Perched in a serene and sun-drenched south-facing location, this extraordinary A-frame home is a rare architectural gem, offering uninterrupted mountain and forest views from every window. The design effortlessly blends mid-century charm with modern sensibility, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that is both stylish and functional and deeply grounded in the Japanese history of the A-frame architectural style. The open floor plan is an entertainer’s dream, featuring a spacious living room that flows seamlessly into a bright and airy kitchen. Both spaces are enhanced by custom cabinetry and natural stone countertops, offering a perfect balance of luxury and comfort. Connecting these areas is a stunning living atrium, a lush green space that infuses the home with healthy, humidified air and natural beauty. The master suite, occupying the entire second level, is a sanctuary of luxury and tranquility. With soaring 25-foot ceilings, this expansive retreat offers breathtaking views, a walk-in closet, and an en suite bathroom equipped with a rejuvenating steam shower. The versatile space is ample enough to accommodate a home office, making it a true retreat within the home. Step outside, and you’ll discover lush outdoor living spaces designed for relaxation and entertainment. Multiple areas, including expansive redwood decks, a flagstone patio, a fire pit, and hot tub that provide endless opportunities to enjoy the natural surroundings. The outdoor wood sauna adds a touch of luxury, offering a serene escape after a day of mountain activities. This A-frame home is more than just a residence; it is a tribute to the design and craftsmanship that is rooted in the Japanese style where the A-frame can trace its origin.

A clean, transitional home design. This home focuses on ample and open living spaces for the family, as well as impressive areas for hosting family and friends. The quality of materials chosen, combined with simple and understated lines throughout, creates a perfect canvas for this family’s life. Contrasting whites, blacks, and greys create a dramatic backdrop for an active and loving lifestyle.

This home remodel for a young family with toddlers focused on creating a modern, open-concept design with a neutral color palette. The interior features a spacious layout for easy movement, ample natural light, and sleek, minimalist finishes. Outside, we designed a safe, engaging space with a play area, garden, and comfortable seating, all tailored to support an active family lifestyle. Safety and functionality were prioritized with child-proofing, eco-friendly materials, and smart storage solutions, creating a beautiful, family-friendly environment that grows with the family.

This home remodel for a young family with toddlers focused on creating a modern, open-concept design with a neutral color palette. The interior features a spacious layout for easy movement, ample natural light, and sleek, minimalist finishes. Outside, we designed a safe, engaging space with a play area, garden, and comfortable seating, all tailored to support an active family lifestyle. Safety and functionality were prioritized with child-proofing, eco-friendly materials, and smart storage solutions, creating a beautiful, family-friendly environment that grows with the family.

A couple relocating to Lisbon found a property in a recently upgraded building with open layouts and modernized features. Our studio was entrusted to bring elegant comfort to the interior with carefully curated, custom-designed furniture and decor. From a blank canvas, the home was enlivened with walnut furnishings by Portuguese producers, warm-hued textiles in botanical motifs, and accents of delicate brass lighting. The entryway leads toward a spacious living room, where hand-woven rugs delineate areas for different activities. The first features a dining collection with upholstered shell chairs that comfortably envelop end-of-evening conversation. Midway, a daybed and display shelving system nestled under the lowered ceiling offer an intimate, yet versatile space. Stepping into the lounge, theatrical curtains reveal the pastel medley of Lisbon’s built landscape, the river, and hills in the distance. The dialogue of the room continues around a multi-tiered center table and featherweight pendant: a Brazilian modernist armchair faces a bespoke tufted-leather sofa, its throw cushions tailored to the palette of the media cabinet. Outside, the balcony’s slate lacquered dining set caters to convivial meals. Private appreciation is found in a pair of leisurely chairs adjacent to the bedroom, with a side table quoting the terracotta background. The main suite is endued with a crafted spindle bed dressed in deep blue linens and a lively made-to-measure embroidered bedspread. White Estremoz marble nightstands were designed to organize reading material and provide cable management. Circular ceramic lamps and bedside tables complement an ample upholstered bed to accommodate guests, and a floating console offers a discreet solution for remote meetings.

