Imagine a home nestled in Colorado’s mountains that feels as enduring as the landscape itself. East Watch is that place – efficient, tough, and thoughtfully designed to make mountain living effortless and enjoyable. It’s where modern ideas meet nature’s demands, creating a space that’s both beautiful and practical. Our clients wanted a mountain retreat that saved energy, stood strong against the elements, and stayed functional as life changes. High up at 8,200 feet, efficiency was key to cut heating costs, while durability meant handling winds up to 100mph and heavy snow. They also planned for the future with easy access – no stairs, wide doors, and spots for handrails if needed. Mountain homes can rack up bills and wear down fast from weather and fires. We solved that with smart solar heating that covers most warmth needs naturally, using big windows and heavy walls to store heat. For strength, steel framing and fire-safe materials keep everything secure. And for everyday ease, the layout follows “form follows function,” making spaces like the kitchen intuitive and the whole home barrier-free. The core idea? Work with the sun and the site. Windows face southeast for passive heat gain, with overhangs to block summer sun and shed snow. Inside, sloped ceilings let hot air escape, and thermal masses like the concrete floor hold warmth overnight. It’s a design that flows naturally, promoting comfort without extra effort. Built on steel posts and beams for unshakeable support, the exterior uses corten steel, stone, and glass – all local, low-maintenance, and fire-resistant. The roof is top-rated for fires, and the deck withstands the elements year after year. Efficient floor heating kicks in only when necessary, keeping things cozy and costs low. Simple and serene, with soft colors and clean shapes that let the views shine. Wide hallways and no steps make navigation easy, with thoughtful prep for any future needs. It’s a home that feels open, peaceful, and perfectly in tune with the outdoors. Since 2019, East Watch has been a haven of sustainability and strength. It reduces energy use, withstands the mountains’ challenges, and adapts to life’s stages – all while offering stunning views and daily comfort. A true example of design that enhances how you live, built for lasting joy and resilience.

The original kitchen in this condominium was renovated arising from the need to replace Kitec plumbing. The work triangle remained generally the same, but numerous changes were made to improve the kitchen’s functionality, aesthetics, and lighting. Automation was also introduced. The goal was to design and build a modern contemporary functional kitchen with inspiring colours accented with textured wood features. The functionality was improved with the addition of an under counter microwave, which freed up countertop space. Additional and improved storage was also created by incorporating under cabinet drawers throughout the kitchen, a bar area with open glass shelving above, and open shelving to the right of the seating area. Upper cabinet storage was as well increased with storage above the fridge. Numerous lighting improvements were made including the addition of potlights. This was done by dropping the ceiling in the kitchen, which also created a visual division with the dining area. Automation was introduced as well into the space with HUE under cabinet lighting, and a touch faucet. The under cabinet lights are controlled by the Phillips Hue App that programs routines, scenes, and other settings. The kitchen features painted Shaker cabinets accented by textured wood shelving. The countertop surfaces are quartz with waterfalls on both sides of the island, which is a focal point. Shapes are also strongly identified in the design with the use of triangular tiles in the backsplash along with rectangular upper cabinets, and appliance doors and drawers. The kitchen is made most unique though with the uplifting use of colour in the cabinets that make this a bright and cheerful space. Aristea Photography

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Inspiration for a transitional dining room remodel in Melbourne

This ultra feminine nursery in a Brooklyn boutique condo is a relaxing and on-trend space for baby girl. An accent wall with statement floral wallpaper becomes the focal point for the understated mid-century, two-toned crib. A soft white rattan mirror hangs above to break up the wall of oversized blooms and sweet honeybees. A handmade mother-of-pearl inlaid dresser feels at once elegant and boho, along with the whitewashed wood beaded chandelier. To add to the boho style, a natural rattan rocker with gauze canopy sits upon a moroccan bereber rug. Mustard yellow accents and the tiger artwork complement the honeybees perfectly and balance out the feminine pink, mauve and coral tones.

