Jaime Seymour-Newton
Small tuscan porch container garden photo in Miami

Paul Kozlowski

Family room - cottage family room idea in Houston

Lush Custom Gardening

Behind the unassuming exterior of a 1985 split-level home in Southwest Portland lies a dramatic transformation that celebrates both function and style. This kitchen renovation reimagines a dated footprint as an upscale postmodern gathering space, blending bold material selections with highly personalized storage solutions designed around the homeowners' lifestyle. At the heart of the design is a striking composition of rich Sapele cabinetry, geometric white tile, and sleek contemporary finishes. The strong vertical grain of the wood creates warmth and movement throughout the space, while the dimensional backsplash introduces texture and visual rhythm. Together, these elements establish a distinctly postmodern aesthetic that balances nostalgia with modern sophistication. The renovation began with a common challenge: a kitchen that lacked adequate storage and efficient workflow. Appliances were confined to tight corners, cabinetry was undersized, and valuable space was underutilized. Through strategic space planning, the layout was completely reworked to maximize functionality without sacrificing design. Every cabinet was thoughtfully customized with purpose-built storage, including integrated silverware organization, hidden tip-out trays for cleaning supplies, vertical dividers for baking sheets, and heavy-duty rollouts sized for everyday cookware. The island serves as the functional centerpiece of the kitchen and was designed specifically to support meal preparation and entertaining. Adjustable pullout shelving accommodates oils and vinegars, specialized spice storage keeps ingredients within reach, and a double waste system simplifies composting and daily clean-up. Throughout the kitchen, panel-ready appliances and carefully concealed storage components maintain the clean lines of the design while minimizing visual distractions. A hidden microwave, integrated warming drawer, and counter-depth refrigerator all contribute to the seamless appearance of the space. Entertaining was a primary objective for the homeowners and inspired the creation of a dedicated hospitality zone within a previously overlooked nook. Existing built-in bookcases were removed and replaced with a thoughtfully curated beverage station featuring a kegerator, wine refrigerator, and beverage refrigerator. Custom cabinetry was tailored to display the homeowners' collection of cocktail and pint glasses, while floating shelves with integrated lighting showcase an assortment of spirits, creating an inviting destination for guests before dinner gatherings. What makes this project especially compelling is the balance between bold design expression and everyday livability. Rather than competing for attention, each material was selected to complement the others. High-gloss upper cabinetry quietly recedes into the dimensional backsplash, allowing the Sapele grain to remain the focal point. Chrome fixtures add reflectivity and polish, while waterfall countertops transform the island into a furniture-inspired centerpiece. Even details such as electrical cover plates were carefully selected to blend into the surrounding wood grain and preserve the clean visual composition. The completed kitchen demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform an ordinary floor plan into a highly customized environment tailored to the way homeowners live, cook, and entertain. By combining meticulous storage planning, seamless appliance integration, and a confident postmodern aesthetic, this renovation delivers a sophisticated yet welcoming space where functionality and personality coexist beautifully.

