Rusk Renovations Inc.: Contractor, Llewellyn Sinkler Inc.: Interior Designer, Cynthia Wright: Architect, Laura Moss: Photographer
Example of a trendy built-in desk home office design in New York

Photographer: Tom Crane
Large elegant medium tone wood floor hallway photo in Philadelphia with blue walls

Example of a country carpeted bedroom design in San Francisco with gray walls

Fireplace Details: The hearth is a 4" thick cast stone with a rough edge and the stone on the fireplace is Fond du lac - Cambrian Blend from Bruechel Stone Corp. Mantel & Corbels were custom designed

Photography by Northlight Photography.
Bathroom - traditional beige tile bathroom idea in Seattle with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, beige cabinets and beige countertops

This shade arbor, located in The Woodlands, TX north of Houston, spans the entire length of the back yard. It combines a number of elements with custom structures that were constructed to emulate specific aspects of a Zen garden. The homeowner wanted a low-maintenance garden whose beauty could withstand the tough seasonal weather that strikes the area at various times of the year. He also desired a mood-altering aesthetic that would relax the senses and calm the mind. Most importantly, he wanted this meditative environment completely shielded from the outside world so he could find serenity in total privacy. The most unique design element in this entire project is the roof of the shade arbor itself. It features a “negative space” leaf pattern that was designed in a software suite and cut out of the metal with a water jet cutter. Each form in the pattern is loosely suggestive of either a leaf, or a cluster of leaves. These small, negative spaces cut from the metal are the source of the structure’ powerful visual and emotional impact. During the day, sunlight shines down and highlights columns, furniture, plantings, and gravel with a blend of dappling and shade that make you feel like you are sitting under the branches of a tree. At night, the effects are even more brilliant. Skillfully concealed lights mounted on the trusses reflect off the steel in places, while in other places they penetrate the negative spaces, cascading brilliant patterns of ambient light down on vegetation, hardscape, and water alike. The shade arbor shelters two gravel patios that are almost identical in space. The patio closest to the living room features a mini outdoor dining room, replete with tables and chairs. The patio is ornamented with a blend of ornamental grass, a small human figurine sculpture, and mid-level impact ground cover. Gravel was chosen as the preferred hardscape material because of its Zen-like connotations. It is also remarkably soft to walk on, helping to set the mood for a relaxed afternoon in the dappled shade of gently filtered sunlight. The second patio, spaced 15 feet away from the first, resides adjacent to the home at the opposite end of the shade arbor. Like its twin, it is also ornamented with ground cover borders, ornamental grasses, and a large urn identical to the first. Seating here is even more private and contemplative. Instead of a table and chairs, there is a large decorative concrete bench cut in the shape of a giant four-leaf clover. Spanning the distance between these two patios, a bluestone walkway connects the two spaces. Along the way, its borders are punctuated in places by low-level ornamental grasses, a large flowering bush, another sculpture in the form of human faces, and foxtail ferns that spring up from a spread of river rock that punctuates the ends of the walkway. The meditative quality of the shade arbor is reinforced by two special features. The first of these is a disappearing fountain that flows from the top of a large vertical stone embedded like a monolith in the other edges of the river rock. The drains and pumps to this fountain are carefully concealed underneath the covering of smooth stones, and the sound of the water is only barely perceptible, as if it is trying to force you to let go of your thoughts to hear it. A large piece of core-10 steel, which is deliberately intended to rust quickly, rises up like an arced wall from behind the fountain stone. The dark color of the metal helps the casual viewer catch just a glimpse of light reflecting off the slow trickle of water that runs down the side of the stone into the river rock bed. To complete the quiet moment that the shade arbor is intended to invoke, a thick wall of cypress trees rises up on all sides of the yard, completely shutting out the disturbances of the world with a comforting wall of living greenery that comforts the thoughts and emotions.