Winner of the 2018 Tour of Homes Best Remodel, this whole house re-design of a 1963 Bennet & Johnson mid-century raised ranch home is a beautiful example of the magic we can weave through the application of more sustainable modern design principles to existing spaces. We worked closely with our client on extensive updates to create a modernized MCM gem. Extensive alterations include: - a completely redesigned floor plan to promote a more intuitive flow throughout - vaulted the ceilings over the great room to create an amazing entrance and feeling of inspired openness - redesigned entry and driveway to be more inviting and welcoming as well as to experientially set the mid-century modern stage - the removal of a visually disruptive load bearing central wall and chimney system that formerly partitioned the homes’ entry, dining, kitchen and living rooms from each other - added clerestory windows above the new kitchen to accentuate the new vaulted ceiling line and create a greater visual continuation of indoor to outdoor space - drastically increased the access to natural light by increasing window sizes and opening up the floor plan - placed natural wood elements throughout to provide a calming palette and cohesive Pacific Northwest feel - incorporated Universal Design principles to make the home Aging In Place ready with wide hallways and accessible spaces, including single-floor living if needed - moved and completely redesigned the stairway to work for the home’s occupants and be a part of the cohesive design aesthetic - mixed custom tile layouts with more traditional tiling to create fun and playful visual experiences - custom designed and sourced MCM specific elements such as the entry screen, cabinetry and lighting - development of the downstairs for potential future use by an assisted living caretaker - energy efficiency upgrades seamlessly woven in with much improved insulation, ductless mini splits and solar gain

Lighting at home is mainly tied to user preference, but research shows there are steps everyone can take to create a calm, pleasing environment. “At night, lower light levels and warmer color temperatures – those that fall in the 2,700 to 3,000 Kelvin range – emulate the outside environment’s evening light and help us get ready for sleep by reducing our blood pressure and creating a restful feel,” said Rebecca Hadley, manager of Eaton’s SOURCE lighting education center. “If you’re cooking or entertaining guests in the evening, you may find that higher light levels and color temperatures are beneficial. However, people generally tend to prefer warmer light at home. Flexibility is one natural benefit of smart lighting design. New advancements in Lighting Controls have made lighting for mood easier than ever. “Studies show that wall color can affect heart rate and irritability levels, but you can adjust your light more readily than the paint on your walls,” said Hadley. “For example, you can use high-intensity light to complete a craft activity at the kitchen table; an hour later, you can serve dinner to your family at that same table beneath a warmer, lower-intensity light.” When it comes to designing for mood, advanced controls have the most room to develop. Controls will become more personalized in environments ranging from the home to offices, hospitality settings and health care facilities. Controls that were once accessed via a wall switch are already making the jump to app-based technology. And as LED technology improves at lightning speed, adaptability – and energy savings – will only continue to grow.

Winner of the 2018 Tour of Homes Best Remodel, this whole house re-design of a 1963 Bennet & Johnson mid-century raised ranch home is a beautiful example of the magic we can weave through the application of more sustainable modern design principles to existing spaces. We worked closely with our client on extensive updates to create a modernized MCM gem. Extensive alterations include: - a completely redesigned floor plan to promote a more intuitive flow throughout - vaulted the ceilings over the great room to create an amazing entrance and feeling of inspired openness - redesigned entry and driveway to be more inviting and welcoming as well as to experientially set the mid-century modern stage - the removal of a visually disruptive load bearing central wall and chimney system that formerly partitioned the homes’ entry, dining, kitchen and living rooms from each other - added clerestory windows above the new kitchen to accentuate the new vaulted ceiling line and create a greater visual continuation of indoor to outdoor space - drastically increased the access to natural light by increasing window sizes and opening up the floor plan - placed natural wood elements throughout to provide a calming palette and cohesive Pacific Northwest feel - incorporated Universal Design principles to make the home Aging In Place ready with wide hallways and accessible spaces, including single-floor living if needed - moved and completely redesigned the stairway to work for the home’s occupants and be a part of the cohesive design aesthetic - mixed custom tile layouts with more traditional tiling to create fun and playful visual experiences - custom designed and sourced MCM specific elements such as the entry screen, cabinetry and lighting - development of the downstairs for potential future use by an assisted living caretaker - energy efficiency upgrades seamlessly woven in with much improved insulation, ductless mini splits and solar gain

The original kitchen in this condominium was renovated arising from the need to replace Kitec plumbing. The work triangle remained generally the same, but numerous changes were made to improve the kitchen’s functionality, aesthetics, and lighting. Automation was also introduced. The goal was to design and build a modern contemporary functional kitchen with inspiring colours accented with textured wood features. The functionality was improved with the addition of an under counter microwave, which freed up countertop space. Additional and improved storage was also created by incorporating under cabinet drawers throughout the kitchen, a bar area with open glass shelving above, and open shelving to the right of the seating area. Upper cabinet storage was as well increased with storage above the fridge. Numerous lighting improvements were made including the addition of potlights. This was done by dropping the ceiling in the kitchen, which also created a visual division with the dining area. Automation was introduced as well into the space with HUE under cabinet lighting, and a touch faucet. The under cabinet lights are controlled by the Phillips Hue App that programs routines, scenes, and other settings. The kitchen features painted Shaker cabinets accented by textured wood shelving. The countertop surfaces are quartz with waterfalls on both sides of the island, which is a focal point. Shapes are also strongly identified in the design with the use of triangular tiles in the backsplash along with rectangular upper cabinets, and appliance doors and drawers. The kitchen is made most unique though with the uplifting use of colour in the cabinets that make this a bright and cheerful space. Aristea Photography

