Rustic and refined meet to give a mountaintop home in Portola Valley, California, classic charm. They say the best things in life come to those who wait. So when a Bay Area couple purchased a rare set of adjoining lots overlooking Windy Hill in Portola Valley, they made frequent visits to the site where they absorbed the views while listening to the land as they contemplated building a home there. The intent: to create a home that would celebrate the scenic beauty of the San Mateo County region. Long before the design process began, the couple committed themselves to preserving as many trees on the land as possible. These trees, two majestic, centuries-old Blue Oaks in particular, ultimately became the impetus for the home’s orientation and the inspiration for its design. Detailed discussions and brainstorming sessions led the owners to discover their own unique tastes: “cozy” and “rustic“ while “contemporary, but not minimal.” The result? Sophisticated style comprised of simple, honest materials.

When homeowners Garry and Sherry bought their 1799 farmhouse in Lancaster, they prepared themselves for many years of renovation: 28 years, to be exact. They gradually tackled inside projects like the master bath, basement, a recent kitchen remodel and even an office-turned-Irish pub. During one painfully hot summer, they installed a pool that became their go-to for summer entertainment and parties. Now, Garry and Sherry’s four children have grown and the couple has found free time in not devoting their days to hockey, volleyball and softball games. So several years ago, they decided to take on the outdoor space. The couple contacted Bobby Kenyon and Adrian Kapp of C.E. Pontz (www.cepontzsons.com) to create a design that would blend with the rustic look of their farmhouse. They hoped to increase the amount of entertaining space by enlarging the patio area and adding a pavilion and outdoor kitchen. Another must-have was a covered area that could ensure the party would not end even if the weather would not cooperate. After brainstorming with Bobby and Adrian, they decided to include a gas fireplace, an outdoor television in the pavilion, and a Kegerator in the kitchen. For the outdoor overhaul, C.E. Pontz began by adding two separate patios of flagstone and natural stone that combine to a total area of 1,100 square feet. They laid large stone slabs to create a walkway connecting the kitchen and living area. For sunny days, C.E. Pontz installed an outdoor kitchen complete with granite countertops, sink, gas burner, grill and storage area. A pergola above the grill offers shade to whomever is tending the tongs that night. Sherry said that having an outdoor kitchen has made entertaining a time for sharing and enjoying food rather than preparing and serving it. When their indoor kitchen was being remodeled last summer, the family prepared nearly all of their meals outdoors, from eggs at breakfast to pasta at dinner. And they still love the summer staple of anything with grill marks. Because the perfect addition to charred meats and veggies is usually a cold draft, C.E. Pontz completed the kitchen with a Kegerator, placed conveniently in arm’s reach of the guest seating. Across the walkway and above the adjoining stone patio, C.E. Pontz built a 16- by 20-foot pavilion, or, essentially, a living room under the trees. A fan hanging from the vaulted ceiling keeps guests cool while they lounge in plush wicker chairs, watching television. Sherry and Garry furnished the space with dark wicker seating from Wicker Imports in Lancaster (www.wickerimportsonline.com). They added pillows and cushions in earth-toned patterns for extra comfort and color. To keep the space alive after the sun sets, they decorated with lots of candles as well as copper lighting that Garry, having an electrical background, installed himself. Plus, C.E. Pontz constructed a gas-fed stone fireplace just outside the pavilion that illuminates the living area and provides a cozy warmth in colder months. Garry, who has a green thumb according to his wife, sets out 18 to 20 large planters around the pool and patio in the summer. These complement the roses, nandina and various grasses that C.E. Pontz used to landscape around the patios. In spring, the couple works to beautify the beds so that in summer, they simply need to water the plants and enjoy the flora. “It is truly an outdoor oasis that we utilize during the warm months and are sorry to see closed during the winter months,” Sherry says. After nearly thirty years of transformation, their 217-year-old home is the entertaining hot spot for friends, family and grandkids. Fun Facts: A Kegerator? Simpler than it sounds, a Kegerator is a dispensing device connected to a keg (typically of beer) that is kept in a refrigerated container. It maintains the quality of the beer for longer periods of time, even for several months. Approximately 60 tons of stone base material were used for this project. Two patios were added that combined a total area of 1,100 square feet of natural flagstone. This landscape features about 18,000 pounds of flagstone. This article appears in the April 2016 issue of Susquehanna Style Did you like what you read here? Subscribe to Susquehanna Style » http://www.susquehannastyle.com/April-2016/Historic-Hot-Spot/

This home originally had a Mediterranean inspired interior...wrought iron, heavy wood and Travertine everywhere. The office not only wasn't the homeowners taste but wasn't functional. While brainstorming ideas I mentioned cedar and he immediately said "Yes" as it reminded him of his childhood home. Additionally a request for a stand-up desk with storage for his bad back and a navy paint finished off this space.

