This project began as a wilderness retreat for the homeowners at their rural estate. They already had a large outdoor area complete with a pond, and detached garage in the perfect location to tie into an outdoor entertaining area/kitchen for the swimming pool. The homeowners were hoping that the design team at Legendary Escapes could create something magical for their small grandchildren, and for the grownups to enjoy for summertime relaxation. When the discussion turned to themes, the cartoon SpongeBob came up, and our team found a direction to go, either to the homeowners delight, possibly mixed with a bit of apprehension at the thought of a cartoony theme as a result. We promised subtle surprise and delight - and the homeowner decided to let the team go with their vision. The pool is a very abundant sized swimming pool, much larger than the average residential swimming pool. The sunledge was also made larger after the pool layout, providing even more space for chairs and play area for small children. One of the special surprises the owners didn't even know about until after they were in were the secret port holes that were re-seated with magnifying glass - and showcased miniature characters behind them, that when viewed through the glass looked giant in size. The waterfall/slide combination also features a large grotto - themed and decorated with elements that remind visitors to the space of the lessons and themes of the cartoon. The castle is solid, carved concrete - mixed and sculpted on site and hand placed. As the waterfall began to take shape, the outside was created as a sand castle, providing the perfect whimsical backdrop for the slide, and accents including a pair of flipper outfitted legs of what we can only think is mermaid man. One of the biggest surprises on this project came when Al found an old wooden boat at an auction, which he bought, took back to the job and cut it in half - creating the tail end of a boating incident, much like SpongeBob would have had when he missed the direction of the curve sign while out boating. (The joke in the show is that he can't ever get his drivers license because he doesn't know how to steer.) The other end of the boat became a vertical storage space for firewood or other pool side needs. The two parts of the boat became anchor pieces for what became the "wharf wall" which is the perfect area to lead people into the swimming pool retreat. The pool has three different entertaining patio levels, including the lower wharf level, swim up bar and raised concrete counter at the deep end of the pool. The middle section of patio is perfect for relaxing and watching kids play in the pool with the deck jets and sun ledge, and the upper area is adjacent to the outdoor kitchen area, also designed and created out of concrete (carved timbers) as the cabinetry and under bar areas. The pool was completed with ecoFinish on the sun ledge, interior of the spa, grotto and the slide. The main swimming area of the pool was vinyl liner, constructed in the special hybrid way of the team. With the project complete, the homeowners and family thoroughly enjoyed their backyard retreat. Any hesitation at the initial theme ideas were fully appreciated as they developed along the way, with the final project a subtle blend of function and whimsy, meeting everything that they could have asked for in a backyard entertaining retreat. Their advice is to just trust Al and the team through the process, because the results will be more than you would ever hope for. If our team can help you create a backyard or custom retreat, which includes a pool and plenty of outdoor entertaining options to surprise and delight you and your family, please reach out to start your design discussions.

Ford flooring at the Barrett Jackson Auto Auction. Ribtrax style of flooring in Ford Blue and Pearl Silver.
Inspiration for a modern garage remodel in Las Vegas

Before and After
Arts and crafts exterior home photo in Seattle

Before and After
Inspiration for a craftsman shed remodel in Seattle

Patio - transitional backyard patio idea in Los Angeles

We were asked to stage this home which had been in the care of house sitters for a couple of years. Some items had already been removed to a town house in Russian Hill, San Francisco, and this ample house which had been home to a family of seven, was now going on the market. It needed some repairs, some repainting, and some replacement and rearranging of furniture. The dining room was the one of first rooms seen upon entering from the front door and foyer. The antique English dining table was purchased by us for the client at auction, and was eventually moved to the new San Francisco residence. The heavy gold silk curtains were custom made in London when the family lived there for their English residence, but didn't suit the SF home, and so we sold them in an estate sale after the home was sold. The same was true for the chandelier, which came into our store for sale, and then moved into the dining room of another client the following year.

The front porch of Stonecrest Manor was built with marble tiles upcycled from Western National Bank in York PA. The rockers were from a Hershy Hotel Auctions and stump tables were cut from the property. This spot overlooks the valley and is the perfect place for a cup of tea!

This 5BD / 3BA home was purchased by our client in an auction, after a year of being unoccupied. This 1st Phase scope included updating 3 bathrooms, interior & exterior paint, a complete lighting plan, converting their wood-burning fireplace to an electric fireplace; adding LED-lit wood paneling to the fireplace wall, and curating, procuring and placing furnishings, linens, and some decor pieces throughout the home. After the dining room chandelier is installed, we will have our professional “after” photo session. The Client’s design vision is “Pacific Northwest Vibe” for this personal chef concept Airbnb. The 2nd Phase will include updating the flooring and kitchen.

The BUFFET Wall in the Dining Room > Shown ALMOST complete, the Buffet Wall in the Dining Room features IKEA Axstad drawer and cupboard units. The IKEA Axstad upper cabinets were lined with Alison Kent HOME KITCHEN Herbal Wallpaper in Grey prior to constructing the boxes, making a beautiful backdrop for the many vintage and new dishware collections. - In-cabinet and under-cabinet lighting by IKEA with remote controlled dimmer ALL PHOTOS by Ally Fotografy Media Co

Transitional dining room photo in Los Angeles

This 5BD / 3BA home was purchased by our client in an auction, after a year of being unoccupied. This 1st Phase scope included updating 3 bathrooms, interior & exterior paint, a complete lighting plan, converting their wood-burning fireplace to an electric fireplace; adding LED-lit wood paneling to the fireplace wall, and curating, procuring and placing furnishings, linens, and some decor pieces throughout the home. After the dining room chandelier is installed, we will have our professional “after” photo session. The Client’s design vision is “Pacific Northwest Vibe” for this personal chef concept Airbnb. The 2nd Phase will include updating the flooring and kitchen.

