Client Objectives The homeowners wanted to transform their outdated kitchen into a bright, welcoming space that better supported their love of cooking, baking, and entertaining. Storage was a major priority, with a need for dedicated organization for small appliances, baking supplies, serving pieces, and party essentials. They envisioned a larger, more functional layout with ample seating, improved flow to adjacent living spaces, and a timeless design featuring warm wood tones, and traditional details with a fresh, elevated feel. Expanding the footprint of the home to create a more spacious gathering area was also a key consideration. Our Solution We reimagined the kitchen as a highly functional hub for everyday living and entertaining. The design focused on maximizing storage, improving workflow, and creating a more open connection to surrounding spaces. Thoughtful cabinetry solutions, expansive island seating, dedicated pantry storage, and updated finishes help support the family’s cooking and hosting needs while maintaining a warm, inviting aesthetic. Strategic window placement enhances natural light and highlights views of the property, creating a bright and welcoming environment for family and guests alike. Special Features A kitchen expansion to significantly increase square footage, large island with seating, dedicated walk-in pantry, appliance garage, custom storage and organization solutions, warm wood, new windows maximizing backyard views, all-new appliances, solid surface countertops, updated lighting throughout, LVP flooring, soffit removal, wall removal to improve flow to adjacent living spaces, enhanced storage around laundry area, and a timeless design blending traditional character with modern functionality.

Client Objectives The homeowners wanted to transform their outdated kitchen into a bright, welcoming space that better supported their love of cooking, baking, and entertaining. Storage was a major priority, with a need for dedicated organization for small appliances, baking supplies, serving pieces, and party essentials. They envisioned a larger, more functional layout with ample seating, improved flow to adjacent living spaces, and a timeless design featuring warm wood tones, and traditional details with a fresh, elevated feel. Expanding the footprint of the home to create a more spacious gathering area was also a key consideration. Our Solution We reimagined the kitchen as a highly functional hub for everyday living and entertaining. The design focused on maximizing storage, improving workflow, and creating a more open connection to surrounding spaces. Thoughtful cabinetry solutions, expansive island seating, dedicated pantry storage, and updated finishes help support the family’s cooking and hosting needs while maintaining a warm, inviting aesthetic. Strategic window placement enhances natural light and highlights views of the property, creating a bright and welcoming environment for family and guests alike. Special Features A kitchen expansion to significantly increase square footage, large island with seating, dedicated walk-in pantry, appliance garage, custom storage and organization solutions, warm wood, new windows maximizing backyard views, all-new appliances, solid surface countertops, updated lighting throughout, LVP flooring, soffit removal, wall removal to improve flow to adjacent living spaces, enhanced storage around laundry area, and a timeless design blending traditional character with modern functionality.

Client Objectives The homeowners wanted to transform their outdated kitchen into a bright, welcoming space that better supported their love of cooking, baking, and entertaining. Storage was a major priority, with a need for dedicated organization for small appliances, baking supplies, serving pieces, and party essentials. They envisioned a larger, more functional layout with ample seating, improved flow to adjacent living spaces, and a timeless design featuring warm wood tones, and traditional details with a fresh, elevated feel. Expanding the footprint of the home to create a more spacious gathering area was also a key consideration. Our Solution We reimagined the kitchen as a highly functional hub for everyday living and entertaining. The design focused on maximizing storage, improving workflow, and creating a more open connection to surrounding spaces. Thoughtful cabinetry solutions, expansive island seating, dedicated pantry storage, and updated finishes help support the family’s cooking and hosting needs while maintaining a warm, inviting aesthetic. Strategic window placement enhances natural light and highlights views of the property, creating a bright and welcoming environment for family and guests alike. Special Features A kitchen expansion to significantly increase square footage, large island with seating, dedicated walk-in pantry, appliance garage, custom storage and organization solutions, warm wood, new windows maximizing backyard views, all-new appliances, solid surface countertops, updated lighting throughout, LVP flooring, soffit removal, wall removal to improve flow to adjacent living spaces, enhanced storage around laundry area, and a timeless design blending traditional character with modern functionality.

