The best of past and present architectural styles combine in this welcoming, farmhouse-inspired design. Clad in low-maintenance siding, the distinctive exterior has plenty of street appeal, with its columned porch, multiple gables, shutters and interesting roof lines. Other exterior highlights included trusses over the garage doors, horizontal lap siding and brick and stone accents. The interior is equally impressive, with an open floor plan that accommodates today’s family and modern lifestyles. An eight-foot covered porch leads into a large foyer and a powder room. Beyond, the spacious first floor includes more than 2,000 square feet, with one side dominated by public spaces that include a large open living room, centrally located kitchen with a large island that seats six and a u-shaped counter plan, formal dining area that seats eight for holidays and special occasions and a convenient laundry and mud room. The left side of the floor plan contains the serene master suite, with an oversized master bath, large walk-in closet and 16 by 18-foot master bedroom that includes a large picture window that lets in maximum light and is perfect for capturing nearby views. Relax with a cup of morning coffee or an evening cocktail on the nearby covered patio, which can be accessed from both the living room and the master bedroom. Upstairs, an additional 900 square feet includes two 11 by 14-foot upper bedrooms with bath and closet and a an approximately 700 square foot guest suite over the garage that includes a relaxing sitting area, galley kitchen and bath, perfect for guests or in-laws.

What a fantastic couple to work with! We were presented with the challenges of needing more outdoor living space, a place to rinse after long bike rides, and an area for the young couples newest addition to play. We did it! We doubled the outdoor living space, added an outdoor shower just off the new patio, and managed to use the shape of the yard to our advantage to create an easy flow and accessibility to the yard! We were left with a new landscape that fit this young couples awesome style of a modern-craftsman infusion! Native Edge Landscape, LLC

What a fantastic couple to work with! We were presented with the challenges of needing more outdoor living space, a place to rinse after long bike rides, and an area for the young couples newest addition to play. We did it! We doubled the outdoor living space, added an outdoor shower just off the new patio, and managed to use the shape of the yard to our advantage to create an easy flow and accessibility to the yard! We were left with a new landscape that fit this young couples awesome style of a modern-craftsman infusion! Native Edge Landscape, LLC

The emphasis for this recent Ray Morrow Design / Build project in Irvine California was to create an environment that offered a very clean sophisticated feel and yet is still infused with textures and interactive relatable spaces. Within this modest sized yard there are multiple built in amenities : Cooking and Outdoor Dining / Bar space , Communal Fire Pit and relaxation area , Thematic Fountains in two separate zones , Combination Raised Patio Area with Contemporary Style Open Beam Structure , Presenting a perfect mixed use space for entertaining , in addition to the custom hardscape elements , This yard also showcases a harmonious plant palette with generous space to mature and embrace the permanent build in venues.

Spacecrafting
Elegant freestanding desk carpeted study room photo in Minneapolis with gray walls

The emphasis for this recent Ray Morrow Design / Build project in Irvine California was to create an environment that offered a very clean sophisticated feel and yet is still infused with textures and interactive relatable spaces. Within this modest sized yard there are multiple built in amenities : Cooking and Outdoor Dining / Bar space , Communal Fire Pit and relaxation area , Thematic Fountains in two separate zones , Combination Raised Patio Area with Contemporary Style Open Beam Structure , Presenting a perfect mixed use space for entertaining , in addition to the custom hardscape elements , This yard also showcases a harmonious plant palette with generous space to mature and embrace the permanent build in venues.

This remodel was needed in order to take a 1950's style concrete upper slab into the present day, making it a true indoor-outdoor living space, but still utilizing all of the Midcentury design aesthetics. In the 1990's someone tried to update the space by covering the concrete ledge with pavers, as well as a portion of the area that the current deck is over. Once all the pavers were removed, the black tile was placed over the old concrete ledge and then the deck was added on, to create additional usable sq footage.