Tallow-wood cladding, procured from an auction, left with no coating. Windows with deep reveals direct the eye to the ridge beyond the site.
Mid-sized eclectic two-story wood house exterior idea in Central Coast with a butterfly roof and a metal roof

This 5BD / 3BA home was purchased by our client in an auction, after a year of being unoccupied. This 1st Phase scope included updating 3 bathrooms, interior & exterior paint, a complete lighting plan, converting their wood-burning fireplace to an electric fireplace; adding LED-lit wood paneling to the fireplace wall, and curating, procuring and placing furnishings, linens, and some decor pieces throughout the home. After the dining room chandelier is installed, we will have our professional “after” photo session. The Client’s design vision is “Pacific Northwest Vibe” for this personal chef concept Airbnb. The 2nd Phase will include updating the flooring and kitchen.

This project began as a wilderness retreat for the homeowners at their rural estate. They already had a large outdoor area complete with a pond, and detached garage in the perfect location to tie into an outdoor entertaining area/kitchen for the swimming pool. The homeowners were hoping that the design team at Legendary Escapes could create something magical for their small grandchildren, and for the grownups to enjoy for summertime relaxation. When the discussion turned to themes, the cartoon SpongeBob came up, and our team found a direction to go, either to the homeowners delight, possibly mixed with a bit of apprehension at the thought of a cartoony theme as a result. We promised subtle surprise and delight - and the homeowner decided to let the team go with their vision. The pool is a very abundant sized swimming pool, much larger than the average residential swimming pool. The sunledge was also made larger after the pool layout, providing even more space for chairs and play area for small children. The waterfall/slide combination also features a large grotto - themed and decorated with elements that remind visitors to the space of the lessons and themes of the cartoon. The castle is solid, carved concrete - mixed and sculpted on site and hand placed. As the waterfall began to take shape, the outside was created as a sand castle, providing the perfect whimsical backdrop for the slide, and accents including a pair of flipper outfitted legs of what we can only think is mermaid man. One of the biggest surprises on this project came when Al found an old wooden boat at an auction, which he bought, took back to the job and cut it in half - creating the tail end of a boating incident, much like SpongeBob would have had when he missed the direction of the curve sign while out boating. (The joke in the show is that he can't ever get his drivers license because he doesn't know how to steer.) The other end of the boat became a vertical storage space for firewood or other pool side needs. The two parts of the boat became anchor pieces for what became the "wharf wall" which is the perfect area to lead people into the swimming pool retreat. The pool has three different entertaining patio levels, including the lower wharf level, swim up bar and raised concrete counter at the deep end of the pool. The middle section of patio is perfect for relaxing and watching kids play in the pool with the deck jets and sun ledge, and the upper area is adjacent to the outdoor kitchen area, also designed and created out of concrete (carved timbers) as the cabinetry and under bar areas. The pool was completed with ecoFinish on the sun ledge, interior of the spa, grotto and the slide. The main swimming area of the pool was vinyl liner, constructed in the special hybrid way of the team. With the project complete, the homeowners and family thoroughly enjoyed their backyard retreat. Any hesitation at the initial theme ideas were fully appreciated as they developed along the way, with the final project a subtle blend of function and whimsy, meeting everything that they could have asked for in a backyard entertaining retreat. Their advice is to just trust Al and the team through the process, because the results will be more than you would ever hope for. If our team can help you create a backyard or custom retreat, which includes a pool and plenty of outdoor entertaining options to surprise and delight you and your family, please reach out to start your design discussions.

Mike Dickerson, Six Cents Media. Aerial photos of property for Concierge Auctions.
Mid-sized mediterranean exterior home idea in Charlotte

Danish Modern is one of the several types of Modern design style. Popularized in Denmark from the 1940s-1970s, Danish modern furniture design was a collaboration between the principles of modern architecture and the high-quality cabinetmaking for which the Danes were known. Simple, elegant, airy, and featuring clean, sweeping lines, the furnishings are inherently warm and beautiful. This open dining room is a collection of vintage Danish modern furniture dating from the early 1970s. The authentic pieces were located at different auction houses and specialty consigners around the country to create a cohesive look the homeowners were seeking. The solid teak sideboard features a lighted upper display cabinet (removable) showcasing the homeowners’ collection of art including Nambé, Murano, Vietri sul Mare, and Blenko. The lower cabinet consists of two sliding doors on either end offering plentiful storage. In between are a bank of five felt-lined drawers for items such as silverware, trays and linens. With graceful rounded corners and rich, warm teak woodgrain, the dining room table is a perfect match to the sideboard. Two leaves tightly drop in and enable expansion with seating capacity for 14 people. Mixing up dining chairs adds interest and variety. The curvaceous and timeless Arne Jacobsen (the Danish designer) Series 7 chair in black is the perfect pairing for this dynamic design. Crowning the space is the airy, translucent classic Nelson bubble lamp, keeping in line with the Modernist theme.

My submission for the Art As Furniture live auction for KDUR.
Inspiration for an eclectic home design remodel in Albuquerque

Our client had a French background and loved color. We focused on fusing antiques I found at auctions along with new contemporary pieces with a lot of color and style. As the kids are growing we wanted to have pieces that would work in a down-sized home or condo down the road. Photographer, Jason Monet

Photo: Margot Hartford © 2017 Houzz
Trendy bedroom photo in New York