Client Objectives The homeowners wanted to transform their outdated kitchen into a bright, welcoming space that better supported their love of cooking, baking, and entertaining. Storage was a major priority, with a need for dedicated organization for small appliances, baking supplies, serving pieces, and party essentials. They envisioned a larger, more functional layout with ample seating, improved flow to adjacent living spaces, and a timeless design featuring warm wood tones, and traditional details with a fresh, elevated feel. Expanding the footprint of the home to create a more spacious gathering area was also a key consideration. Our Solution We reimagined the kitchen as a highly functional hub for everyday living and entertaining. The design focused on maximizing storage, improving workflow, and creating a more open connection to surrounding spaces. Thoughtful cabinetry solutions, expansive island seating, dedicated pantry storage, and updated finishes help support the family’s cooking and hosting needs while maintaining a warm, inviting aesthetic. Strategic window placement enhances natural light and highlights views of the property, creating a bright and welcoming environment for family and guests alike. Special Features A kitchen expansion to significantly increase square footage, large island with seating, dedicated walk-in pantry, appliance garage, custom storage and organization solutions, warm wood, new windows maximizing backyard views, all-new appliances, solid surface countertops, updated lighting throughout, LVP flooring, soffit removal, wall removal to improve flow to adjacent living spaces, enhanced storage around laundry area, and a timeless design blending traditional character with modern functionality.

Client Objectives The homeowners wanted to transform their outdated kitchen into a bright, welcoming space that better supported their love of cooking, baking, and entertaining. Storage was a major priority, with a need for dedicated organization for small appliances, baking supplies, serving pieces, and party essentials. They envisioned a larger, more functional layout with ample seating, improved flow to adjacent living spaces, and a timeless design featuring warm wood tones, and traditional details with a fresh, elevated feel. Expanding the footprint of the home to create a more spacious gathering area was also a key consideration. Our Solution We reimagined the kitchen as a highly functional hub for everyday living and entertaining. The design focused on maximizing storage, improving workflow, and creating a more open connection to surrounding spaces. Thoughtful cabinetry solutions, expansive island seating, dedicated pantry storage, and updated finishes help support the family’s cooking and hosting needs while maintaining a warm, inviting aesthetic. Strategic window placement enhances natural light and highlights views of the property, creating a bright and welcoming environment for family and guests alike. Special Features A kitchen expansion to significantly increase square footage, large island with seating, dedicated walk-in pantry, appliance garage, custom storage and organization solutions, warm wood, new windows maximizing backyard views, all-new appliances, solid surface countertops, updated lighting throughout, LVP flooring, soffit removal, wall removal to improve flow to adjacent living spaces, enhanced storage around laundry area, and a timeless design blending traditional character with modern functionality.

Since 2010, our studio has been designing interiors for investors, developers, and commercial property owners, focused on elevating market appeal, asset valuation, and competitive edge. Inspired by their global travels, the clients envisioned constructing four short-term luxury rental villas within their private estate in Greenville, South Carolina. The interiors were meant to capture a distinct regional flavor without relying on literal historicism, defining four directional concepts: Japan, Persia, the Nordic, and the Mediterranean. The Mediterranean-styled project, presented for your consideration, was born under severe structural constraints—much like the other villas in this complex whose interiors our studio designed as part of this commission. To work on the indoor spaces, the clients provided a traditional residential architectural template typical of South Carolina, featuring multiple pitched roofs alongside a rigid, unalterable floor plan that was identical for all four planned villas on the estate. While this approach ensured overall exterior cohesion across the property, in this particular instance, it least conflicted with the interior design goals, as both the architecture and the Mediterranean interior organically synchronize into a singular Southern narrative. As a designer, I wanted to capture the aesthetic of a sun-drenched coastline, raw textures, and absolute Southern comfort, creating a sensory oasis carved from limestone, wrapped in vines, and kissed by the sun. Although the home's architectural form dictates the rules of South Carolina, our studio boldly breaks them—masterfully weaving in the distinct moods of Ibiza and Sicily to once again rewire the connection between the architectural envelope and the interior soul.

