Tucked away in the backwoods of Torch Lake, this home marries “rustic” with the sleek elegance of modern. The combination of wood, stone and metal textures embrace the charm of a classic farmhouse. Although this is not your average farmhouse. The home is outfitted with a high performing system that seamlessly works with the design and architecture. The tall ceilings and windows allow ample natural light into the main room. Spire Integrated Systems installed Lutron QS Wireless motorized shades paired with Hartmann & Forbes windowcovers to offer privacy and block harsh light. The custom 18′ windowcover’s woven natural fabric complements the organic esthetics of the room. The shades are artfully concealed in the millwork when not in use. Spire installed B&W in-ceiling speakers and Sonance invisible in-wall speakers to deliver ambient music that emanates throughout the space with no visual footprint. Spire also installed a Sonance Landscape Audio System so the homeowner can enjoy music outside. Each system is easily controlled using Savant. Spire personalized the settings to the homeowner’s preference making controlling the home efficient and convenient.

Basement Bath Shower Neri White 4 x 8 subway tiles by Builders Floor Covering & Tile. Jet Mist honed granite shower seat and niche shelf by Atlanta Kitchen.

This bedroom and full bathroom are part of an adventuresome project my wife and I embarked upon to create a complete apartment in the basement of our townhouse. We designed a floor plan that creatively and efficiently used all of the 385-square-foot-space, without sacrificing beauty, comfort or function – and all without breaking the bank! To maximize our budget, we did the work ourselves and added everything from thrift store finds to DIY wall art to bring it all together. A partial double closet bar adds a little extra space while still leaving room for longer hanging clothes.

This modern bathroom wall is a very dark grey tile made from recycled stone dust. Its color is PB 3106 Dark Grey and is in the brushed texture.
Example of a mid-sized minimalist master gray tile and stone tile bathroom design in Miami with gray walls

Princeton Sentry Maidenhair Tree - no filter!
Photo of a traditional landscaping in New York.

Simon Devitt
Staircase - coastal staircase idea in Auckland

Single Colony Pendant fitting well into its Scandinavian setting.
Example of a mid-sized urban master painted wood floor bedroom design in Wellington with white walls

BEGA's stake-mounted floodlight used to up light a tree from below.
This is an example of a mid-sized modern white and full sun two-story and backyard concrete and gravel garden path in San Luis Obispo for summer.

Example of a 1950s staircase design in Orange County

Example of a large minimalist enclosed carpeted and gray floor home theater design in New York with gray walls and a projector screen

LED filament light fixtures, custom made from gas pipe, look like old “Edison style” carbon filament bulbs.

The ground floor volumes wrapped in an elongated hand-fired brick, emphasizing the horizontality of the architecture that lays solidly on the land. (Photography by: Matthew Millman)

Dining room - large traditional dining room idea in Boston with gray walls

Corbin Henry
Example of a tuscan family room design in Sacramento

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary porcelain tile and multicolored floor hallway remodel in Vancouver with beige walls

Completed in 2018, this Westlake Hills duplex, designed by Alterstudio Architects, underwent a dramatic transformation by mixing light & airy with dark & moody design. The goal of the project was to create a more intimate environment using a more saturated and dramatic palette. Additionally, it draws from warmer wood tones such as walnut alongside luxurious textures, particularly in navy, dark grey, and emerald green. The end result is an elegant, timeless, and comfortable space conducive to cozying up with a book at the end of a long day.

Detail of LED wall sconce with white glass tile background
Inspiration for a small contemporary kids' white tile and glass tile porcelain tile and gray floor alcove bathtub remodel in New York with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, green walls and an integrated sink