Behind the unassuming exterior of a 1985 split-level home in Southwest Portland lies a dramatic transformation that celebrates both function and style. This kitchen renovation reimagines a dated footprint as an upscale postmodern gathering space, blending bold material selections with highly personalized storage solutions designed around the homeowners' lifestyle. At the heart of the design is a striking composition of rich Sapele cabinetry, geometric white tile, and sleek contemporary finishes. The strong vertical grain of the wood creates warmth and movement throughout the space, while the dimensional backsplash introduces texture and visual rhythm. Together, these elements establish a distinctly postmodern aesthetic that balances nostalgia with modern sophistication. The renovation began with a common challenge: a kitchen that lacked adequate storage and efficient workflow. Appliances were confined to tight corners, cabinetry was undersized, and valuable space was underutilized. Through strategic space planning, the layout was completely reworked to maximize functionality without sacrificing design. Every cabinet was thoughtfully customized with purpose-built storage, including integrated silverware organization, hidden tip-out trays for cleaning supplies, vertical dividers for baking sheets, and heavy-duty rollouts sized for everyday cookware. The island serves as the functional centerpiece of the kitchen and was designed specifically to support meal preparation and entertaining. Adjustable pullout shelving accommodates oils and vinegars, specialized spice storage keeps ingredients within reach, and a double waste system simplifies composting and daily clean-up. Throughout the kitchen, panel-ready appliances and carefully concealed storage components maintain the clean lines of the design while minimizing visual distractions. A hidden microwave, integrated warming drawer, and counter-depth refrigerator all contribute to the seamless appearance of the space. Entertaining was a primary objective for the homeowners and inspired the creation of a dedicated hospitality zone within a previously overlooked nook. Existing built-in bookcases were removed and replaced with a thoughtfully curated beverage station featuring a kegerator, wine refrigerator, and beverage refrigerator. Custom cabinetry was tailored to display the homeowners' collection of cocktail and pint glasses, while floating shelves with integrated lighting showcase an assortment of spirits, creating an inviting destination for guests before dinner gatherings. What makes this project especially compelling is the balance between bold design expression and everyday livability. Rather than competing for attention, each material was selected to complement the others. High-gloss upper cabinetry quietly recedes into the dimensional backsplash, allowing the Sapele grain to remain the focal point. Chrome fixtures add reflectivity and polish, while waterfall countertops transform the island into a furniture-inspired centerpiece. Even details such as electrical cover plates were carefully selected to blend into the surrounding wood grain and preserve the clean visual composition. The completed kitchen demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform an ordinary floor plan into a highly customized environment tailored to the way homeowners live, cook, and entertain. By combining meticulous storage planning, seamless appliance integration, and a confident postmodern aesthetic, this renovation delivers a sophisticated yet welcoming space where functionality and personality coexist beautifully.

Resort-Style Backyard Oasis: Modern Farmhouse Meets Five-Star Outdoor Living This extraordinary backyard transformation turns a sprawling wooded property into a private resort that rivals the finest luxury hotels — a complete outdoor living destination where every detail has been considered and every zone invites you to slow down, gather, and stay a while. The centerpiece is a breathtaking freeform pool of impressive scale, its organic, curvilinear shape designed to feel as though it was carved naturally from the landscape rather than constructed within it. The pool's deep, jewel-toned water — achieved through a rich dark mosaic tile waterline and a dark plaster finish — creates an almost lagoon-like quality that shifts from teal to deep blue depending on the light and angle. In-pool sun shelf loungers sit at the water's edge, allowing guests to lounge half-submerged on warm days, while a separate built-in spa nestled at one end completes the aquatic experience. The pool's surround is equally impressive. A generous travertine patio wraps the full perimeter of the pool in warm cream and honey tones, providing abundant space for multiple entertainment zones to coexist without ever feeling crowded. A sweeping row of premium chaise lounges with crisp white cushions lines one side of the pool, shaded by a series of elegant teak-framed market umbrellas that bring a Riviera-resort sensibility to the suburban backyard. The stone hardscape tells a particularly rich material story. Dry-stacked natural stone retaining walls curve generously around the lower elevation of the pool, their warm amber, rust, and gray tones echoing the travertine patio above and connecting the pool structure organically to the sloped terrain. Stone steps with flagstone treads descend gracefully between levels, and large natural boulders are thoughtfully placed throughout the landscaping — giving the entire environment the feeling of a discovered natural water feature rather than a constructed pool. A dedicated outdoor living room sits on the patio, anchored by a woven-rope lounge chair and a coordinating sofa with generous cream cushions, gathered around a sculptural concrete pedestal side table. The furniture selection — organic, tactile, and resort-caliber — creates a seating area that feels as comfortable and considered as any indoor living room, with the forest canopy serving as a natural ceiling above. Around the corner, a separate fire pit terrace provides a second distinct outdoor destination. A massive circular stone fire pit — built from the same dry-stacked natural stone as the retaining walls — sits at the center of a gathering space ringed by weathered teak Adirondack-style chairs with white cushions. This zone feels intentionally removed from the pool's energy, offering a quieter, more intimate space for evening gatherings and cooler nights. The house itself — a stunning modern farmhouse with white board-and-batten siding, exposed timber gable trusses, black-framed windows, and a covered back porch with timber posts — anchors the entire composition. The architecture and the landscape speak the same language: natural materials, clean lines, and an effortless relationship between indoor and outdoor living. A separate carriage house or garage structure in matching architectural style rounds out the property's exterior.

