This bathroom went with engineered quartz on the vanity. to match the shower walls which gives the whole room one consistent look instead of switching materials halfway up. Quartz is manufactured, so slab to slab the pattern stays predictable. We used an eased edge on the vanity top. It's a simple, soft break on the corners instead of a sharp square or a heavy bullnose. Nothing fancy about it, but that's the point. It doesn't fight with the rest of the room, it doesn't collect grime in a tight profile line, and it wears well over the years without chipping the way a sharp square or some of the more expensive routed edges can. Day to day, this is a low-maintenance room. Quartz resists staining from soap, shampoo, and the usual bathroom products, and it cleans up with basically anything you've already got under the sink. The vanity top holds up fine against everyday use, hairspray, makeup, whatever gets set down on it. It's the kind of surface you install once and don't think about again. We do this kind of work across the Midlands, and a bathroom like this is a good example of why quartz gets specified so often in these spaces. It gives homeowners a durable, consistent, easy-care surface on both the vertical and horizontal parts of the room, and it's ready to use as soon as we're out the door.

Babcock Custom Pools: Transforming Backyards into Oases with Palms If you seek a swimming pool that boasts an interplay of aesthetics, elegance, and proficiency, then Babcock Custom Pools is the solution you have been searching for. Our pool-crafting experts boast an extensive portfolio of pool designs that have consistently surpassed our clients’ anticipations. A hallmark of our designs is the seamless integration of palms – an element we passionately incorporate into our custom creations. At Babcock Custom Pools, we take great pride in our unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and quality. Our process, from the initial consultation to the final construction, is a testament to our pursuit of excellence. Our team of experts consists of seasoned professionals who possess a passion for creating pools that not only serve their practical purpose but are also visually stunning. Palms are a ubiquitous choice for pool landscaping, and for good reason. They add a tropical vibe to your outdoor space, and their presence imbues the area with a lush, serene atmosphere. Furthermore, palms provide the much-needed shade on a hot summer day. At Babcock Custom Pools, we wholeheartedly embrace the use of palms in our designs, and our clients rave about the results. We appreciate the fact that each of our clients is unique, and their pool designs should be a reflection of their individuality. As such, we work closely with our clients to craft customized designs that align with their specific needs and preferences. Whether you envision a sleek, minimalist design or a more traditional aesthetic, our team will collaborate with you to create a pool that perfectly embodies your style. When it comes to constructing pools, we use only the finest materials and the most advanced technologies. Our pools are designed to be durable, energy-efficient, and low-maintenance, ensuring that you can spend more time relishing in the pool and less time maintaining it. In conclusion, if you desire a custom pool design that is both beautiful and functional, Babcock Custom Pools is the answer. Our team of experts will work hand-in-hand with you to create a pool that exceeds your expectations. And, of course, we will not forget to incorporate an ample amount of palms – because we love palms and are confident that you will too. Contact us today to learn more about our services!

A Scottish crest badge is a heraldic badge worn to show allegiance to an individual or membership in a specific Scottish clan. Crest badges are commonly worn by members of Scottish clans. Crest badges consist of a crest and a motto/slogan. These badges usually consist of elements from the clan chief’s coat of arms. For example, the Wallace clan crest is an image of a dexter arm in armor with sword in hand and has a motto translating to “for liberty”.

This new Lake Minnetonka custom home was designed for a young growing family that decided to trade uptown Minneapolis condo life for lake living. Located on a narrow 40-foot-wide lot, this 2,850sf modern home provides a strong connection to the lake while also balancing privacy from the neighbors. The main level comprises a three-car tandem garage and public living spaces, the upper level consists of private spaces while the finished basement serves as a flexible space. High performance triple pane European windows were strategically placed to frame views of the lake while interior facing windows were placed to frame tree and sky views. A stone clad fireplace acts as a spatial anchor that helps define the interior spaces as well as encourages the transition from interior to exterior spaces. Future solar panel conduits to the roof were installed as were EV charging stations in the garage and at the dock for future EV boat charging. Site water runoff is managed through an underground retention system. The exterior cement board siding is painted black to recede into the landscape while accents of thermally modified wood, custom steel slats and stone add visual interest at the street and lake facing sides. The interior material palette is purposefully simple and consists of stained white oak flooring, ebony stained white oak cabinetry and millwork, white quartz counters, powder coated steel railings and stone veneer. The final result is a vibrant home for this young family that infuses warmth with a modern aesthetic.

