Eichler in Marinwood - In conjunction to the porous programmatic kitchen block as a connective element, the walls along the main corridor add to the sense of bringing outside in. The fin wall adjacent to the entry has been detailed to have the siding slip past the glass, while the living, kitchen and dining room are all connected by a walnut veneer feature wall running the length of the house. This wall also echoes the lush surroundings of lucas valley as well as the original mahogany plywood panels used within eichlers. photo: scott hargis

PAUL ROMANO / ROMANO & SON
Powder room - traditional powder room idea in New York with a vessel sink

Double shower in bay window. The bench is cantilevered out over the exterior wall below. Design, color scheme, lighting, and installation by Addhouse. Photo by Monkeyboy Productions

Once a sunken living room closed off from the kitchen, we aimed to change the awkward accessibility of the space into an open and easily functional space that is cohesive. To open up the space even further, we designed a blackened steel structure with mirrorpane glass to reflect light and enlarge the room. Within the structure lives a previously existing lava rock wall. We painted this wall in glitter gold and enhanced the gold luster with built-in backlit LEDs. Centered within the steel framing is a TV, which has the ability to be hidden when the mirrorpane doors are closed. The adjacent staircase wall is cladded with a large format white casework grid and seamlessly houses the wine refrigerator. The clean lines create a simplistic ornate design as a fresh backdrop for the repurposed crystal chandelier. Nothing short of bold sophistication, this kitchen overflows with playful elegance — from the gold accents to the glistening crystal chandelier above the island. We took advantage of the large window above the 7’ galley workstation to bring in a great deal of natural light and a beautiful view of the backyard. In a kitchen full of light and symmetrical elements, on the end of the island we incorporated an asymmetrical focal point finished in a dark slate. This four drawer piece is wrapped in safari brasilica wood that purposefully carries the warmth of the floor up and around the end piece to ground the space further. The wow factor of this kitchen is the geometric glossy gold tiles of the hood creating a glamourous accent against a marble backsplash above the cooktop. This kitchen is not only classically striking but also highly functional. The versatile wall, opposite of the galley sink, includes an integrated refrigerator, freezer, steam oven, convection oven, two appliance garages, and tall cabinetry for pantry items. The kitchen’s layout of appliances creates a fluid circular flow in the kitchen. Across from the kitchen stands a slate gray wine hutch incorporated into the wall. The doors and drawers have a gilded diamond mesh in the center panels. This mesh ties in the golden accents around the kitchens décor and allows you to have a peek inside the hutch when the interior lights are on for a soft glow creating a beautiful transition into the living room. Between the warm tones of light flooring and the light whites and blues of the cabinetry, the kitchen is well-balanced with a bright and airy atmosphere. The powder room for this home is gilded with glamor. The rich tones of the walnut wood vanity come forth midst the cool hues of the marble countertops and backdrops. Keeping the walls light, the ornate framed mirror pops within the space. We brought this mirror into the place from another room within the home to balance the window alongside it. The star of this powder room is the repurposed golden swan faucet extending from the marble countertop. We places a facet patterned glass vessel to create a transparent complement adjacent to the gold swan faucet. In front of the window hangs an asymmetrical pendant light with a sculptural glass form that does not compete with the mirror.

Techo-Bloc has redefined landscape products once again with this eye-catching ultra-modern double-sided retaining wall. The Graphix wall’s varying depths and unique but simple installation process creates a 3 dimensional visual effect. The mix of smooth and chiseled textures add another factor of visual interest to this wall, making it perfect for design lovers and those seeking something sleek and out of the box. Great for retaining soil, building planters, blade walls or vertical elements such as fire, water or outdoor kitchen features. Check out our website to shop the look! Or, check out the estimation tool on our website to get an idea of how much a similar project could cost you! https://www.techo-bloc.com/shop/walls/graphix-wall/

Ryan Garvin Photography, Robeson Design
Example of a mid-sized urban 3/4 gray tile and marble tile porcelain tile and gray floor wet room design in Denver with flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, a two-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink, quartzite countertops and a hinged shower door

Wing Wong, Memories TTL
Inspiration for a mid-sized eclectic medium tone wood floor enclosed kitchen remodel in New York with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, multicolored backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island

Designed and built by Land Art Design, Inc.
Photo of a large traditional shade backyard stone retaining wall landscape in DC Metro.

