Inspiration for a contemporary dining room remodel in San Francisco with yellow walls

Thomas Hayes
Inspiration for a rustic deck remodel in Atlanta

Photo: Pak Cheung Built-in shelves allows for displays and storage. The entry to the new bathroom is on the left. Beyond that is additional storage space. We kept the existing elevator lift. We seamlessly blended the floor of the lift with the new floor. Though the attic had two large existing skylights, to bring in more natural light we added two more skylights—one in the bathroom and one in the hallway. We also installed new recessed lights throughout the entire space and in the bathroom.

Kirk Bianchi created the design for this residential resort next to a desert preserve. The overhang of the homes patio suggested a pool with a sweeping curve shape. Kirk positioned a raised vanishing edge pool to work with the ascending terrain and to also capture the reflections of the scenery behind. The fire pit and bbq areas are situated to capture the best views of the superstition mountains, framed by the architectural pergola that creates a window to the vista beyond. A raised glass tile spa, capturing the colors of the desert context, serves as a jewel and centerpiece for the outdoor living space.

Eat-in kitchen - small craftsman u-shaped eat-in kitchen idea in Seattle with shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz countertops, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Minimalist basement photo in Burlington

This is an example of a mediterranean landscaping.

Elegant medium tone wood floor and brown floor family room photo in Cleveland with gray walls, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace and no tv

cottage blended with nature.
Inspiration for a rustic exterior home remodel in Toronto

Small arts and crafts u-shaped eat-in kitchen photo in Seattle with shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz countertops, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Minimalist exterior home photo in Denver

When I came to this property not only was the landscape a scrappy mess the property also had some very real grading and drainage issues that were jeopardizing the safety of this house. As recent transplants from New Jerseys to Southern California these clients were in awe of all the plants they were seeing in their neighborhood. Living on the water at the Ventura harbor they wanted to be able to take full advantage or the outdoor lifestyle and cool ocean breeze. Being environmentally conscious citizens, these clients were very concerned that their garden was designed with sustainability as a leading factor. As they said in our initial consultation, “Would want or garden be part of the solution not part of the problem.” This property is the last house on the bottom of a gently sloping street. All the water from the neighbor’s houses drain onto this property. When I came into this project the back yard sloped into the house. When it would rain the water would pool up against the house causing water damage. To address the drainage we employed several tactics. Firstly, we had to invert the slope in the back yard so that water would not pool against the house. We created a very minor slope going away from the house so that water drains away but so the patio area feels flat. The back of the back yard had an existing retaining wall made out of shabby looking slump stone. In front of that retaining wall we created a beautiful natural stone retaining wall. This retain wall severs many purposes. One it works as a place to put some of the soil removed from the grading giving this project a smaller carbon foot print (moving soil of a site burns a lot of fossil fuel). The retaining wall also helps obscure the shabby existing retaining wall and allows for planting space above the footing from the existing retaining wall. The soil behind the ne retaining wall is slightly lower than the top of the wall so that when the run on water on from the neighbor’s property flows it is slowed down and absorbed before it has a chance to get near the house. Finally, the wall is at a height designed to serve as overflow seating as these clients intend to have occasional large parties and gatherings. Other efforts made to help keep the house safe and dry are that we used permeable paving. With the hardscape being comprised of flag stone with gravel in-between water has a chance to soak into the ground so it does not flow into spots where it will pool up. The final element to help keep the house dry is the addition of infiltration swales. Infiltration swales are depressions in the landscape that capture rain water. The down spouts on the sides of the houses are connected to pipe that goes under the ground and conveys the water to the swales. In this project it helps move rain water away from the house. In general, these Infiltration swales are a powerful element in creating sustainable landscapes. These swales capture pollutants that accumulate on the roof and in the landscape. Biology in the soil in the swales can break down these pollutants. When run of watered is not captured by soil on a property the dirty water flows into water ways and then the ocean were the biology that breaks down the pollutants is not as prolific. This is particularly important in this project as it drains directly into the harbor. The water that is absorbed in to the swales can replenish aquafers as well as increasing the water available to the plants planted in that area recusing the amount of water that is needed from irrigation. When it came to the planting we went with a California friendly tropical theme. Using lots of succulents and plants with colorful foliage we created vibrant lush landscape that will have year around color. We planted densely (the images in the picture were taken only a month after installation). Taller drought tolerant plants to help regulate the temperature and loss of water from the plants below them. The dense plantings will help keep the garden, the house and even the neighborhood cooler on hot days, will provide spaces for birds to enjoy and will create an illusion of depth in a somewhat narrow space. Today this garden is a space these homeowners can fully enjoy while having the peace of mind that their house is protected from flooding and they are helping the environment.

Cottage exterior with deck, pool, loungers overlooking the sunset on lake. All bespoke stonework.
Home design - rustic home design idea in Toronto

Laminate flooring is becoming increasingly popular in London's apartments due to its durability and stylish look. Laminate flooring is easy to install and maintain, and provides a cost-effective solution for apartment owners looking to update the look of their space. Laminate flooring is available in a variety of colors and textures, making it easy to find a style that will fit in with any decor. Laminate flooring is also resistant to water and scratches, making it a good choice for apartments in high-traffic areas. Laminate flooring is a great choice for Londoners looking to add a modern touch to their home.

Minimalist home design photo in San Francisco

Kirk Bianchi created the design for this residential resort next to a desert preserve. The overhang of the homes patio suggested a pool with a sweeping curve shape. Kirk positioned a raised vanishing edge pool to work with the ascending terrain and to also capture the reflections of the scenery behind. The fire pit and bbq areas are situated to capture the best views of the superstition mountains, framed by the architectural pergola that creates a window to the vista beyond. A raised glass tile spa, capturing the colors of the desert context, serves as a jewel and centerpiece for the outdoor living space.

Example of a transitional kitchen design in San Francisco

Example of a classic medium tone wood floor and brown floor family room design in Cleveland with gray walls, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace and no tv

We added two feet from the garage to enlarge the area and provide space for concealed laundry and new mudroom.
Large transitional u-shaped porcelain tile and multicolored floor utility room photo in Other with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, granite countertops, white walls, a side-by-side washer/dryer and white countertops