Building materials are one of the primary sources of indoor air contaminants that negatively affect the health of our living spaces The EcoCraft team has meticulously selected building materials that are healthy, recyclable, and free of harmful contaminants thereby improving the health of our homes. Consider also that consistent temperatures between floors, rooms, and surfaces plays a critical role in how humans experience true comfort. Our advanced airtight continuously insulated building envelopes eliminate drafts and cold surface to ensure consistent air and surface temperatures. Individually zoned floors and spaces provide occupant control for added flexibility and individualized temperature settings. Our extra thick walls and energy star windows reduce sound transfer between the interior and exterior spaces, while our state of the art mechanical systems run quietly to provide an experience you can feel, but can barely hear.

My client has a large sliding glass door that overlooks Long Island Sound. She has a wonderful view but needs light control. She also wanted to soften the lines in her master bedroom. She chose a fabulous aqua print with a large repeat which works well with the expanse of the drapery. The blackout lining will keep out the light when necessary and insulate the room. The ripple top is consistent with the casual by the sea theme.

Our PREMIUM SELECT Tumbled French Pattern Walnut Travertine Pavers are light brown in color. Although some variation in color is to be expected, it is overall consistent throughout. Walnut Travertine French pattern consists of 8×8, 8×16, 16×16, 16×24 sizes. 1.25″ thick.

At LA Precast Mantels, we specialize in handcrafted precast and cast stone fireplace mantels designed to bring timeless elegance and architectural presence to traditional interiors. Our mantels are carefully produced using high-quality cast stone and GFRC materials, delivering the beauty of natural limestone with superior strength, durability, and consistency. Each traditional fireplace surround is designed with classic proportions, refined moldings, and detailed profiles that reflect European and Old-World craftsmanship. From fluted columns and arched headers to clean linear mantels with substantial hearth bases, our collections complement luxury homes, custom residences, remodels, and high-end developments. We work closely with homeowners, builders, interior designers, and architects across the United States to provide standard and custom-sized fireplace surrounds tailored to specific openings and room designs. Whether you are designing a formal living room, grand master suite, or traditional family space, our precast mantels create a warm and sophisticated focal point. Our products are proudly manufactured with precision, offering consistent finishes, clean edges, and long-lasting structural integrity. Custom sizing, finish samples, and design consultations are available to ensure the perfect fit for your project. Elevate your traditional interior with a statement fireplace surround built to last for generations.

