The client purchased this property with grand plans of renovating the entire place; from top to bottom, and from inside to outside. And while the inside canvas was very generous and even somewhat forgiving, the outside space would be anything but. We wanted to squeeze in as much seating space as possible in their limited courtyard area, without encroaching on the already compact-sized pool. The first and most obvious solution was to get rid of the trees and shrubs that separated this house from its zero-lot-line neighbor. With the addition of Lueder limestone pavers, this new area alone would free up nearly 120 additional square feet, which happened to be the perfect amount of space for a mobile gas fire pit and sectional sofa. And this would make for the perfect place to enjoy the afternoon sunset with the implementation of a custom-built metal pergola standing above it all. The next problem to overcome was the disconnected feel of the existing patio; there were too many levels of steps and stairs, which meant that it would have been difficult to have any sort of traditional furniture arrangement in their outdoor space. Randy knew that it only made sense to bring in a wood deck that could be mated to the highest level of the patio, thus creating and gaining the greatest amount of continuous, flat space that the client needed. But even so, that flat space would be limited to a very tight "L-shape" around the pool. And knowing this, the client decided that the larger space would be more valuable to them than the spa, so they opted to have a portion of the deck built over it in order to allow for a more generous amount of patio space. And with the edge of the patio/deck dropping off almost 2 feet to the waterline, it now created the perfect opportunity to have a visually compelling raised wall that could be adorned with different hues of plank-shaped tiles. From inside the pool, the varying shades of brown were a great accent to the wood deck that sat just above. However, the true visual crowning jewel of this project would end up being the raised back wall along the fence, fully encased in a large format, 24x24 slate grey tile, complete with a custom stainless steel, square-tube scupper bank, installed at just the right height to create the perfect amount of water noise. But Randy wasn't done just yet. With two entirely new entertaining areas opened up at opposite ends of the pool, the only thing left to do now was to connect them. Knowing that he nor the client wanted to eliminate any more water space, he decided to bring a new traffic pattern right into the pool by way of two "floating", Lueder limestone stepper pads. It would be a visually perfect union of both pool and walking spaces. The existing steps and walkways were then cut away and replaced with matching Lueder limestone caps and steppers. All remaining hardscape gaps were later filled with Mexican beach pebble, which helped to promote a very "zen-like" feel in this outdoor space. The interior of the pool was coated with Wet Edge Primerastone "Blue Pacific Coast" plaster, and then lit up with the incredibly versatile Pentair GloBrite LED pool lights. In the end, the client ended up gaining the additional entertaining and seating space that they needed, and the updated, modern feel that they loved.