A stained fiberglass door adds warmth to this front entry.
Mid-sized arts and crafts dark wood floor entryway photo in Grand Rapids with beige walls and a dark wood front door

When homeowners Garry and Sherry bought their 1799 farmhouse in Lancaster, they prepared themselves for many years of renovation: 28 years, to be exact. They gradually tackled inside projects like the master bath, basement, a recent kitchen remodel and even an office-turned-Irish pub. During one painfully hot summer, they installed a pool that became their go-to for summer entertainment and parties. Now, Garry and Sherry’s four children have grown and the couple has found free time in not devoting their days to hockey, volleyball and softball games. So several years ago, they decided to take on the outdoor space. The couple contacted Bobby Kenyon and Adrian Kapp of C.E. Pontz (www.cepontzsons.com) to create a design that would blend with the rustic look of their farmhouse. They hoped to increase the amount of entertaining space by enlarging the patio area and adding a pavilion and outdoor kitchen. Another must-have was a covered area that could ensure the party would not end even if the weather would not cooperate. After brainstorming with Bobby and Adrian, they decided to include a gas fireplace, an outdoor television in the pavilion, and a Kegerator in the kitchen. For the outdoor overhaul, C.E. Pontz began by adding two separate patios of flagstone and natural stone that combine to a total area of 1,100 square feet. They laid large stone slabs to create a walkway connecting the kitchen and living area. For sunny days, C.E. Pontz installed an outdoor kitchen complete with granite countertops, sink, gas burner, grill and storage area. A pergola above the grill offers shade to whomever is tending the tongs that night. Sherry said that having an outdoor kitchen has made entertaining a time for sharing and enjoying food rather than preparing and serving it. When their indoor kitchen was being remodeled last summer, the family prepared nearly all of their meals outdoors, from eggs at breakfast to pasta at dinner. And they still love the summer staple of anything with grill marks. Because the perfect addition to charred meats and veggies is usually a cold draft, C.E. Pontz completed the kitchen with a Kegerator, placed conveniently in arm’s reach of the guest seating. Across the walkway and above the adjoining stone patio, C.E. Pontz built a 16- by 20-foot pavilion, or, essentially, a living room under the trees. A fan hanging from the vaulted ceiling keeps guests cool while they lounge in plush wicker chairs, watching television. Sherry and Garry furnished the space with dark wicker seating from Wicker Imports in Lancaster (www.wickerimportsonline.com). They added pillows and cushions in earth-toned patterns for extra comfort and color. To keep the space alive after the sun sets, they decorated with lots of candles as well as copper lighting that Garry, having an electrical background, installed himself. Plus, C.E. Pontz constructed a gas-fed stone fireplace just outside the pavilion that illuminates the living area and provides a cozy warmth in colder months. Garry, who has a green thumb according to his wife, sets out 18 to 20 large planters around the pool and patio in the summer. These complement the roses, nandina and various grasses that C.E. Pontz used to landscape around the patios. In spring, the couple works to beautify the beds so that in summer, they simply need to water the plants and enjoy the flora. “It is truly an outdoor oasis that we utilize during the warm months and are sorry to see closed during the winter months,” Sherry says. After nearly thirty years of transformation, their 217-year-old home is the entertaining hot spot for friends, family and grandkids. Fun Facts: A Kegerator? Simpler than it sounds, a Kegerator is a dispensing device connected to a keg (typically of beer) that is kept in a refrigerated container. It maintains the quality of the beer for longer periods of time, even for several months. Approximately 60 tons of stone base material were used for this project. Two patios were added that combined a total area of 1,100 square feet of natural flagstone. This landscape features about 18,000 pounds of flagstone. This article appears in the April 2016 issue of Susquehanna Style Did you like what you read here? Subscribe to Susquehanna Style » http://www.susquehannastyle.com/April-2016/Historic-Hot-Spot/

Inspiration for a craftsman exterior home remodel in Burlington

This client just built a new home in Colleyville and with a classic foundation in place, the homeowner was ready to dramatize the finishing touches with pops of vibrant color. The long built-in storage benches along the Breakfast Nook called for a bigger presence than just wall art and building a tone-on-tone geometric print upholstered wall was the perfect solution to enhance the room and draw you into the space. A coordinating rug, window treatments and accessories completed the space perfectly with fun personality.