Client Objectives The homeowners wanted to transform their outdated kitchen into a bright, welcoming space that better supported their love of cooking, baking, and entertaining. Storage was a major priority, with a need for dedicated organization for small appliances, baking supplies, serving pieces, and party essentials. They envisioned a larger, more functional layout with ample seating, improved flow to adjacent living spaces, and a timeless design featuring warm wood tones, and traditional details with a fresh, elevated feel. Expanding the footprint of the home to create a more spacious gathering area was also a key consideration. Our Solution We reimagined the kitchen as a highly functional hub for everyday living and entertaining. The design focused on maximizing storage, improving workflow, and creating a more open connection to surrounding spaces. Thoughtful cabinetry solutions, expansive island seating, dedicated pantry storage, and updated finishes help support the family’s cooking and hosting needs while maintaining a warm, inviting aesthetic. Strategic window placement enhances natural light and highlights views of the property, creating a bright and welcoming environment for family and guests alike. Special Features A kitchen expansion to significantly increase square footage, large island with seating, dedicated walk-in pantry, appliance garage, custom storage and organization solutions, warm wood, new windows maximizing backyard views, all-new appliances, solid surface countertops, updated lighting throughout, LVP flooring, soffit removal, wall removal to improve flow to adjacent living spaces, enhanced storage around laundry area, and a timeless design blending traditional character with modern functionality.

Since 2010, our studio has been designing interiors for investors, developers, and commercial property owners, focused on elevating market appeal, asset valuation, and competitive edge. Inspired by their global travels, the clients envisioned constructing four short-term luxury rental villas within their private estate in Greenville, South Carolina. The interiors were meant to capture a distinct regional flavor without relying on literal historicism, defining four directional concepts: Japan, Persia, the Nordic, and the Mediterranean. The Mediterranean-styled project, presented for your consideration, was born under severe structural constraints—much like the other villas in this complex whose interiors our studio designed as part of this commission. To work on the indoor spaces, the clients provided a traditional residential architectural template typical of South Carolina, featuring multiple pitched roofs alongside a rigid, unalterable floor plan that was identical for all four planned villas on the estate. While this approach ensured overall exterior cohesion across the property, in this particular instance, it least conflicted with the interior design goals, as both the architecture and the Mediterranean interior organically synchronize into a singular Southern narrative. As a designer, I wanted to capture the aesthetic of a sun-drenched coastline, raw textures, and absolute Southern comfort, creating a sensory oasis carved from limestone, wrapped in vines, and kissed by the sun. Although the home's architectural form dictates the rules of South Carolina, our studio boldly breaks them—masterfully weaving in the distinct moods of Ibiza and Sicily to once again rewire the connection between the architectural envelope and the interior soul.

Client Objectives The homeowners wanted to transform their outdated kitchen into a bright, welcoming space that better supported their love of cooking, baking, and entertaining. Storage was a major priority, with a need for dedicated organization for small appliances, baking supplies, serving pieces, and party essentials. They envisioned a larger, more functional layout with ample seating, improved flow to adjacent living spaces, and a timeless design featuring warm wood tones, and traditional details with a fresh, elevated feel. Expanding the footprint of the home to create a more spacious gathering area was also a key consideration. Our Solution We reimagined the kitchen as a highly functional hub for everyday living and entertaining. The design focused on maximizing storage, improving workflow, and creating a more open connection to surrounding spaces. Thoughtful cabinetry solutions, expansive island seating, dedicated pantry storage, and updated finishes help support the family’s cooking and hosting needs while maintaining a warm, inviting aesthetic. Strategic window placement enhances natural light and highlights views of the property, creating a bright and welcoming environment for family and guests alike. Special Features A kitchen expansion to significantly increase square footage, large island with seating, dedicated walk-in pantry, appliance garage, custom storage and organization solutions, warm wood, new windows maximizing backyard views, all-new appliances, solid surface countertops, updated lighting throughout, LVP flooring, soffit removal, wall removal to improve flow to adjacent living spaces, enhanced storage around laundry area, and a timeless design blending traditional character with modern functionality.