Hillside Modernism In Context. The owners of this modern hillside home sought to have a home in a nice Los Angeles neighborhood wherein they could raise their burgeoning family. The owners purchased a 1948 2000sf, single story, 2 bedroom English Cottage styled home (believed to have been originally owned by Yul Brynner) on a ½ acre hillside site in the exclusive Brentwood area of Los Angeles. The property slopes downward away from the street and overlooks a mini eucalyptus arroyo. The owners love their new location but are now faced-with having to raise their new and growing family on a hillside with extremely limited yard spaces for children to play and in a location where nature is very close – deer as well as coyotes wander the arroyo. In 2000 the owners commissioned architect Richard Best to add 2500sf to the cottage and transform it into a home more fitting to their growing family’s needs. Subsequently, in 2014/15, the owners again commissioned Richard to create a 2-story master suite addition. Living in or visiting the completed project - the original 1948 home remodeled + the 2000 addition + the 2014/15 addition, one goes through an unexpected and delightful experience as the spaces of the home “unfold” to reveal intimacy and environmental immersion. It was important to Richard and to the owners that their remodels and additions be appropriately designed to fit into the neighborhood and have the feel, scale, and soul of the original cottage. With this in-mind, Richard has interpreted the design intentions of the original cottage - “modernizing” the architectural vocabulary and creating open-plan, 2-story additions which promote site “engagement” at various floor levels and openness to the outdoors in a manner clearly inspired by the original cottage, yet modern. At the front door of the original (still remains as it was) 1948 structure, one is presented with a quaint a low-slung entry which establishes a very comfortable sense of scale. Inside, the remodeled spaces of the original cottage exude comfort and a cozy sensibility evoked by the reuse of the original home’s exposed timber framing structure, open-plan circulation, and an inventive two-sided steel fireplace which acts as a room divider between the living room and a home office. Accordion wood doors connect these rooms to a newly formed outdoor rear patio. At this point one also gets ones first hint that something very interesting is happening just beyond – a glimpse of the 2000 & 2014/15 additions. Moving from the original 1948 structure into the 2-story 2000 addition, one is greeted by a modern and open linear floor plan arrangement – a kitchen, casual dining and family room extend perpendicularly from the 1948 structure into the rear yard and down the hillside. The open framed cathedral ceiling and wood roof trusses establish a lofty feeling and a rhythm discretely separating the open rooms one from the other. Extensive use of windows and French doors connect the indoors to the outdoors and provide abundant natural lighting. This new appendage ends with a symmetrical family room which has no corners – it is a geometry composed of two overlapped squares - one rotated 45 degrees atop the other to create double opportunities for bay windows. The design not only connects the home to the desired exterior flat yards spaces, but it also takes full advantage of the sloping terrain by adding a floor below the original level so as to maintain a scale appropriate to the neighborhood. The exterior materials were chosen taking “hints” from the original 1948 structure – natural redwood siding, reused brick veneer and wood doors/windows all serving to aesthetically connect the addition back-to the spirit of the original structure. By 2014/15 the owners’ family has fully blossomed - the children are now teenagers and there is a need for additional space. However, the owners are very content with their remodeled cottage and Richard’s 2000 addition – unsure how to add to a home which they feel is quite perfect as it is … wanting whatever changes are to be made to be sympathetic to it. They are also concerned about potential additions blocking-out their views of the eucalyptus arroyo. The owners approached Richard with trepidation – we love our perfect house but we need it to be a bit bigger and we don’t want to block-out the arroyo views or create a hemmed-in feeling – how can we add but still see the arroyo. In response Richard created a private yet connected 2-story master suite, which by its positioning, dynamic geometries and extensive glazing create the fourth side of the former rear patio, making it into exterior courtyard with views around and through the new addition into the arroyo. A dynamic angularity in the new master addition (inspired by the 2000 addition) simultaneously reduces the apparent size/presence of the master suite addition on the edge of the eucalyptus arroyo while creating framed views into the arroyo from the newly formed courtyard. The new master suite - a master bathroom, master closet and a master sleeping loft each having exterior decks and/or patios, is connected back to the 2000 addition via a glazed hallway which provides a sense of connectedness and privacy. A modern rustic aesthetic of exposed board-formed concrete, natural finished Corten steel exterior cladding, frameless metal windows, and clear finished Douglas Fir planks serve to “extend” the soul of the original cottage into the master suite. The project is a highly sustainable design as well. Energy use is reduced by employing a high efficiency heat pump heating and cooling system, dual paned/gasketed metal window/door systems, natural lighting through a Kalwall skylight and generous exterior glazing with extensive eaves for shading, rigid roof insulation, and earthen backing – the lower floor is up-against the hillside which tends to even-out the day/night temperature differential. Credits: Architecture & Interior Design: Richard Best Architect Inc. Structural Engineering: Dan Echeto & David Choi Associates Interior Decor: Noelle Schoop Landscape: Connie Heitzman Photos: Carmel McFayden and Adriano Sarmento / James Porschen

Inspiration for a timeless gray two-story wood gable roof remodel in Minneapolis

Marion Brenner Photography
Example of a large minimalist front yard stone patio design in San Francisco with a fire pit

Photo: Kimberley Bryan © 2014 Houzz
Example of an eclectic dining room design in Portland with blue walls