The original kitchen in this condominium was renovated arising from the need to replace Kitec plumbing. The work triangle remained generally the same, but numerous changes were made to improve the kitchen’s functionality, aesthetics, and lighting. Automation was also introduced. The goal was to design and build a modern contemporary functional kitchen with inspiring colours accented with textured wood features. The functionality was improved with the addition of an under counter microwave, which freed up countertop space. Additional and improved storage was also created by incorporating under cabinet drawers throughout the kitchen, a bar area with open glass shelving above, and open shelving to the right of the seating area. Upper cabinet storage was as well increased with storage above the fridge. Numerous lighting improvements were made including the addition of potlights. This was done by dropping the ceiling in the kitchen, which also created a visual division with the dining area. Automation was introduced as well into the space with HUE under cabinet lighting, and a touch faucet. The under cabinet lights are controlled by the Phillips Hue App that programs routines, scenes, and other settings. The kitchen features painted Shaker cabinets accented by textured wood shelving. The countertop surfaces are quartz with waterfalls on both sides of the island, which is a focal point. Shapes are also strongly identified in the design with the use of triangular tiles in the backsplash along with rectangular upper cabinets, and appliance doors and drawers. The kitchen is made most unique though with the uplifting use of colour in the cabinets that make this a bright and cheerful space. Aristea Photography

The original kitchen in this condominium was renovated arising from the need to replace Kitec plumbing. The work triangle remained generally the same, but numerous changes were made to improve the kitchen’s functionality, aesthetics, and lighting. Automation was also introduced. The goal was to design and build a modern contemporary functional kitchen with inspiring colours accented with textured wood features. The functionality was improved with the addition of an under counter microwave, which freed up countertop space. Additional and improved storage was also created by incorporating under cabinet drawers throughout the kitchen, a bar area with open glass shelving above, and open shelving to the right of the seating area. Upper cabinet storage was as well increased with storage above the fridge. Numerous lighting improvements were made including the addition of potlights. This was done by dropping the ceiling in the kitchen, which also created a visual division with the dining area. Automation was introduced as well into the space with HUE under cabinet lighting, and a touch faucet. The under cabinet lights are controlled by the Phillips Hue App that programs routines, scenes, and other settings. The kitchen features painted Shaker cabinets accented by textured wood shelving. The countertop surfaces are quartz with waterfalls on both sides of the island, which is a focal point. Shapes are also strongly identified in the design with the use of triangular tiles in the backsplash along with rectangular upper cabinets, and appliance doors and drawers. The kitchen is made most unique though with the uplifting use of colour in the cabinets that make this a bright and cheerful space. Aristea Photography