Client Objectives The homeowners wanted to transform their outdated kitchen into a bright, welcoming space that better supported their love of cooking, baking, and entertaining. Storage was a major priority, with a need for dedicated organization for small appliances, baking supplies, serving pieces, and party essentials. They envisioned a larger, more functional layout with ample seating, improved flow to adjacent living spaces, and a timeless design featuring warm wood tones, and traditional details with a fresh, elevated feel. Expanding the footprint of the home to create a more spacious gathering area was also a key consideration. Our Solution We reimagined the kitchen as a highly functional hub for everyday living and entertaining. The design focused on maximizing storage, improving workflow, and creating a more open connection to surrounding spaces. Thoughtful cabinetry solutions, expansive island seating, dedicated pantry storage, and updated finishes help support the family’s cooking and hosting needs while maintaining a warm, inviting aesthetic. Strategic window placement enhances natural light and highlights views of the property, creating a bright and welcoming environment for family and guests alike. Special Features A kitchen expansion to significantly increase square footage, large island with seating, dedicated walk-in pantry, appliance garage, custom storage and organization solutions, warm wood, new windows maximizing backyard views, all-new appliances, solid surface countertops, updated lighting throughout, LVP flooring, soffit removal, wall removal to improve flow to adjacent living spaces, enhanced storage around laundry area, and a timeless design blending traditional character with modern functionality.

Our clients came to us after recently purchasing this 1967 home in the lovely Spring Creek neighborhood. They originally considered adding on to the master bedroom or possibly putting an addition above the garage. After all considerations, they decided to work within the existing sq. ft. of the home. They wanted to update their kitchen, they needed to add an office, as she works from home and they wanted consistent flooring throughout the front of the house. They had a small galley kitchen that you could enter from the front formal living/dining room or from the other end but it was completely closed off to the main living area, other than a small window. They really wanted to open it up but worried it might be too opened up. In addition to adding new ceiling height cabinets, they wanted to completely gut this outdated kitchen and start over with a cleaner, simpler looking kitchen. They had trouble envisioning what their space would look like opened up, so using our technology and being able to show them a rendering and being able to do a virtual walk-through, really helped them see their future. We demoed the entire kitchen and all of the flooring throughout the kitchen, family room, living room and formal living room. We removed most of the wall that closed off the kitchen to the living room, with the exception of the half wall that became part of the new island. The doorway that used to go between the formal dining and kitchen was closed off, creating more kitchen wall space and allowing an office to be added at the back of the formal dining that could be closed off, when needed. White Chandler cabinets were installed with beautiful Macaubus Giotto Quartzite countertops. Our clients chose to install a spice pull out and utensil caddy pull out on either side of the oven and a tray pull out for cookie sheets, as well. A wooden vent-hood was also built by Chandler, creating a nice contrast to the white cabinets. Matte black Stanton pulls and Elara knobs were installed coordinating with the Forge Industrial Pendant Island lights and the Doster Dome kitchen table pendant. A Kohler vault Smart Divide®top-/under-mount double-equal bowl kitchen sink was installed in the island with a Kohler Simplice kitchen faucet, also in matte black. Detailed posts were added to each corner on the back side of the island, giving it a more custom finished look. In the formal dining room, a 4-light Forge Industrial Island Light was installed, which coordinated with the two pendant lights above the island. Adjacent to the living room was an office/wet bar area, leading to the back porch. We replaced the existing wet bar with a new cabinet and countertop and faucet, matching the kitchen and installed a wine refrigerator, too. Hardwood floors were installed throughout the entire front of the house, tying it all together. Recessed lighting was installed throughout the dining room, living room and kitchen, really giving the space some much needed light. A fresh coat of paint to top it all off really brightened up the space and gave our clients exactly what they were wanting.