This project was such an incredible design opportunity, and instilled inspiration and excitement at every turn! Our amazing clients came to us with the challenge of converting their beloved family home into a welcoming haven for all members of the family. At the time that we met our clients, they were struggling with the difficult personal decision of the fate of the home. Their father/father-in-law had passed away and their mother/mother-in-law had recently been admitted into a nursing facility and was fighting Alzheimer’s. Resistant to loss of the home now that both parents were out of it, our clients purchased the home to keep in in the family. Despite their permanent home currently being in New Jersey, these clients dedicated themselves to keeping and revitalizing the house. We were moved by the story and became immediately passionate about bringing this dream to life. The home was built by the parents of our clients and was only ever owned by them, making this a truly special space to the family. Our goal was to revitalize the home and to bring new energy into every room without losing the special characteristics that were original to the home when it was built. In this way, we were able to develop a house that maintains its own unique personality while offering a space of welcoming neutrality for all members of the family to enjoy over time. The renovation touched every part of the home: the exterior, foyer, kitchen, living room, sun room, garage, six bedrooms, three bathrooms, the laundry room, and everything in between. The focus was to develop a style that carried consistently from space to space, but allowed for unique expression in the small details in every room. Starting at the entry, we renovated the front door and entry point to offer more presence and to bring more of the mid-century vibe to the home’s exterior. We integrated a new modern front door, cedar shingle accents, new exterior paint, and gorgeous contemporary house numbers that really allow the home to stand out. Just inside the entry, we renovated the foyer to create a playful entry point worthy of attention. Cement look tile adorns the foyer floor, and we’ve added new lighting and upgraded the entry coat storage. Upon entering the home, one will immediately be captivated by the stunning kitchen just off the entry. We transformed this space in just about every way. While the footprint of the home ultimately remained almost identical, the aesthetics were completely turned on their head. We re-worked the kitchen to maximize storage and to create an informal dining area that is great for casual hosting or morning coffee. We removed the entry to the garage that was once in the informal dining, and created a peninsula in its place that offers a unique division between the kitchen/informal dining and the formal dining and living areas. The simple light warm light gray cabinetry offers a bit of traditional elegance, along with the marble backsplash and quartz countertops. We extended the original wood flooring into the kitchen and stained all floors to match for a warmth that truly resonates through all spaces. We upgraded appliances, added lighting everywhere, and finished the space with some gorgeous mid century furniture pieces. In the formal dining and living room, we really focused on maintaining the original marble fireplace as a focal point. We cleaned the marble, repaired the mortar, and refinished the original fireplace screen to give a new sleek look in black. We then integrated a new gas insert for modern heating and painted the upper portion in a rich navy blue; an accent that is carried through the home consistently as a nod to our client’s love of the color. The former entry into the old covered porch is now an elegant glass door leading to a stunning finished sunroom. This room was completely upgraded as well. We wrapped the entire space in cozy white shiplap to keep a casual feel with brightness. We tiled the floor with large format concrete look tile, and painted the old brick fireplace a bright white. We installed a new gas burning unit, and integrated transitional style lighting to bring warmth and elegance into the space. The new black-frame windows are adorned with decorative shades that feature hand-sketched bird prints, and we’ve created a dedicated garden-ware “nook” for our client who loves to work in the yard. The far end of this space is completed with two oversized chaise loungers and overhead lights…the most perfect little reading nook! Just off the dining room, we created an entirely new space to the home: a mudroom. The clients lacked this space and desperately needed a landing spot upon entering the home from the garage. We uniquely planned existing space in the garage to utilize for this purpose, and were able to create a small but functional entry point without losing the ability to park cars in the garage. This new space features cement-look tile, gorgeous deep brown cabinetry, and plenty of storage for all the small items one might need to store while moving in and out of the home. The remainder of the upstairs level includes massive renovations to the guest hall bathroom and guest bedroom, upstairs master bed/bath suite, and a third bedroom that we converted into a home office for the client. Some of the largest transformations were made in the basement, where unfinished space and lack of light were converted into gloriously lit, cozy, finished spaces. Our first task was to convert the massive basement living room into the new master bedroom for our clients. We removed existing built-ins, created an entirely new walk-in closet, painted the old brick fireplace, installed a new gas unit, added carpet, introduced new lighting, replaced windows, and upgraded every part of the aesthetic appearance. One of the most incredible features of this space is the custom double sliding barn door made by a Denver artisan. This space is truly a retreat for our clients! We also completely transformed the laundry room, back storage room, basement master bathroom, and two bedrooms. This home’s massive scope and ever-evolving challenges were thrilling and exciting to work with, and the result is absolutely amazing. At the end of the day, this home offers a look and feel that the clients love. Above all, though, the clients feel the spirit of their family home and have a welcoming environment for all members of the family to enjoy for years to come.

