Photo: Lucy Call © 2016 Houzz
Trendy bedroom photo in Salt Lake City

The shower has a louver glass panel above the door, this is to let the steam from the steamer to escape and be removed from the house with the exhaust fans in the room. This room was designed with the intentions of creating a nice transitional coastal feel.

This home doesn't just stand out—it stands for something. Chicago Contemporary Home 21 is a milestone in urban residential design: the first 100% sustainable greenhouse-inspired home built in Chicagoland, created by New Explode Construction. From its architectural silhouette to the materials that form its bones, every element was intentionally selected to promote energy efficiency, environmental harmony, and healthy living. The sharp, minimalist façade blends high-performance glass, recycled exterior cladding, and precision insulation to reduce heat loss and maximize daylight capture. The custom roofline allows passive solar benefits, while the elevated front porch invites natural air circulation and an open connection to the streetscape. Built to thrive in all seasons while dramatically reducing its carbon footprint, this home offers a blueprint for the future—where design meets responsibility, and where a home supports both the planet and the people living inside. At NEC, we don't just build beautiful spaces. We build what's next.

Claremont Dream Home A Single Family New Construction Chicago, Illinois ​ Type: New Construction Location: Ravenswood Neighborhood, Chicago, IL ​ We had the pleasure of collaborating with a young family to shape their vision of a welcoming, laid-back home in this new construction home. AHD was hired at the early stages of construction to create a cohesive environment from the architectural finishes, lighting design to the furnishings and decor. ​ This project is a testament to the couple's diverse cultural influences, blending their English heritage with the rich tapestry of their travels through India. Through thoughtful design choices, we've sought to create an environment that not only reflects their personal style but also accommodates their evolving family needs. ​ Our focus has been on crafting a contemporary interior that prioritizes both comfort and durability, ensuring that every aspect of the space is not only inviting but also functional for their growing family. We selected bespoke furnishings, where craftsmanship takes center stage. Each piece was carefully curated to embody an organic biophilic aesthetic, creating a refreshing haven using earthy colors and genuine materials. ​ Our ultimate design intent was to create a space that is healthy, practical as well as aesthetically pleasing, tailored to the lifestyle and preferences of our clients.

A refined balance of form and warmth defines this open-plan kitchen and living space. Custom white-oak cabinetry, a marble waterfall island, and hand-finished plaster walls create a calm, textural palette. Natural light floods the interior through expansive windows, connecting the kitchen and lounge to the surrounding greenery. With sculptural details and organic materials throughout, this modern coastal home captures Heart Construction’s belief that luxury begins with intention and simplicity.

Claremont Dream Home A Single Family New Construction Chicago, Illinois ​ Type: New Construction Location: Ravenswood Neighborhood, Chicago, IL ​ We had the pleasure of collaborating with a young family to shape their vision of a welcoming, laid-back home in this new construction home. AHD was hired at the early stages of construction to create a cohesive environment from the architectural finishes, lighting design to the furnishings and decor. ​ This project is a testament to the couple's diverse cultural influences, blending their English heritage with the rich tapestry of their travels through India. Through thoughtful design choices, we've sought to create an environment that not only reflects their personal style but also accommodates their evolving family needs. ​ Our focus has been on crafting a contemporary interior that prioritizes both comfort and durability, ensuring that every aspect of the space is not only inviting but also functional for their growing family. We selected bespoke furnishings, where craftsmanship takes center stage. Each piece was carefully curated to embody an organic biophilic aesthetic, creating a refreshing haven using earthy colors and genuine materials. ​ Our ultimate design intent was to create a space that is healthy, practical as well as aesthetically pleasing, tailored to the lifestyle and preferences of our clients.

This view highlights the seamless flow between the kitchen, living area, and outdoor patio. Natural light filters through expansive glass openings, illuminating the plaster walls, oak floors, and soft neutral tones. The sculpted stone coffee table and oversized pendants add organic texture and warmth to the minimalist palette. Designed around light, proportion, and comfort, the space embodies Heart Construction’s “Build with Intention” philosophy — a modern coastal home that feels effortless and connected to its surroundings.

