Presenting a mid-century modern home in Mill Valley with simple yet dramatic architectural features located at 523 Brookline Avenue Mill Valley CA. Perched above a very quiet spot at the end of a cul de sac, this brand new and visually interesting home boasts panoramic degree views of Tam Valley. With impeccable attention to detail, the contemporary design has an inviting vaulted entry opening up into the living and dining areas with high exposed wood ceilings. Wonderful natural light floods the rooms. Perfectly integrating the wooded surroundings, this comfortable and high tech home features four new outdoor decks off the kitchen, yard, living/dining rooms, and the master bedroom. Wonderful natural light floods the rooms. The living room, dining room and kitchen are all integrated with sleek design finishes including contemporary cable railing, interesting and repeated architectural detailing and matte finished hardwood flooring all with expansive views. This home reflects a refined taste and a sense of style that is noted in the careful orientation of the roof line, the windows and the outdoor living areas. The designer, Charles Stewart Architects, has created an experience, not just a home. Perfectly integrating the wooded surroundings, this comfortable and high tech home features four new outdoor decks off the kitchen, yard, living/dining rooms, and the master bedroom. The master bathroom includes a large shower and a soaking tub. State of the art appliances (Bosch, Samsung, LG) and high tech detecting systems guarantee safety and privacy. The home features Nest operating systems including heating system control and smoke/heat detection systems plus controls for garage doors and all accessible via your smart phone for programming and monitoring. With an award winning school district, an excellent pre-school (Kumara), the Tamalpais Community Center, a new Good Earth grocery store coming soon to the neighborhood and easy access to the recently renovated Eastwood Park as well as to San Francisco, the location can't be beat!

Situated in a quiet gated community, this home featured a compact backyard that needed a serious makeover. The client desired a complete outdoor environment, including an outdoor kitchen and a nice sized pool and spa to enjoy year-round. The finished product features a stunning contemporary design, including an expansive, attached outdoor kitchen, travertine paving, soothing water feature and spa. Other unique features include an outdoor shower and a side yard pathway to the pool supply storage closet.

In our busy lives, creating a peaceful and rejuvenating home environment is essential to a healthy lifestyle. Built less than five years ago, this Stinson Beach Modern home is your own private oasis. Surrounded by a butterfly preserve and unparalleled ocean views, the home will lead you to a sense of connection with nature. As you enter an open living room space that encompasses a kitchen, dining area, and living room, the inspiring contemporary interior invokes a sense of relaxation, that stimulates the senses. The open floor plan and modern finishes create a soothing, tranquil, and uplifting atmosphere. The house is approximately 2900 square feet, has three (to possibly five) bedrooms, four bathrooms, an outdoor shower and spa, a full office, and a media room. Its two levels blend into the hillside, creating privacy and quiet spaces within an open floor plan and feature spectacular views from every room. The expansive home, decks and patios presents the most beautiful sunsets as well as the most private and panoramic setting in all of Stinson Beach. One of the home's noteworthy design features is a peaked roof that uses Kalwall's translucent day-lighting system, the most highly insulating, diffuse light-transmitting, structural panel technology. This protected area on the hill provides a dramatic roar from the ocean waves but without any of the threats of oceanfront living. Built on one of the last remaining one-acre coastline lots on the west side of the hill at Stinson Beach, the design of the residence is site friendly, using materials and finishes that meld into the hillside. The landscaping features low-maintenance succulents and butterfly friendly plantings appropriate for the adjacent Monarch Butterfly Preserve. Recalibrate your dreams in this natural environment, and make the choice to live in complete privacy on this one acre retreat. This home includes Miele appliances, Thermadore refrigerator and freezer, an entire home water filtration system, kitchen and bathroom cabinetry by SieMatic, Ceasarstone kitchen counter tops, hardwood and Italian ceramic radiant tile floors using Warmboard technology, Electric blinds, Dornbracht faucets, Kalwall skylights throughout livingroom and garage, Jeldwen windows and sliding doors. Located 5-8 minute walk to the ocean, downtown Stinson and the community center. It is less than a five minute walk away from the trail heads such as Steep Ravine and Willow Camp.