Full Custom Remodel The project consisted of simple new floors and stairs and a few lights. It just happens that the client wanted the walls removed and the stairs relocated. The project included new controlled lighting design and automation. Structural steel fabrication to remove all supporting walls and posts on the first floor. Custom doors and hidden hinges detailed out with 1/4 reveals around the doors meeting the floors. We removed door trim and baseboards. Precision sheetrock details and custom wide plank oak floors make this spectacular home feel warm and cozy. Nothing compares to having a beautiful wide plank flooring in your home. The home improvement project consisted of simple new floors and stairs and a few lights. It just happens that the client wanted the walls removed and the stairs relocated. Further complicated by 4th-floor location and no freight elevator. This meant working with local architect Robert Fowler to detail out the structural framing, design, and details to create a beautiful loft gallery space. Prior to installation, we reached out to the experts @carlislewideplankfloors. They truly understand what it takes to handcraft a floor that was worthy of the ultimate in urban living! Samples of their engineered wood flooring were mailed and we had a choice of several colors. We tested them day and night in sun and in shadows. Once we had an idea of how this hardwood floors installation would look we ordered a few larger pieces. Solid hardwood flooring samples were also tested for thresholds and transitions. The client was so happy with the product they increased the square footage and added more rooms to our scope of work. One tip that was very important for a high-end job using this type of flooring is to lay out the boards ahead of time so you can look for color and wood grain to match. Engineered hardwood floors are a natural product and you will get some variation. Take your time and do the job correctly the first time. We love this type of wood product and look forward to using them again on other projects.

The construction of the vinyl swimming pool concrete walls consisted of assembling aluminum molds while after the walls are then poured, reinforced with rebar. The pool floor base was made with dry-pack sand and cements materials to harden and avoided foot prints. One large light was installed in the deep end and one small light was installed in the shallow area. The pool also had two wide-mouth skimmers encased in the concrete walls along with four returns and two deep end bottom drains. After the installation of the Loop-Loc textured liner, the coping and patio were installed using Fiorito and Moca travertine pavers. An ice chest was installed next to the pool bench in the shallow area for easy access to refreshments. A Timber-Tech deck was also built coming out of the sliding door with railings and steps. All pool equipment were from Pentair, including the gas heater, pumps and filter, and salt chlorine generator.

This Pond renovation and stream and waterfalls addition in Lancaster, PA consisted of draining and cleaning the existing Pond. During cleaning of the pond we made repairs and fixed up fallen pond rock and pond lighting. We then constructed a new stream with various waterfalls coming off the back bank into the existing pond. We added drift wood, moss, and woody plants to give the stream a natural look consistent with the woodsy surroundings.

Building materials are one of the primary sources of indoor air contaminants that negatively affect the health of our living spaces The EcoCraft team has meticulously selected building materials that are healthy, recyclable, and free of harmful contaminants thereby improving the health of our homes. Consider also that consistent temperatures between floors, rooms, and surfaces plays a critical role in how humans experience true comfort. Our advanced airtight continuously insulated building envelopes eliminate drafts and cold surface to ensure consistent air and surface temperatures. Individually zoned floors and spaces provide occupant control for added flexibility and individualized temperature settings. Our extra thick walls and energy star windows reduce sound transfer between the interior and exterior spaces, while our state of the art mechanical systems run quietly to provide an experience you can feel, but can barely hear.