As written in Northern Home & Cottage by Elizabeth Edwards Sara and Paul Matthews call their head-turning home, located in a sweet neighborhood just up the hill from downtown Petoskey, “a very human story.” Indeed it is. Sara and her husband, Paul, have a special-needs son as well as an energetic middle-school daughter. This home has an answer for everyone. Located down the street from the school, it is ideally situated for their daughter and a self-contained apartment off the great room accommodates all their son’s needs while giving his caretakers privacy—and the family theirs. The Matthews began the building process by taking their thoughts and needs to Stephanie Baldwin and her team at Edgewater Design Group. Beyond the above considerations, they wanted their new home to be low maintenance and to stand out architecturally, “But not so much that anyone would complain that it didn’t work in our neighborhood,” says Sara. “We were thrilled that Edgewater listened to us and were able to give us a unique-looking house that is meeting all our needs.” Lombardy LLC built this handsome home with Paul working alongside the construction crew throughout the project. The low maintenance exterior is a cutting-edge blend of stacked stone, black corrugated steel, black framed windows and Douglas fir soffits—elements that add up to an organic contemporary look. The use of black steel, including interior beams and the staircase system, lend an industrial vibe that is courtesy of the Matthews’ friend Dan Mello of Trimet Industries in Traverse City. The couple first met Dan, a metal fabricator, a number of years ago, right around the time they found out that their then two-year-old son would never be able to walk. After the couple explained to Dan that they couldn’t find a solution for a child who wasn’t big enough for a wheelchair, he designed a comfortable, rolling chair that was just perfect. They still use it. The couple’s gratitude for the chair resulted in a trusting relationship with Dan, so it was natural for them to welcome his talents into their home-building process. A maple floor finished to bring out all of its color-tones envelops the room in warmth. Alder doors and trim and a Doug fir ceiling reflect that warmth. Clearstory windows and floor-to-ceiling window banks fill the space with light—and with views of the spacious grounds that will become a canvas for Paul, a retired landscaper. The couple’s vibrant art pieces play off against modernist furniture and lighting that is due to an inspired collaboration between Sara and interior designer Kelly Paulsen. “She was absolutely instrumental to the project,” Sara says. “I went through two designers before I finally found Kelly.” The open clean-lined kitchen, butler’s pantry outfitted with a beverage center and Miele coffee machine (that allows guests to wait on themselves when Sara is cooking), and an outdoor room that centers around a wood-burning fireplace, all make for easy, fabulous entertaining. A den just off the great room houses the big-screen television and Sara’s loom— making for relaxing evenings of weaving, game watching and togetherness. Tourgoers will leave understanding that this house is everything great design should be. Form following function—and solving very human issues with soul-soothing style.

"When we bought our house in Poway 11 years ago, we were so happy with our huge master bath and Jacuzzi tub. It was such a huge step-up from our prior home. But just like the rest of the house, the master bath was already almost 20 years old and getting out dated and in need of remodeling. We broke up our remodeling projects into every couple of years, doing what we could ourselves and hiring out for the rest. The master bath was the last project and much too big for us to do on our own. We got 3 quotes from 3 contractors listed on Angie’s list which all had good reviews. One was a major re modeler and the other two were smaller contractors. We ended up going with TaylorPro because he was right in the middle and had great reviews. Kerry was very responsive getting us a timely estimate and had great suggestions for what we were looking for. From the start to finish it turned out to be a wonderful experience! To our delight, they were able to get started ahead of what we were told. Everything went almost as scheduled and we were informed constantly on where we were in the project. Kerry was very responsive to all our concerns or requests and we were never left wondering what the next step would be. His crew was wonderful, so polite and hard working. They were very professional, on time, considerate and knew exactly what they were doing. There were certain things we were really looking for in the remodel. First off, the bathroom was pretty large with a high ceiling. In the winter months, it was always really cold and hard to heat. To solve that we had TaylorPro install heated flooring beneath the travertine tiles. We also needed a custom vanity that would conceal hair appliances, most of our personal toiletries and have enough storage for everything else. The cabinetry was custom designed to exactly what we were looking for. Lastly, we wanted a classic, timeless look using tumbled travertine. After consulting with his designer we were able to select all the tile, accent tile and a beautiful frameless glass shower enclosure. The finished project was beyond our highest expectations and we won’t hesitate to use Kerry and his crew for any future jobs or recommend him to family and friends." ~ Mark and Amy B, Clients Frameless shower door, glass tile with rope border, dark and light travertine tiles on walls, travertine on floor, heated floor by NuHeat, tub and sinks by Kohler, shower/tub/vanity fixtures Hansgrohe, toilet Toto, custom cabinets by Thead Custom Cabinetry. Photo by Kerry W. Taylor