Located in the charming High Pines neighborhood, this project was born out of necessity and vision. The homeowners—a couple with three young daughters—had outgrown their dated home but found that the cost and compromises of buying a new property in Miami simply didn’t make sense. Instead, they chose to invest in a full-scale renovation, tailored to enhance their lifestyle, maximize space, and modernize every corner of their home. The transformation included opening up the kitchen to create more connected living spaces, enclosing a discreet laundry room, remodeling all bedrooms and bathrooms, creating a resort-style outdoor retreat with a new pool, patio, and outdoor kitchen, and building an 800-square-foot master suite addition. The result is a cohesive, family-friendly design that balances style, comfort, and function. Main Living Areas At the heart of the home, the kitchen showcases custom Shaker-style cabinetry, sleek quartz countertops, and a spacious central island designed for entertaining. Pendant lights above the island add warmth and character, while linear diffusers subtly enhance airflow. Custom refrigerator panels create a cohesive, high-end aesthetic, all set atop durable wood-look porcelain tile flooring that extends throughout the living spaces. Flowing effortlessly into the living room, the open-concept design promotes comfort and sophistication. Recessed and linear LED lighting highlight a striking tropical wood feature wall, while a wood slat divider adds architectural interest and provides subtle separation without sacrificing openness. Hidden within this feature wall is a discreet door leading to a new, efficiently designed laundry room. Master Suite Addition A major highlight of the renovation is the luxurious 800-square-foot master suite addition, a serene retreat offering privacy and indulgence. The master bedroom features linear LED lights, elegant pendant lighting, and a space-saving pocket door that enhances flow. The adjoining master bathroom evokes a spa-like atmosphere, with a massive shower and built-in steam room as the centerpiece. A bold black-and-white geometric tile pattern brings striking visual contrast, complemented by globe-style light fixtures, a sleek vanity, dark wood cabinetry, and soft-toned hexagon tile flooring. A custom walk-in closet with tailored cabinetry completes the suite with a blend of organization and luxury. Outdoor Living The outdoor space was completely reimagined to function as an extension of the home—ideal for both relaxation and entertaining. The redesigned pool features a modern aesthetic with a party bench and sun shelf. The patio ceiling is finished in Thermo Wood Ayous for a warm, natural feel, while the gourmet outdoor kitchen boasts porcelain countertops, dark blue cabinetry with stainless steel hardware, and a high-end stainless steel grill. Additional Spaces Throughout the home, the existing bedrooms and bathrooms were fully renovated to meet the needs of the growing family. Custom mahogany and painted Shaker-style vanities, porcelain tile, glass shower enclosures, new doors, flooring, and upgraded closet systems bring functionality and design into every corner. Curb Appeal The renovation begins at the front door with a striking modern tropical wood entry, porcelain tile pathway, and a stucco clapboard façade. Rich Thermo Wood Ayous soffits add depth and warmth to the exterior, creating a welcoming and cohesive aesthetic that hints at the thoughtful transformation within.

Located in the charming High Pines neighborhood, this project was born out of necessity and vision. The homeowners—a couple with three young daughters—had outgrown their dated home but found that the cost and compromises of buying a new property in Miami simply didn’t make sense. Instead, they chose to invest in a full-scale renovation, tailored to enhance their lifestyle, maximize space, and modernize every corner of their home. The transformation included opening up the kitchen to create more connected living spaces, enclosing a discreet laundry room, remodeling all bedrooms and bathrooms, creating a resort-style outdoor retreat with a new pool, patio, and outdoor kitchen, and building an 800-square-foot master suite addition. The result is a cohesive, family-friendly design that balances style, comfort, and function. Main Living Areas At the heart of the home, the kitchen showcases custom Shaker-style cabinetry, sleek quartz countertops, and a spacious central island designed for entertaining. Pendant lights above the island add warmth and character, while linear diffusers subtly enhance airflow. Custom refrigerator panels create a cohesive, high-end aesthetic, all set atop durable wood-look porcelain tile flooring that extends throughout the living spaces. Flowing effortlessly into the living room, the open-concept design promotes comfort and sophistication. Recessed and linear LED lighting highlight a striking tropical wood feature wall, while a wood slat divider adds architectural interest and provides subtle separation without sacrificing openness. Hidden within this feature wall is a discreet door leading to a new, efficiently designed laundry room. Master Suite Addition A major highlight of the renovation is the luxurious 800-square-foot master suite addition, a serene retreat offering privacy and indulgence. The master bedroom features linear LED lights, elegant pendant lighting, and a space-saving pocket door that enhances flow. The adjoining master bathroom evokes a spa-like atmosphere, with a massive shower and built-in steam room as the centerpiece. A bold black-and-white geometric tile pattern brings striking visual contrast, complemented by globe-style light fixtures, a sleek vanity, dark wood cabinetry, and soft-toned hexagon tile flooring. A custom walk-in closet with tailored cabinetry completes the suite with a blend of organization and luxury. Outdoor Living The outdoor space was completely reimagined to function as an extension of the home—ideal for both relaxation and entertaining. The redesigned pool features a modern aesthetic with a party bench and sun shelf. The patio ceiling is finished in Thermo Wood Ayous for a warm, natural feel, while the gourmet outdoor kitchen boasts porcelain countertops, dark blue cabinetry with stainless steel hardware, and a high-end stainless steel grill. Additional Spaces Throughout the home, the existing bedrooms and bathrooms were fully renovated to meet the needs of the growing family. Custom mahogany and painted Shaker-style vanities, porcelain tile, glass shower enclosures, new doors, flooring, and upgraded closet systems bring functionality and design into every corner. Curb Appeal The renovation begins at the front door with a striking modern tropical wood entry, porcelain tile pathway, and a stucco clapboard façade. Rich Thermo Wood Ayous soffits add depth and warmth to the exterior, creating a welcoming and cohesive aesthetic that hints at the thoughtful transformation within.