This project was such an incredible design opportunity, and instilled inspiration and excitement at every turn! Our amazing clients came to us with the challenge of converting their beloved family home into a welcoming haven for all members of the family. At the time that we met our clients, they were struggling with the difficult personal decision of the fate of the home. Their father/father-in-law had passed away and their mother/mother-in-law had recently been admitted into a nursing facility and was fighting Alzheimer’s. Resistant to loss of the home now that both parents were out of it, our clients purchased the home to keep in in the family. Despite their permanent home currently being in New Jersey, these clients dedicated themselves to keeping and revitalizing the house. We were moved by the story and became immediately passionate about bringing this dream to life. The home was built by the parents of our clients and was only ever owned by them, making this a truly special space to the family. Our goal was to revitalize the home and to bring new energy into every room without losing the special characteristics that were original to the home when it was built. In this way, we were able to develop a house that maintains its own unique personality while offering a space of welcoming neutrality for all members of the family to enjoy over time. The renovation touched every part of the home: the exterior, foyer, kitchen, living room, sun room, garage, six bedrooms, three bathrooms, the laundry room, and everything in between. The focus was to develop a style that carried consistently from space to space, but allowed for unique expression in the small details in every room. Starting at the entry, we renovated the front door and entry point to offer more presence and to bring more of the mid-century vibe to the home’s exterior. We integrated a new modern front door, cedar shingle accents, new exterior paint, and gorgeous contemporary house numbers that really allow the home to stand out. Just inside the entry, we renovated the foyer to create a playful entry point worthy of attention. Cement look tile adorns the foyer floor, and we’ve added new lighting and upgraded the entry coat storage. Upon entering the home, one will immediately be captivated by the stunning kitchen just off the entry. We transformed this space in just about every way. While the footprint of the home ultimately remained almost identical, the aesthetics were completely turned on their head. We re-worked the kitchen to maximize storage and to create an informal dining area that is great for casual hosting or morning coffee. We removed the entry to the garage that was once in the informal dining, and created a peninsula in its place that offers a unique division between the kitchen/informal dining and the formal dining and living areas. The simple light warm light gray cabinetry offers a bit of traditional elegance, along with the marble backsplash and quartz countertops. We extended the original wood flooring into the kitchen and stained all floors to match for a warmth that truly resonates through all spaces. We upgraded appliances, added lighting everywhere, and finished the space with some gorgeous mid century furniture pieces. In the formal dining and living room, we really focused on maintaining the original marble fireplace as a focal point. We cleaned the marble, repaired the mortar, and refinished the original fireplace screen to give a new sleek look in black. We then integrated a new gas insert for modern heating and painted the upper portion in a rich navy blue; an accent that is carried through the home consistently as a nod to our client’s love of the color. The former entry into the old covered porch is now an elegant glass door leading to a stunning finished sunroom. This room was completely upgraded as well. We wrapped the entire space in cozy white shiplap to keep a casual feel with brightness. We tiled the floor with large format concrete look tile, and painted the old brick fireplace a bright white. We installed a new gas burning unit, and integrated transitional style lighting to bring warmth and elegance into the space. The new black-frame windows are adorned with decorative shades that feature hand-sketched bird prints, and we’ve created a dedicated garden-ware “nook” for our client who loves to work in the yard. The far end of this space is completed with two oversized chaise loungers and overhead lights…the most perfect little reading nook! Just off the dining room, we created an entirely new space to the home: a mudroom. The clients lacked this space and desperately needed a landing spot upon entering the home from the garage. We uniquely planned existing space in the garage to utilize for this purpose, and were able to create a small but functional entry point without losing the ability to park cars in the garage. This new space features cement-look tile, gorgeous deep brown cabinetry, and plenty of storage for all the small items one might need to store while moving in and out of the home. The remainder of the upstairs level includes massive renovations to the guest hall bathroom and guest bedroom, upstairs master bed/bath suite, and a third bedroom that we converted into a home office for the client. Some of the largest transformations were made in the basement, where unfinished space and lack of light were converted into gloriously lit, cozy, finished spaces. Our first task was to convert the massive basement living room into the new master bedroom for our clients. We removed existing built-ins, created an entirely new walk-in closet, painted the old brick fireplace, installed a new gas unit, added carpet, introduced new lighting, replaced windows, and upgraded every part of the aesthetic appearance. One of the most incredible features of this space is the custom double sliding barn door made by a Denver artisan. This space is truly a retreat for our clients! We also completely transformed the laundry room, back storage room, basement master bathroom, and two bedrooms. This home’s massive scope and ever-evolving challenges were thrilling and exciting to work with, and the result is absolutely amazing. At the end of the day, this home offers a look and feel that the clients love. Above all, though, the clients feel the spirit of their family home and have a welcoming environment for all members of the family to enjoy for years to come.

