The design creates two new terrace gardens that function as outdoor room additions to the home. One terrace serves as a community garden room while a second terrace serves as a secluded garden of reflection. The garden of reflection offers beautiful views of perennial plants and orchids, but its most prominent feature is a slow flowing glass and granite fountain. The fountain consist of three glass blown globes by Duncan McClelland delicately placed on top of a granite base. Water flows through the granite base creating the illusion that the globe are floating on perfectly still water. Integrated fiber-optic lighting illuminates each globe.

Elite Sight & Sound is a Raleigh based commercial and residential audio/video contractor specializing in custom installations of video, audio, automation and networking solutions. We’ve been designing and installing products such as Home Theater Systems, business conference room audio & video systems, video walls, digital signs, outdoor living audio & lighting, media rooms, home security automation and much more, in the Raleigh – Durham area and eastern North Carolina area since 2006. Give us a call or read more at http://www.elitesightandsoundnc.com/

Challenge: Not too many! Homeowners were a joy to work with, and the home was build on a large estate lot along the Concho River. We wanted to ensure all views of interiors were oriented to the backyard, pool and river. We also wanted to capture the feeling of the ruggedness of the land and serenity of the river, elegantly and simply. Solution: Hiring a great architect is always the perfect beginning. The base design took great advantage of the views of the beauty around. External stone was also carried inside, cladding a wall that slices through the center of the house in the living room and beyond through patio. Cutting into this wall is a fireplace in the living room, and a fireplace in the patio. The stone became the launch pad for the color scheme. We decided to keep design elements softly modern, even organic, to connect visual and tactile senses to nature. All textiles are natural fibers. In the wonderfully open kitchen/living/dining space, we left the support beams rough and stained them with a bit of gray glaze. The vent hood is iron; the back splash is a glazed brick; roman shade embroidered. Book shelving in dining is painted a metallic bronze. Island has a leathered quartzite top and cabinetry is stained. Master bed and bath offer quiet drama- colors are soft grays, but arrangement of tile surrounding the fireplace above soaking tub is quite attention getting. The custom 7' master bed is upholstered in gray velvet. Fit for a queen!

Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Residential $60,000-$120,000 Award Level: Silver Project Description: We were contracted by the family to create a master plan for the property. They were experiencing extreme drainage and erosion problems due to the surrounding properties’ drastic grade changes. Erosion had caused the rear lawn to sink in various areas and the existing rear patio spaces were failing. The client wanted to rebuild their patios and walkways, repave their driveway and give their home more visual appeal. Most importantly, they wanted an environmentally friendly solution. Our design solution was to create a rain garden that would slow storm water runoff, allow for percolation, and promote infiltration, while permitting excess clean water to enter the storm drain at the street with slower velocity. The rain garden acts as a temporary holding space that allows the earth to slowly absorb water, rather than overwhelm the nearby storm drain. Our first objective was to conduct a percolation test to determine the amount of clay soil that needed to be removed before reaching the sandy loam layer. A percolation test and storm water calculations were generated to accommodate a 1” rain event. Based on our calculations and the small size of the property, we determined a depth of 18” was necessary for optimal holding capacity. We removed 18” of clay soil until a layer of sandy loam was encountered. Next, the soil was amended with compost and sand to create a highly porous planting media for the basin of the garden. We piped the three existing rear downspouts to the rain garden area to capture for infiltration and alleviate runoff throughout the rear lawn and patio space. We installed an 18” wide over-flow standpipe at a 24” depth into the ground that outlets to a stone swale that carries the water to the property edge. As an added means of holding the maximum amount of water, we designed the standpipe to sit 14” above grade. The height of this standpipe allows this rain garden to capture 14” of water before reaching the overflow capacity. We placed geotextile fabric to help reduce migration of the stones into the soil and aid in the prevention of weeds and erosion. We heavily planted the rain garden to further aid in absorption and to attract local wildlife. A native plant palette of butterfly weed, Panicum, Joe-Pye weed, and asters form a colorful backdrop while the basin was filled with obligate wetland plants such as royal ferns, irises and cardinal flowers. The upper edges in the foreground are planted with Echinacea, Rudbeckia and Monarda, satisfying the local bird community and adding bright seasonal colors. This garden effectively collects and cleanses rainwater while creating a habitat for birds, frogs, and butterflies. Our next challenge was to redesign the existing patios and walkways without increasing impervious surfaces. According to township regulations this property was currently at its maximum capacity, therefore we designed the front and rear patios with a slightly smaller footprint to decrease their existing impervious surfaces. New planting beds were designed throughout the entire property. Plants were chosen that were tolerant of specific site conditions. For the rear yard, we choose a backdrop of witch hazel and hollies to provide an evergreen screen as well as early spring color. We placed hydrangea throughout to add summer color. We planted ostrich fern under the existing spruce tree to create a lush floor. This area became an additional backdrop for the rain garden as well as a screen for the neighboring property. We choose a combination of ‘Blue Star’ juniper and creeping jenny to soften the existing rear wall with creepers. Around the rear patio areas we choose a combination of Liatris, Rudbeckia and ‘Lo and Behold’ butterfly bush. This combination of plants works in harmony with the rain garden and attracts additional butterflies. For the front of the property we worked with an existing Japanese maple that provided dense shade. We choose a shade-tolerant combination of Heuchera, Astilbe, ferns and hostas for this area. We added more hydrangeas to the front foundation of the house to provide lush layering of plant material and visual interest with additional summer blooms. Overall, we were able to exceed the client’s needs and expectations in transforming their property into a colorful paradise that attracts wildlife from season to season. The plant palette provides seasonal interest and the rain garden has successfully decreased storm water runoff. The new hardscape surfaces were designed and built with a slightly smaller footprint to decrease impervious surfaces. This project is a positive example of how all properties, regardless of size, can make an ecological difference by decreasing impervious surfaces and maintaining proper storm water management. Photo Credit: Terren Landscapes