The 2023 Southern Living Idea House is an oasis on the Tennessee hillside. Bill Holloway and Luke Sippel of Lake + Land Studio had the task of building and designing the perfect home for clients who loved dogs, music, and indoor-outdoor living. The 5,600-square-foot contemporary Southern farmhouse in Leiper’s Fork was intentionally placed to fit the surrounding natural landscape. Holloway and Sippel wanted the home to feel as though it had always been there. An important element of Southern living was present in the home’s design and build: porches. The home has a large, covered porch that runs the nearly the entire length of the back of the home on the main floor and one on the lower level. Using Marvin Ultimate multi-slide doors on the porch unified the indoor and outdoor spaces. The multi-slide door has the ability for the door to open fully, seamlessly blending the two spaces. MARVIN PRODUCTS USED: Elevate Direct Glaze Window Elevate Casement Window Elevate Sliding French Door Elevate French Door Ultimate Glider Window Ultimate Multi-Slide Door Ultimate Outswing Door Architecture Firm: Lake + Land Studio Builder: Hatcliff Construction Interior Design: Laura Hodges Studio Landscape: Southern Creations Landscaping Dealer: AVI Windows and Doors

Basement Remodel with Snack Bar-Style Kitchenette Talon Construction Inc. transformed this Frederick, Maryland basement into a warm and multifunctional living space centered around a thoughtfully designed snack bar-style kitchenette. The goal for the design was to create a space that’s both functional and inviting, without overpowering the overall basement layout. At the heart of the renovation is the kitchenette, featuring Mantra Cabinetry finished with sleek brushed nickel hardware. These elements were selected for their clean lines and durability, blending seamlessly into the aesthetic of the home. The cabinetry offers ample storage, while the countertops provide plenty of space for everything from preparing casual snacks to crafting complete meals. Whether it’s sharing a glass of wine or popping popcorn for a movie night, this space was designed to accommodate it all. Above the kitchenette sink, two floating shelves add both functionality and style to the space. Strategically placed, the floating shelves offer easy access to everyday essentials—perfect for displaying glassware, decorative dishes, or small plants that add a personal touch. Their clean, minimalist design enhances the open feel of the kitchenette, while the lack of visible brackets maintains a streamlined, contemporary look. Set against the backdrop of the backsplash, these shelves not only provide storage but also serve as a subtle focal point that draws the eye upward, adding depth and dimension to the overall design. To add warmth and continuity throughout the basement, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring was installed. Its natural wood look brings in texture and durability while standing up to the demands of a high-traffic family space. Above, recessed lighting ensures the area remains bright and welcoming, day or night. The adjacent family room area offers a comfortable space to relax and entertain, effortlessly flowing from the kitchenette. The textures and finishes throughout reflect a modern yet elegant design language that harmonizes with the rest of the home, creating a cohesive, upscale look. This design build remodel is a perfect example of how Talon Construction can take a basement from basic to beautiful—with intentional design, high-quality materials, and a focus on livability.

Badger Creek Ranch – Tetonia, Idaho This custom home in Tetonia, Idaho was designed and built as a refined mountain retreat, balancing rugged materials with clean architectural lines and long-term performance in a demanding four-season climate. Spanning over 5,000 square feet, the home sits within the open landscape of Teton Valley and was thoughtfully positioned to capture natural light and surrounding views. The exterior combines reclaimed barnwood siding, natural stone, and black standing seam metal roofing, creating a palette that feels grounded in the environment while still distinctly modern. Inside, the home is anchored by a custom white oak and steel staircase, acting as both a structural and visual centerpiece. Exposed timber beams, level 5 smooth walls, and wide-plank white oak flooring bring warmth and contrast to the interior, while maintaining a clean, cohesive design throughout. A floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace built from natural Windy Ridge stone adds scale and texture to the main living space. The kitchen was designed for both function and presence, featuring granite countertops, a full Thermador appliance suite, dual wine storage, and a hidden pantry. The primary suite and guest bathrooms were built as private, spa-like spaces, complete with radiant floor heating, a freestanding soaking tub, and a steam and rain shower system. Throughout the home, integrated smart lighting and energy-efficient systems enhance comfort and usability without compromising the design. Beyond aesthetics, the project required extensive site and structural work, including over 120 feet of boulder retaining walls and a fully integrated drainage system. These elements were critical to ensuring long-term durability and stability given the terrain and climate. This project reflects Night Shift Construction’s approach to building in the Tetons: every detail considered, every system intentional, and every home built to perform as well as it looks.

Nestled at the end of a long flag lot driveway in Amagansett, NY, a young couple purchased the property with intentions to construct a second home for their growing family. A home that would not only be comfortable for the immediate family but also serve and grow on busy summer weekends to accommodate extended family, friends, children and guests. The tight lot along with the sizable program culminated in the building envelope being pushed to every limit, restriction and regulation one could imagine. The resulting architecture possesses a traditional Hamptons cottage exterior juxtaposed with modern elements that help break up the single mass. Centered on the entry façade is a large double story window that shrouds the floating switchback staircase on the interior. A bluestone patio wraps three sides of the home, which, in the rear, leads to a small in ground pool with a frameless glass railing. In the interior, custom white washed white oak floors run throughout the home as well as on the floating central staircase. For a more modern style of living, the open living, kitchen and dining area serve as one large entertaining space. In an area surrounded by sprawling Mcmansions, this tightly knit home functions more similar to that of a large NYC apartment by serving the perfect balance between maximized form with the right amount of function given the strict parameters. Large glass sliders open the living and dining rooms to the backyard patio and pool creating harmony between the indoor and outdoor spaces. Shaker style cabinets in the kitchen pair with a more contemporary staircase softened by the warmer wood tones of the vertical slats that surround it.