Resort-Style Backyard Oasis: Modern Farmhouse Meets Five-Star Outdoor Living This extraordinary backyard transformation turns a sprawling wooded property into a private resort that rivals the finest luxury hotels — a complete outdoor living destination where every detail has been considered and every zone invites you to slow down, gather, and stay a while. The centerpiece is a breathtaking freeform pool of impressive scale, its organic, curvilinear shape designed to feel as though it was carved naturally from the landscape rather than constructed within it. The pool's deep, jewel-toned water — achieved through a rich dark mosaic tile waterline and a dark plaster finish — creates an almost lagoon-like quality that shifts from teal to deep blue depending on the light and angle. In-pool sun shelf loungers sit at the water's edge, allowing guests to lounge half-submerged on warm days, while a separate built-in spa nestled at one end completes the aquatic experience. The pool's surround is equally impressive. A generous travertine patio wraps the full perimeter of the pool in warm cream and honey tones, providing abundant space for multiple entertainment zones to coexist without ever feeling crowded. A sweeping row of premium chaise lounges with crisp white cushions lines one side of the pool, shaded by a series of elegant teak-framed market umbrellas that bring a Riviera-resort sensibility to the suburban backyard. The stone hardscape tells a particularly rich material story. Dry-stacked natural stone retaining walls curve generously around the lower elevation of the pool, their warm amber, rust, and gray tones echoing the travertine patio above and connecting the pool structure organically to the sloped terrain. Stone steps with flagstone treads descend gracefully between levels, and large natural boulders are thoughtfully placed throughout the landscaping — giving the entire environment the feeling of a discovered natural water feature rather than a constructed pool. A dedicated outdoor living room sits on the patio, anchored by a woven-rope lounge chair and a coordinating sofa with generous cream cushions, gathered around a sculptural concrete pedestal side table. The furniture selection — organic, tactile, and resort-caliber — creates a seating area that feels as comfortable and considered as any indoor living room, with the forest canopy serving as a natural ceiling above. Around the corner, a separate fire pit terrace provides a second distinct outdoor destination. A massive circular stone fire pit — built from the same dry-stacked natural stone as the retaining walls — sits at the center of a gathering space ringed by weathered teak Adirondack-style chairs with white cushions. This zone feels intentionally removed from the pool's energy, offering a quieter, more intimate space for evening gatherings and cooler nights. The house itself — a stunning modern farmhouse with white board-and-batten siding, exposed timber gable trusses, black-framed windows, and a covered back porch with timber posts — anchors the entire composition. The architecture and the landscape speak the same language: natural materials, clean lines, and an effortless relationship between indoor and outdoor living. A separate carriage house or garage structure in matching architectural style rounds out the property's exterior.