The chance to build a lakeside weekend home in rural NC provided this Chapel Hill family with an opportunity to ditch convention and think outside the box. For instance, we traded the traditional boat dock with what's become known as the "party dock"… a floating lounge of sorts, complete with wet bar, TV, swimmer's platform, and plenty of spots for watching the water fun. Inside, we turned one bedroom into a gym with climbing wall - and dropped the idea of a dining room, in favor of a deep upholstered niche and shuffleboard table. Outdoor drapery helped blur the lines between indoor spaces and exterior porches filled with upholstery, swings, and places for lazy napping. And after the sun goes down....smores, anyone? John Bessler

Modern farmhouse style graces the facade, from the board-and-batten siding to the black frame windows, while an arched portico presents a grand entry with an eye-catching red front door. The great room, kitchen, and dining rooms create an easy flow and a rear screened porch with skylights takes living outdoors. The master suite is a private wing with a tray ceiling, outdoor access, dual walk-in closets and a spacious bathroom. A bedroom/study provides versatility and two additional bedrooms are available. The mud room entry offers convenient storage, along with a pantry, and the utility room is adjoining with a laundry sink and built-in cabinets. A bonus room above the garage meets the homeowners needs for storage or additional square footage.

Located on a small corner lot, this addition presented a challenge: provide three new bedrooms and an upstairs bath without expanding the footprint or significantly increasing the height of the existing structure. The final layout provided the requisite spaces by tucking the rooms in under the roof with well-placed dormers. The resulting spaces are full of character with sloping ceilings and unexpected features like a book niche on the stair landing. The first floor was also reworked to provide an elegant new master bedroom suite. On the exterior a dash of warm yellow shingles in nested gables and two round windows give the house a look of classic charm.

Fitting snuggly into the corner of the bathroom, the showers alcove presented a unique design opportunity for the space. Going with a sliding glass shower door, the door saves space by not having to need to open into the bathrooms walking space, like a hinged glass door would. Additionally, the sliding glass doors stainless steel hardware brings amicable accentuation of the otherwise flush white tile shower alcove.

Captivated by South Haven’s natural charm and waterfront beauty, this storybook, waterfront abode is exceptionally true to its lakefront character. Featuring over 3,600 square feet with five bedroom and three-and-a-half baths, the careful design of this open and charming layout paired with grand views from nearly every room, capture all the warmth and playfulness of lakefront living. • A beach friendly fiber cement siding in a cheerful shade of blue blends seamlessly with the water backdrop, while contrasting white trim and darker blue window clad lend definition to the exterior. • An impressive kitchen with stunning Ann Sachs tile backsplash, quartz countertops, richly stained bistro table and Viking Appliances overlook the generous, but clearly defined, living and dining rooms. • Extensive built-ins with extra storage and workspace, such as a distinctive dining serving piece featuring quartz stone and a lake reflecting mirror, maximize space and make entertaining a breeze. • Playful design elements like Thibaut wallpaper, braided hemp cabinet insets and white-washed European white oak floors complement the home’s coastal flair with nautical décor and warm hues. • Fine finishes and rich trim details including wainscot, various painted ceilings, louvered doors on cabinetry, and fireplace surround with kitchen coordinating quartz stone, show off the intricate design gestures. • Skillfully designed upstairs presents a restful master retreat with private balcony, two guest bedrooms, convenient laundry featuring sleek retractable doors and space maximizing built in bunk beds with ultra-clever steps that provide storage. • The lower level’s extra guest quarters, additional laundry, full beach bath with top-to-bottom tiled shower, diligent kitchenette, beach-friendly stained concrete floors, outdoor shower that keeps sand at bay, and direct access to the sugary sands of Lake Michigan. Photography by Chuck Heiney