A very rare opportunity presents itself in the offering of this Mill Valley estate covering 1.86 acres in the Redwoods. The property, formerly known as the Swiss Hiking Club lodge, has now been transformed. It has been exquisitely remodeled throughout, down to the very last detail. The property consists of five buildings: The Main House; the Cottage/Office; a Studio/Office; a Chalet Guest House; and an Accessory, two-room building for food and glassware storage. There are also two double-car garages. Nestled amongst the redwoods this elevated property offers privacy and serves as a sanctuary for friends and family. The old world charm of the entire estate combines with luxurious modern comforts to create a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. The property contains the perfect combination of inside and outside spaces with gardens, sunny lawns, a fire pit, and wraparound decks on the Main House complete with a redwood hot tub. After you ride up the state of the art tram from the street and enter the front door you are struck by the voluminous ceilings and spacious floor plans which offer relaxing and impressive entertaining spaces. The impeccably renovated estate has elegance and charm which creates a quality of life that stands apart in this lovely Mill Valley community. The Dipsea Stairs are easily accessed from the house affording a romantic walk to downtown Mill Valley. You can enjoy the myriad hiking and biking trails of Mt. Tamalpais literally from your doorstep.

Kitchen remodel done by adding our base cabinet pullouts to the homeowner’s kitchen. Our base cabinet pullouts are designed with solid maple construction and offers high-grade heavy duty full extension glide system with 100lb dynamically rated ball bearing slides.

Ready for tile shower bases can be designed with a specific design in mind. This project used an expanded polystyrene shower base which was designed to fit a curved glass block shower wall.

The items you need roll into easy view with these roll trays, which can be sized to fit into most of our base unit cabinets.
Kitchen photo in Other

Using a zero threshold glass reinforced plastic base former this shower has a sleek contemporary vibe while still creating a universal and accessible design.

This is a multilevel storage system that usually has two shelves, but is available in up to three shelving levels. Store pots, pans, and even small counter appliances that are easily accessible and within arms-reach. Pullout shelving eliminates the inconvenience of fighting through the first layer of kitchen items and makes valuable use of storage space in the back of the cabinet. Again we use solid wood dovetail box wall construction with plywood bases all UV finished. 100 lb full extension ball bearing glides are used that allow you to get to the items in the back of the rollout.