Upon entering the penthouse the light and dark contrast continues. The exposed ceiling structure is stained to mimic the 1st floor's "tarred" ceiling. The reclaimed fir plank floor is painted a light vanilla cream. And, the hand plastered concrete fireplace is the visual anchor that all the rooms radiate off of. Tucked behind the fireplace is an intimate library space. Photo by Lincoln Barber

Foley Fiore Architecture
Example of a classic kitchen design in Boston with recessed-panel cabinets, a farmhouse sink, wood countertops, beige cabinets and brown countertops

Various shades of blue were used to create this serene, modern space. Built in cabinetry house computer equipment, filing cabinets, and misc storage. The built in window seat also has fiiing cabinets below.

This tranquil master bedroom suite includes a small seating area, beautiful views and an interior hallway to the master bathroom & closet. All furnishings in this space are available through Martha O'Hara Interiors. www.oharainteriors.com - 952.908.3150 Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Selections & Furnishings | Charles Cudd De Novo, Architecture | Troy Thies Photography | Shannon Gale, Photo Styling

A great integration system seamlessly manages a multitude of systems intelligently and automatically while requiring an absolute minimum of user prompting to create repeatable environmental and entertainment scenes which they enjoy. This project required 21 zones of digital audio, 12 zones of HD video with access to 7 sources ranging from multiple HD Cable Boxes, Surveillance Cameras, Blu-Ray DVD, dual Satellite Radio tuners and Apple TV. This systems cornerstone of operation is the NetStreams DigiLinx integration system which boasts IP based audio for CD quality sound while incorporating complete property intercom, paging and door chimes. Lutron Homeworks lighting control manages the exterior and interior lighting which we designed to showcase this homes best features. Several interior spaces required Lurton’s Sivoia silent operating motorized shades for privacy and ambient light control. Numerous cameras keep a vigilant eye on the entire property. Viewing cameras or operating any of the homes Entertainment, Lighting or Technology Systems can be accomplished through iPhone, iPads, fixed touch screens, handheld remotes from URC and computer. Our favorite integration features include the ability to instantly launch music for the patio from Lutron Homeworks seeTouch controllers located at patio egress and simple to operate handheld remotes for owners and their guests.

Jack Michaud Photography
Example of a transitional built-in desk medium tone wood floor and brown floor home studio design in Portland Maine with gray walls

A charming 1920s colonial had a dated dark kitchen that was not in keeping with the historic charm of the home. The owners, who adored British design, wanted a kitchen that was spacious and storage friendly, with the feel of a classic English kitchen. Designer Sarah Robertson of Studio Dearborn helped her client, while architect Greg Lewis redesigned the home to accommodate a larger kitchen, new primary bath, mudroom, and butlers pantry. Photos Adam Macchia. For more information, you may visit our website at www.studiodearborn.com or email us at info@studiodearborn.com.

The client admired this Victorian home from afar for many years before purchasing it. The extensive rehabilitation restored much of the house to its original style and grandeur; interior spaces were transformed in function while respecting the elaborate details of the era. A new kitchen, breakfast area, study and baths make the home fully functional and comfortably livable. Photo Credit: Sam Gray

Classic vintage inspired design with marble counter tops. Dark tone cabinets and glass top dining table.
Inspiration for a large timeless l-shaped ceramic tile and beige floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Los Angeles with raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, beige backsplash, an island, marble countertops, a double-bowl sink, porcelain backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Richard Leo Johnson
Inspiration for a small cottage gray one-story exterior home remodel in Atlanta

The design of this refined mountain home is rooted in its natural surroundings. Boasting a color palette of subtle earthy grays and browns, the home is filled with natural textures balanced with sophisticated finishes and fixtures. The open floorplan ensures visibility throughout the home, preserving the fantastic views from all angles. Furnishings are of clean lines with comfortable, textured fabrics. Contemporary accents are paired with vintage and rustic accessories. To achieve the LEED for Homes Silver rating, the home includes such green features as solar thermal water heating, solar shading, low-e clad windows, Energy Star appliances, and native plant and wildlife habitat. All photos taken by Rachael Boling Photography

Florida vernacular set on a lake in Coral Gables, Florida
Example of an island style bathroom design in Miami with an undermount tub

James Kruger, LandMark Photography Interior Design: Martha O'Hara Interiors Architect: Sharratt Design & Company
Inspiration for a large french country open concept and formal dark wood floor and brown floor living room remodel in Minneapolis with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace