Our client recently purchased a newly-constructed home in order to downsize and have a low- maintenance home and yard. The existing side yard/back yard was undeveloped by the builder, leaving the homeowner with the huge challenge of creating a great outdoor entertaining space for family and friends, while creating privacy and overcoming the over 8-foot steep drop from the existing back porch down to the alley. The grade was the largest challenge because the space was so narrow with such a large fall from existing porch to the property line. The second largest challenge is that this residence is located in a semi-private community where HOA approval of plans and materials is difficult, as all the residences here share a similar look and feel with a very clean and contemporary aesthetic. We had to precisely shoot grades to know what kinds of retaining walls would need to be constructed along with how much backfill soil and dirt movement would need to be done. After that the design had to carefully consider the space with maximum functionality for outdoor entertainment with newly constructed walls to ensure it would last for many years to come. All of this was done with multiple meetings with the homeowners who are a retired engineer and active architect themselves. Once a design was settled upon, then submission to the HOA board of approval had to be completed and signed off on with all questions and concerns answered for the community by-laws. The two biggest difficulties within the construction phase were that the neighbor next to the back yard had a large retaining wall not properly backfilled up to the property line. That neighbor wouldn’t allow us proper access and control to help alleviate the issues, so we had to skillfully work around this to ensure what we constructed would last, despite their property not being properly addressed. We also had to go through multiple shipments from the manufacturer due to large variances in the material’s appearance on the steps and another shipment that was broken during shipping. These two things delayed the project we were working to complete before the spring so the homeowner could have the maximum use of the space this year. Topping off this challenging construction was a beautiful palette of native grasses, rosemary, groundcover, granite walkways, and synthetic grass to ensure year-round, practically effortless beauty.

Our client recently purchased a newly-constructed home in order to downsize and have a low- maintenance home and yard. The existing side yard/back yard was undeveloped by the builder, leaving the homeowner with the huge challenge of creating a great outdoor entertaining space for family and friends, while creating privacy and overcoming the over 8-foot steep drop from the existing back porch down to the alley. The grade was the largest challenge because the space was so narrow with such a large fall from existing porch to the property line. The second largest challenge is that this residence is located in a semi-private community where HOA approval of plans and materials is difficult, as all the residences here share a similar look and feel with a very clean and contemporary aesthetic. We had to precisely shoot grades to know what kinds of retaining walls would need to be constructed along with how much backfill soil and dirt movement would need to be done. After that the design had to carefully consider the space with maximum functionality for outdoor entertainment with newly constructed walls to ensure it would last for many years to come. All of this was done with multiple meetings with the homeowners who are a retired engineer and active architect themselves. Once a design was settled upon, then submission to the HOA board of approval had to be completed and signed off on with all questions and concerns answered for the community by-laws. The two biggest difficulties within the construction phase were that the neighbor next to the back yard had a large retaining wall not properly backfilled up to the property line. That neighbor wouldn’t allow us proper access and control to help alleviate the issues, so we had to skillfully work around this to ensure what we constructed would last, despite their property not being properly addressed. We also had to go through multiple shipments from the manufacturer due to large variances in the material’s appearance on the steps and another shipment that was broken during shipping. These two things delayed the project we were working to complete before the spring so the homeowner could have the maximum use of the space this year. Topping off this challenging construction was a beautiful palette of native grasses, rosemary, groundcover, granite walkways, and synthetic grass to ensure year-round, practically effortless beauty.

This entry’s design was inspired by the feel of an English manor. The challenge with a large home-site was creating a home design including multiple buildings and outdoor structures that flowed together and felt cohesive. The main function of the outdoor living space was to address this challenge. • The home includes a main house, guest house, outdoor leaving area, gazebo, and separate garage connected by trellised walkways. Large concrete tiles separated by grass create walkways between focal points. A large rock wall with focal niches balances the guest house. • A trellised pathway connects the main house with separate outbuildings. • A long wading pool is anchored by a stone wall points the way to a scenic outdoor living area. • A covered living area was designed on the edge of the property to take advantage of the stunning views and tie the guest house and pool together. A rectangular open firepit gives guests a stunning setting in which to relax. • Rock pathways and gardens edge the property, uniting and connecting the various spaces. • Landscape lighting adds to the overall glow setting off the old world setting. • Each living area was designed to connect and flow with the overall design while taking advantage of the spectacular views. • For a complete tour of this property: http://epprighthomes.com/videos/12th-century-manor-house/

