The climate-controlled wine room was designed for efficient storage in a relatively small footprint.
Elegant wine cellar photo in Seattle

Inspiration for a cottage concrete floor great room remodel in San Francisco

This garden storage cottage is viewed in the landscape from the house and has a setting that encourages a stroll to see the Summer perennials as well as the small vegetable garden set off to the side.

Design ideas for a southwestern landscaping in Phoenix.

One of over fourteen miles of hiking trails at the Shaw Nature Reserve, a footpath through the open woodlands invites visitors to explore. Courtesy Missouri Botanical Garden

Spring container garden Le jardinet

Designed by MossCreek, this beautiful timber frame home includes signature MossCreek style elements such as natural materials, expression of structure, elegant rustic design, and perfect use of space in relation to build site. Photo by Mark Smith

With a sizeable backyard and a love for entertaining, these clients wanted to build a covered outdoor kitchen/bar and seating area. They had one specific area by the side of their pool, with limited space, to build the outdoor kitchen. There were immediate concerns about how to incorporate the two steps in the middle of the patio area; and they really wanted a bar that could seat at least eight people (to include an additional seating area with couches and chairs). This couple also wanted to use their outdoor living space year round. The kitchen needed ample storage and had to be easy to maintain. And last, but not least, they wanted it to look beautiful! This 16 x 26 ft clear span pavilion was a great fit for the area we had to work with. By using wrapped steel columns in the corners in 6-foot piers, carpenter-built trusses, and no ridge beams, we created good space usage underneath the pavilion. The steps were incorporated into the space to make the transition between the kitchen area and seating area, which looked like they were meant to be there. With a little additional flagstone work, we brought the curve of the step to meet the back island, which also created more floor space in the seating area. Two separate islands were created for the outdoor kitchen/bar area, built with galvanized metal studs to allow for more room inside the islands (for appliances and cabinets). We also used backer board and covered the islands with smooth finish stucco. The back island housed the BBQ, a 2-burner cooktop and sink, along with four cabinets, one of which was a pantry style cabinet with pull out shelves (air tight, dust proof and spider proof—also very important to the client). The front island housed the refrigerator, ice maker, and counter top cooler, with another set of pantry style, air tight cabinets. By curving the outside edge of the countertop we maximized the bar area and created seating for eight. In addition, we filled in the curve on the inside of the island with counter top and created two additional seats. In total, there was seating for ten people. Infrared heaters, ceiling fans and shades were added for climate control, so the outdoor living space could be used year round. A TV for sporting events and SONOS for music, were added for entertaining enjoyment. Track lighting, as well as LED tape lights under the backsplash, provided ideal lighting for after dark usage. The clients selected honed, Fantasy Brown Satin Quartzite, with a chipped edge detail for their countertop. This beautiful, linear design marble is very easy to maintain. The base of the islands were completed in stucco and painted satin gray to complement their house color. The posts were painted with Monterey Cliffs, which matched the color of the house shutter trim. The pavilion ceiling consisted of 2 x 6-T & G pine and was stained platinum gray. In the few months since the outdoor living space was built, the clients said they have used it for more than eight parties and can’t wait to use it for the holidays! They also made sure to tell us that the look, feel and maintenance of the area all are perfect!

Erin Lau
Design ideas for a traditional landscaping in Seattle.

This project won in the 2013 Builders Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh Housing Excellence Award for Best Urban Renewal Renovation Project. The glass bowl was made in the glass studio owned by the owner which is adjacent to the residence. The mirror is a repurposed window. The door is repurposed from a boarding house. George Mendel

This custom teak daybed was designed and built around an architectural post in the client's relatively small lānai or patio space. Harsh climate and a frequently entertaining home meant this daybed would need to be strong and stable while not overpowering the available space.

Kurapia Sod The New Lawn Alternative. – Sod and Seed, Inc. Despite Kurapia being relatively new to California, it has adapted extremely well to our climate. It can handle foot traffic and feels great on the feet. Because it has dense growth with very knit0tight leaves and stolons, it makes for a sturdy ground cover that is comfortable to walk or play on.

Example of a beach style white two-story house exterior design in Orange County with a shingle roof

The “hidden drain” is a tiled drain top which works well with 2x2 tile, not pebbles. We have always had it as an option. Also, the dark red mahogany colors and shutter door style is reminiscent of a warmer climate. The rainforest green granite is tropical and relates to the matching tile in the shower accent. The neutral beige tile has a subtle bamboo texture on the radiant heated floors. The layout is purposely done so not to disturb the view of their private marshlands. The mirrors are medicine cabinets, and the posts hold electrical wiring for up-lights, sconces and outlets. The client also wanted a bar area (3rd sink) with a mini frig and sink for a coffee bar.

This home is built to the passive house standard and produces more energy than it uses on an annual basis. Learn more at our blog.
Example of a mid-sized cottage gray two-story concrete fiberboard gable roof design in Bridgeport

Mid Century Dining Set Floats in Open Floor Plan. Nanawall System connects inside to outdoors.
Inspiration for a large rustic dark wood floor and black floor great room remodel in Seattle with no fireplace

This large deck off the master suite expands the living area. Thanks to a relatively mild climate in San Francisco, this outdoor room is usable for most of the year. Glass panel guard rails are supported with painted steel posts and topped with a wood rail. Cedar siding. Views to the north of the next hill over as well as of the San Francisco Bay to the east. Photo by Brad Knipstein

Outdoor patio with gas fireplace that lives right off the kitchen. Perfect for hosting or being outside privately, as it's secluded from neighbors. Wood floors, cement walls with a cover.