Running a small restaurant is a high-wire act - delicious plates on one end, razor-thin margins on the other. With food costs averaging 28-35 percent of revenue and labor at 30 percent, every dollar counts. The good news? Targeted tweaks can shave 10-20 percent off your bottom line without sacrificing quality. From smarter sourcing to streamlined waste handling, these strategies empower independents to thrive. One underrated gem: Efficient waste management via roll-off dumpster rentals, which can slash disposal fees by up to 40 percent. Let's break it down. Optimize Inventory: Waste Less, Save More Overstocked pantries are profit killers - U.S. restaurants toss $25 billion in food yearly. Audit weekly. Track sales data to forecast demand, using apps like Toast or MarketMan for real-time insights. Trim your menu to 12-15 core items, focusing on seasonal, high-margin stars like farm-fresh salads over imported proteins. Portion control is key - pre-weighed scoops cut overuse by 15 percent. Repurpose scraps creatively. Veggie peels into stocks, bread ends for croutons. Donate extras to food banks via apps like Too Good To Go, earning tax deductions up to $5,000 annually. These habits reclaim 5-10 percent of food budgets, freeing cash for upgrades. Additionally, consider using citrus rinds for infused oils or desserts, and coffee grounds for compost to support local gardens. Engaging staff in sustainability efforts also builds morale and can be highlighted in marketing materials to attract eco-conscious diners. Trim Energy and Utilities: Go Green for Greenbacks Utilities gobble 4-10 percent of expenses. Swap to LED bulbs and energy-star appliances - upfront costs pay back in 6-12 months via 20-30 percent bill drops. Install low-flow faucets and programmable thermostats; during off-hours, dial down to 55°F to save $200/month on HVAC. Use induction cooktops for precise heat, reducing gas by 15 percent. Train staff on "last out" protocols - unplugging idle equipment. Solar panels? For rooftops under 1,000 sq ft, incentives cover 30 percent installation, yielding ROI in 5 years.  Master Waste Management: Dumpsters as Cost Commanders Trash isn't just garbage - it's a budget black hole, with disposal eating 2-5 percent of revenues. Small spots generate 1-2 tons monthly from food scraps, packaging, and grease. Ditch overflowing bins and irregular hauls for roll-off dumpster rentals. A 10-15 yard unit centralizes waste, handling bulk like fryer oil drums or produce crates without daily pickups. Efficiency Over Headcount Labor's your biggest line item - cross-train staff for multi-roles, like servers prepping during lulls, trimming overtime 10-15 percent. Shift scheduling software optimizes based on reservations, avoiding idle payroll. Negotiate bulk buys with local suppliers for 5-10 percent discounts; loyalty programs from Sysco yield free deliveries. Go digital - QR menus cut printing costs, speed table turnover, and allow menu updates in real time without waste. Loyalty apps boost repeat visits without increasing your advertising budget, making it easier to track customer preferences and send targeted promotions. Consider bundling purchases with other area restaurants to unlock deeper discounts and leverage supplier relationships for exclusive seasonal specials. These strategies can reduce overhead, improve customer retention, and keep operations flexible as trends shift.

Tuscan kitchen photo in Phoenix

Patio kitchen plans these days require the ability to incorporate high-tech, modern appliances into rustic, timeless – even ancient-looking – outdoor design styles. You can see this juxtaposition pulled off perfectly in this outdoor kitchen by Outdoor Homescapes of Houston. “A smart patio kitchen plan requires not only a balance of the new and old,” says Outdoor Homescapes owner Wayne Franks, “but a blending of new elements – like an outdoor kitchen – with the existing home and outdoor living features like a pool, hardscaping or landscaping.” In this case, explains Franks, the existing 25-by-15-foot pool had a craggy edge of moss rock boulders, plus a spa and firepit faced with a rough Scabos splitface travertine. “The overall look was rustic and naturalistic,” says Franks, “so we of course wanted the new outdoor kitchen island to match.” Hence the 14-foot-long outdoor kitchen island with a raised bar, also faced in the Scabos splitface travertine and topped with a Normandy granite countertop. The hardscaping around it is Kool Deck® textured concrete. “People used to shy away from busy textures in outside patio kitchen plans, but now they’re embracing them,” notes Franks. “They’re increasingly attracted to the beautiful imperfections and irregularities of nature – there’s more of an authenticity and character to it.” Now, for the high-tech part: A Traeger wood pellet grill. Traeger grills are becoming increasingly popular for their ability to infuse amazing, rich flavor and for their versatility (they can grill, bake, smoke, slow cook, braise and barbecue). This premier model, the Memphis Pro 304, features 562 square inches of cooking space and a three-in-one cooking system (high-temperature grill, low-and-low smoker and true-convection-oven roasting and baking). It also has an intuitive Intelligent Temperature Control (see the display panel to the left of the grill) that can be set for cooking and internal temperature. A programmable food probe tells you when the internal temperature is reached and drops the grill down to a programmed lower temperature to keep the food warm till serving. The dual-fan convection system, with reliable metal blades, circulates heat evenly for tender, juicy results. Double-walled and sealed construction of 304 stainless steel allows for optimum heat retention and consistent temperatures in all weather conditions. A direct-flame “flavorizer” insert delivers the added flavor of a seared finish. Outdoor Homescapes also added a mount sink with a custom oil-rubbed bronze faucet by Moen and the following RCS stainless steel accessories: a pull-out trash door, a countertop trash chute, dual horizontal grill utensil drawers and a swing-out storage door. “At first, you’d think all this technology and the smooth, modern stainless steel would fight with the rustic look of the rough-faced stone in outdoor patio kitchen plans,” says Franks. “But it actually provides some visual rest from all the rugged textures and busyness.” Serving a similar function is the smooth, polished Scabos travertine tile used for the pool coping and firepit ledge. “It’s a perfect environment for the client to entertain business associates,” says Franks. “He’s very happy with the old-meets-new approach, and so are we.” More patio kitchen plans can be found at Outdoor Homescapes of Houston’s website, at www.outdoorhomescapes.com