This vacation home in Park City, Utah was transformed from a dark rustic ski lodge to a contemporary light and airy home. Extensive space planning changes to the kitchen, great room, and master suite made for much better use of the space. The materials selected, such as wood, stone, and painted brick, make the home feel like it still belongs in Park City, but now in a much more sophisticated way. Photography: Miranda Kimberlin Construction: Blackdog Builders Interior Design: WPL Interior Design

Sophisticated and luxuriously moody was the brainstorm for this complex remodel in Del Mar Country Club. Bespoke trades in every field along with flawless execution, dramatic finishes, and details brought this traditional home to a curated transformation.

This a view of the main dining room looking back towards the kitchen, with the breakfast room beyond. This project was designed by Tonic Design.
Example of a minimalist light wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Raleigh with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets and quartz countertops

Photo: Paula Coldiron © 2014 Houzz
Elegant living room photo in Birmingham

Sophisticated and luxuriously moody was the brainstorm for this complex remodel in Del Mar Country Club. Bespoke trades in every field along with flawless execution, dramatic finishes, and details brought this traditional home to a curated transformation.

This mid-century modern office remodel is the perfect blend of style and function. The deep green velvet couch is the centerpiece of the room, inviting employees and guests to sit down and collaborate. The rich green hue adds a touch of glamour while the velvet texture creates a cozy atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for informal meetings, brainstorming sessions or just taking a break.

Photo: Paula Coldiron © 2014 Houzz
Inspiration for a timeless living room remodel in Birmingham

From the moment our client purchased this 1970’s Lake Oswego fixer, we were part of the brainstorm to make it his forever home. We completed a “Design Intent” phase, imagining all the ways we could rework spaces to take full advantage of every square foot, and maximize the awe-inspiring lake views. We teamed up with Cooper Design Builders for the extensive renovations, and the results are incredible. We completely relocated the kitchen (that area is now a light-filled home office) and moved the central staircase to expand the main floor living area. We removed a massive two-story fireplace to make room for a new powder bath and efficient storage on both levels. A previously empty wall was reimagined with custom designed walnut built-ins and a delightfully textured asymmetrical fireplace. Refinished and expanded original oak flooring meets custom walnut cabinetry and crisp quartz countertops in the new kitchen. Every window was replaced to let in the view, all new lighting illuminates every room, expansive decks on two floors were rebuilt, two bathrooms were redesigned, and another full bath was added to a second primary suite on the lower level. There’s nothing quite like living on the lake, and this home embraces that lifestyle 100%! Photography by Mindy Rose Photo

Enclosed kitchen - craftsman enclosed kitchen idea in Albuquerque with recessed-panel cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash and dark wood cabinets

David Tosti
Elegant kitchen photo in Orange County

It shouldn’t be shocking that Mid-westerns are the last to experience the trends trickling in from the east and west coasts. While contemporary styles in white and grey have been flooding their homes over the past 3-5 years, homeowners in the Midwest seem to choose warmer hues in transitional styles. When brainstorming what our next display should encompass, we decided to blend the trends we see emerging in the Midwest with a cool, fun edge. Transitioning modern to Minnesota involves warmer colors, texture and depth to design. Flat panel doors in an off-white paired with a rich and earthy textured melamine encompass just that. Mixing metals, especially with gold is becoming increasingly popular. The display is shown blending stainless steel with fun, accessories in gold. Homeowners are beginning to like both the ease and the look of simplicity. As shown in our display, they are pairing flat-panel doors with a c-channel to take the place of knobs and pulls. Quartz countertops in a 2 cm (3/4”) thickness are almost always paired with this style, sometimes in a matte finish as they are a new trend and also reduce glare. This dark brown, almost black matte quartz top is shown contrasting against the glossy warm-white base cabinets in the display. Who hasn’t been on their hands and knees digging countlessly for the matching container and lid? Interior cabinet accessories save time and energy. Some trends in kitchen organization that the display incorporates include hands-free waste bins, knife/utensil pull-outs, container organizers, corner pull-outs, pull-out towel bars, Keurig cup organizers and dishware drawers. Having an organized kitchen is an upgrade but it without a doubt keeps us sane. What’s a space that doesn’t ignite a spark of interest? Have fun with it! In this space the existing circular soffit was designed around, yet celebrated. A bubble mosaic backsplash layered with bubble glass doors and decorative spheres are a fun way to play with shape. With bold light fixtures being a big trend for 2017, finding the perfect statement fixture for the space was the icing on the cake. Color can always personalize a space. In this case, the Pantone color of the year, Greenery #15-0343, became an inspiration when selecting accessories. Anyone with a sense of humor will appreciate the golden “man handle”. After all, we all love a great conversation piece.

New residential project completed in Parker, Colorado in early 2016 This project is well sited to take advantage of tremendous views to the west of the Rampart Range and Pikes Peak. A contemporary home with a touch of craftsman styling incorporating a Wrap Around porch along the Southwest corner of the house. Photographer: Nathan Strauch at Hot Shot Pros