Kitchen - traditional kitchen idea in San Francisco

This entry’s design was inspired by the feel of an English manor. The challenge with a large home-site was creating a home design including multiple buildings and outdoor structures that flowed together and felt cohesive. The main function of the outdoor living space was to address this challenge. • The home includes a main house, guest house, outdoor leaving area, gazebo, and separate garage connected by trellised walkways. Large concrete tiles separated by grass create walkways between focal points. A large rock wall with focal niches balances the guest house. • A trellised pathway connects the main house with separate outbuildings. • A long wading pool is anchored by a stone wall points the way to a scenic outdoor living area. • A covered living area was designed on the edge of the property to take advantage of the stunning views and tie the guest house and pool together. A rectangular open firepit gives guests a stunning setting in which to relax. • Rock pathways and gardens edge the property, uniting and connecting the various spaces. • Landscape lighting adds to the overall glow setting off the old world setting. • Each living area was designed to connect and flow with the overall design while taking advantage of the spectacular views. • For a complete tour of this property: http://epprighthomes.com/videos/12th-century-manor-house/

Our client recently purchased a newly-constructed home in order to downsize and have a low- maintenance home and yard. The existing side yard/back yard was undeveloped by the builder, leaving the homeowner with the huge challenge of creating a great outdoor entertaining space for family and friends, while creating privacy and overcoming the over 8-foot steep drop from the existing back porch down to the alley. The grade was the largest challenge because the space was so narrow with such a large fall from existing porch to the property line. The second largest challenge is that this residence is located in a semi-private community where HOA approval of plans and materials is difficult, as all the residences here share a similar look and feel with a very clean and contemporary aesthetic. We had to precisely shoot grades to know what kinds of retaining walls would need to be constructed along with how much backfill soil and dirt movement would need to be done. After that the design had to carefully consider the space with maximum functionality for outdoor entertainment with newly constructed walls to ensure it would last for many years to come. All of this was done with multiple meetings with the homeowners who are a retired engineer and active architect themselves. Once a design was settled upon, then submission to the HOA board of approval had to be completed and signed off on with all questions and concerns answered for the community by-laws. The two biggest difficulties within the construction phase were that the neighbor next to the back yard had a large retaining wall not properly backfilled up to the property line. That neighbor wouldn’t allow us proper access and control to help alleviate the issues, so we had to skillfully work around this to ensure what we constructed would last, despite their property not being properly addressed. We also had to go through multiple shipments from the manufacturer due to large variances in the material’s appearance on the steps and another shipment that was broken during shipping. These two things delayed the project we were working to complete before the spring so the homeowner could have the maximum use of the space this year. Topping off this challenging construction was a beautiful palette of native grasses, rosemary, groundcover, granite walkways, and synthetic grass to ensure year-round, practically effortless beauty.

Door Style: Parkside Inset Construction: Flush Inset Wood Type: HDM Paint: Showplace Paints - Black After purchasing this modern style ranch home built in the 1980's the homeowners wanted to open up the floor plan and modernize the look and feel. Creating a functional space that met the cooking needs of a large active family while supporting entertaining large parties with ease was very important. With good bones and many appealing architectural details already in place, the home just needed a make over with good design to become the next better version of itself. One of the first hurdles in developing this design was creating a contemporary Scandinavian feel without upper wall cabinets, so special attention needed to be placed on storage needs. This was addressed through the use of multiple sets of wide, large drawer banks, tray divider cabinets, and storage on the back side of the island's counter top overhang. This created the necessary space to ensure every pot and pan had a home, and in the correct place for its intended purpose. Entertainment needs were addressed by creating a separate space dedicated to wine columns, a coffee station, and associated glassware. The homeowners came into the project with a desire for black painted shaker style cabinetry with large gold hardware; this was an appealing challenge for the design team at Haggard Home Cabinetry & Design, who loved the unique opportunity to "color outside of the lines" and stretch their creative talents. A combination of sky lights and large windows flood the space with natural light and enhance the dark painted choice in cabinetry. In the end, the homeowners brought their tasteful vision of a great design to this project which became beautiful reality in a space they will love for years to come. Completed by Haggard Home Cabinetry & Design in Norcross, GA, this beautiful project was a 2019 Showplace Cabinetry National Award Winner – Best Kitchen Design for a New Showplace Dealer.