The Setup: After purchasing this home, the homeowners faced a unique opportunity to reimagine their kitchen and nearby spaces. Water damage from a burst pipe had left much of the home’s interior in need of repair, and while the existing kitchen was functional and in relatively good shape, it didn’t align with the family’s vision for their new home. The layout included a peninsula that wasn’t ideal, and there were some druthers with the nearby pantry. Since the space needed to be rebuilt anyway, the homeowners saw this as a chance to create a kitchen that was both highly functional for their four young children and timeless in its design. The project also included a refresh of the adjacent message center and dining room — spaces that play key roles in the family’s daily life. The goal was to create a cohesive flow between these areas, balancing modern functionality with the craftsman-inspired character of the rest of the home. Design Objectives: - Replace the outdated peninsula with a large island to maximize counter space and create new seating options. - Open up the space visually by removing soffits and rethinking the cabinetry layout. Incorporate concealed refrigeration and freezer units to provide significant storage for the family while maintaining a streamlined aesthetic. - Integrate black cabinetry into the design without making the space feel harsh or heavy. - Ensure the lighting plan balances functional task lighting with ambient accent lighting. - Avoid visual clutter in the cabinetry design while still giving a nod to the craftsman aesthetic. - Incorporate a slab backsplash as a key design feature. Design Challenges: - The outdated peninsula left dead space in the kitchen and lacked sufficient seating for the family. - The cooktop wall was cramped, with small cabinets flanking the hood, limited storage, and soffits that made the space feel closed-in. - The family needed significant refrigeration space (two refrigerators and a freezer) but wanted to avoid a cluttered look with visible stainless steel appliances. - Adding black cabinetry risked making the space feel too dark or heavy. - The original lighting plan was insufficient, particularly over the dining table where a decorative fixture proved too dim. - The family wanted shaker-style drawer fronts to match the home’s arts-and-crafts design but worried that too much shaker cabinetry might look overly busy. - Prioritizing a slab backsplash in the wish list priority planning. The Renewed Space Design Solutions: - A functional island: The peninsula was replaced with a large island that provides continuous countertop space for prepping and serving. The island also features seating for four people, creating a central hub for informal meals and activities. - Streamlined cooktop wall: The soffits were removed, and the upper cabinets on the cooktop wall were eliminated to create a more open, streamlined design. A custom oversized hood became the focal point of the wall, with the blower unit offset inside it to align with the cooktop while maintaining exterior visual symmetry. - Concealed refrigeration: Two column refrigerators and one freezer were integrated into the cabinetry, concealing them behind wood paneling that blends seamlessly with the overall design. - Warm black cabinetry: The black cabinetry was crafted from hickory with a visible grain, softening its appearance and adding warmth. The grain detail gives the cabinetry a rich, textured look that avoids feeling stark or overpowering. - Additional lighting: In the dining area, recessed can lights were added during an additional installation phase to supplement the gorgeous decorative fixture’s dim output. The new lighting plan creates a layered effect, combining functional task lighting with softer ambient lighting. - Simplified cabinetry details: Slab drawer fronts were used on the upper drawers, while five-piece shaker fronts (with slightly less prominent rail and stile pieces) were reserved for the middle and lower drawers. This approach simplified the overall look while maintaining the craftsman-inspired aesthetic. - Slab backsplash priority: The slab backsplash was prioritized by making thoughtful adjustments elsewhere, like opting not to extend cabinetry to the ceiling, which also helped visually prioritize the gorgeous slab backsplash. This decision also enhanced the kitchen’s furniture-like feel, aligning with the home’s craftsman character. - This kitchen perfectly balances practicality with timeless style. By addressing the family’s functional needs — ample seating, smart storage, and effective lighting — while incorporating thoughtful design elements like warm black cabinetry and a striking slab backsplash, Alicia created a space that works beautifully for a busy household. The result is a cohesive, inviting kitchen that honors the home’s craftsman roots and will serve the family well for years to come.

The Home Nestled in Jackson Ranch, Thurston House welcomes you to experience the solace and comfort of this warm and peaceful home. As you step past the barnwood accented exterior, you enter a refined rustic interior with a barnwood wall and century-old beams gracing the great room. Durable, luxury, vinyl, tile flooring leads you further in, past a front office with ample sunlight. Relax as you gaze upon the Front Range, through the pines, from the great room - while a wood-burning fire crackles nearby. Continue into the spacious kitchen, complete with custom cabinets and more amazing views. An expansive walk-in pantry gives way to an oversized garage, a builder and hobbyist’s dream space. Steps away from the kitchen, the master bedroom envelops you, providing those awe-inspiring views, while balancing privacy in the pines. Whether you seek to entertain or to escape, the downstairs of Thurston House delivers. The stairs open to a lounge, complete with a wood-burning fireplace and abundant screen space, while a wet bar is tucked away for close conversation. Additional bedrooms offer comfort and privacy for overnight guests. A home gym leads to the privacy of your backyard among the pines, with mountain views to motivate you. The Builder Custom Design Builders (CDB) provides a relational partnership aimed at building the home that exists in your mind. Founder and president, Ben Woody, draws on the practical creativity of his nearly 30 years of construction experience, along with the safety consciousness he acquired as a firefighter. Ben is skillful at building according to your desires, incorporating a thoughtful design that balances safety and functionality in a dynamic process. CDB relies on the expertise acquired from years of building partnerships with the most reliable tradesmen in the area. Our team of partners consistently delivers the highest quality products and services, which has helped drive our exponential growth via word-of-mouth referrals. As a family-owned and operated business, CDB understands relationships. Engaging in a partnership with CDB is to take on an active role in designing and defining your project, while relying on the comfort and security that can only come from decades of experience. The Interior Design Thurston House brings a feeling of warmth, comfort and hospitality. Modern accents elevate your living experience by highlighting the character of century-old, hand-hewn beams and barnwood. A luxurious freestanding bathtub and Euro-style shower in the master bathroom encourage you to relax and recharge in your own spa-like retreat. Energy efficient HVAC and water systems, appliances and windows minimize your footprint. Durable flooring offers stability and longevity, and hand trowel-finished drywall with reclaimed wood accents provide a warm background for your life. The open floor plan lends itself to entertaining, and the views of the Front Range through the pines are enticing. These same spaces also feel private and individual. Whether training in the home gym for your next marathon, building your dream canoe in the garage, or relaxing while you listen to the crackle of a fire in your fireplace accented by those hand-hewn beams, Thurston House is a stunning place to call home.

