This basement features A climate controlled glass enclosed wine storage system. The racking is made of teak. The basement ceiling is a tongue and groove wood ceiling stained to match the doors and trimwork throughout the house. We added brick veneer to multiple walls in the space to create the feeling of an old world cellar. The space is equipped with a wet bar. The cabinets are a rich dark stained cherry with raised panel doors and drawers with Cambria counter top. We added under cabinet lighting which really shows off the brick detail. The winding staircase is finished to match the wet bar cabinetry.

Our design for an apartment located in the West End-Collegiate Historic District Extension in Manhattan addressed a number of challenges to unleash the potential of this 2.500-square-foot space in an elegant pre-war building. When purchased by our client, the property was in estate condition and needed extensive work, requiring demolition and a complete makeover of the living spaces, as well as the addition of contemporary climate control. Among the spatial and design challenges, the primary bathroom was exposed to the entry foyer of the apartment, and the dining room and kitchen were each closed-in and lacking light. The dining room’s promise as a bright, convivial space was fulfilled by adding double pocket doors opening to the living room, kitchen and foyer, establishing a seamless flow through the entertaining spaces while bringing in much-needed light. We designed a chic and modern solution for the primary bedroom’s lack of privacy, creating a walk-in closet that serves as a transitional vestibule in the bedroom, adding both visual intrigue and additional storage space while shielding the viewscape from the apartment entrance through the foyer to the bedroom. To add a three-zone central air conditioning system, we took advantage of the kitchen facing an interior courtyard, placing the air conditioning condensers here, which also satisfied landmark property restrictions. The climate control system was accomplished without lowering ceiling heights. Finally, we worked with the client to choose classic finishes and fixtures that reflect and enhance the historic nature of the property, and are also contemporary and timeless. These include unlacquered brass hardware, herringbone oak flooring with a stencil border, black-and-white bathrooms, and paneling, trim, and moldings that are simple and elegant. POP Architecture was the architect for the project, and Godwin Construction was the general contractor.

Inspiration for a large rustic backyard gravel landscaping in San Francisco.

The home creates a balance between modern architectural design and the incredible scenery surrounding it by preserving much of the natural landscape and taking advantage of natural sunlight and air flow. Plans were drawn using passive house principles – showing a continuous insulation layer with appropriate thicknesses for the Montana climate around the entire conditioned space to minimize heat loss during winters and heat gain during summers. Overhangs and other shading devices allow the low winter sun into the building and keep the high summer sun out. Glo European Windows A7 series was carefully selected for the Elk Ridge Passive House because of their High Solar Heat Gain Coefficient which allows the home to absorb free solar heat, and a low U-value to retain this heat once the sun sets. The A7 windows were an excellent choice for durability and the ability to remain resilient in the harsh winter climate. Glo’s European hardware ensures smooth operation for fresh air and ventilation. The A7 windows from Glo were an easy choice for the Elk Ridge Passive House project.