This entry’s design was inspired by the feel of an English manor. The challenge with a large home-site was creating a home design including multiple buildings and outdoor structures that flowed together and felt cohesive. The main function of the outdoor living space was to address this challenge. • The home includes a main house, guest house, outdoor leaving area, gazebo, and separate garage connected by trellised walkways. Large concrete tiles separated by grass create walkways between focal points. A large rock wall with focal niches balances the guest house. • A trellised pathway connects the main house with separate outbuildings. • A long wading pool is anchored by a stone wall points the way to a scenic outdoor living area. • A covered living area was designed on the edge of the property to take advantage of the stunning views and tie the guest house and pool together. A rectangular open firepit gives guests a stunning setting in which to relax. • Rock pathways and gardens edge the property, uniting and connecting the various spaces. • Landscape lighting adds to the overall glow setting off the old world setting. • Each living area was designed to connect and flow with the overall design while taking advantage of the spectacular views. • For a complete tour of this property: http://epprighthomes.com/videos/12th-century-manor-house/

This entry’s design was inspired by the feel of an English manor. The challenge with a large home-site was creating a home design including multiple buildings and outdoor structures that flowed together and felt cohesive. The main function of the outdoor living space was to address this challenge. • The home includes a main house, guest house, outdoor leaving area, gazebo, and separate garage connected by trellised walkways. Large concrete tiles separated by grass create walkways between focal points. A large rock wall with focal niches balances the guest house. • A trellised pathway connects the main house with separate outbuildings. • A long wading pool is anchored by a stone wall points the way to a scenic outdoor living area. • A covered living area was designed on the edge of the property to take advantage of the stunning views and tie the guest house and pool together. A rectangular open firepit gives guests a stunning setting in which to relax. • Rock pathways and gardens edge the property, uniting and connecting the various spaces. • Landscape lighting adds to the overall glow setting off the old world setting. • Each living area was designed to connect and flow with the overall design while taking advantage of the spectacular views. • For a complete tour of this property: http://epprighthomes.com/videos/12th-century-manor-house/

This clean cut kitchen stemmed from the design challenge to place a contemporary kitchen in a traditional Tudor style house in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago. Our client was a self-described city person living in the country - who wanted an urban contemporary feeling incorporated into her home. She says she waited many years to find the right design team who understood her vision! Not wanting to ignore the beautiful 50 year old oaks outside her window, Advance Design transformed her traditional kitchen into an urban kitchen utopia with the use of texture and earthy finishes keeping with the feel of the existing home. Dura Supreme Bria frameless cabinets with a soft pillowed door works to incorporate a woodsy feel in shades of grey textured foil appropriately called “Twig”. Aluminum framed opaque glass doors are hinged with a lift up Aventos hinge for a contemporary twist and a super-functional opening. Brushed nickel hardware in various sizes keeps with the clean line feel. To keep the design organic and “fit it in” with the rest of the house, we covered the floor with a natural looking travertine porcelain laid on a 45 degree angle simulating a more traditional feel in a neutral tone of silvery-brown. The backsplash is clean and crisp with large Carrera marble tiles in a brick pattern, and a splash of energy from a vertical marble and glass mosaic accent. We then finished off the look with clean Cambria Torquay countertops portraying minimal patterning to keep the work surfaces feeling uncluttered and open. Other areas of the home were addressed to “blend” the style in with lightly distressed grey tone hardwood floors and a “matching” renovated powder room displaying contemporary features to compliment the nearby kitchen’s style. Photo Credits- Joe Nowak

This entry’s design was inspired by the feel of an English manor. The challenge with a large home-site was creating a home design including multiple buildings and outdoor structures that flowed together and felt cohesive. The main function of the outdoor living space was to address this challenge. • The home includes a main house, guest house, outdoor leaving area, gazebo, and separate garage connected by trellised walkways. Large concrete tiles separated by grass create walkways between focal points. A large rock wall with focal niches balances the guest house. • A trellised pathway connects the main house with separate outbuildings. • A long wading pool is anchored by a stone wall points the way to a scenic outdoor living area. • A covered living area was designed on the edge of the property to take advantage of the stunning views and tie the guest house and pool together. A rectangular open firepit gives guests a stunning setting in which to relax. • Rock pathways and gardens edge the property, uniting and connecting the various spaces. • Landscape lighting adds to the overall glow setting off the old world setting. • Each living area was designed to connect and flow with the overall design while taking advantage of the spectacular views. • For a complete tour of this property: http://epprighthomes.com/videos/12th-century-manor-house/

