Photo of a victorian stone landscaping in Columbus.

Parlour - A New Farmhouse in Columbia County, New York - John B. Murray Architect - Interior Design by Sam Blount - Photography by Durston Saylor
Country formal and enclosed living room photo in New York with a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace, no tv and yellow walls

This house west of Boston was originally designed in 1958 by the great New England modernist, Henry Hoover. He built his own modern home in Lincoln in 1937, the year before the German émigré Walter Gropius built his own world famous house only a few miles away. By the time this 1958 house was built, Hoover had matured as an architect; sensitively adapting the house to the land and incorporating the clients wish to recreate the indoor-outdoor vibe of their previous home in Hawaii. The house is beautifully nestled into its site. The slope of the roof perfectly matches the natural slope of the land. The levels of the house delicately step down the hill avoiding the granite ledge below. The entry stairs also follow the natural grade to an entry hall that is on a mid level between the upper main public rooms and bedrooms below. The living spaces feature a south- facing shed roof that brings the sun deep in to the home. Collaborating closely with the homeowner and general contractor, we freshened up the house by adding radiant heat under the new purple/green natural cleft slate floor. The original interior and exterior Douglas fir walls were stripped and refinished. Photo by: Nat Rea Photography

Working from the existing home’s deficits, we designed a bright and classic home well-suited to today’s living. Instead of a dark tunnel-like entry, we have a skylight custom curving stair that no one can believe is not original. Instead of a maze of rooms to reach the gorgeous park-like backyard, we have a clear central axis, allowing a sightline right through from the top of the stairs. Instead of three bedrooms scattered all over the house, we have zoned them to the second floor, each well-proportioned with a true master suite. Painted wood paneling, face-frame cabinets, box-beam beilings and Calacatta counters express the classic grandeur of the home.

Pinnacle Mountain Homes
Mountain style freestanding bathtub photo in Denver with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets and gray walls

THEME Every element of this room evokes images from the Enchanted Forest. Tiny lights twinkle like fireflies; curtains swing from real tree limbs and sticker stones lay a pathway to the bed. Ceramic mushrooms and birdhouses are scattered throughout the room, creating perfect hiding spots for fairies, pixies and other magical friends. The dominant color of both bedroom and bathroom — a soft, feminine pink — creates a soothing, yet wondrous atmosphere. In the corner sits a large tree with a child-size door at the base, promising a child-size adventure on the other side. FOCUS Illuminated by two beautiful flower-shaped lamps, the six-footdiameter circular bed becomes the centerpiece of the room. Imitation bark on the bed’s exterior augments the room’s theme and makes it easy for a child to believe they have stepped out of the suburbs and into the forest. Three lily pads extending from tree bark serve as both steps to the bed and stools to sit on. Ready-made for princess parties and sleepovers, the bed easily accommodates two to three small children or an adult. Twelvefoot ceilings enhance the sense of openness, while soft lighting and comfy pillows make this a cozy reading and resting spot. STORAGE The shelves on the rear of the bed and the two compartments in the tree — one covered by a doubledoor, the other by a miniature door — supplement the storage capacity of the room’s giant closet without interrupting the theme. GROWTH The bed meets standard specifications for a baby crib, and can accommodate both children and adults. The railing is easily removed when baby girl becomes a “big girl,” and eventually, a teenager. SAFETY Rounded edges on all of the room’s furnishings help prevent nasty bumps, and lamps are positioned well out-of-reach of small children. The mattress is designed to fit snugly to meet current crib safety standards, while a 26-inch railing allows this bed to act as a safe, comfortable and fun play area.

Front Porch Ideas and More: Our summer front porch first year we moved into our new home. We enjoy our light blue porch ceiling and how it complements our blue shutters and shakes. Did you know that a haint blue ceiling is believed to ward away mosquitoes and wasps because they believe the ceiling is the blue sky? Same goes for birds nesting. We don't know for sure but we can attest that we have not had any birds, wasps, hornets or mosquitoes bothering us on the porch. But the very best part is how soothing the color looks on our home.

Elegant family room photo in Philadelphia

At Bulldog Paving we specialize in the design and installation of concrete interlocking pavers for residential and commercial, landscape and hardscape projects. We believe that the use of paving stones for your next driveway, patio, walkway or pool deck is going to enhance the overall appeal of your property. So, if you would like to set up a free consultation for your new paver installation or perhaps you want to seal your existing pavers? Then contact us today and we will discuss all of your options!

Inspiration for a large industrial full sun front yard brick driveway in Miami for summer.

Photo courtesy TB151
Example of a small trendy backyard concrete paver patio design in Boston with a fire pit

Freestanding bathtub - large contemporary master white tile and marble tile marble floor and white floor freestanding bathtub idea in Dallas with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink, solid surface countertops, a hinged shower door and white countertops

Fredrik Brauer
Contemporary two-story stone exterior home idea in Atlanta

Photo: Brenda Olde © 2015 Houzz
Example of a 1960s living room design in Denver

The homeowners wanted to take advantage of induction cooking, but were hesitant because of their unfamiliarity. I suggested reducing their cooktop from 36” to 30” and adding a 15” gas cooktop. The jury’s still out as to whether they'll use the gas, as they've fallen in love with induction. Photography ©2014 Adam Gibson

Example of a trendy u-shaped white floor kitchen design in Chicago with flat-panel cabinets, no island, an undermount sink, green cabinets, multicolored backsplash, stainless steel appliances and white countertops

Photo: Margot Hartford © 2015 Houzz Landscape Design: Chris Kukula http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/56354604/list/my-houzz-backyard-cottage-office-and-an-artful-low-water-garden

Paulina Ochoa Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary master white tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile and white floor alcove bathtub remodel in Calgary with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops and a hinged shower door

Dan Levin - Photo Credit Coty Sidnam - SPG Architects
Deck - contemporary tile deck idea in New York with a roof extension