For a family who believes fitness is not only an essential part of life but also a fun opportunity for the whole family to connect, build and achieve greatness together there is nothing better than a custom designed obstacle course right in your back yard. THEME The theme of this half mile trail through the woods is evident in the fun, creative and all-inclusive obstacles hidden in the natural flow of the land around this amazing family home. The course was created with adults and children, advanced and beginner athletes, competitive and entertaining events all accounted for. Each of the 13 obstacles was designed to be challenging no matter the size, skill or ability of the athlete lucky enough to run the course. FOCUS The focus for this family was to create an outdoor adventure that could be an athletic, social and personal outlet for their entire family while maintaining the natural beauty of the landscape and without altering the sweeping views from the home. The large scale of the challenging obstacles is camouflaged within the landscape using the rolling hills and mature trees as a natural curtain in every season. The beauty of the course does not diminish the functional and demanding nature of the obstacles which are designed to focus on multiple strength, agility, and cardio fitness abilities and intensities. STORAGE The start of the trail includes a raised training area offering a dedicated space clear from the ground to place bags, mats and other equipment used during the run. A small all-terrain storage cart was provided for use with 6 yoga mats, 3 medicine balls of various weights, rings, sprinting cones, and a large digital timer to record laps. GROWTH The course was designed to provide an athletic and fun challenge for children, teens and adults no matter their experience or athletic prowess. This course offers competitive athletes a challenge and budding athletes an opportunity to experience and ignite their passion for physical activity. Initially the concept for the course was focused on the youngest of the family however as the design grew so did the obstacles and now it is a true family experience that will meet their adapting needs for years. Each obstacle is paired with an instructional sign directing the runners in proper use of the obstacle, adaptations for skill levels and tips on form. These signs are all customized for this course and are printed on metal to ensure they last for many years. SAFETY Safety is crucial for all physical activity and an obstacle course of this scale presents unique safety concerns. Children should always be supervised when participating in an adventure on the course however additional care was paid to details on the course to ensure everyone has a great time. All of the course obstacles have been created with pressure treated lumber that will withstand the seasonal poundings. All footer pilings that support obstacles have been placed into the ground between 3 to 4 feet (.9 to 1.2 meters) and each piling has 2 to 3 bags of concrete (totaling over 90 bags used throughout the course) ensuring stability of the structure and safety of the participants. Additionally, all obstacle lumber has been given rounded corners and sanded down offering less splintering and more time for everyone to enjoy the course. This athletic and charismatic family strives to incorporate a healthy active lifestyle into their daily life and this obstacle course offers their family an opportunity to strengthen themselves and host some memorable and active events at their amazing home.

Photo: Faith Towers Media © 2016 Houzz
Living room - eclectic living room idea in Boston

This home was styled in a beach/coastal theme which is carried through the entire home. The home was taken completely down to the studs and built back up with an addition which enlarged the kitchen, master bedroom and bathroom. Tray ceilings were installed in all of the main rooms, each one unique to the space. The coastal theme is present in this open concept living room and kitchen space not only in decoration but also in the awning style windows. The fire place was added to the layout, and framed in salvaged wood and tile that sparkles like sand.

Located on a small corner lot, this addition presented a challenge: provide three new bedrooms and an upstairs bath without expanding the footprint or significantly increasing the height of the existing structure. The final layout provided the requisite spaces by tucking the rooms in under the roof with well-placed dormers. The resulting spaces are full of character with sloping ceilings and unexpected features like a book niche on the stair landing. The first floor was also reworked to provide an elegant new master bedroom suite. On the exterior a dash of warm yellow shingles in nested gables and two round windows give the house a look of classic charm.

What a fantastic couple to work with! We were presented with the challenges of needing more outdoor living space, a place to rinse after long bike rides, and an area for the young couples newest addition to play. We did it! We doubled the outdoor living space, added an outdoor shower just off the new patio, and managed to use the shape of the yard to our advantage to create an easy flow and accessibility to the yard! We were left with a new landscape that fit this young couples awesome style of a modern-craftsman infusion! Native Edge Landscape, LLC

Located on a small corner lot, this addition presented a challenge: provide three new bedrooms and an upstairs bath without expanding the footprint or significantly increasing the height of the existing structure. The final layout provided the requisite spaces by tucking the rooms in under the roof with well-placed dormers. The resulting spaces are full of character with sloping ceilings and unexpected features like a book niche on the stair landing. The first floor was also reworked to provide an elegant new master bedroom suite. On the exterior a dash of warm yellow shingles in nested gables and two round windows give the house a look of classic charm.

Modern farmhouse style graces the facade, from the board-and-batten siding to the black frame windows, while an arched portico presents a grand entry with an eye-catching red front door. The great room, kitchen, and dining rooms create an easy flow and a rear screened porch with skylights takes living outdoors. The master suite is a private wing with a tray ceiling, outdoor access, dual walk-in closets and a spacious bathroom. A bedroom/study provides versatility and two additional bedrooms are available. The mud room entry offers convenient storage, along with a pantry, and the utility room is adjoining with a laundry sink and built-in cabinets. A bonus room above the garage meets the homeowners needs for storage or additional square footage.