This entry’s design was inspired by the feel of an English manor. The challenge with a large home-site was creating a home design including multiple buildings and outdoor structures that flowed together and felt cohesive. The main function of the outdoor living space was to address this challenge. • The home includes a main house, guest house, outdoor leaving area, gazebo, and separate garage connected by trellised walkways. Large concrete tiles separated by grass create walkways between focal points. A large rock wall with focal niches balances the guest house. • A trellised pathway connects the main house with separate outbuildings. • A long wading pool is anchored by a stone wall points the way to a scenic outdoor living area. • A covered living area was designed on the edge of the property to take advantage of the stunning views and tie the guest house and pool together. A rectangular open firepit gives guests a stunning setting in which to relax. • Rock pathways and gardens edge the property, uniting and connecting the various spaces. • Landscape lighting adds to the overall glow setting off the old world setting. • Each living area was designed to connect and flow with the overall design while taking advantage of the spectacular views. • For a complete tour of this property: http://epprighthomes.com/videos/12th-century-manor-house/

Our design for an apartment located in the West End-Collegiate Historic District Extension in Manhattan addressed a number of challenges to unleash the potential of this 2.500-square-foot space in an elegant pre-war building. When purchased by our client, the property was in estate condition and needed extensive work, requiring demolition and a complete makeover of the living spaces, as well as the addition of contemporary climate control. Among the spatial and design challenges, the primary bathroom was exposed to the entry foyer of the apartment, and the dining room and kitchen were each closed-in and lacking light. The dining room’s promise as a bright, convivial space was fulfilled by adding double pocket doors opening to the living room, kitchen and foyer, establishing a seamless flow through the entertaining spaces while bringing in much-needed light. We designed a chic and modern solution for the primary bedroom’s lack of privacy, creating a walk-in closet that serves as a transitional vestibule in the bedroom, adding both visual intrigue and additional storage space while shielding the viewscape from the apartment entrance through the foyer to the bedroom. To add a three-zone central air conditioning system, we took advantage of the kitchen facing an interior courtyard, placing the air conditioning condensers here, which also satisfied landmark property restrictions. The climate control system was accomplished without lowering ceiling heights. Finally, we worked with the client to choose classic finishes and fixtures that reflect and enhance the historic nature of the property, and are also contemporary and timeless. These include unlacquered brass hardware, herringbone oak flooring with a stencil border, black-and-white bathrooms, and paneling, trim, and moldings that are simple and elegant. POP Architecture was the architect for the project, and Godwin Construction was the general contractor.

At the outset, this project began with the transformation of a 2-car attached garage. The goal was to create a mudroom, an exercise room, and a breezeway to seamlessly connect the spacious detached garage with the main part of the house. Additionally, the project involved partial roof removal and the addition of a new front entry. But then came an unexpected twist – scope creep. We found ourselves veering away from the initial client-supplied architectural plans. After numerous consultations with the clients and several iterations of the design, we arrived at a significantly improved plan for the remodel and addition. Our journey commenced with the demolition of almost the entire former 2-car garage, making space for a new, oversized 3-car garage measuring 40′ x 28′. This garage was strategically placed between the existing house and the large detached garage. We introduced a custom low-sloped flat roof, designed to address historical drainage issues. To mitigate water pooling, we created a custom concrete step at the back corner of the garage, equipped with a sturdy metal grate that sits flush with the step. We also installed a PVC drainage system, commencing at the step and running beneath a newly designed patio, ultimately draining into the yard. These measures have significantly reduced water accumulation around the house. The new garage boasts several features, including Longboard aluminum siding, custom full glass garage doors, interior drywall finished to a level 4, an abundance of can lights, an epoxy floor coating, vinyl base trim, a new forced air garage heater, and more. The clients also requested a designated space for their three kids and their friends to enjoy, thus giving birth to the “Kid Zone.” We partitioned a section of the existing oversized garage, resulting in a space measuring approximately 22′ x 32′, brimming with entertainment possibilities. To enhance control over the temperature in the Kid Zone, we collaborated with our licensed HVAC partner to install a cold weather mini-split system. One of the most significant challenges was the modernization and consolidation of the home’s main electrical systems. We reconfigured and combined 6-7 different electrical panels into just two. One panel serves the main house, while the second is dedicated to backup power from a generator. These panels, along with the boiler for the in-floor heating system, are housed in a newly constructed mechanical room within the Kid Zone. Inside the main house, we completed various tasks, such as removing the ceiling in the hallway from the new garage to address prior water damage, improve insulation, and rework electrical and HVAC systems. We also replaced the ceiling from the front door to the base of the stairs, adding new can lighting and enhancing insulation. Skilled drywall specialists then installed and finished new drywall to a level 5 standard. The exterior of the house underwent a complete overhaul. Before installing new roofing on the entire house and garage, we modified an existing flat roof by adding custom lumber and plywood to enhance the pitch, preventing future ice dams. A new rubber roof was expertly installed on the oversized 3-car garage, and the flat roof section we re-framed. Our meticulous exterior team removed old white aluminum soffit, fascia, and gutters, replacing them with new framing to accommodate Longboard soffit material. This task was particularly challenging due to the age of the house and the non-standard wall and roof framing. Our skilled exterior subcontractors ensured a perfect fit. Near the pool area, we discovered severe rot and decay from years of water intrusion. After informing the homeowners, we ordered and installed five new commercial-style block framed windows and a custom 8′ high Anderson patio door. This involved careful removal and replacement of window headers from the outside to avoid disturbing the finished part of the house. We reframed the large openings to fit the new windows, and our skilled trim carpenters installed new walnut casing, base, and window sills. In total, we replaced around 900 lineal feet of soffit and installed approximately 32 squares of aluminum siding. The entire house was meticulously prepped, repaired, and painted according to the client’s chosen color. Throughout the project, we incorporated numerous custom touches and unique design elements, some of which you can see in the pictures. Our team also addressed various unforeseen challenges, from soil issues to rot and decay repair, roof leaks, drainage problems, electrical and HVAC complexities, and much more. At Xpand Inc., we take pride in making it all happen, turning your remodeling and renovation dreams into reality.