Patio kitchen plans these days require the ability to incorporate high-tech, modern appliances into rustic, timeless – even ancient-looking – outdoor design styles. You can see this juxtaposition pulled off perfectly in this outdoor kitchen by Outdoor Homescapes of Houston. “A smart patio kitchen plan requires not only a balance of the new and old,” says Outdoor Homescapes owner Wayne Franks, “but a blending of new elements – like an outdoor kitchen – with the existing home and outdoor living features like a pool, hardscaping or landscaping.” In this case, explains Franks, the existing 25-by-15-foot pool had a craggy edge of moss rock boulders, plus a spa and firepit faced with a rough Scabos splitface travertine. “The overall look was rustic and naturalistic,” says Franks, “so we of course wanted the new outdoor kitchen island to match.” Hence the 14-foot-long outdoor kitchen island with a raised bar, also faced in the Scabos splitface travertine and topped with a Normandy granite countertop. The hardscaping around it is Kool Deck® textured concrete. “People used to shy away from busy textures in outside patio kitchen plans, but now they’re embracing them,” notes Franks. “They’re increasingly attracted to the beautiful imperfections and irregularities of nature – there’s more of an authenticity and character to it.” Now, for the high-tech part: A Memphis wood grill. Memphis Wood Fire pellet grills are becoming increasingly popular for their ability to infuse amazing, rich flavor and for their versatility (they can grill, bake, smoke, slow cook, braise and barbecue). This premier model, the Memphis Pro 304, features 562 square inches of cooking space and a three-in-one cooking system (high-temperature grill, low-and-low smoker and true-convection-oven roasting and baking). It also has an intuitive Intelligent Temperature Control (see the display panel to the left of the grill) that can be set for cooking and internal temperature. A programmable food probe tells you when the internal temperature is reached and drops the grill down to a programmed lower temperature to keep the food warm till serving. The dual-fan convection system, with reliable metal blades, circulates heat evenly for tender, juicy results. Double-walled and sealed construction of 304 stainless steel allows for optimum heat retention and consistent temperatures in all weather conditions. A direct-flame “flavorizer” insert delivers the added flavor of a seared finish. Outdoor Homescapes also added a mount sink with a custom oil-rubbed bronze faucet by Moen and the following RCS stainless steel accessories: a pull-out trash door, a countertop trash chute, dual horizontal grill utensil drawers and a swing-out storage door. “At first, you’d think all this technology and the smooth, modern stainless steel would fight with the rustic look of the rough-faced stone in outdoor patio kitchen plans,” says Franks. “But it actually provides some visual rest from all the rugged textures and busyness.” Serving a similar function is the smooth, polished Scabos travertine tile used for the pool coping and firepit ledge. “It’s a perfect environment for the client to entertain business associates,” says Franks. “He’s very happy with the old-meets-new approach, and so are we.” More patio kitchen plans can be found at Outdoor Homescapes of Houston’s website, at www.outdoorhomescapes.com

Winner of the 2018 Tour of Homes Best Remodel, this whole house re-design of a 1963 Bennet & Johnson mid-century raised ranch home is a beautiful example of the magic we can weave through the application of more sustainable modern design principles to existing spaces. We worked closely with our client on extensive updates to create a modernized MCM gem. Extensive alterations include: - a completely redesigned floor plan to promote a more intuitive flow throughout - vaulted the ceilings over the great room to create an amazing entrance and feeling of inspired openness - redesigned entry and driveway to be more inviting and welcoming as well as to experientially set the mid-century modern stage - the removal of a visually disruptive load bearing central wall and chimney system that formerly partitioned the homes’ entry, dining, kitchen and living rooms from each other - added clerestory windows above the new kitchen to accentuate the new vaulted ceiling line and create a greater visual continuation of indoor to outdoor space - drastically increased the access to natural light by increasing window sizes and opening up the floor plan - placed natural wood elements throughout to provide a calming palette and cohesive Pacific Northwest feel - incorporated Universal Design principles to make the home Aging In Place ready with wide hallways and accessible spaces, including single-floor living if needed - moved and completely redesigned the stairway to work for the home’s occupants and be a part of the cohesive design aesthetic - mixed custom tile layouts with more traditional tiling to create fun and playful visual experiences - custom designed and sourced MCM specific elements such as the entry screen, cabinetry and lighting - development of the downstairs for potential future use by an assisted living caretaker - energy efficiency upgrades seamlessly woven in with much improved insulation, ductless mini splits and solar gain