The client’s request was quite common - a typical 2800 sf builder home with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, living space, and den. However, their desire was for this to be “anything but common.” The result is an innovative update on the production home for the modern era, and serves as a direct counterpoint to the neighborhood and its more conventional suburban housing stock, which focus views to the backyard and seeks to nullify the unique qualities and challenges of topography and the natural environment. The Terraced House cautiously steps down the site’s steep topography, resulting in a more nuanced approach to site development than cutting and filling that is so common in the builder homes of the area. The compact house opens up in very focused views that capture the natural wooded setting, while masking the sounds and views of the directly adjacent roadway. The main living spaces face this major roadway, effectively flipping the typical orientation of a suburban home, and the main entrance pulls visitors up to the second floor and halfway through the site, providing a sense of procession and privacy absent in the typical suburban home. Clad in a custom rain screen that reflects the wood of the surrounding landscape - while providing a glimpse into the interior tones that are used. The stepping “wood boxes” rest on a series of concrete walls that organize the site, retain the earth, and - in conjunction with the wood veneer panels - provide a subtle organic texture to the composition. The interior spaces wrap around an interior knuckle that houses public zones and vertical circulation - allowing more private spaces to exist at the edges of the building. The windows get larger and more frequent as they ascend the building, culminating in the upstairs bedrooms that occupy the site like a tree house - giving views in all directions. The Terraced House imports urban qualities to the suburban neighborhood and seeks to elevate the typical approach to production home construction, while being more in tune with modern family living patterns. Overview: Elm Grove Size: 2,800 sf, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms Completion Date: September 2014 Services: Architecture, Landscape Architecture Interior Consultants: Amy Carman Design

Anita Joy Photography
Example of a mid-sized classic beige two-story vinyl gable roof design in Philadelphia

The client’s request was quite common - a typical 2800 sf builder home with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, living space, and den. However, their desire was for this to be “anything but common.” The result is an innovative update on the production home for the modern era, and serves as a direct counterpoint to the neighborhood and its more conventional suburban housing stock, which focus views to the backyard and seeks to nullify the unique qualities and challenges of topography and the natural environment. The Terraced House cautiously steps down the site’s steep topography, resulting in a more nuanced approach to site development than cutting and filling that is so common in the builder homes of the area. The compact house opens up in very focused views that capture the natural wooded setting, while masking the sounds and views of the directly adjacent roadway. The main living spaces face this major roadway, effectively flipping the typical orientation of a suburban home, and the main entrance pulls visitors up to the second floor and halfway through the site, providing a sense of procession and privacy absent in the typical suburban home. Clad in a custom rain screen that reflects the wood of the surrounding landscape - while providing a glimpse into the interior tones that are used. The stepping “wood boxes” rest on a series of concrete walls that organize the site, retain the earth, and - in conjunction with the wood veneer panels - provide a subtle organic texture to the composition. The interior spaces wrap around an interior knuckle that houses public zones and vertical circulation - allowing more private spaces to exist at the edges of the building. The windows get larger and more frequent as they ascend the building, culminating in the upstairs bedrooms that occupy the site like a tree house - giving views in all directions. The Terraced House imports urban qualities to the suburban neighborhood and seeks to elevate the typical approach to production home construction, while being more in tune with modern family living patterns. Overview: Elm Grove Size: 2,800 sf, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms Completion Date: September 2014 Services: Architecture, Landscape Architecture Interior Consultants: Amy Carman Design

On the exterior, the desire was to weave the home into the fabric of the community, all while paying special attention to meld the footprint of the house into a workable clean, open, and spacious interior free of clutter and saturated in natural light to meet the owner’s simple but yet tasteful lifestyle. The utilization of natural light all while bringing nature’s canvas into the spaces provides a sense of harmony. Light, shadow and texture bathe each space creating atmosphere, always changing, and blurring the boundaries between the indoor and outdoor space. Color abounds as nature paints the walls. Though they are all white hues of the spectrum, the natural light saturates and glows, all while being reflected off of the beautiful forms and surfaces. Total emersion of the senses engulf the user, greeting them with an ever changing environment. Style gives way to natural beauty and the home is neither of the past or future, rather it lives in the moment. Stable, grounded and unpretentious the home is understated yet powerful. The environment encourages exploration and an awakening of inner being dispelling convention and accepted norms. The home encourages mediation embracing principals associated with silent illumination. If there was one factor above all that guided the design it would be found in a word, truth. Experience the delight of the creator and enjoy these photos.

