich character and architectural craftsmanship of the past with contemporary conveniences. Perfect for today’s busy lifestyles, the home is the perfect blend of past and present. Touches of the ever-popular Shingle Style – from the cedar lap siding to the pitched roof – imbue the home with all-American charm without sacrificing modern convenience. Exterior highlights include stone detailing, multiple entries, transom windows and arched doorways. Inside, the home features a livable open floor plan as well as 10-foot ceilings. The kitchen, dining room and family room flow together, with a large fireplace and an inviting nearby deck. A children’s wing over the garage, a luxurious master suite and adaptable design elements give the floor plan the flexibility to adapt as a family’s needs change. “Right-size” rooms live large, but feel cozy. While the floor plan reflects a casual, family-friendly lifestyle, craftsmanship throughout includes interesting nooks and window seats, all hallmarks of the past. The main level includes a kitchen with a timeless character and architectural flair. Designed to function as a modern gathering room reflecting the trend toward the kitchen serving as the heart of the home, it features raised panel, hand-finished cabinetry and hidden, state-of-the-art appliances. Form is as important as function, with a central square-shaped island serving as a both entertaining and workspace. Custom-designed features include a pull-out bookshelf for cookbooks as well as a pull-out table for extra seating. Other first-floor highlights include a dining area with a bay window, a welcoming hearth room with fireplace, a convenient office and a handy family mud room near the side entrance. A music room off the great room adds an elegant touch to this otherwise comfortable, casual home. Upstairs, a large master suite and master bath ensures privacy. Three additional children’s bedrooms are located in a separate wing over the garage. The lower level features a large family room and adjacent home theater, a guest room and bath and a convenient wine and wet bar.

This colorful Contemporary design / build project started as an Addition but included new cork flooring and painting throughout the home. The Kitchen also included the creation of a new pantry closet with wire shelving and the Family Room was converted into a beautiful Library with space for the whole family. The homeowner has a passion for picking paint colors and enjoyed selecting the colors for each room. The home is now a bright mix of modern trends such as the barn doors and chalkboard surfaces contrasted by classic LA touches such as the detail surrounding the Living Room fireplace. The Master Bedroom is now a Master Suite complete with high-ceilings making the room feel larger and airy. Perfect for warm Southern California weather! Speaking of the outdoors, the sliding doors to the green backyard ensure that this white room still feels as colorful as the rest of the home. The Master Bathroom features bamboo cabinetry with his and hers sinks. The light blue walls make the blue and white floor really pop. The shower offers the homeowners a bench and niche for comfort and sliding glass doors and subway tile for style. The Library / Family Room features custom built-in bookcases, barn door and a window seat; a readers dream! The Children’s Room and Dining Room both received new paint and flooring as part of their makeover. However the Children’s Bedroom also received a new closet and reading nook. The fireplace in the Living Room was made more stylish by painting it to match the walls – one of the only white spaces in the home! However the deep blue accent wall with floating shelves ensure that guests are prepared to see serious pops of color throughout the rest of the home. The home features art by Drica Lobo ( https://www.dricalobo.com/home)

The residents of this grand house in the Withrow Park area of Toronto were looking to replace their existing rear addition that was in a poor state of repair. The challenge was to design a beautiful, yet durable replacement. The solution was a modern structure housed in a high-performance building envelope with a fine balance of industrial and natural building materials. The renewed space was designed for a family of five to house generous and flexible spaces that could accommodate change depending on the seasons, as the children grow or as family members age. A strongly defined red metal cube overhangs the ground floor, protecting more delicate and tactile elements where the house opens to a sheltered garden. The tile red corrugated metal cladding is paired with mahogany wood doors and windows marrying these warm colour tones. The large sliding doors allow the living area to spill outside into an outdoor dining area. In turn, the garden provides a green backdrop to the interior space. Avid cyclists, the rear entry and mudroom allow good proximity to the bicycle shed in the garden. Full height lockers are screened by a mahogany-stained wood slat screen separating the entry space from the main room. The lockers are optimally designed to house bike helmets and backpacks, with hooks and hanging space for coats and jackets and hidden drawers for mitts and hats. A bathroom complete with shower sits directly off the mudroom for easy access. On the second floor, a large, open room provides a shared bedroom for two children, with a small balcony on the north side