Karuna Passive House designed by Holst Architecture and built by Hammer & Hand. This high performance home meets the world's most demanding green building certifications. Photo by Jeremy Bittermann.

Located in the charming High Pines neighborhood, this project was born out of necessity and vision. The homeowners—a couple with three young daughters—had outgrown their dated home but found that the cost and compromises of buying a new property in Miami simply didn’t make sense. Instead, they chose to invest in a full-scale renovation, tailored to enhance their lifestyle, maximize space, and modernize every corner of their home. The transformation included opening up the kitchen to create more connected living spaces, enclosing a discreet laundry room, remodeling all bedrooms and bathrooms, creating a resort-style outdoor retreat with a new pool, patio, and outdoor kitchen, and building an 800-square-foot master suite addition. The result is a cohesive, family-friendly design that balances style, comfort, and function. Main Living Areas At the heart of the home, the kitchen showcases custom Shaker-style cabinetry, sleek quartz countertops, and a spacious central island designed for entertaining. Pendant lights above the island add warmth and character, while linear diffusers subtly enhance airflow. Custom refrigerator panels create a cohesive, high-end aesthetic, all set atop durable wood-look porcelain tile flooring that extends throughout the living spaces. Flowing effortlessly into the living room, the open-concept design promotes comfort and sophistication. Recessed and linear LED lighting highlight a striking tropical wood feature wall, while a wood slat divider adds architectural interest and provides subtle separation without sacrificing openness. Hidden within this feature wall is a discreet door leading to a new, efficiently designed laundry room. Master Suite Addition A major highlight of the renovation is the luxurious 800-square-foot master suite addition, a serene retreat offering privacy and indulgence. The master bedroom features linear LED lights, elegant pendant lighting, and a space-saving pocket door that enhances flow. The adjoining master bathroom evokes a spa-like atmosphere, with a massive shower and built-in steam room as the centerpiece. A bold black-and-white geometric tile pattern brings striking visual contrast, complemented by globe-style light fixtures, a sleek vanity, dark wood cabinetry, and soft-toned hexagon tile flooring. A custom walk-in closet with tailored cabinetry completes the suite with a blend of organization and luxury. Outdoor Living The outdoor space was completely reimagined to function as an extension of the home—ideal for both relaxation and entertaining. The redesigned pool features a modern aesthetic with a party bench and sun shelf. The patio ceiling is finished in Thermo Wood Ayous for a warm, natural feel, while the gourmet outdoor kitchen boasts porcelain countertops, dark blue cabinetry with stainless steel hardware, and a high-end stainless steel grill. Additional Spaces Throughout the home, the existing bedrooms and bathrooms were fully renovated to meet the needs of the growing family. Custom mahogany and painted Shaker-style vanities, porcelain tile, glass shower enclosures, new doors, flooring, and upgraded closet systems bring functionality and design into every corner. Curb Appeal The renovation begins at the front door with a striking modern tropical wood entry, porcelain tile pathway, and a stucco clapboard façade. Rich Thermo Wood Ayous soffits add depth and warmth to the exterior, creating a welcoming and cohesive aesthetic that hints at the thoughtful transformation within.