Elegant exterior home photo in Toronto

In the realm of high-end residential design, few spaces hold as much personal significance as the master bedroom. Antonovich Group has mastered the art of transforming these intimate spaces into luxurious sanctuaries that perfectly balance opulent aesthetics with ultimate comfort, setting new standards for sophisticated bedroom environments. Defining Luxury in Bedroom Interior Design Dubai The evolution of bedroom interior design Dubai has reached unprecedented heights under Antonovich Group's expert guidance. Their approach goes far beyond traditional luxury, creating spaces that serve as personal retreats where every detail contributes to an atmosphere of refined elegance and tranquil sophistication. Each bedroom project begins with understanding the client's lifestyle and personal preferences, then translating these insights into cohesive design narratives. Rich textures, carefully curated color palettes, and bespoke furnishings come together to create environments that feel both grand and intimately personal. The integration of premium materials—from hand-selected marbles to custom millwork—ensures that every surface reflects the highest standards of craftsmanship. The Art of Modern Bedroom Design Dubai Antonovich Group's modern bedroom design Dubai projects showcase how contemporary aesthetics can enhance rather than compromise luxury and comfort. Their modern approach embraces clean lines, sophisticated neutral palettes, and innovative spatial arrangements while maintaining the warmth and intimacy essential to bedroom environments. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame carefully designed views, while strategic lighting creates multiple moods throughout the day and evening. Built-in storage solutions maintain the clean aesthetic while providing practical functionality, and integrated technology systems allow for seamless control of lighting, climate, and entertainment without compromising the room's serene atmosphere. The modern bedroom design philosophy extends to the selection of furnishings, where streamlined silhouettes and exceptional materials create focal points that feel both contemporary and timeless. Custom headboards become sculptural elements, while carefully chosen accent pieces add personality without cluttering the peaceful environment. Comprehensive Fitout Excellence The fitout process represents where Antonovich Group's attention to detail truly shines. Every element, from custom closet systems to integrated lighting solutions, is designed and installed with precision that reflects their commitment to perfection. The result is bedrooms that function as seamlessly as they inspire, with every practical need anticipated and elegantly addressed. Their fitout approach includes sophisticated climate control systems that maintain optimal comfort year-round, advanced acoustic treatments that ensure peaceful rest, and integrated technology that enhances convenience without intruding on the room's aesthetic harmony. Custom storage solutions maximize space efficiency while maintaining the clean lines essential to luxury design. Beyond the Bedroom: Creating Complete Suites Antonovich Group's bedroom projects often encompass entire master suite environments, including luxurious en-suite bathrooms, private sitting areas, and walk-in closets that rival high-end boutiques. These connected spaces flow seamlessly together, creating comprehensive private retreats that serve multiple functions while maintaining design cohesion. The integration of wellness elements—from spa-inspired bathroom features to meditation corners—reflects their understanding that modern luxury bedrooms must support both physical comfort and mental well-being. Each suite becomes a complete lifestyle environment designed to refresh and restore. Timeless Luxury with Contemporary Relevance What sets Antonovich Group apart in the competitive luxury design market is their ability to create bedrooms that feel both timelessly elegant and completely contemporary. Their designs avoid fleeting trends in favor of sophisticated approaches that will remain beautiful and relevant for years to come. The careful balance of classic luxury elements with modern functionality ensures that these bedrooms serve as both stunning showcases of design excellence and deeply comfortable personal spaces where clients can truly relax and recharge.

Photo of a large rustic backyard landscaping in San Francisco.

Stacked Cold Water Canyon flagstone and boulder rock wall
Design ideas for a large partial sun backyard gravel landscaping in San Francisco.

Designing an object was accompanied by certain difficulties. The owners bought a plot on which there was already a house. Its quality and appearance did not suit customers in any way. Moreover, the construction of a house from scratch was not even discussed, so the architects Vitaly Dorokhov and Tatyana Dmitrenko had to take the existing skeleton as a basis. During the reconstruction, the protruding glass volume was demolished, some structural elements of the facade were simplified. The number of storeys was increased and the height of the roof was increased. As a result, the building took the form of a real English home, as customers wanted. The planning decision was dictated by the terms of reference. And the number of people living in the house. Therefore, in terms of the house acquired 400 m \ 2 extra. The entire engineering structure and heating system were completely redone. Heating of the house comes from wells and the Ecokolt system. The climate system of the house itself is integrated into the relay control system that constantly maintains the climate and humidity in the house.

This is an example of a large rustic side yard driveway in San Francisco.

This driveway design is inspired by our Blu 80 Slate paver. The best-selling driveway paver with a natural stone look. Our Blu 80mm slate textured paver is now available in our new HD2 technology and is offered in vibrant and neutral colors. For decorative landscape stonework options around the Blu 80 mm, the Blu 6 × 13 mm is packaged separately and can also be used alone for a large-scale herringbone pattern. Great for driveways and all exterior spaces exposed to vehicular traffic. This pavement is also de-icing salt resistant, and withstands harsh climates.Blu 80 mm can also be installed in a permeable application. Check out our website to shop the look! https://www.techo-bloc.com/shop/pavers/blu-80-slate/