This entry’s design was inspired by the feel of an English manor. The challenge with a large home-site was creating a home design including multiple buildings and outdoor structures that flowed together and felt cohesive. The main function of the outdoor living space was to address this challenge. • The home includes a main house, guest house, outdoor leaving area, gazebo, and separate garage connected by trellised walkways. Large concrete tiles separated by grass create walkways between focal points. A large rock wall with focal niches balances the guest house. • A trellised pathway connects the main house with separate outbuildings. • A long wading pool is anchored by a stone wall points the way to a scenic outdoor living area. • A covered living area was designed on the edge of the property to take advantage of the stunning views and tie the guest house and pool together. A rectangular open firepit gives guests a stunning setting in which to relax. • Rock pathways and gardens edge the property, uniting and connecting the various spaces. • Landscape lighting adds to the overall glow setting off the old world setting. • Each living area was designed to connect and flow with the overall design while taking advantage of the spectacular views. • For a complete tour of this property: http://epprighthomes.com/videos/12th-century-manor-house/

This entry’s design was inspired by the feel of an English manor. The challenge with a large home-site was creating a home design including multiple buildings and outdoor structures that flowed together and felt cohesive. The main function of the outdoor living space was to address this challenge. • The home includes a main house, guest house, outdoor leaving area, gazebo, and separate garage connected by trellised walkways. Large concrete tiles separated by grass create walkways between focal points. A large rock wall with focal niches balances the guest house. • A trellised pathway connects the main house with separate outbuildings. • A long wading pool is anchored by a stone wall points the way to a scenic outdoor living area. • A covered living area was designed on the edge of the property to take advantage of the stunning views and tie the guest house and pool together. A rectangular open firepit gives guests a stunning setting in which to relax. • Rock pathways and gardens edge the property, uniting and connecting the various spaces. • Landscape lighting adds to the overall glow setting off the old world setting. • Each living area was designed to connect and flow with the overall design while taking advantage of the spectacular views. • For a complete tour of this property: http://epprighthomes.com/videos/12th-century-manor-house/

The homeowners were building a new home and wanted to incorporate a beautiful lakeside landscape design. The design was constrained by several factors, including lakeshore setbacks that limited development towards the lake and impacted sideyards, as well as strict impervious surface restrictions that limited installation options. To address these challenges, steppers and 3-foot pathways with planting beds were used to create connection spaces without affecting lot coverage. Despite these restrictions, the goals for the project were clear: create an open yard that maintains views of the lake, develop connected and versatile entertaining spaces, and use materials and colors that blend seamlessly with the house. The design also aimed to provide ample space for family and friends and incorporate a firepit area, hot tub, cooking area, longue beds, and dining area.

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Mid-sized farmhouse entryway photo in Austin