2012 NARI CAPITAL COTY, MERIT AWARD WINNER, RESIDENTIAL ADDITION UNDER $100,000 The owners of this split-foyer home have lived in Mclean for more than 15 years. As their children have grown, so has their need for added space. And even though they remodeled their kitchen about 10 years ago, the 12’ x 10’ room doesn’t meet their current needs. This latest addition again increases the size of the kitchen and adds a large barbeque deck and screened-in porch as well. Highlights of the new kitchen include a large center island for food preparation and seating, as well as new stainless steel appliances. Its open design leads to a casual dining area with a cathedral ceiling and palladium window. French doors on either side lead either to the barbeque deck or the screened in porch. Using maintenance-free decking and accessories, both spaces provide immediate access to a beautiful stone porch and manicured back yard. Now having a large group of family and/or friends is the least of the homeowners’ concerns. Inside or outside, they’ve got the space to entertain.

This New England home has the essence of a traditional home, yet offers a modern appeal. The home renovation and addition involved moving the kitchen to the addition, leaving the resulting space to become a formal dining and living area. The extension over the garage created an expansive open space on the first floor. The large, cleverly designed space seamlessly integrates the kitchen, a family room, and an eating area. A substantial center island made of soapstone slabs has ample space to accommodate prepping for dinner on one side, and the kids doing their homework on the other. The pull-out drawers at the end contain extra refrigerator and freezer space. Additionally, the glass backsplash tile offers a refreshing luminescence to the area. A custom designed informal dining table fills the space adjacent to the center island. Paint colors in keeping with the overall color scheme were given to the children. Their resulting artwork sits above the family computers. Chalkboard paint covers the wall opposite the kitchen area creating a drawing wall for the kids. Around the corner from this, a reclaimed door from the grandmother's home hangs in the opening to the pantry. Details such as these provide a sense of family and history to the central hub of the home. Builder: Anderson Contracting Service Interior Designer: Kristina Crestin Photographer: Jamie Salomon

The dated built-in brick fireplace on the ground floor game room was redesigned. The new fireplace design would now directly tie in with the modern farmhouse style of the exterior, complete with the addition of a large wooden mantle. DTSH Interiors formulated a plan for six rooms; the living room, dining room, master bedroom, two children's bedrooms and ground floor game room, with the inclusion of the complete fireplace re-design. The interior also received major upgrades during the whole-house renovation. All of the walls and ceilings were resurfaced, the windows, doors and all interior trim was re-done. The end result was a giant leap forward for this family; in design, style and functionality. The home felt completely new and refreshed, and once fully furnished, all elements of the renovation came together seamlessly and seemed to make all of the renovations shine. During the "big reveal" moment, the day the family finally returned home for their summer away, it was difficult for me to decide who was more excited, the adults or the kids! The home owners kept saying, with a look of delighted disbelief "I can't believe this is our house!" As a designer, I absolutely loved this project, because it shows the potential of an average, older Pittsburgh area home, and how it can become a well designed and updated space. It was rewarding to be part of a project which resulted in creating an elegant and serene living space the family loves coming home to everyday, while the exterior of the home became a standout gem in the neighborhood.

Avengers Murals, hand painted throughout a kids bedroom by Tom Taylor of Mural Art LLC. Superhero art has become very popular the last ten years and I've been asked to create superhero themed wall murals in rooms for kids and people of all ages. Whether it be Spiderman, Captain America, Batman or Avengers; the addition of large hand painted superheros will add amazing character to any room. I like to include shadowing with my characters to create a realistic 3D quality to the artwork and image. Superhero art is perfect for any game room, media room or your children's bedroom.