Janine Dowling Design, Inc. www.janinedowling.com Michael J. Lee Photography Bathroom Design by Jodi L. Swartz
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless master white tile and stone tile marble floor walk-in shower remodel in Boston with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, marble countertops, a one-piece toilet and gray walls

Kitchen overview with ShelfGenie solutions on display.
Mid-sized elegant u-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor enclosed kitchen photo in Richmond with an undermount sink, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and multicolored countertops

The planning phase of this modern retreat was an intense collaboration that took place over the course of more than two years. While the initial design concept exceeded the clients' expectations, it also exceeded their budget beyond the point of comfort. The next several months were spent modifying the design, in attempts to lower the budget. Ultimately, the decision was made that they would hold off on the project until they could budget for the original design, rather than compromising the vision. About a year later, we repeated that same process, which resulted in the same outcome. After another year-long hiatus, we met once again. We revisited design thoughts, each of us bringing to the table new ideas and options. Each thought simply solidified the fact that the initial vision was absolutely what we all wanted to see come to fruition, and the decision was finally made to move forward. The main challenge of the site was elevation. The Southeast corner of the lot stands 5'6" above the threshold of the rear door, while the Northeast corner dropped a full 2' below the threshold of the door. The backyard was also long and narrow, sloping side-to-side and toward the house. The key to the design concept was to deftly place the project into the slope and utilize the elevation changes, without allowing them to dominate the yard, or overwhelm the senses. The unseen challenge on this project came in the form of hitting every underground issue possible. We had to relocate the sewer main, the gas line, and the electrical service; and since rock was sitting about 6" below the surface, all of these had to be chiseled through many feet of dense rock, adding to our projected timeline and budget. As you enter the space, your first stop is an outdoor living area. Smooth finished concrete, colored to match the 'Leuder' limestone coping, has a subtle saw-cut pattern aligned with the edges of the recessed fire pit. In small spaces, it is important to consider a multi-purpose approach. So, the recessed fire pit has been fitted with an aluminum cover that allows our client to set up tables and chairs for entertaining, right over the top of the fire pit. From here, it;s two steps up to the pool elevation, and the floating 'Leuder' limestone stepper pads that lead across the pool and hide the dam wall of the flush spa. The main retaining wall to the Southeast is a poured concrete wall with an integrated sheer descent waterfall into the spa. To bring in some depth and texture, a 'Brownstone' ledgestone was used to face both the dropped beam on the pool, and the raised beam of the water feature wall. The main water feature is comprised of five custom made stainless steel scuppers, supplied by a dedicated booster pump. Colored concrete stepper pads lead to the 'Ipe' wood deck at the far end of the pool. The placement of this wood deck allowed us to minimize our use of retaining walls on the Northeast end of the yard, since it drops off over three feet below the elevation of the pool beam. One of the most unique features on this project has to be the structure over the dining area. With a unique combination of steel and wood, the clean modern aesthetic of this structure creates a visual stamp in the space that standard structure could not accomplish. 4" steel posts, painted charcoal grey, are set on an angle, 4' into the bedrock, to anchor the structure. Steel I-beams painted in green-yellow color--aptly called "frolic"--act as the base to the hefty cedar rafters of the roof structure, which has a slight pitch toward the rear. A hidden gutter on the back of the roof sends water down a copper rain chain, and into the drainage system. The backdrop for both this dining area , as well as the living area, is the horizontal screen panel, created with alternating sizes of cedar planks, stained to a calm hue of dove grey.

Belathée Photography
Inspiration for an eclectic basement remodel in Seattle

Side entrance to the courtyard of the restored farmhouse. -Randal Bye
Photo of a huge farmhouse partial sun stone driveway in Philadelphia.

This project won in the 2013 Builders Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh Housing Excellence Award for Best Urban Renewal Renovation Project. The glass bowl was made in the glass studio owned by the owner which is adjacent to the residence. The mirror is a repurposed window. The door is repurposed from a boarding house. George Mendel

Alan Gilbert, Photography
Example of a mid-sized beach style enclosed dark wood floor living room design in Baltimore with white walls

This great room was designed so everyone can be together for both day-to-day living and when entertaining. This custom home was designed and built by Meadowlark Design+Build in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Photography by Joshua Caldwell.

Photography by: Danielle Poff Photography Interior Design: Diann Kartch Design
Example of a large transitional l-shaped light wood floor and beige floor open concept kitchen design in San Francisco with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and an undermount sink

Apartment Therapy: Monica Wang
Living room - mid-sized contemporary living room idea in Los Angeles

Hidden storage behind bedside cabinet; Custom-built cabinetry; Emily Minton Redfield Photography
Small transitional reach-in closet photo in Denver

Inspiration for a large transitional slate floor and black floor mudroom remodel in Chicago with white walls

Partially recessed stainless steel spa with tile trim in this compact, San Fransisco backyard. Landscape design by Katharine Webster.
Hot tub - small modern courtyard concrete paver and rectangular aboveground hot tub idea in San Francisco

Living room - modern beige floor living room idea in San Francisco with white walls, a ribbon fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Inspiration for a timeless gray two-story wood gable roof remodel in Minneapolis

Mike Schwartz
Inspiration for a modern open concept brown floor and medium tone wood floor living room remodel in Chicago with no fireplace, a wall-mounted tv and white walls

Project consisted of a full-gut renovation in a Chelsea apartment in New York City. This is the bedroom.
Inspiration for a small modern master dark wood floor and brown floor bedroom remodel in New York with white walls

Craftsman Builders, Inc.

Open House Photography
Inspiration for a contemporary l-shaped medium tone wood floor kitchen remodel in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, gray backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island