Being able to use this outdoor space was important to our clients. We wanted to make sure that the deck space was usable at night without the harsh glare from wall mounted sconce lights. We placed lighting underneath the benches that surround half of the deck and illuminated out from under them. The result is a pleasing effect of warm light that reflects off the deck boarding and gives ample light for outdoor activities without the nuisance of glare. Tim Ryan

With our client being a baker, having a beautiful new kitchen that is also functional was very important. The original kitchen cabinets and the adjoining wall to the dining room were removed, creating a large, open space filled with natural light. We installed Wellborn white shaker-style cabinets, light natural Quartzite countertops, and Monogram stainless steel appliances to transform the kitchen into a bright, inviting area for the whole family to enjoy. To ensure the space stays well-lit at all times, we incorporated multiple ceiling lights, under-cabinet lighting, motion-activated toe-kick lighting, and a custom island fixture, providing ample brightness day or night. The clients desired enough countertop space to accommodate several cookie sheets at one time, as well as seating for five. The oversized island met both needs, with a thoughtfully designed layout that maximized the available space. The new slate flooring seamlessly blended the kitchen with the existing white oak floors, while fresh paint colors completed the cohesive and inviting palette.

This 8,000 square foot new construction home is nestled in the North Center community, one of Chicago’s most charming neighborhoods. Fitting the aesthetic of the neighborhood was essential, so we focused on providing a beautiful home that did not feel pretentious or out of place in the context of the area. This home was custom-designed to accommodate the family’s active lifestyle, with an indoor kids climbing gym, golf simulator, sports court, and ample outdoor space all contained within the 2.5-city-lot-property. Open and airy living areas are punctuated by pops of bold color and patterns, all of which are connected by a stunning glass-enclosed stair tower. This 5-bedroom home was built to entertain, with each children’s bedroom containing built-in “sleepover space,” a dining area that can seat up to 22, and expansive indoor/outdoor entertaining space to make hosting a breeze.

The client approached us with a clear vision in mind for their kitchen in Fraserburgh: an open-plan, modern design that would accommodate their large family. Essential to this vision was the integration of an island, complete with a secondary eating area. This space was not only to be visually appealing but also functionally efficient, as it would need to cater to family gatherings and daily activities. The desire for ample seating and a spacious table, along with additional specific storage solutions, set the stage for our design choices. Drawing inspiration from the client's requirements, we opted for the Nolte Feel range, complemented by Silver MatrixArt handleless trims. The primary colour for the furniture was chosen as white, with a contrasting accent in Feel Lava to add a touch of modern sophistication. To further enhance the open feel, we made structural modifications: the existing kitchen window was lowered to usher in more natural light and provide an improved viewing angle. Additionally, the entrance to the sun lounge was broadened to foster a more expansive atmosphere. A kitchen's functionality is determined largely by its worktops and appliances. For this space, we used a sturdy 40mm thick Nolte Silver Ash worktop, providing both durability and style. In terms of appliances, we decided upon NEFF's range, which included a single oven, combination microwave, induction hob, and ceiling extraction, ensuring the client's culinary needs were well catered for. Recognising the family's unique requirements, we introduced several bespoke features. The Blanco Metra sink in Tartufo and the Quooker Fusion Square Stainless Steel instant boiling water tap combined functionality with modern aesthetics. With the client's large family in mind, we constructed a matching Nolte table and a built-in seating bench replete with storage drawers, maximising both seating and storage. Additionally, a custom-built unit for log storage was designed, mirroring the style of the kitchen, to serve their log-burning stove. The flooring, using Quickstep Arte, tied everything together, adding a touch of elegance to the room. Experience your dream kitchen with us. Reach out today to start your bespoke kitchen journey.