Iron Fence Painting Wicker Park Homeowners Can Trust: A Windy City Painters Case Study Wicker Park is full of architectural character — ornate 1890s greystone two-flats, vintage brick facades, and wrought iron fencing that has framed these streets for well over a century. However, what iron fence painting Wicker Park properties require is not a simple weekend job. Winters here are brutal on metal, and consequently Windy City Painters has spent years perfecting the restoration process that keeps these fences standing strong. In particular, this case study walks through a recent project completed for a classic Wicker Park property. Project Overview The property featured a full wrought iron perimeter fence that had suffered years of freeze-thaw cycling and road salt exposure. Paint had failed across most of the pickets, and oxidation had progressed into active rust at several base rails. Consequently, the homeowners needed more than a fresh coat of paint. They needed a genuine metal restoration, and that is precisely what Windy City Painters delivered. Materials Used Windy City Painters selected products specifically rated for Chicago's climate extremes: Rust-Oleum Professional Rust Inhibitor Primer Sherwin-Williams DTM Acrylic Enamel (two finish coats) 3M rust converter gel for active oxidation zones Wire brushes, angle grinders, and detail brushes for precision work The Process: How Windy City Painters Restores Rusted Iron Every iron fence painting Wicker Park project follows a disciplined, multi-stage process: Preparation. Wire brushing and angle grinding remove all loose, flaking, and compromised material. Rust converter gel is applied directly to active oxidation zones, chemically stabilizing the metal underneath. Repairs. Pitted sections and structurally weak joints are addressed before any coating touches the surface. Notably, skipping this step is the most common reason fence paint fails prematurely. Priming. A full rust-inhibiting primer coat seals every bare metal surface, preventing moisture from reaching the iron beneath. Application. Two finish coats of direct-to-metal enamel are applied by hand for even coverage across pickets, finials, and rail joints. Finishing. A final inspection confirms full coverage, sharp lines, and a smooth, uniform sheen from every angle. Furthermore, this same process protects the ornate details so common on Wicker Park fencing — decorative finials, scrollwork, and gate hardware — without losing the historic character that makes these properties special. Advice for Wicker Park Homeowners Before starting a similar project, homeowners in this neighborhood should keep a few things in mind: Never paint over active rust. Untreated oxidation will continue spreading beneath the new coating, and the paint will fail within a season or two. Always prime bare metal before applying a finish coat. Skipping primer is the single fastest path to peeling. Choose coatings rated for temperature extremes, since Chicago's freeze-thaw cycles are harder on metal than most climates. Inspect ground-contact areas each spring, as base rails typically rust fastest due to snow melt and road salt runoff. Budget for prep time. In fact, most of the labor in a quality iron fence painting Wicker Park project happens before a single coat of paint is applied. Similarly, ask whether the contractor uses rust converter on active oxidation, since skipping this step often shortens the life of the finish considerably. Moreover, historic greystone properties often have decorative ironwork that requires extra care during grinding and priming so the original detailing is preserved rather than sanded away. What to Expect: Timeline and Investment Homeowners often ask how long an iron fence painting Wicker Park project takes from start to finish. In general, prep work — wire brushing, grinding, rust conversion, and repairs — takes up the largest share of the schedule, while primer and enamel application move relatively quickly once the surface is properly stabilized. Cure time between coats also affects the overall timeline, since rushing this stage undermines durability. Consequently, Windy City Painters builds a realistic schedule around weather conditions rather than forcing the job into a tight window. In addition, investment varies based on fence length, the amount of active rust present, and whether ornate detailing requires extra hand-finishing. Homeowners considering this project should request a full on-site walkthrough rather than a rough phone estimate, since rust severity is difficult to judge accurately without seeing the fence in person. Why Wicker Park Homeowners Choose Windy City Painters Windy City Painters has become the trusted painting contractor for Chicago's North Side and Near West Side, and iron fence painting Wicker Park residents request most often reflects that reputation directly. In contrast to quick-fix contractors who paint straight over rust, Windy City Painters treats every project as a full restoration. As a result, clients get a finish that holds up through multiple Chicago winters rather than one. In addition, for related projects, Windy City Painters also offers interior painting, cabinet painting, drywall and plaster repair, and full metal refinishing services for fences, gates, and porches throughout the neighborhood. Ultimately, that range of services is what makes us a true one-stop contractor for Wicker Park homeowners. See more of our work and request a free estimate at www.windypainters.com. Ready to transform your Wicker Park home? Contact Windy City Painters for a free estimate — visit www.windypainters.com today. Proudly serving Wicker Park, West Town, Lincoln Park, Roscoe Village, Lakeview, Ukrainian Village, River North, and all of Chicago.

Mid-sized transitional backyard stone patio photo in San Francisco with no cover

Garden entryway
This is an example of a huge contemporary drought-tolerant and full sun courtyard gravel raised garden bed in San Francisco for summer.