A bright, open living and dining space that blends organic textures with contemporary design. Hand-finished plaster walls, white-oak flooring, and custom built-ins create a warm, natural backdrop for modern comfort. The vintage Persian rug and soft, sculptural lounge chairs add depth and character, while floor-to-ceiling glass doors connect the interior to the lush outdoor patio. Every detail reflects Heart Construction’s signature approach — effortless, natural, and grounded in intention.

Claremont Dream Home A Single Family New Construction Chicago, Illinois ​ Type: New Construction Location: Ravenswood Neighborhood, Chicago, IL ​ We had the pleasure of collaborating with a young family to shape their vision of a welcoming, laid-back home in this new construction home. AHD was hired at the early stages of construction to create a cohesive environment from the architectural finishes, lighting design to the furnishings and decor. ​ This project is a testament to the couple's diverse cultural influences, blending their English heritage with the rich tapestry of their travels through India. Through thoughtful design choices, we've sought to create an environment that not only reflects their personal style but also accommodates their evolving family needs. ​ Our focus has been on crafting a contemporary interior that prioritizes both comfort and durability, ensuring that every aspect of the space is not only inviting but also functional for their growing family. We selected bespoke furnishings, where craftsmanship takes center stage. Each piece was carefully curated to embody an organic biophilic aesthetic, creating a refreshing haven using earthy colors and genuine materials. ​ Our ultimate design intent was to create a space that is healthy, practical as well as aesthetically pleasing, tailored to the lifestyle and preferences of our clients.

Basement Remodel with Snack Bar-Style Kitchenette Talon Construction Inc. transformed this Frederick, Maryland basement into a warm and multifunctional living space centered around a thoughtfully designed snack bar-style kitchenette. The goal for the design was to create a space that’s both functional and inviting, without overpowering the overall basement layout. At the heart of the renovation is the kitchenette, featuring Mantra Cabinetry finished with sleek brushed nickel hardware. These elements were selected for their clean lines and durability, blending seamlessly into the aesthetic of the home. The cabinetry offers ample storage, while the countertops provide plenty of space for everything from preparing casual snacks to crafting complete meals. Whether it’s sharing a glass of wine or popping popcorn for a movie night, this space was designed to accommodate it all. Above the kitchenette sink, two floating shelves add both functionality and style to the space. Strategically placed, the floating shelves offer easy access to everyday essentials—perfect for displaying glassware, decorative dishes, or small plants that add a personal touch. Their clean, minimalist design enhances the open feel of the kitchenette, while the lack of visible brackets maintains a streamlined, contemporary look. Set against the backdrop of the backsplash, these shelves not only provide storage but also serve as a subtle focal point that draws the eye upward, adding depth and dimension to the overall design. To add warmth and continuity throughout the basement, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring was installed. Its natural wood look brings in texture and durability while standing up to the demands of a high-traffic family space. Above, recessed lighting ensures the area remains bright and welcoming, day or night. The adjacent family room area offers a comfortable space to relax and entertain, effortlessly flowing from the kitchenette. The textures and finishes throughout reflect a modern yet elegant design language that harmonizes with the rest of the home, creating a cohesive, upscale look. This design build remodel is a perfect example of how Talon Construction can take a basement from basic to beautiful—with intentional design, high-quality materials, and a focus on livability.

The great room at Shiloh Retreat takes shape with its soaring ceilings, abundant natural light, and strong architectural geometry. This phase of construction highlights the framework of a bright, open-concept space defined by expansive black steel doors and clerestory windows that invite daylight deep into the room. Custom millwork elements and cabinetry are being assembled, signaling the upcoming blend of warmth and refinement that will define the finished interior. Even unfinished, the space showcases thoughtful proportions and intentional sightlines—hallmarks of a home designed for modern living rooted in simplicity and scale.

A seamless connection between architecture and nature defines this modern coastal home in Marina del Rey. Expansive sliding glass doors open the living and dining space completely to the outdoors, flooding the interior with natural light and coastal air. Warm plaster walls, oak flooring, and organic textures balance the home’s clean lines, creating an inviting, contemporary environment that embodies Heart Construction’s approach to intentional, California living.