James Latta of Rancho Images - MOVIE COLONY When we met these wonderful Palm Springs clients, they were overwhelmed with the task of downsizing their vast collection of fine art, antiques, and sculptures. The problem was it was an amazing collection so the task was not easy. What do we keep? What do we let go? Design Vision Studio to the rescue! We realized that to really showcase these beautiful pieces, we needed to pick and choose the right ones and ensure they were showcased properly. Lighting was improved throughout the home. We installed and updated recessed lights and cabinet lighting. Outdated ceiling fans and chandeliers were replaced. The walls were painted with a warm, soft ivory color and the moldings, door and windows also were given a complimentary fresh coat of paint. The overall impact was a clean bright room. We replaced the outdated oak front doors with modern glass doors. The fireplace received a facelift with new tile, a custom mantle and crushed glass to replace the old fake logs. Custom draperies frame the views. The dining room was brought to life with recycled magazine grass cloth wallpaper on the ceiling, new red leather upholstery on the chairs, and a custom red paint treatment on the new chandelier to tie it all together. (The chandelier was actually powder-coated at an auto paint shop!) Once crammed with too much, too little and no style, the Asian Modern Bedroom Suite is now a DREAM COME TRUE. We even incorporated their much loved (yet horribly out-of-date) small sofa by recovering it with teal velvet to give it new life. Underutilized hall coat closets were removed and transformed with custom cabinetry to create art niches. We also designed a custom built-in media cabinet with "breathing room" to display more of their treasures. The new furniture was intentionally selected with modern lines to give the rooms layers and texture. When we suggested a crystal ship chandelier to our clients, they wanted US to walk the plank. Luckily, after months of consideration, the tides turned and they gained the confidence to follow our suggestion. Now their powder room is one of their favorite spaces in their home. Our clients (and all of their friends) are amazed at the total transformation of this home and with how well it "fits" them. We love the results too. This home now tells a story through their beautiful life-long collections. The design may have a gallery look but the feeling is all comfort and style.