Located in the charming High Pines neighborhood, this project was born out of necessity and vision. The homeowners—a couple with three young daughters—had outgrown their dated home but found that the cost and compromises of buying a new property in Miami simply didn’t make sense. Instead, they chose to invest in a full-scale renovation, tailored to enhance their lifestyle, maximize space, and modernize every corner of their home. The transformation included opening up the kitchen to create more connected living spaces, enclosing a discreet laundry room, remodeling all bedrooms and bathrooms, creating a resort-style outdoor retreat with a new pool, patio, and outdoor kitchen, and building an 800-square-foot master suite addition. The result is a cohesive, family-friendly design that balances style, comfort, and function. Main Living Areas At the heart of the home, the kitchen showcases custom Shaker-style cabinetry, sleek quartz countertops, and a spacious central island designed for entertaining. Pendant lights above the island add warmth and character, while linear diffusers subtly enhance airflow. Custom refrigerator panels create a cohesive, high-end aesthetic, all set atop durable wood-look porcelain tile flooring that extends throughout the living spaces. Flowing effortlessly into the living room, the open-concept design promotes comfort and sophistication. Recessed and linear LED lighting highlight a striking tropical wood feature wall, while a wood slat divider adds architectural interest and provides subtle separation without sacrificing openness. Hidden within this feature wall is a discreet door leading to a new, efficiently designed laundry room. Master Suite Addition A major highlight of the renovation is the luxurious 800-square-foot master suite addition, a serene retreat offering privacy and indulgence. The master bedroom features linear LED lights, elegant pendant lighting, and a space-saving pocket door that enhances flow. The adjoining master bathroom evokes a spa-like atmosphere, with a massive shower and built-in steam room as the centerpiece. A bold black-and-white geometric tile pattern brings striking visual contrast, complemented by globe-style light fixtures, a sleek vanity, dark wood cabinetry, and soft-toned hexagon tile flooring. A custom walk-in closet with tailored cabinetry completes the suite with a blend of organization and luxury. Outdoor Living The outdoor space was completely reimagined to function as an extension of the home—ideal for both relaxation and entertaining. The redesigned pool features a modern aesthetic with a party bench and sun shelf. The patio ceiling is finished in Thermo Wood Ayous for a warm, natural feel, while the gourmet outdoor kitchen boasts porcelain countertops, dark blue cabinetry with stainless steel hardware, and a high-end stainless steel grill. Additional Spaces Throughout the home, the existing bedrooms and bathrooms were fully renovated to meet the needs of the growing family. Custom mahogany and painted Shaker-style vanities, porcelain tile, glass shower enclosures, new doors, flooring, and upgraded closet systems bring functionality and design into every corner. Curb Appeal The renovation begins at the front door with a striking modern tropical wood entry, porcelain tile pathway, and a stucco clapboard façade. Rich Thermo Wood Ayous soffits add depth and warmth to the exterior, creating a welcoming and cohesive aesthetic that hints at the thoughtful transformation within.

Located in the charming High Pines neighborhood, this project was born out of necessity and vision. The homeowners—a couple with three young daughters—had outgrown their dated home but found that the cost and compromises of buying a new property in Miami simply didn’t make sense. Instead, they chose to invest in a full-scale renovation, tailored to enhance their lifestyle, maximize space, and modernize every corner of their home. The transformation included opening up the kitchen to create more connected living spaces, enclosing a discreet laundry room, remodeling all bedrooms and bathrooms, creating a resort-style outdoor retreat with a new pool, patio, and outdoor kitchen, and building an 800-square-foot master suite addition. The result is a cohesive, family-friendly design that balances style, comfort, and function. Main Living Areas At the heart of the home, the kitchen showcases custom Shaker-style cabinetry, sleek quartz countertops, and a spacious central island designed for entertaining. Pendant lights above the island add warmth and character, while linear diffusers subtly enhance airflow. Custom refrigerator panels create a cohesive, high-end aesthetic, all set atop durable wood-look porcelain tile flooring that extends throughout the living spaces. Flowing effortlessly into the living room, the open-concept design promotes comfort and sophistication. Recessed and linear LED lighting highlight a striking tropical wood feature wall, while a wood slat divider adds architectural interest and provides subtle separation without sacrificing openness. Hidden within this feature wall is a discreet door leading to a new, efficiently designed laundry room. Master Suite Addition A major highlight of the renovation is the luxurious 800-square-foot master suite addition, a serene retreat offering privacy and indulgence. The master bedroom features linear LED lights, elegant pendant lighting, and a space-saving pocket door that enhances flow. The adjoining master bathroom evokes a spa-like atmosphere, with a massive shower and built-in steam room as the centerpiece. A bold black-and-white geometric tile pattern brings striking visual contrast, complemented by globe-style light fixtures, a sleek vanity, dark wood cabinetry, and soft-toned hexagon tile flooring. A custom walk-in closet with tailored cabinetry completes the suite with a blend of organization and luxury. Outdoor Living The outdoor space was completely reimagined to function as an extension of the home—ideal for both relaxation and entertaining. The redesigned pool features a modern aesthetic with a party bench and sun shelf. The patio ceiling is finished in Thermo Wood Ayous for a warm, natural feel, while the gourmet outdoor kitchen boasts porcelain countertops, dark blue cabinetry with stainless steel hardware, and a high-end stainless steel grill. Additional Spaces Throughout the home, the existing bedrooms and bathrooms were fully renovated to meet the needs of the growing family. Custom mahogany and painted Shaker-style vanities, porcelain tile, glass shower enclosures, new doors, flooring, and upgraded closet systems bring functionality and design into every corner. Curb Appeal The renovation begins at the front door with a striking modern tropical wood entry, porcelain tile pathway, and a stucco clapboard façade. Rich Thermo Wood Ayous soffits add depth and warmth to the exterior, creating a welcoming and cohesive aesthetic that hints at the thoughtful transformation within.