A newly constructed wooden deck with clean-lined railings, seamlessly connecting the home to a lush backyard. This functional design incorporates visible air conditioning units with intentional placement, ensuring easy access for maintenance. The natural wood finish adds warmth, making it ideal for relaxation, entertaining, and outdoor gatherings in a modern home setting.

Blending contemporary forms and lush plantings, this Garden maximizes the sensory experience of the materials and planting from inside and outside the home. The garden occupies an interior courtyard framed by four interior walls. The home, designed by Architect Cliff May was built in 1948 and the following year was featured in House Beautiful Magazine. The clients list of needs and desires was brief. They wanted a space that would complement the mid century modern home and provide visual interest from inside the home. Some form of water was also requested. They had a budget of $30,000. In order to stay within their budget the clients performed the demolition of the old garden. The designer’s intent was to create a garden that would possess a clear sculptural quality and would be as visually striking from inside the home as it would be from inside the courtyard. The strategy behind the design was to use hardscape materials characterized by simple geometric forms and a planting palette that would emphasize form over color, and then to arrange the materials to achieve an interpretation of modern aesthetic. The views from inside the homes three main living rooms present the garden as a graphic composition of space, hardscape materials and planting. Inside the courtyard the edges are defined by stone and planting. The floor is composed of rectangular slabs of Teakwood flagstone with a counterpoint of Mexican beach pebbles set within the joints and around the edges. Concrete along the edges of the Teakwood pads reduces migration of the modified stone and sand base. The contrast of the Mexican beach pebbles accentuates the pattern of the flagstone. The outside perimeter of the pebbles is contained with low profile edging. An existing catch drain was utilized for storm water runoff. A concrete block pier set on a concrete footing is covered with black stucco and provides a perch for a custom made copper bowl that circulates water into the L shaped water feature. The water features subterranean basin is constructed of pressure treated wood with a custom box liner insert. Since the Teakwood flagstone was unavailable as coping for the water feature, the designer chose Shawnee Buff stone to complement the Teakwood flagstone. The subtle sound of water spilling from the copper bowl and the reflective qualities of the water help to create an atmosphere of relaxation. The planting is composed of shades of green with white flowers in order to accentuate the graphic design. ‘Justin Brouwer’ Boxwood, ‘Sum and Substance’ Hosta, white Anemones, black bamboo and ornamental grasses contrast dramatically with the clean lines of the hardscape elements. The black bamboo is set in 30” diameter concrete containers to control the vigorous plant from spreading. The construction of the interior courtyard space challenged the building team. They set up baffles between the front door and the door to the courtyard as well as temporary protection over the floor to allow the process to move forward without too much disturbance to the client’s lives. All of the materials were shuffled through the temporary portal. The clients love the space and recently said that “the design is so well thought out and simple that they would never get tired of it.” The designs sculptural quality compliments the modern feel of the home and creates a sublime yet dramatic view from within the house or within the courtyard. The clients plan to purchase two black Bertoia Diamond chairs with red cushions which should perfectly integrate with the space.

This stunning master bathroom started with a creative reconfiguration of space, but it’s the wall of shimmering blue dimensional tile that really makes this a “statement” bathroom. The homeowners’, parents of two boys, wanted to add a master bedroom and bath onto the main floor of their classic mid-century home. Their objective was to be close to their kids’ rooms, but still have a quiet and private retreat. To obtain space for the master suite, the construction was designed to add onto the rear of their home. This was done by expanding the interior footprint into their existing outside corner covered patio. To create a sizeable suite, we also utilized the current interior footprint of their existing laundry room, adjacent to the patio. The design also required rebuilding the exterior walls of the kitchen nook which was adjacent to the back porch. Our clients rounded out the updated rear home design by installing all new windows along the back wall of their living and dining rooms. Once the structure was formed, our design team worked with the homeowners to fill in the space with luxurious elements to form their desired retreat with universal design in mind. The selections were intentional, mixing modern-day comfort and amenities with 1955 architecture. The shower was planned to be accessible and easy to use at the couple ages in place. Features include a curb-less, walk-in shower with a wide shower door. We also installed two shower fixtures, a handheld unit and showerhead. To brighten the room without sacrificing privacy, a clearstory window was installed high in the shower and the room is topped off with a skylight. For ultimate comfort, heated floors were installed below the silvery gray wood-plank floor tiles which run throughout the entire room and into the shower! Additional features include custom cabinetry in rich walnut with horizontal grain and white quartz countertops. In the shower, oversized white subway tiles surround a mermaid-like soft-blue tile niche, and at the vanity the mirrors are surrounded by boomerang-shaped ultra-glossy marine blue tiles. These create a dramatic focal point. Serene and spectacular.