Our clients came to us after recently purchasing this 1967 home in the lovely Spring Creek neighborhood. They originally considered adding on to the master bedroom or possibly putting an addition above the garage. After all considerations, they decided to work within the existing sq. ft. of the home. They wanted to update their kitchen, they needed to add an office, as she works from home and they wanted consistent flooring throughout the front of the house. They had a small galley kitchen that you could enter from the front formal living/dining room or from the other end but it was completely closed off to the main living area, other than a small window. They really wanted to open it up but worried it might be too opened up. In addition to adding new ceiling height cabinets, they wanted to completely gut this outdated kitchen and start over with a cleaner, simpler looking kitchen. They had trouble envisioning what their space would look like opened up, so using our technology and being able to show them a rendering and being able to do a virtual walk-through, really helped them see their future. We demoed the entire kitchen and all of the flooring throughout the kitchen, family room, living room and formal living room. We removed most of the wall that closed off the kitchen to the living room, with the exception of the half wall that became part of the new island. The doorway that used to go between the formal dining and kitchen was closed off, creating more kitchen wall space and allowing an office to be added at the back of the formal dining that could be closed off, when needed. White Chandler cabinets were installed with beautiful Macaubus Giotto Quartzite countertops. Our clients chose to install a spice pull out and utensil caddy pull out on either side of the oven and a tray pull out for cookie sheets, as well. A wooden vent-hood was also built by Chandler, creating a nice contrast to the white cabinets. Matte black Stanton pulls and Elara knobs were installed coordinating with the Forge Industrial Pendant Island lights and the Doster Dome kitchen table pendant. A Kohler vault Smart Divide®top-/under-mount double-equal bowl kitchen sink was installed in the island with a Kohler Simplice kitchen faucet, also in matte black. Detailed posts were added to each corner on the back side of the island, giving it a more custom finished look. In the formal dining room, a 4-light Forge Industrial Island Light was installed, which coordinated with the two pendant lights above the island. Adjacent to the living room was an office/wet bar area, leading to the back porch. We replaced the existing wet bar with a new cabinet and countertop and faucet, matching the kitchen and installed a wine refrigerator, too. Hardwood floors were installed throughout the entire front of the house, tying it all together. Recessed lighting was installed throughout the dining room, living room and kitchen, really giving the space some much needed light. A fresh coat of paint to top it all off really brightened up the space and gave our clients exactly what they were wanting.

Richard Herman is in the hospitality business and owns several upscale hotels in Florida and in other states as well as cattle ranches in both Florida and Missouri. Their farm in Ocala is by farm their most unique. The property serves as a 4-H demonstration project for the purpose of children’s education. They have been working with the Academy Prep of St. Pete which is dedicated to inner-city youths that are selected on the basis of need and achievement. Wife Diane spends her time on the farm raising Gypsy Vanners, a diminutive draft horse named after the job they did in Eastern Europe, pulling the wagons (vans) for gypsies that wandered across the continent. On the Ocala farm, there are several mules with a unique profession. Richard had visited the Hearthstone display at a Log & Timber Home Shows at the Orlando Convention Center many years ago. He was impressed that Hearthstone had stayed in touch with him over the years by mailings, invitations to shows, and periodic phone calls. When the time came to start serious consideration of the design of barn, Hearthstone responded promptly and professionally to Richard and Diane’s requests for information and a review of their ideas for their barn, which would serve as the centerpiece for their new farm. They wanted a multipurpose facility that could accommodate an educational environment and a large hall suitable for the fundraising events for his charities. Richard wanted a barn that reflected the look and feel of barns built at the dawn of the 20th century. Besides the rustic chicken houses and vegetable gardens, they have completely renovated a 1020’s era farmhouse to be as historically correct as possible and serves as the entry to the farm. “They very careful to feel us out, get comfortable with our capabilities, and be convinced that we could perform as promised,” said Project Manager John Ricketson of Hearthstone. Design Process There were some initial drawings that gave us a start on the basic shape and size of the barn. From there, it was a process of narrowing down the uses of each area and the spans that could be achieved. The barn was going to have the traditional “board & batten” exterior siding and a metal roof. There is a cantilevered ‘hay hood” on the north gable end above the large sliding barn doors that open into the foyer and horse stalls. The wings house a combination of areas, beginning with the large restrooms to accommodate crowds for events. Other parts of the wings have garage areas for the farm vehicles, feed room, tack room, wash rack, storage, offices, and smaller restrooms. Keeping with the look and feel of the turn of the century, Hearthstone developed a process for giving the timbers a surface texture that mimicked the circular cuts of timbers that had just come out of an old sawmill. This was easier said than done. Randy Giles guided his millwright (Wolfgang) in designing a machine that would do this effectively. The barn was delivered in October of 2014 and was erected over the course of two weeks, thanks to a hardworking crew (Eric Foster) and near-perfect weather. After the Hearthstone crew completed the erection and roof dry-in, it was time for the local carpenters to step up and install some light conventional framing on the gable ends before applying the roof fascia and exterior board & batten siding. Next came the big sliding barn doors, plumbing, electrical, heating, and cooling. Large rustic fixtures were hung from the great hall roof timbers. Exterior The board & batten siding was cypress and allowed to turn color naturally as rain hit it and the sun started working on it with UV rays. This method causes a much grayer look closer to the ground and less so where the roof overhang provides protection. The North end has some large limestone boulders and planters arranged around the pad with tall pampas grass. The planters provide casual seating before events and during outside receptions. The entire area was sodded with lush St. Augustine grass and split rail fences were added to enclose the barn area. The corrugated metal roof was a special order material that immediately rusted after being exposed to moisture. The layer of rust protects the metal from the elements. Interior The board & batten theme was carried throughout most of the interior with the timbers left natural to show off the circular saw texture. All of the tongue & groove decking was shipped in advance to allow the local painter to pre-stain it with a dark brown transparent stain that is a beautiful background to the light color Eastern White Pine timbers. “Everything was unique in this project” said Project Manager John Ricketson. “The setting on a small demonstration farm close to Ocala, the multipurpose design, the circular saw texture on the timbers.” The Hermans are very proud of their farm’s outcome. Richard sent a note to Randy Giles, owner of Hearthstone: “The Barn is fantastic, not a single problem, period. Next month, we have Jo Dee Messina coming in to help with a fundraiser for a local center for abused kids. Folks love the farm, ...... but that barn gets all of the attention. I would encourage you to use me as a reference for your sales team, feel free to extend my cell phone to any prospective purchasers.”