Located in the charming High Pines neighborhood, this project was born out of necessity and vision. The homeowners—a couple with three young daughters—had outgrown their dated home but found that the cost and compromises of buying a new property in Miami simply didn’t make sense. Instead, they chose to invest in a full-scale renovation, tailored to enhance their lifestyle, maximize space, and modernize every corner of their home. The transformation included opening up the kitchen to create more connected living spaces, enclosing a discreet laundry room, remodeling all bedrooms and bathrooms, creating a resort-style outdoor retreat with a new pool, patio, and outdoor kitchen, and building an 800-square-foot master suite addition. The result is a cohesive, family-friendly design that balances style, comfort, and function. Main Living Areas At the heart of the home, the kitchen showcases custom Shaker-style cabinetry, sleek quartz countertops, and a spacious central island designed for entertaining. Pendant lights above the island add warmth and character, while linear diffusers subtly enhance airflow. Custom refrigerator panels create a cohesive, high-end aesthetic, all set atop durable wood-look porcelain tile flooring that extends throughout the living spaces. Flowing effortlessly into the living room, the open-concept design promotes comfort and sophistication. Recessed and linear LED lighting highlight a striking tropical wood feature wall, while a wood slat divider adds architectural interest and provides subtle separation without sacrificing openness. Hidden within this feature wall is a discreet door leading to a new, efficiently designed laundry room. Master Suite Addition A major highlight of the renovation is the luxurious 800-square-foot master suite addition, a serene retreat offering privacy and indulgence. The master bedroom features linear LED lights, elegant pendant lighting, and a space-saving pocket door that enhances flow. The adjoining master bathroom evokes a spa-like atmosphere, with a massive shower and built-in steam room as the centerpiece. A bold black-and-white geometric tile pattern brings striking visual contrast, complemented by globe-style light fixtures, a sleek vanity, dark wood cabinetry, and soft-toned hexagon tile flooring. A custom walk-in closet with tailored cabinetry completes the suite with a blend of organization and luxury. Outdoor Living The outdoor space was completely reimagined to function as an extension of the home—ideal for both relaxation and entertaining. The redesigned pool features a modern aesthetic with a party bench and sun shelf. The patio ceiling is finished in Thermo Wood Ayous for a warm, natural feel, while the gourmet outdoor kitchen boasts porcelain countertops, dark blue cabinetry with stainless steel hardware, and a high-end stainless steel grill. Additional Spaces Throughout the home, the existing bedrooms and bathrooms were fully renovated to meet the needs of the growing family. Custom mahogany and painted Shaker-style vanities, porcelain tile, glass shower enclosures, new doors, flooring, and upgraded closet systems bring functionality and design into every corner. Curb Appeal The renovation begins at the front door with a striking modern tropical wood entry, porcelain tile pathway, and a stucco clapboard façade. Rich Thermo Wood Ayous soffits add depth and warmth to the exterior, creating a welcoming and cohesive aesthetic that hints at the thoughtful transformation within.