This large white kitchen houses an array of large casement windows which allow for ample amounts of natural light to penetrate into the space. They also allow for a grand view to the backyard from inside the kitchen to blend the feelings of the indoors and the outdoors. The large island provides enough room for cooking, conversing, eating and all other everyday activities. The decorative pendant lights act as sculptural center pieces while providing the island with just enough artificial light to complement the large amounts of natural light in the space. A multitude of cabinets provides plenty of space for storage while giving that luxurious look clients are always looking for. The white cabinets and gray counter tops complement the dark hardwood floors perfectly and create an overall light feeling of openness.

Porch Detail This modern farmhouse exudes elegance with its steel-clad exterior, Rocky Mountain Castlestone accents, and a charming cupola. Floor-to-ceiling Marvin windows flood the living spaces with natural light and offer stunning vistas of the surrounding countryside. A stamped concrete patio overlooks the in-ground pool, gazebo, and outdoor kitchen, creating a luxurious outdoor retreat The property features a built-in trampoline, a putting green for active recreation, and a five-stall garage for ample storage. Accessed through a gated entrance with a long, scenic drive, a stone-covered bridge welcomes you to this idyllic retreat, seamlessly blending contemporary luxury with rustic charm. Martin Bros. Contracting, Inc., General Contractor; Helman Sechrist Architecture, Architect; JJ Osterloo Design, Designer; Photography by Marie Kinney & Amanda McMahon

Ample storage as well as fridge space in this brand-new kitchen. Open floor plan allows for family room activities with supervision from the kitchen.

This active family purchased their home and began remodeling before moving in. The out-dated kitchen had oak cabinets and 4" orange tile on the countertops that had to go! (see before photos) It was replaced with a light and bright eat in kitchen. The expansive island provides ample counter space not only for baking and eating, but homework and crafts. Cabinetry with convenient access to blind corners, thoughtful layout for function and storage created a kitchen that is truly the heart of their home. The laundry room is clean and fresh with larger cabinets and a relocated laundry sink under the window. The family room fireplace was also updated with new surround and custom bookcases. PHOTOS: Designer's Edge

LED lights are a safe and cost effective way to brighten up your kitchen island, cabinets, or pendants. Illuminating cabinet interiors and the spaces above and below is a great way to perfectly balance opening up the room, task lighting for food prep and cooking, and adding a splash of color. Illuminating the area under cabinets really transforms a room. LED light bars and strips provide ample task lighting for everyday activities and increase the overall illumination in a room. Never has it been easier to achieve this look than now with the various LED light strip kits offered.

Spanning a generous footprint, this terraced outdoor living space offers the perfect setting for the entire family to effortlessly bring their indoor activities outside. A fully equipped outdoor kitchen and spacious dining area provide ample room for leisurely meals to be enjoyed throughout long summer days. Above the oversized fireplace, an all-weather TV creates an ideal spot for watching the big game and cheering on their favorite teams. For those seeking a quieter retreat, just a few steps down leads to a cozy firepit, where conversations flow freely amidst the warmth of the fire and the beauty of surrounding pollinator gardens

This home remodel for a young family with toddlers focused on creating a modern, open-concept design with a neutral color palette. The interior features a spacious layout for easy movement, ample natural light, and sleek, minimalist finishes. Outside, we designed a safe, engaging space with a play area, garden, and comfortable seating, all tailored to support an active family lifestyle. Safety and functionality were prioritized with child-proofing, eco-friendly materials, and smart storage solutions, creating a beautiful, family-friendly environment that grows with the family.

The Monolith Features: 1. SPACIOUS SHALLOW END BENCH SEAT Want to take a break from the action and hang out with some friends? This seating area is properly sized to accommodate the whole family. 2. LARGE SHALLOW END FOR SOCIALIZING AND PLAY The problem with most deep end pools is the tiny shallow end, which is where most people gather. 3. OPEN POOL INTERIOR Want plenty of room to float and frolic? The rectangular design of the Monolith provides ample room for all of your pool activities. 4. DEEP END SEATS / EXIT POINTS When using deep end pools, people love to jump in, exit and repeat. The deep end seats of the Monolith provide a place to get in and out, as well as take a rest. 5. MASSIVE 8' 6" DEEP END Looking for lots of water? The Monolith is 6" deeper than most of the fiberglass deep end pools on the market. 6. AUTOMATIC COVER FRIENDLY The rectangular design of the Monolith allows cover tracks to be hidden beneath the pool coping, protecting them.