Behind the unassuming exterior of a 1985 split-level home in Southwest Portland lies a dramatic transformation that celebrates both function and style. This kitchen renovation reimagines a dated footprint as an upscale postmodern gathering space, blending bold material selections with highly personalized storage solutions designed around the homeowners' lifestyle. At the heart of the design is a striking composition of rich Sapele cabinetry, geometric white tile, and sleek contemporary finishes. The strong vertical grain of the wood creates warmth and movement throughout the space, while the dimensional backsplash introduces texture and visual rhythm. Together, these elements establish a distinctly postmodern aesthetic that balances nostalgia with modern sophistication. The renovation began with a common challenge: a kitchen that lacked adequate storage and efficient workflow. Appliances were confined to tight corners, cabinetry was undersized, and valuable space was underutilized. Through strategic space planning, the layout was completely reworked to maximize functionality without sacrificing design. Every cabinet was thoughtfully customized with purpose-built storage, including integrated silverware organization, hidden tip-out trays for cleaning supplies, vertical dividers for baking sheets, and heavy-duty rollouts sized for everyday cookware. The island serves as the functional centerpiece of the kitchen and was designed specifically to support meal preparation and entertaining. Adjustable pullout shelving accommodates oils and vinegars, specialized spice storage keeps ingredients within reach, and a double waste system simplifies composting and daily clean-up. Throughout the kitchen, panel-ready appliances and carefully concealed storage components maintain the clean lines of the design while minimizing visual distractions. A hidden microwave, integrated warming drawer, and counter-depth refrigerator all contribute to the seamless appearance of the space. Entertaining was a primary objective for the homeowners and inspired the creation of a dedicated hospitality zone within a previously overlooked nook. Existing built-in bookcases were removed and replaced with a thoughtfully curated beverage station featuring a kegerator, wine refrigerator, and beverage refrigerator. Custom cabinetry was tailored to display the homeowners' collection of cocktail and pint glasses, while floating shelves with integrated lighting showcase an assortment of spirits, creating an inviting destination for guests before dinner gatherings. What makes this project especially compelling is the balance between bold design expression and everyday livability. Rather than competing for attention, each material was selected to complement the others. High-gloss upper cabinetry quietly recedes into the dimensional backsplash, allowing the Sapele grain to remain the focal point. Chrome fixtures add reflectivity and polish, while waterfall countertops transform the island into a furniture-inspired centerpiece. Even details such as electrical cover plates were carefully selected to blend into the surrounding wood grain and preserve the clean visual composition. The completed kitchen demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform an ordinary floor plan into a highly customized environment tailored to the way homeowners live, cook, and entertain. By combining meticulous storage planning, seamless appliance integration, and a confident postmodern aesthetic, this renovation delivers a sophisticated yet welcoming space where functionality and personality coexist beautifully.

Resort-Style Backyard Oasis: Modern Farmhouse Meets Five-Star Outdoor Living This extraordinary backyard transformation turns a sprawling wooded property into a private resort that rivals the finest luxury hotels — a complete outdoor living destination where every detail has been considered and every zone invites you to slow down, gather, and stay a while. The centerpiece is a breathtaking freeform pool of impressive scale, its organic, curvilinear shape designed to feel as though it was carved naturally from the landscape rather than constructed within it. The pool's deep, jewel-toned water — achieved through a rich dark mosaic tile waterline and a dark plaster finish — creates an almost lagoon-like quality that shifts from teal to deep blue depending on the light and angle. In-pool sun shelf loungers sit at the water's edge, allowing guests to lounge half-submerged on warm days, while a separate built-in spa nestled at one end completes the aquatic experience. The pool's surround is equally impressive. A generous travertine patio wraps the full perimeter of the pool in warm cream and honey tones, providing abundant space for multiple entertainment zones to coexist without ever feeling crowded. A sweeping row of premium chaise lounges with crisp white cushions lines one side of the pool, shaded by a series of elegant teak-framed market umbrellas that bring a Riviera-resort sensibility to the suburban backyard. The stone hardscape tells a particularly rich material story. Dry-stacked natural stone retaining walls curve generously around the lower elevation of the pool, their warm amber, rust, and gray tones echoing the travertine patio above and connecting the pool structure organically to the sloped terrain. Stone steps with flagstone treads descend gracefully between levels, and large natural boulders are thoughtfully placed throughout the landscaping — giving the entire environment the feeling of a discovered natural water feature rather than a constructed pool. A dedicated outdoor living room sits on the patio, anchored by a woven-rope lounge chair and a coordinating sofa with generous cream cushions, gathered around a sculptural concrete pedestal side table. The furniture selection — organic, tactile, and resort-caliber — creates a seating area that feels as comfortable and considered as any indoor living room, with the forest canopy serving as a natural ceiling above. Around the corner, a separate fire pit terrace provides a second distinct outdoor destination. A massive circular stone fire pit — built from the same dry-stacked natural stone as the retaining walls — sits at the center of a gathering space ringed by weathered teak Adirondack-style chairs with white cushions. This zone feels intentionally removed from the pool's energy, offering a quieter, more intimate space for evening gatherings and cooler nights. The house itself — a stunning modern farmhouse with white board-and-batten siding, exposed timber gable trusses, black-framed windows, and a covered back porch with timber posts — anchors the entire composition. The architecture and the landscape speak the same language: natural materials, clean lines, and an effortless relationship between indoor and outdoor living. A separate carriage house or garage structure in matching architectural style rounds out the property's exterior.