The client purchased this property with grand plans of renovating the entire place; from top to bottom, and from inside to outside. And while the inside canvas was very generous and even somewhat forgiving, the outside space would be anything but. We wanted to squeeze in as much seating space as possible in their limited courtyard area, without encroaching on the already compact-sized pool. The first and most obvious solution was to get rid of the trees and shrubs that separated this house from its zero-lot-line neighbor. With the addition of Lueder limestone slabs, this alone would free up nearly 120 additional square feet, which happened to be the perfect amount of space for a mobile gas fire pit and sectional sofa. And all of this would make for the perfect place to enjoy the afternoon sunset with the implementation of a custom-built metal pergola standing above it all. The next problem we saw was that around the patio area, there were too many levels of steps and stairs, which meant that it would have been difficult to have any sort of traditional furniture arrangement. Randy knew that it only made sense to bring in a wood deck that could be mated to the highest level of the patio, thus creating gaining the most continuous amount of flat space that the client was wanting. But even so, that flat space would be limited to a tight "L-shape" around the pool. And knowing this, the client decided that the larger space would be more valuable to them than the spa, so they opted to have a portion of the deck built over it in order to allow for a more generous amount of patio space. And with the edge of the patio/deck dropping off almost 2 feet to the waterline, it now created the perfect opportunity to have a visually compelling raised wall that could be adorned with different hues of plank-shaped tiles. From inside the pool, the varying shades of brown were a great accent to the wood deck that sat just above. However, the true visual crowning jewel of this project would end up being the raised back wall along the fence, fully encased in a large format, 24x24 slate grey tile, complete with a custom stainless steel, square-tube scupper bank, installed at just the right height to create the perfect amount of water noise. But Randy wasn't done just yet. With two entirely new entertaining areas opened up at opposite ends of the pool, the only thing left to do now was to connect them. Knowing that he nor the client wanted to eliminate any more water space, he decided to bring a new traffic pattern right into the pool by way of two "floating", Lueder limestone stepper pads. It would be a visually perfect union of both pool and walking spaces. The existing steps and walkways were then cut away and replaced with matching Lueder limestone caps and steppers. All remaining gaps were then filled with Mexican beach pebble, which helped to promote a very "zen-like" feel in this outdoor space. The interior of the pool was coated with Wet Edge Primerastone "Blue Pacific Coast" plaster, and lit up with Pentair GloBrite LED pool lights. In the end, the client ended up gaining the additional entertaining and seating space that they needed, and the updated, modern feel that they loved.

Paint color is Winter Solstice Photography by Robert Granoff
Example of a transitional carpeted family room design in New York with gray walls

Located in the charming High Pines neighborhood, this project was born out of necessity and vision. The homeowners—a couple with three young daughters—had outgrown their dated home but found that the cost and compromises of buying a new property in Miami simply didn’t make sense. Instead, they chose to invest in a full-scale renovation, tailored to enhance their lifestyle, maximize space, and modernize every corner of their home. The transformation included opening up the kitchen to create more connected living spaces, enclosing a discreet laundry room, remodeling all bedrooms and bathrooms, creating a resort-style outdoor retreat with a new pool, patio, and outdoor kitchen, and building an 800-square-foot master suite addition. The result is a cohesive, family-friendly design that balances style, comfort, and function. Main Living Areas At the heart of the home, the kitchen showcases custom Shaker-style cabinetry, sleek quartz countertops, and a spacious central island designed for entertaining. Pendant lights above the island add warmth and character, while linear diffusers subtly enhance airflow. Custom refrigerator panels create a cohesive, high-end aesthetic, all set atop durable wood-look porcelain tile flooring that extends throughout the living spaces. Flowing effortlessly into the living room, the open-concept design promotes comfort and sophistication. Recessed and linear LED lighting highlight a striking tropical wood feature wall, while a wood slat divider adds architectural interest and provides subtle separation without sacrificing openness. Hidden within this feature wall is a discreet door leading to a new, efficiently designed laundry room. Master Suite Addition A major highlight of the renovation is the luxurious 800-square-foot master suite addition, a serene retreat offering privacy and indulgence. The master bedroom features linear LED lights, elegant pendant lighting, and a space-saving pocket door that enhances flow. The adjoining master bathroom evokes a spa-like atmosphere, with a massive shower and built-in steam room as the centerpiece. A bold black-and-white geometric tile pattern brings striking visual contrast, complemented by globe-style light fixtures, a sleek vanity, dark wood cabinetry, and soft-toned hexagon tile flooring. A custom walk-in closet with tailored cabinetry completes the suite with a blend of organization and luxury. Outdoor Living The outdoor space was completely reimagined to function as an extension of the home—ideal for both relaxation and entertaining. The redesigned pool features a modern aesthetic with a party bench and sun shelf. The patio ceiling is finished in Thermo Wood Ayous for a warm, natural feel, while the gourmet outdoor kitchen boasts porcelain countertops, dark blue cabinetry with stainless steel hardware, and a high-end stainless steel grill. Additional Spaces Throughout the home, the existing bedrooms and bathrooms were fully renovated to meet the needs of the growing family. Custom mahogany and painted Shaker-style vanities, porcelain tile, glass shower enclosures, new doors, flooring, and upgraded closet systems bring functionality and design into every corner. Curb Appeal The renovation begins at the front door with a striking modern tropical wood entry, porcelain tile pathway, and a stucco clapboard façade. Rich Thermo Wood Ayous soffits add depth and warmth to the exterior, creating a welcoming and cohesive aesthetic that hints at the thoughtful transformation within.