Reimagining an Urban Classic Perched high above San Francisco’s Cow Hollow neighborhood, this meticulously reimagined residence represents a thoughtful transformation of a classic urban home into a contemporary, light-filled sanctuary. The project involved a comprehensive renovation paired with both vertical and horizontal expansion, dramatically increasing the home’s footprint while enhancing its relationship to sweeping views of the Bay, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the surrounding hillside neighborhoods. The design strategy focused on opening the home to light, air, and vistas—elements often constrained in the dense urban fabric of San Francisco. By extending the structure upward and outward, the architects created a dynamic four-level residence that unfolds gradually, culminating in expansive living spaces and rooftop terraces oriented toward panoramic city and water views. Architecture that Frames the View At the heart of the design is a careful orchestration of sightlines and natural light. Large black-framed windows punctuate the façade and interior spaces, deliberately positioned to capture iconic San Francisco vistas while flooding the home with daylight. The architecture prioritizes openness, allowing rooms to flow seamlessly while maintaining a strong visual connection to the surrounding landscape. A dramatic skylight above the central stairwell anchors the vertical circulation of the home. This architectural gesture not only brings daylight deep into the interior but also reinforces the sense of spatial continuity between floors. Warm Modern Interiors Inside, the home balances architectural clarity with warm materiality. Wide-plank oak floors run throughout the residence, creating visual cohesion and grounding the interiors with natural warmth. Custom walnut millwork—integrated shelving, cabinetry, and wall panels—introduces depth and texture while complementing the clean lines of the architecture. The interiors are intentionally restrained yet richly layered. Contemporary furnishings, sculptural lighting, and curated artwork add personality while maintaining the calm, sophisticated palette that defines the home. The Social Heart of the Home The main living level serves as the social centerpiece of the residence. An open-plan kitchen, dining area, and lounge space unfold toward the view, creating an environment that feels both expansive and intimate. A sculptural marble island anchors the kitchen, functioning as both workspace and gathering hub. Surrounded by walnut cabinetry and professional-grade appliances, the kitchen merges elegance with functionality. Above, a cascading chandelier introduces a sense of vertical movement, reflecting the home’s emphasis on light and architectural rhythm. Living areas are arranged to encourage conversation and connection. Generous seating, layered rugs, and thoughtful lighting define distinct zones within the open plan while maintaining uninterrupted sightlines toward the cityscape beyond. Private Retreats Above the City Upper levels of the home are dedicated to quieter, more intimate spaces. The primary suite is conceived as a private retreat, where expansive windows frame treetop views and invite natural light throughout the day. The accompanying bathroom continues the home’s refined material palette. Marble surfaces, warm wood cabinetry, and brushed brass fixtures create a spa-like environment that balances luxury with tranquility. Additional bedrooms and flexible living spaces offer comfort for family and guests, each designed with the same attention to light, proportion, and material richness. Spaces for Entertaining Lower levels provide additional areas for gathering and entertaining. A lounge and bar area offer a relaxed setting for hosting, while custom wine storage adds a sophisticated touch for collectors and enthusiasts. These spaces transition easily to outdoor areas, reinforcing the home’s emphasis on indoor-outdoor living. A Rooftop Above the Neighborhood The transformation extends beyond the interior to include thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces. A landscaped rear yard introduces greenery and privacy at ground level, offering a serene urban escape. Above it all, the rooftop terrace becomes the crown jewel of the residence. Elevated above the neighborhood, it provides sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay and the Palace of Fine Arts. Comfortable seating areas, lush planters, and open sky create an ideal setting for outdoor entertaining, sunset gatherings, or quiet moments overlooking the city. A Contemporary Urban Sanctuary The completed residence demonstrates the power of thoughtful renovation and expansion within a historic urban neighborhood. By combining contemporary architecture, warm materiality, and an intentional relationship to the surrounding landscape, the project transforms a traditional San Francisco home into a modern sanctuary above the city.