Resort-Style Backyard Oasis: Modern Farmhouse Meets Five-Star Outdoor Living This extraordinary backyard transformation turns a sprawling wooded property into a private resort that rivals the finest luxury hotels — a complete outdoor living destination where every detail has been considered and every zone invites you to slow down, gather, and stay a while. The centerpiece is a breathtaking freeform pool of impressive scale, its organic, curvilinear shape designed to feel as though it was carved naturally from the landscape rather than constructed within it. The pool's deep, jewel-toned water — achieved through a rich dark mosaic tile waterline and a dark plaster finish — creates an almost lagoon-like quality that shifts from teal to deep blue depending on the light and angle. In-pool sun shelf loungers sit at the water's edge, allowing guests to lounge half-submerged on warm days, while a separate built-in spa nestled at one end completes the aquatic experience. The pool's surround is equally impressive. A generous travertine patio wraps the full perimeter of the pool in warm cream and honey tones, providing abundant space for multiple entertainment zones to coexist without ever feeling crowded. A sweeping row of premium chaise lounges with crisp white cushions lines one side of the pool, shaded by a series of elegant teak-framed market umbrellas that bring a Riviera-resort sensibility to the suburban backyard. The stone hardscape tells a particularly rich material story. Dry-stacked natural stone retaining walls curve generously around the lower elevation of the pool, their warm amber, rust, and gray tones echoing the travertine patio above and connecting the pool structure organically to the sloped terrain. Stone steps with flagstone treads descend gracefully between levels, and large natural boulders are thoughtfully placed throughout the landscaping — giving the entire environment the feeling of a discovered natural water feature rather than a constructed pool. A dedicated outdoor living room sits on the patio, anchored by a woven-rope lounge chair and a coordinating sofa with generous cream cushions, gathered around a sculptural concrete pedestal side table. The furniture selection — organic, tactile, and resort-caliber — creates a seating area that feels as comfortable and considered as any indoor living room, with the forest canopy serving as a natural ceiling above. Around the corner, a separate fire pit terrace provides a second distinct outdoor destination. A massive circular stone fire pit — built from the same dry-stacked natural stone as the retaining walls — sits at the center of a gathering space ringed by weathered teak Adirondack-style chairs with white cushions. This zone feels intentionally removed from the pool's energy, offering a quieter, more intimate space for evening gatherings and cooler nights. The house itself — a stunning modern farmhouse with white board-and-batten siding, exposed timber gable trusses, black-framed windows, and a covered back porch with timber posts — anchors the entire composition. The architecture and the landscape speak the same language: natural materials, clean lines, and an effortless relationship between indoor and outdoor living. A separate carriage house or garage structure in matching architectural style rounds out the property's exterior.