Designed to complement the home's architecture and wooded surroundings, this luxury outdoor living project transforms a sloping backyard into a seamless, multi-level retreat. Wide masonry stairs, terraced brick retaining walls, a covered outdoor living room, and a custom pool with a flush spa and expansive FireRock paver patios create inviting spaces for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying the outdoors year-round.

Product: Authentic Limestone for Exterior Living Spaces. Ancient Surfaces Contacts: (212) 461-0245 Email: Sales@ancientsurfaces.com Website: www.AncientSurfaces.com The design of external living spaces is known as the 'Al Fresco' design style as it is called in Italian. 'Al Fresco' translates into 'the open' or 'the cool/fresh exterior'. Customizing a fully functional outdoor kitchen, pizza oven, BBQ, fireplace or Jacuzzi pool spa all out of old reclaimed Mediterranean stone pieces is no easy task and shouldn’t be created out of the lowest common denominator of building materials such as concrete, Indian slates or Turkish travertine. The one thing you can bet the farmhouse on is that when the entire process unravels and when your outdoor living space materializes from the architects rendering to real life, you will be guaranteed a true Mediterranean living experience if your choice of construction material was as authentic and possible to the Southern Mediterranean regions. We believe that the coziness of your surroundings brought about by the creative usage of our antique stone elements will only amplify that authenticity. whether you are enjoying a relaxing time soaking the sun inside one of our Jacuzzi spa stone fountains or sharing unforgettable memories with family and friends while baking your own pizzas in one of our outdoor BBQ pizza ovens, our stone designs will always evoke in most a feeling of euphoria and exultation that one only gets while being on vacation is some exotic European island surrounded with the pristine beauty of indigenous nature and ancient architecture...

Challenge: Not too many! Homeowners were a joy to work with, and the home was build on a large estate lot along the Concho River. We wanted to ensure all views of interiors were oriented to the backyard, pool and river. We also wanted to capture the feeling of the ruggedness of the land and serenity of the river, elegantly and simply. Solution: Hiring a great architect is always the perfect beginning. The base design took great advantage of the views of the beauty around. External stone was also carried inside, cladding a wall that slices through the center of the house in the living room and beyond through patio. Cutting into this wall is a fireplace in the living room, and a fireplace in the patio. The stone became the launch pad for the color scheme. We decided to keep design elements softly modern, even organic, to connect visual and tactile senses to nature. All textiles are natural fibers. In the wonderfully open kitchen/living/dining space, we left the support beams rough and stained them with a bit of gray glaze. The vent hood is iron; the back splash is a glazed brick; roman shade embroidered. Book shelving in dining is painted a metallic bronze. Island has a leathered quartzite top and cabinetry is stained. Master bed and bath offer quiet drama- colors are soft grays, but arrangement of tile surrounding the fireplace above soaking tub is quite attention getting. The custom 7' master bed is upholstered in gray velvet. Fit for a queen!