Situated on a sloping site with a shared driveway and prescribed parking on the lower level, the home was designed to maximize daylight into the walk-out basement. In placing the parking in the center and wrapping the basement spaces around it, all rooms are afforded exterior views. By locating much of the home’s program below street level, the 3244 s.f. house is able to maintain a scale in keeping with the surrounding residences. The grade along the front of the site was pulled back from the home with stepped retaining walls revealing a sunken garden and above-ground basement walls. An entry bridge allows access to the front door above the sunken garden. UV-responsive, color-changing metal siding and cedar rainscreen clad the flat roof volumes of the home while fiber cement boards encase the shed roof volume. The shed was created to provide passive solar daylighting and conditioning in the vaulted living and dining rooms as well as an ideal surface for future solar panels. The home possesses a myriad of outdoor living spaces including a front balcony and sunken courtyard, side balcony terrace, and rear screened porch and deck above a covered patio. The south side balcony is wrapped with a metal and cedar clad bamboo planter which acts as a privacy screen and shading device. Accessibility was a strong consideration in the design as the homeowners were forward-thinking about aging in place. ADA-sized doorways and thresholds are provided as well as a shelled elevator shaft from the basement level.

Situated on a sloping site with a shared driveway and prescribed parking on the lower level, the home was designed to maximize daylight into the walk-out basement. In placing the parking in the center and wrapping the basement spaces around it, all rooms are afforded exterior views. By locating much of the home’s program below street level, the 3244 s.f. house is able to maintain a scale in keeping with the surrounding residences. The grade along the front of the site was pulled back from the home with stepped retaining walls revealing a sunken garden and above-ground basement walls. An entry bridge allows access to the front door above the sunken garden. UV-responsive, color-changing metal siding and cedar rainscreen clad the flat roof volumes of the home while fiber cement boards encase the shed roof volume. The shed was created to provide passive solar daylighting and conditioning in the vaulted living and dining rooms as well as an ideal surface for future solar panels. The home possesses a myriad of outdoor living spaces including a front balcony and sunken courtyard, side balcony terrace, and rear screened porch and deck above a covered patio. The south side balcony is wrapped with a metal and cedar clad bamboo planter which acts as a privacy screen and shading device. Accessibility was a strong consideration in the design as the homeowners were forward-thinking about aging in place. ADA-sized doorways and thresholds are provided as well as a shelled elevator shaft from the basement level.