A cabin in Western Wisconsin is transformed from within to become a serene and modern retreat. In a past life, this cabin was a fishing cottage which was part of a resort built in the 1920’s on a small lake not far from the Twin Cities. The cabin has had multiple additions over the years so improving flow to the outdoor space, creating a family friendly kitchen, and relocating a bigger master bedroom on the lake side were priorities. The solution was to bring the kitchen from the back of the cabin up to the front, reduce the size of an overly large bedroom in the back in order to create a more generous front entry way/mudroom adjacent to the kitchen, and add a fireplace in the center of the main floor. Photographer: Wing Ta Interior Design: Jennaea Gearhart Design

The genesis of design for this desert retreat was the informal dining area in which the clients, along with family and friends, would gather. Located in north Scottsdale’s prestigious Silverleaf, this ranch hacienda offers 6,500 square feet of gracious hospitality for family and friends. Focused around the informal dining area, the home’s living spaces, both indoor and outdoor, offer warmth of materials and proximity for expansion of the casual dining space that the owners envisioned for hosting gatherings to include their two grown children, parents, and many friends. The kitchen, adjacent to the informal dining, serves as the functioning heart of the home and is open to the great room, informal dining room, and office, and is mere steps away from the outdoor patio lounge and poolside guest casita. Additionally, the main house master suite enjoys spectacular vistas of the adjacent McDowell mountains and distant Phoenix city lights. The clients, who desired ample guest quarters for their visiting adult children, decided on a detached guest casita featuring two bedroom suites, a living area, and a small kitchen. The guest casita’s spectacular bedroom mountain views are surpassed only by the living area views of distant mountains seen beyond the spectacular pool and outdoor living spaces. Project Details | Desert Retreat, Silverleaf – Scottsdale, AZ Architect: C.P. Drewett, AIA, NCARB; Drewett Works, Scottsdale, AZ Builder: Sonora West Development, Scottsdale, AZ Photographer: Dino Tonn Featured in Phoenix Home and Garden, May 2015, “Sporting Style: Golf Enthusiast Christie Austin Earns Top Scores on the Home Front” See more of this project here: http://drewettworks.com/desert-retreat-at-silverleaf/

This contemporary style labyrinth was installed by Paths of Peace onto a new 36 foot concrete pad. It is a major feature of the formal gardens in this new urban city park . The labyrinth design was installed using a brown-colored granite resin with a protective sealer. The pattern was designed by Lisa Gidlow Moriarty and can be used as an individual labyrinth walk or with two persons walking side-by-side on adjacent paths. The pattern is thus called Partner Stroll.

Bamboo and Pittosporum screen the adjacent tall building wall and provide privacy within the garden. Japanese maples were used as sculptural elements with seasonal color. Photo by: Adam Willis Photography

Photography: Landmark Photography
Large cottage formal and open concept medium tone wood floor living room photo in Minneapolis with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a media wall

Our clients—philanthropists that split time between Chicago and Naples—embraced a rare opportunity to buy an adjacent unit and experience full-floor city living. With a vision for both intimate and large gatherings and minimal maintenance, we developed simple architectural details that organize the primary living spaces and integrate mechanical, lighting and structural elements. Their growing art collection is set against classic oak paneling, travertine and oak flooring and white lacquer finishes. Seeded glass and metal doors filter natural light into the center of the apartment and reflect city and lake views. The result is an understated yet inviting home.

a raised deck was added so that a new corner spa could be nestled into the garden and be seat height, eliminating the need for steps up to a tall hot tub. A removable section of the deck allows access to the mechanical panel in the spa. A cut-corner spa was selected to allow more circulation around the spa. Custom lattice panels with a narrow trellis top complete the spa experience and provide privacy from adjacent houses in this tiny urban garden.

This space adjacent to the side walk was a tangle of weeds and volunteer maples which collected an endless stream of garbage, particularly from dog walkers if you get my drift! The owners of the vacant lot decided to build a planter to occupy the space and raise awareness for sustainable food production in the city, The garden bed is now tended to by members a local community cooperative. Ernst Hellrung

Saturday June 27, 10:00 to 11:30am | Brooklyn Monroe Place by Robin Key of Robin Key Landscape Architecture The landscape architect worked closely with the owners to design the front and rear gardens of this Brooklyn Heights townhouse. Located in a historic district, the front garden ironwork and original bluestone sidewalk were restored with the approval of the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. In the rear garden, materials were carefully selected to create a balance between the historic landscape and the new elements. The stone patios, laid using salvaged bluestone already existing on the site, are defined by two linear, stacked-stone fountains where water cascades gently into low pools. A raised wood deck at the back of the property is nestled within a bed of soft moss and wispy ferns, creating a peaceful seating area surrounded by woodland plantings. Here modern garden furniture and sculpture create a bold contrast. Throughout the property, the site’s existing mature trees were preserved to serve as a framework for the garden. A lower level seating area adjacent to the house provides the owners with an outdoor kitchen and area for entertaining. Photo courtesy Robin Key Landscape Architecture

View from "her" side. Amazing views from the bathroom of the adjacent mountains. View leads into the master bedroom. Design: City Chic, Cristi Pettibone Photos: SpartaPhoto - Alex Rentzis

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

This is technically both living room and family room combined into one space, which is very common in city living. This poses a conundrum for a designer because the space needs to function on so many different levels. On a day to day basis, it's just a place to watch television and chill. When company is over though, it metamorphosis into a sophisticated and elegant gathering place. Adjacent to dining and kitchen, it's the perfect for any situation that comes your way, including for holidays when that drop leaf table opens up to seat 12 or even 14 guests. Photo: Ward Roberts

Wood paneling conceals the entertainment center in the living area; to the far left of the space, adjacent to the drapes, the panel is also a door to the bedroom. This project was featured in Home&Design. http://www.homeanddesign.com/2016/10/14/audiovideo-lighting-drawing-board-4 Photography by Geoffrey Hodgdon

New hardwood floors were installed in the kitchen and a complimenting (shown in top of image here) porcelain tile with a wood look was installed in the adjacent sun room. This kitchen is located in Moline, IL and was remodeled by Village Home Stores.

This wine bar/dry bar is on the opposite side of the great room/kitchen. Integrated Subzero wine storage and custom soffit with integrated lighting. Corner views of the adjacent desert mountainside. Design: City Chic, Cristi Pettibone Photos: SpartaPhoto - Alex Rentzis

Joanne Tall
Kitchen pantry - small traditional galley light wood floor kitchen pantry idea in New York with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, multicolored backsplash, cement tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island

Photography: Angie Seckinger
Mid-sized elegant u-shaped dark wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in DC Metro with a drop-in sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, multicolored backsplash, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Inspiration for a coastal bathroom remodel in Kansas City

Some wall units were clad in stainless steel to add interest. These cabinets are set back from adjacent cabinets for definition. The stainless steel hood is custom designed and built.