Trendy bathroom photo in Chicago

Inspiration for a 1960s open concept gray floor living room remodel in San Francisco with blue walls and a standard fireplace

The client purchased this property with grand plans of renovating the entire place; from top to bottom, and from inside to outside. And while the inside canvas was very generous and even somewhat forgiving, the outside space would be anything but. We wanted to squeeze in as much seating space as possible in their limited courtyard area, without encroaching on the already compact-sized pool. The first and most obvious solution was to get rid of the trees and shrubs that separated this house from its zero-lot-line neighbor. With the addition of Lueder limestone pavers, this new area alone would free up nearly 120 additional square feet, which happened to be the perfect amount of space for a mobile gas fire pit and sectional sofa. And this would make for the perfect place to enjoy the afternoon sunset with the implementation of a custom-built metal pergola standing above it all. The next problem to overcome was the disconnected feel of the existing patio; there were too many levels of steps and stairs, which meant that it would have been difficult to have any sort of traditional furniture arrangement in their outdoor space. Randy knew that it only made sense to bring in a wood deck that could be mated to the highest level of the patio, thus creating and gaining the greatest amount of continuous, flat space that the client needed. But even so, that flat space would be limited to a very tight "L-shape" around the pool. And knowing this, the client decided that the larger space would be more valuable to them than the spa, so they opted to have a portion of the deck built over it in order to allow for a more generous amount of patio space. And with the edge of the patio/deck dropping off almost 2 feet to the waterline, it now created the perfect opportunity to have a visually compelling raised wall that could be adorned with different hues of plank-shaped tiles. From inside the pool, the varying shades of brown were a great accent to the wood deck that sat just above. However, the true visual crowning jewel of this project would end up being the raised back wall along the fence, fully encased in a large format, 24x24 slate grey tile, complete with a custom stainless steel, square-tube scupper bank, installed at just the right height to create the perfect amount of water noise. But Randy wasn't done just yet. With two entirely new entertaining areas opened up at opposite ends of the pool, the only thing left to do now was to connect them. Knowing that he nor the client wanted to eliminate any more water space, he decided to bring a new traffic pattern right into the pool by way of two "floating", Lueder limestone stepper pads. It would be a visually perfect union of both pool and walking spaces. The existing steps and walkways were then cut away and replaced with matching Lueder limestone caps and steppers. All remaining hardscape gaps were later filled with Mexican beach pebble, which helped to promote a very "zen-like" feel in this outdoor space. The interior of the pool was coated with Wet Edge Primerastone "Blue Pacific Coast" plaster, and then lit up with the incredibly versatile Pentair GloBrite LED pool lights. In the end, the client ended up gaining the additional entertaining and seating space that they needed, and the updated, modern feel that they loved.

Michele Lee Willson Photography
Example of a trendy metal railing balcony design in San Francisco with a bbq area