Situated at the entrance to the bar area, this modern climate-controlled wine cellar in Dallas, Texas compliments the style and elegance of the surrounding space. The insulated glass sidelights on either side of the entry door perfectly frame a column of bottles. Airflow is routed within the millwork to ensure a perfect climate without any components of the refrigeration system being visible in the room. The wine racking system includes a walnut soffit and base, metal vertical supports and clear acrylic cradles to support each bottle.

North Seattle Complete Design-Build Deck with Underdeck DrySpace Project Project Overview In North Seattle, M3Decks & Outdoor Living completed a comprehensive design-build project, transforming a residential backyard into a multi-functional outdoor living space. The project featured a modern elevated deck with an innovative underdeck DrySpace system, seamlessly blending practicality with aesthetic appeal to suit the Pacific Northwest climate. Scope of Work Design Phase: Created a custom design for an elevated deck, prioritizing open space for entertaining and a sheltered underdeck area. The design incorporated sleek railings and a natural aesthetic to complement the surrounding greenery. Construction: Built the elevated deck using TimberTech composite decking and Fortress Steel Framing for durability. Installed a TimberTech DrySpace system beneath the deck to create a dry, usable space for additional outdoor living or storage. Staircase and Lighting: Constructed a sturdy staircase with inset lighting on each step, ensuring safety and adding a warm ambiance for evening use. The staircase featured modern black railings to match the deck’s design. Landscaping Integration: Worked with the existing landscape, preserving mature trees and adding native plants like hydrangeas to enhance the natural setting and create a cohesive outdoor environment. Key Features Elevated Deck: Spacious TimberTech composite deck with sleek black railings, designed for entertaining and enjoying the scenic views of North Seattle’s greenery. Underdeck DrySpace: TimberTech DrySpace system installed to provide a weatherproof area beneath the deck, perfect for additional seating, storage, or future outdoor amenities. Inset Lighting: Energy-efficient lighting integrated into the staircase and deck perimeter, enhancing safety and creating an inviting atmosphere for nighttime use. Biophilic Design: Incorporated native plants and preserved existing trees to create a seamless connection with the natural surroundings, enhancing the outdoor experience. Outcome The North Seattle design-build project delivered a stunning and functional outdoor space that elevated the homeowners’ lifestyle. The elevated deck provides a perfect spot for entertaining, while the DrySpace system ensures the underdeck area remains dry and usable year-round, even in Seattle’s rainy climate. The modern design, combined with practical features like inset lighting and durable materials, resulted in a low-maintenance, high-value addition to the property that the homeowners can enjoy for years to come. Location North Seattle, WA Project Type Residential Design-Build with Underdeck System

This residence was designed as a series of linked pavilions inspired by the relationship to nature found in traditional Japanese vernacular architecture. The site was conceived and planned in collaboration with Brent Cottong, landscape architect, creating an integration of interior and exterior living spaces, view corridors and site lines. The home was sited around existing natural elements that include a heritage Coast Live Oak tree, a stand of redwoods and a seasonal creek. The interior of the house glows with natural light that suffuses the space. The geometry and fenestration maximize natural light and incorporate energy efficient climate-responsive solar design principles. Solar orientation photographs were taken throughout the site, on which a solar study was based, contributing to the generation of the design.

HERBS IN 4 SEASON CLIMATES. Most herbs grow well on S facing balconies, and they thrive in the hot, sunny conditions. But only certain varieties of herbs - like chives or mints - can be overwintered outside in our USDA zone 4/Canada zone 5 climate. They can survive winter after winter, but it is helpful to use mulch to add an extra layer of protection, in case there is a particularly difficult winter.

WINE CELLAR, 2010 NARI CAPITAL COTY FINALIST AWARD WINNER The homeowners wanted to include a wine cellar in their basement remodel, which also involved converting their basement into an adult game room and socializing space. Because they enjoyed visiting wineries and tasting wines, and were well on their way to having their own collection of fine wines, they decided to convert their old storage area into a wine cellar. The project includes several nice touches including the faux wine barrel painting on the overhead ceiling bulkhead. Wine racks are custom designed to fit the ceiling, offer different types of storage and a pleasing pattern. The wine tasting bar is decorated with the mural, and has a curved granite top and carved wooden arch that make it unique. The tile floor is bright and easy to clean, and resembles limestone. The wine cellar also touts a custom glass door motif and curved end storage shelving. The cellar has its own climate control, and the door has double paned glass with extra insulating strips around the edges to help keep the temperature constant between the cellar and the adjoining basement room.