Behind the unassuming exterior of a 1985 split-level home in Southwest Portland lies a dramatic transformation that celebrates both function and style. This kitchen renovation reimagines a dated footprint as an upscale postmodern gathering space, blending bold material selections with highly personalized storage solutions designed around the homeowners' lifestyle. At the heart of the design is a striking composition of rich Sapele cabinetry, geometric white tile, and sleek contemporary finishes. The strong vertical grain of the wood creates warmth and movement throughout the space, while the dimensional backsplash introduces texture and visual rhythm. Together, these elements establish a distinctly postmodern aesthetic that balances nostalgia with modern sophistication. The renovation began with a common challenge: a kitchen that lacked adequate storage and efficient workflow. Appliances were confined to tight corners, cabinetry was undersized, and valuable space was underutilized. Through strategic space planning, the layout was completely reworked to maximize functionality without sacrificing design. Every cabinet was thoughtfully customized with purpose-built storage, including integrated silverware organization, hidden tip-out trays for cleaning supplies, vertical dividers for baking sheets, and heavy-duty rollouts sized for everyday cookware. The island serves as the functional centerpiece of the kitchen and was designed specifically to support meal preparation and entertaining. Adjustable pullout shelving accommodates oils and vinegars, specialized spice storage keeps ingredients within reach, and a double waste system simplifies composting and daily clean-up. Throughout the kitchen, panel-ready appliances and carefully concealed storage components maintain the clean lines of the design while minimizing visual distractions. A hidden microwave, integrated warming drawer, and counter-depth refrigerator all contribute to the seamless appearance of the space. Entertaining was a primary objective for the homeowners and inspired the creation of a dedicated hospitality zone within a previously overlooked nook. Existing built-in bookcases were removed and replaced with a thoughtfully curated beverage station featuring a kegerator, wine refrigerator, and beverage refrigerator. Custom cabinetry was tailored to display the homeowners' collection of cocktail and pint glasses, while floating shelves with integrated lighting showcase an assortment of spirits, creating an inviting destination for guests before dinner gatherings. What makes this project especially compelling is the balance between bold design expression and everyday livability. Rather than competing for attention, each material was selected to complement the others. High-gloss upper cabinetry quietly recedes into the dimensional backsplash, allowing the Sapele grain to remain the focal point. Chrome fixtures add reflectivity and polish, while waterfall countertops transform the island into a furniture-inspired centerpiece. Even details such as electrical cover plates were carefully selected to blend into the surrounding wood grain and preserve the clean visual composition. The completed kitchen demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform an ordinary floor plan into a highly customized environment tailored to the way homeowners live, cook, and entertain. By combining meticulous storage planning, seamless appliance integration, and a confident postmodern aesthetic, this renovation delivers a sophisticated yet welcoming space where functionality and personality coexist beautifully.

Custom Surface Solutions (www.css-tile.com) - Owner Craig Thompson (512) 430-1215. This project shows before and after pictures of master bathroom remodel including the following: - 12 x 24 shower wall tile (gray) with 1/3 offset layout pattern. - 12 x 24 bathroom floor tile (taupe) with 1/3 offset layout pattern. - Tile shower niche / box - Granite (River White) floating seat / bench - 2" x 2" mosaic shower floor tile - Semi-custom dark wood dual sink vanity recessed panel dual sink vanity with recessed panel doors. - Granite vanity counter / backsplash (Riiver White) - Moen chrome plumbing fixtures and hardware accessories - Kohler rectangular under mount sinks - Kohler one-piece elongated seat - Frameless sliding glass door - Kichler brushed metal vanity mirrors - Frameless sliding glass door - Kichler brushed metal vanity mirrors

Muse Calacatta polished basketweave 12"x12" poorcelain mosaic by Unicom Starker
Bathroom - transitional bathroom idea in Toronto

Mil Hurley
Inspiration for an eclectic landscaping in Detroit.

Nick McCullough
Photo of a modern landscaping in Columbus.

Studio Laguna
Example of a mid-sized minimalist backyard balcony staircase design in Minneapolis with no cover

An expansive multi-level TimberTech deck at a new venue in Round Rock, TX. Built by Jim Kelton of Kelton Deck.
Deck - huge 1950s backyard deck idea in Austin with an awning

Reference: 1012403 Top collection standing robe hook. Very decorative. Also can use as coat or hat hook. Made of brass and polished 24K gold plated. Designed and manufactured in Spain.