Pond, garden water features, Kansas City Fountain Design Group , the Fountain Builders in Kansas City, is an innovative firm of fountain restoration Kansas City, fountain installation Kansas City, historic fountain repair Kansas City with specific skills in fountain design, pond, garden water features Kansas City, strategic and open space planning, open space master planning, urban and environmental design and community consultation with high standards of graphic and technical outputs. We pride ourselves on the development of aquascape and hardscape design ,site responsive and implementable concept, with demonstrated technical and project skills to ensure the successful translation of innovative designs to high quality constructed works. Large and small fountains Kansas City Large and small water gardens Kansas City Waterfalls and streams Kansas City Waterwalls and architectural water features Kansas City Architectural and Statuary Fountains Kansas City Custom Fountains, Rock Fountains Kansas City Pool installation & management Kansas City Lake Management Kansas City Sprayring and jet manifolds Kansas City Reflecting Pools Kansas City Fountain LED Lights Kansas City Floating fountains Kansas City Lake Fountains Kansas City

The Beerline Neighborhood: Bluff Homes, River Homes, Milwaukee Rowing Club, Booth Street Stairs Milwaukee, Wisconsin The Beerline is a former industrial corridor located along the Milwaukee River. Vetter’s urban design strategy was to create a modern, traditional neighborhood centered around three distinct yet connected levels of scale – civic, pedestrian and personal. The Beerline River Homes provide a walkable connection to the city, the beautiful Milwaukee River, and the surrounding environs. The diversity of these custom homes is evident not only in the unique association of the units to the specific edges each one addresses, but also in the diverse range of pricing from the accessible to the high-end. In an effort to integrate the typical urban neighborhood with the context of an industrial corridor, we relied upon thoughtful connections to materials such as brick, stucco, and fine woods, thus creating a feeling of refined elegance in balance with the sculpture of the historic warehouses across the Milwaukee River. Completion Date December 2007

Photoshop concept showing the same alleyway transformed into a lively urban destination. Warm light fixtures illuminate the walls, a restaurant spills onto the walkway, and people stroll through enjoying the vibrant evening atmosphere. Demonstrates my Photoshop work and how overlooked spaces can be reimagined into welcoming, community-oriented places. © ornamental land design/Dianne Sprott. For inspiration only. Not for reproduction without permission.

Studio Terrain’s landscape design was crafted to complement this beautifully remodeled double A-frame Eichler home located in Castro Valley. We aimed to preserve the iconic style of the home while enhancing the functionality and aesthetics of the outdoor spaces. The home’s mid-century modern architecture was originally designed by renowned architects Claude Oakland and Jones & Emmons. These architects designed roughly 185 homes on the hillside community capturing beautiful views and further elevating the landscape connection to its surroundings. Drawing inspiration from mid-century modern design principles, we emphasized clean lines, simplicity, and a strong indoor-outdoor connection. The outdoor space features multiple decks, patios, a gas fire pit, and a built-in gas BBQ, all thoughtfully integrated to align with the architectural style of the home. The spacious lawn and outdoor living areas offer versatile spaces for relaxation and entertaining, framed by panoramic bay views and stunning sunsets. Our design approach respected the home’s original character, seamlessly blending modern elements with Eichler’s architectural vision. By maintaining open sightlines and a fluid transition between interior and exterior spaces, we created an outdoor environment that enhances the home's aesthetic and provides a serene retreat.

Studio Terrain’s landscape design was crafted to complement this beautifully remodeled double A-frame Eichler home located in Castro Valley. We aimed to preserve the iconic style of the home while enhancing the functionality and aesthetics of the outdoor spaces. The home’s mid-century modern architecture was originally designed by renowned architects Claude Oakland and Jones & Emmons. These architects designed roughly 185 homes on the hillside community capturing beautiful views and further elevating the landscape connection to its surroundings. Drawing inspiration from mid-century modern design principles, we emphasized clean lines, simplicity, and a strong indoor-outdoor connection. The outdoor space features multiple decks, patios, a gas fire pit, and a built-in gas BBQ, all thoughtfully integrated to align with the architectural style of the home. The spacious lawn and outdoor living areas offer versatile spaces for relaxation and entertaining, framed by panoramic bay views and stunning sunsets. Our design approach respected the home’s original character, seamlessly blending modern elements with Eichler’s architectural vision. By maintaining open sightlines and a fluid transition between interior and exterior spaces, we created an outdoor environment that enhances the home's aesthetic and provides a serene retreat.