This is a hot new item! An acrylic base which fits into the space where a tub used to be - very cool and an efficient use of space as well.
Mid-sized transitional master alcove shower photo in Cleveland

If you haven’t heard the term “aging in place” already, you’re going to hear it more and more in the next ten years. The term as emerged as more and more adults expressed their desire to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. Rather than moving into a community built around increased accessibility needs, home owners are looking to the kitchen and bath remodeling industry to innovate the spaces in their home where they perform the most important tasks. As most long-time home owners realize, the need for accessibility and safety first presents itself in the bathroom. If balance is becoming an issue for a homeowner, the first concern that tends to arise is an exponentially increased fall-risk in the bathroom. Each year, one-third of individuals report a fall, and two thirds of those who fall will fall again in the next six months. Finally, falls are the leading cause of death from injury for people over 65. Individuals coping with injury, recovering from surgery, arthritis and other similar health issues are at an even higher risk of falling. In other words, every day, more and more people are finding the act of bathing or showering difficult, worrisome or even painful! For those seeking to age in place, this is where acrylic tub-to-shower conversions, like Reborn Cabinets Bath Solutions, are incredibly helpful, and can dramatically improve a person’s quality of life. Highly customizable to meet anyone’s daily bathing needs, acrylic tub-to-shower conversions give home owners the option to add benches, safety rails, and even the ability to install a barrier-free design—easy entry for those who require wheelchairs or walkers. But the aging in place-crowd isn’t simply looking for strictly functional solutions to their daily routine. Since these innovations are changing their already-existing bathroom, there is a need to move these accessible spaces beyond function and keep them stylish. Again, aging in place is all about keeping your house a home—not a “facility.” Reborn Bath Solutions is a versatile product, allowing home-owners to choose from a great selection of colors and a wide array of fixtures. Sure, the “bathroom of your dreams” may look a little different these days, but you deserve it! Give us a call, and we’ll help you stay in your home and keep your daily sense of confidence!

This is a multilevel storage system that usually has two shelves, but is available in up to four shelving levels. Store pots, pans, and even small counter appliances that are easily accessible and within arms-reach. Pullout shelving eliminates the inconvenience of fighting through the first layer of kitchen items and makes valuable use of storage space in the back of the cabinet.

This project used premade glass block sections in a kit form and a waterproof ready for tile base
Doorless shower - mid-sized contemporary master gray tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile doorless shower idea in Chicago

This project was designed with a curved walk in shower made out of glass blocks and a barrier free shower base.
Home design - mid-sized transitional home design idea in Columbus

If you haven’t heard the term “aging in place” already, you’re going to hear it more and more in the next ten years. The term as emerged as more and more adults expressed their desire to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. Rather than moving into a community built around increased accessibility needs, home owners are looking to the kitchen and bath remodeling industry to innovate the spaces in their home where they perform the most important tasks. As most long-time home owners realize, the need for accessibility and safety first presents itself in the bathroom. If balance is becoming an issue for a homeowner, the first concern that tends to arise is an exponentially increased fall-risk in the bathroom. Each year, one-third of individuals report a fall, and two thirds of those who fall will fall again in the next six months. Finally, falls are the leading cause of death from injury for people over 65. Individuals coping with injury, recovering from surgery, arthritis and other similar health issues are at an even higher risk of falling. In other words, every day, more and more people are finding the act of bathing or showering difficult, worrisome or even painful! For those seeking to age in place, this is where acrylic tub-to-shower conversions, like Reborn Cabinets Bath Solutions, are incredibly helpful, and can dramatically improve a person’s quality of life. Highly customizable to meet anyone’s daily bathing needs, acrylic tub-to-shower conversions give home owners the option to add benches, safety rails, and even the ability to install a barrier-free design—easy entry for those who require wheelchairs or walkers. But the aging in place-crowd isn’t simply looking for strictly functional solutions to their daily routine. Since these innovations are changing their already-existing bathroom, there is a need to move these accessible spaces beyond function and keep them stylish. Again, aging in place is all about keeping your house a home—not a “facility.” Reborn Bath Solutions is a versatile product, allowing home-owners to choose from a great selection of colors and a wide array of fixtures. Sure, the “bathroom of your dreams” may look a little different these days, but you deserve it! Give us a call, and we’ll help you stay in your home and keep your daily sense of confidence!

This is a multilevel storage system that usually has two shelves, but is available in up to four shelving levels. Store pots, pans, and even small counter appliances that are easily accessible and within arms-reach. Pullout shelving eliminates the inconvenience of fighting through the first layer of kitchen items and makes valuable use of storage space in the back of the cabinet.

Designing and building a custom shower base to match a curved wall can be tricky! This owner eliminated this worry by purchasing a shower kit which included the prefabricated glass block wall sections and a ready for tile base with the curvature already built into the structure.

This waterproof base was custom designed to fit the curved glass block wall
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional home design remodel in Columbus