The design of this home was driven by the owners’ desire for a three-bedroom waterfront home that showcased the spectacular views and park-like setting. As nature lovers, they wanted their home to be organic, minimize any environmental impact on the sensitive site and embrace nature. This unique home is sited on a high ridge with a 45° slope to the water on the right and a deep ravine on the left. The five-acre site is completely wooded and tree preservation was a major emphasis. Very few trees were removed and special care was taken to protect the trees and environment throughout the project. To further minimize disturbance, grades were not changed and the home was designed to take full advantage of the site’s natural topography. Oak from the home site was re-purposed for the mantle, powder room counter and select furniture. The visually powerful twin pavilions were born from the need for level ground and parking on an otherwise challenging site. Fill dirt excavated from the main home provided the foundation. All structures are anchored with a natural stone base and exterior materials include timber framing, fir ceilings, shingle siding, a partial metal roof and corten steel walls. Stone, wood, metal and glass transition the exterior to the interior and large wood windows flood the home with light and showcase the setting. Interior finishes include reclaimed heart pine floors, Douglas fir trim, dry-stacked stone, rustic cherry cabinets and soapstone counters. Exterior spaces include a timber-framed porch, stone patio with fire pit and commanding views of the Occoquan reservoir. A second porch overlooks the ravine and a breezeway connects the garage to the home. Numerous energy-saving features have been incorporated, including LED lighting, on-demand gas water heating and special insulation. Smart technology helps manage and control the entire house. Greg Hadley Photography

This 1970’s Ranch was purchased by a young family with active boys and animals. Changes were needed in this home for the family to be comfortable. With a very limited budget, Obelisk Home was challenged to be creative but keep with the clients sensibilities. We painted paneling, painted trim in custom colors, and took the room to a new level. High gloss paint on brick added to a bright open feel. New art, lighting, furniture and accessories were brought in to work with existing furniture that was incorporated from the clients Oklahoma home. Old, dark and full becomes light, airy and cozy. Photos by Jeremy Mason McGraw

©Nathan Kirkman Photography
Traditional white three-story exterior home idea in Chicago

White kitchen with stacked wall cabinets, custom range hood, and large island with plenty of seating.
Huge transitional dark wood floor kitchen photo in New York with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, stainless steel appliances, an island and metallic backsplash

Richard Leo Johnson
Inspiration for a small cottage gray one-story exterior home remodel in Atlanta

Liz Daly Photography
Large transitional light wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in San Francisco with shaker cabinets and white cabinets

Sloane Square No.92 External Wall Cabinet. Archway House No.106 External Base Cabinets. Leadenhall No.118 Larder Exterior. Kitchen by Smallbone of Devizes. Smallbone’s Beaconsfield showroom.

Russell Abrahams
Country two-story mixed siding exterior home photo in San Francisco

U-shaped industrial style kitchen with stainless steel cabinets, backsplash, and floating shelves. Restaurant grade appliances with center worktable. Heart pine wood flooring in a modern farmhouse style home on a ranch in Idaho. Photo by Tory Taglio Photography

Example of a mountain style metal tile bathroom design in Minneapolis

Photograph by Pete Sieger
Mid-sized farmhouse red two-story wood gable roof photo in Minneapolis

Eric Roth Photography
Large farmhouse u-shaped light wood floor and brown floor enclosed kitchen photo in Boston with open cabinets, white cabinets, metallic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, a farmhouse sink, concrete countertops, metal backsplash and gray countertops

Elegant wooden curved metal railing staircase photo in Salt Lake City with wooden risers

Laurence Taylor, Taylor Architectural Photography
Bedroom - transitional carpeted bedroom idea in Miami with beige walls

Example of a cottage l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen design in New York with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, white backsplash, brick backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Our clients already had a cottage on Torch Lake that they loved to visit. It was a 1960s ranch that worked just fine for their needs. However, the lower level walkout became entirely unusable due to water issues. After purchasing the lot next door, they hired us to design a new cottage. Our first task was to situate the home in the center of the two parcels to maximize the view of the lake while also accommodating a yard area. Our second task was to take particular care to divert any future water issues. We took necessary precautions with design specifications to water proof properly, establish foundation and landscape drain tiles / stones, set the proper elevation of the home per ground water height and direct the water flow around the home from natural grade / drive. Our final task was to make appealing, comfortable, living spaces with future planning at the forefront. An example of this planning is placing a master suite on both the main level and the upper level. The ultimate goal of this home is for it to one day be at least a 3/4 of the year home and designed to be a multi-generational heirloom. - Jacqueline Southby Photography

The Back Bay House is comprised of two main structures, a nocturnal wing and a daytime wing, joined by a glass gallery space. The daytime wing maintains an informal living arrangement that includes the dining space placed in an intimate alcove, a large country kitchen and relaxing seating area which opens to a classic covered porch and on to the water’s edge. The nocturnal wing houses three bedrooms. The master at the water side enjoys views and sounds of the wildlife and the shore while the two subordinate bedrooms soak in views of the garden and neighboring meadow. To bookend the scale and mass of the house, a whimsical tower was included to the nocturnal wing. The tower accommodates flex space for a bunk room, office or studio space. Materials and detailing of this house are based on a classic cottage vernacular language found in these sorts of buildings constructed in pre-war north america and harken back to a simpler time and scale. Eastern white cedar shingles, white painted trim and moulding collectively add a layer of texture and richness not found in today’s lexicon of detail. The house is 1,628 sf plus a 228 sf tower and a detached, two car garage which employs massing, detail and scale to allow the main house to read as dominant but not overbearing. Designed by BC&J Architecture.

Southwest entryway photo in Phoenix

Living room - rustic living room idea in Atlanta