This LEED Platinum certified house reflects the homeowner's desire for an exceptionally healthy and comfortable living environment, within a traditional neighborhood. INFILL SITE. The family, who moved from another area of Wellesley, sought out this property to be within walking distance of the high school and downtown area. An existing structure on the tight lot was removed to make way for the new home. 84% of the construction waste, from both the previous structure and the new home, was diverted from a landfill. ZED designed to preserve the existing mature trees on the perimeter of the property to minimize site impacts, and to maintain the character of the neighborhood as well as privacy on the site. EXTERIOR EXPRESSION. The street facade of the home relates to the local New England vernacular. The rear uses contemporary language, a nod to the family’s Californian roots, to incorporate a roof deck, solar panels, outdoor living space, and the backyard swimming pool. ZED’s careful planning avoided to the need to face the garage doors towards the street, a common syndrome of a narrow lot. THOUGHTFUL SPACE. Homes with dual entries can often result in duplicate and unused spaces. In this home, the everyday and formal entry areas are one and the same; the front and garage doors share the entry program of coat closets, mudroom storage with bench for removing your shoes, and a laundry room with generous closets for the children's sporting equipment. The entry area leads directly to the living space, encompassing the kitchen, dining and sitting area areas in an L-shaped open plan arrangement. The kitchen is placed at the south-west corner of the space to allow for a strong connection to the dining, sitting and outdoor living spaces. A fire pit on the deck satisfies the family’s desire for an open flame while a sealed gas fireplace is used indoors - ZED’s preference after omitting gas burning appliances completely from an airtight home. A small study, with a window seat, is conveniently located just off of the living space. A first floor guest bedroom includes an accessible bathroom for aging visitors and can be used as a master suite to accommodate aging in place. HEALTHY LIVING. The client requested a home that was easy to clean and would provide a respite from seasonal allergies and common contaminants that are found in many indoor spaces. ZED selected easy to clean solid surface flooring throughout, provided ample space for cleaning supplies on each floor, and designed a mechanical system with ventilation that provides a constant supply of fresh outdoor air. ZED selected durable materials, finishes, cabinetry, and casework with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and no added urea formaldehyde. YEAR-ROUND COMFORT. The home is super insulated and air-tight, paired with high performance triple-paned windows, to ensure it is draft-free throughout the winter (even when in front of the large windows and doors). ZED designed a right-sized heating and cooling system to pair with the thermally improved building enclosure to ensure year-round comfort. The glazing on the home maximizes passive solar gains, and facilitates cross ventilation and daylighting. ENERGY EFFICIENT. As one of the most energy efficient houses built to date in Wellesley, the home highlights a practical solution for Massachusetts. First, the building enclosure reduces the largest energy requirement for typical houses (heating). Super-insulation, exceptional air sealing, a thermally broken wall assembly, triple pane windows, and passive solar gain combine for a sizable heating load reduction. Second, within the house only efficient systems consume energy. These include an air source heat pump for heating & cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation, and high efficiency appliances. Lastly, photovoltaics provide renewable energy help offset energy consumption. The result is an 89% reduction in energy use compared to a similar brand new home built to code requirements. RESILIENT. The home will fare well in extreme weather events. During a winter power outage, heat loss will be very slow due to the super-insulated and airtight envelope– taking multiple days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. An engineered drainage system, paired with careful the detailing of the foundation, will help to keep the finished basement dry. A generator will provide full operation of the all-electric house during a power outage. OVERALL. The home is a reflection of the family goals and an expression of their values, beautifully enabling health, comfort, safety, resilience, and utility, all while respecting the planet. ZED - Architect & Mechanical Designer Bevilacqua Builders Inc - Contractor Creative Land & Water Engineering - Civil Engineering Barbara Peterson Landscape - Landscape Design Nest & Company - Interior Furnishings Eric Roth Photography - Photography

This modern rectangular pool incorporates both a spa and beach style shallow lounge area. A waterfall wall offers soothing sounds to relax to while lounging poolside. Built in plaster planter boxes and white plaster walls surround the luxe backyard escape.

The wall of maple cabinet storage is from Wellborn, New Haven style in Bleu finish. Each grandchild gets their own section of storage. The bench seating (with more storage below!) has a Formica Flax Gauze top in Glacier Java. It also serves as a sep for smaller children to reach the upper storage shelves. The festive red and white stripe pendant lights Giclee Pattern style #H1110. Photo by Toby Weiss

Creating an indoor/outdoor connection was paramount for the master suite. This was to become the owner’s private oasis. A vaulted ceiling and window wall invite the flow of natural light. A fireplace and private exit to the garden house provide the perfect respite after a busy day. The new master bath, flanked by his and her walk-in closets, has a tile shower or soaking tub for bathing. Wall Paint Color: Benjamin Moore HC 167, Amherst Gray flat. Architectural Design: Sennikoff Architects. Kitchen Design. Architectural Detailing & Photo Staging: Zieba Builders. Photography: Ken Henry.

Freestanding bathtub - traditional master freestanding bathtub idea in Miami with an undermount sink, white cabinets, white walls and raised-panel cabinets

Custom built-in entertainment center in the same house as the custom built-in window seat project that was posted in 2019. This project is 11-1/2 feet wide x 18 inches deep x 8 feet high. It consists of two 36" wide end base cabinets and a 66" wide center base cabinet with an open component compartment. The base cabinets have soft-close door hinges with 3-way cam adjustments and adjustable shelves. The base cabinet near the doorway includes custom-made ducting to re-route the HVAC air flow from a floor vent out through the toe kick panel. Above the base countertop are side and overhead book/display cases trimmed with crown molding. The TV is mounted on a wall bracket that extends and tilts, and in-wall electrical and HDMI cables connect the TV to power and components via a wall box at the back of the component compartment.

This historic, 19th mansion, located in Washington, DC's Dupont Circle, was redesigned to house four modern, luxury condominiums. Photo: Anice Hoachlander www.hdphoto.com

Ryan Fung
Bathroom - small contemporary master white tile and subway tile marble floor bathroom idea in Toronto with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white walls, an integrated sink and solid surface countertops