Extensive Remodel of Master Bathroom The was a big and extensive remodel with the removal of a 35 year old drop-in tub, marble steps to drop-in tub and backsplash of marble around tub's marble platform. This remodel consisted of locating the original Rojo Alcante Marble to expand into the space that was originally a platform for the drop-in tub – cleaning and polishing all the marble so that the new and old marbles worked in unison with one another. By adding new plumbing fixtures and a lighter ‘tint’ of taupe color (Master Bathroom color) this lightened and opened the Master’s rooms for a consistent flow and feel. Photographer: Lauren Brown

This bathroom renovation showcases a sleek, modern design with a balance of functionality and style. The entrance features a pocket door, maximizing usable space while maintaining a clean transition into the room. A floating vanity with a wood finish creates a light, airy look, paired with a crisp white integrated sink and complemented by a new artistic mirror with unique geometric edges. Above the vanity, pendant light fixtures provide focused illumination, while new recessed lights brighten the overall space. A discreet yet powerful new fan ensures proper ventilation. The shower is the centerpiece of the remodel, enclosed with a sliding glass door on matte black hardware. Inside, the shower features a floating bench for comfort and convenience, along with a shampoo niche integrated into the tiled wall a shampoo niche. The shower is equipped with matte black fixtures, including a rain showerhead and handheld wand. The walls are finished with floor-to-ceiling tile, continuing outside the shower to create a seamless, cohesive aesthetic. The flooring consists of large-format floor tiles, adding durability and a modern touch. The bathroom also includes a new toilet with a sleek, compact profile. Existing cabinetry has been updated through cabinet refacing, blending harmoniously with the floating vanity for consistent style. Overall, the remodel combines modern finishes with functional upgrades, resulting in a bathroom that is both elegant and efficient.

The project consisted of remodeling a master bath, a hall bath and a powder room in a townhouse. Bel Air Construction’s interior designer recommended using Caesarstone Concetto Brown Agate semi-precious counter tops in all three rooms. The counters consist of semi-precious gemstones that are often used for jewelry (amethyst, brown agate, etc) and suspended in a resin so that instead of a small piece of jewelry there is an entire counter top to admire.

This 1,000ft² recording and production studio, built in 2021 for producer couple Latifah Alattas and Lucas Morton, was designed as a fully custom creative environment that supports writing, mixing, and collaboration at the highest level. Both Latifah and Lucas are multi-instrumentalists, engineers, and mixers, and the studio reflects the full range of their workflows—visually inspiring, technically precise, and intuitive in every room. The facility was built from the ground up with a strong emphasis on architectural acoustics and plug-and-play connectivity. The layout includes two Control Rooms, multiple isolation booths, and shared common spaces, all tied together with seamless audio integration. No matter where you are in the studio, routing, monitoring, and communication remain effortless and consistent. Behind the aesthetic, the acoustic design is exceptionally robust. Six independent floating-floor systems support the suites, ensuring each room operates with minimal sound transmission. Tailored sound-reducing wall assemblies, full-lite doors, engineered window systems, and intentional treatment plans deliver clarity, isolation, and precision for tracking and mixing. Each space is mechanically decoupled, allowing multiple rooms to run simultaneously without compromise. For monitoring, both Latifah and Lucas chose Genelec “The Ones” series monitors with GLM calibration to ensure accurate translation and consistency across the entire facility. Natural light and a warm, welcoming aesthetic anchor the visual identity of the studio, reflecting the creative energy and personality of its owners. The result is a highly functional, beautifully crafted space where ideas can move freely and production can happen without limitations.

Battle Architects was commissioned to create a new family retreat on Jockey Cove in Wolfeboro, NH. The client was the son of a past Battle Architect’s client who has spent many childhood summers at a family retreat also located on Jockey Cove and wanted to create a place to establish family roots of his own. The client reassembled the same team who built his Family’s Home but John’s direction was to design a unique home that respected the site and the clients program. John’s motto is to “Never do the same thing twice”. From this beginning the home has a feel as if it grew out of the landscape oriented to take advantage of the great views of the lake and the setting sun. Details were developed with clear clean lines and lots of glass. The interior spaces were arranged so that the public spaces would have the best views of the lake where the screen porch would have the premier location as the main gathering spot for the family. The exterior palette consists of cedar shakes and skirl siding, douglas fir and deep painted green trim. The interiors consisted of a fir, white cedar, cherry, fieldstone, slate and wrought iron accents to create a palette of natural materials.