When it comes to defining a space, few elements are as transformative as a rug. Particularly in larger rooms, 9x12 rugs play a pivotal role in anchoring furniture, unifying aesthetics, and providing comfort underfoot. As home design continues to evolve, so do the styles, materials, and motifs that define contemporary rug choices. Whether you're redesigning a single room or curating an entire home, choosing the right 9x12 rug can dramatically influence the tone and function of your space. This blog explores the transition from classic to contemporary rug styles, highlighting current trends in design, texture, and sustainability. Read on to discover how 9x12 rugs are being used to redefine modern living environments in 2025. Classic Rug Designs: Timeless Elegance and Historical Influence Classic rugs have always been synonymous with tradition, craftsmanship, and sophistication. These pieces often draw inspiration from centuries-old techniques and cultural aesthetics, primarily seen in Persian, Oriental, and Turkish designs. A 9x12 classic rug is not merely a floor covering but a narrative woven through intricate patterns and deep, rich colors. Traditional rug styles typically feature ornate borders, central medallions, and floral or geometric motifs. Colors like burgundy, deep navy, ivory, forest green, and gold dominate these designs, making them ideal for creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. The materials used often high-quality wool or silk add a luxurious texture and long-lasting durability. Hand-knotted techniques passed down through generations lend these rugs their intricate detail and resilience. Today, classic rugs are being reimagined to fit modern sensibilities. Interior designers are pairing antique Persian rugs with contemporary furniture to create a unique, eclectic mix. For instance, a vintage 9x12 Rugs might lie beneath a minimalist glass coffee table and a sleek leather sectional, marrying old-world charm with modern clarity. In open-plan layouts, these rugs help delineate spaces and introduce visual interest. Their timeless beauty ensures that they remain relevant, even as design trends shift. Moreover, the reintroduction of classic designs in modern colorways has allowed traditional rugs to appeal to a new generation. Muted tones, distressed finishes, and faded patterns give these rugs a more relaxed, lived-in feel that blends well with both rustic and urban interiors. For those seeking to infuse character and heritage into their living spaces, a classic 9x12 rug offers a versatile and enduring option. Modern Minimalism: Embracing Simplicity and Subtlety in Large Rugs As modern design trends continue to favor simplicity, functionality, and understated elegance, the demand for minimalist rugs has surged. The 9x12 rug format, given its expansive coverage, is particularly suited to minimalistic interiors where clean lines, neutral tones, and open spaces dominate the aesthetic. Minimalist 9x12 rugs often utilize a restrained palette think beige, gray, ivory, taupe, and soft earth tones. These colors help maintain a calm, cohesive environment, especially in spaces where natural light plays a crucial role. Designs may be solid or include subtle patterns such as linear textures, tone-on-tone geometrics, or abstract gradients. The absence of elaborate ornamentation allows these rugs to blend seamlessly with contemporary furniture, making them a staple in Scandinavian, Japandi, and transitional interior styles. Materials also play a crucial role in defining the minimalist look. Natural wool, bamboo silk, and viscose provide a soft, luxurious feel while maintaining a clean aesthetic. Flatweaves and low-pile constructions are popular choices, offering practicality alongside elegance.

We teamed up with Atlantis Marine World to transform an intimate area alongside the aquarium into a stunning butterfly garden. By designing and installing a mini-ecosystem for an array of plants and butterflies, this interactive indoor area for learning and exploration now complements their invaluable community offerings. Stone pathways welcome guests to wind around throughout the diverse foliage, and sends each visitor into the world of the butterfly’s natural environment.

his executive residence stands apart with striking design elements rarely found elsewhere. From the moment you step inside, you're met with soaring floor-to-ceiling windows that bathe the home in natural light from morning to night even on the dullest of days. The space is artfully constructed around light, volume, and flow, with four open skylights on the second level pouring light through to the main floor a brilliant and intentional design choice that enhances connection across the homes two storeys.The main floor is a showpiece of sophisticated living and entertaining, anchored by a sleek chefs kitchen featuring a built-in wine rack, ample custom cabinetry, and an inspiring layout. Thoughtful touches like the second-level office nook provide a balance of form and function for modern living. Upstairs, you'll find four generously sized bedrooms, including a serene principal retreat with a spa-inspired ensuite a space designed to relax, restore, and rejuvenate.The fully legal lower-level suite offers unmatched versatility and style. With heated floors, oversized windows, a separate entrance and HVAC system, and a walkout to a private sitting area, its an ideal in-law suite, guest retreat, or luxurious mortgage helper perfect for multigenerational families or discerning investors. Located in a warm, established, and community-oriented neighbourhood where families put down roots for generations