A pair of lounge chairs upholstered in a cozy chenille are coupled with a leather pouf ottoman for reading and TV viewing...as well as enjoying and contemplating the views...

Inspiration for a craftsman landscaping in Vancouver.

The Asian landscape is known for a meditative feeling of serenity. Stone and natural elements invite contemplation, while carefully-shaped plantings will show the human interaction with the land. By creating a meandering paths it's believed that straight pathways allow malevolent spirits to go directly into the house, while a zigzag pathway hinders their movement into the living areas of a home.

https://pipafineart.com/products/a-moment-of-grace-pastel-painting-digital-artwork-loose-wall-art-print. "A Moment of Grace" transports you to a tranquil scene where time seems to stand still. This evocative digital painting captures the timeless beauty of a bouquet of irises, their delicate petals rendered in shades of purple and blue against a muted, antique backdrop. The artist's masterful technique highlights the intricate details of each bloom, from the delicate veins to the subtle variations in color. The weathered vase and antique table add a touch of nostalgia and history, creating a sense of quiet contemplation and understated elegance. Printed on high-quality photo paper with premium inks, "A Moment of Grace" will infuse any space with a touch of timeless beauty and serenity. Hang it in your living room to create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere, in your bedroom to inspire peaceful dreams and quiet reflection, or in your dining room to add a touch of understated elegance to shared meals. This captivating artwork is a celebration of nature's enduring beauty and a reminder to appreciate the simple moments of grace that life has to offer.

This evocative coastal photograph captures the solitary beauty of a lifeguard stand against a dramatic sky. The stark white of the stand contrasts with the deep blues and grays of the clouds, creating a sense of both peace and anticipation. The vast expanse of the beach and the distant figures walking along the shoreline add to the feeling of spaciousness and tranquility. This image evokes a sense of calm contemplation and the timeless allure of the sea. Perfect for adding a touch of coastal serenity to your home or office, this print is available in a variety of formats, including loose art prints, framed prints, and classic canvas. For print options, please visit: https://pipafineart.com/pages/beach-picture-wall-art-approaching-storm-landscape-photo-prints

"About this Home: This custom luxury home isn't just a house; it's an homage to the art of coastal living. Offering over 2,500 square feet of meticulously crafted living space, three bedrooms, and three bathrooms, this residence is an invitation to the timeless allure of coastal life. One of the standout features of this home is the screened porch, a tranquil oasis that invites you to embrace the coastal breeze and the soothing sounds of nature. It's here that you can savor the beauty of the outdoors while being sheltered from the elements—an ideal spot for relaxation and contemplation. MMD is a member of the Certified Luxury Builders Network. Certified Luxury Builders is a network of leading custom home builders and luxury home and condo remodelers who create 5-Star experiences for luxury home and condo owners from New York to Los Angeles and Boston to Naples. As a Certified Luxury Builder, MMD is proud to feature photos of select projects from our members around the country to inspire you with design ideas. Please feel free to contact the specific Certified Luxury Builder with any questions or inquiries you may have about their projects. Please visit www.CLBNetwork.com for a directory of CLB members featured on Houzz and their contact information."

Tucked away in a small subdivision, these homeowners have taken their builder-grade backyard and transformed it into a Japanese-inspired oasis. After the initial landscape design and construction by Pacific Garden Design, the homeowners have continued to craft an elegantly evolving landscape. A multi-level deck provides entertaining space as it steps down to the yard. A dry water feature anchors the corner of the yard, while a series of stone benches provide spots for quiet contemplation. The thriving garden area takes advantage of the southern exposure along one side of the yard and offers an opportunity for garden whimsy. Gravel pathways connect the space to the front yard and the natural area behind the property.

Slow down, be mindful and find your balance - this is what the BoConcept Living collection is all about. Honest materials and organic, simple shapes are key components in creating a warm, harmonious feeling. Giving the feeling of an urban oasis, a space for contemplation while making a family meal. The Living collection sets the scene. Our London interior design team selected the Carmo sofa, distinctive design with extra padding on the armrests and exclusive piping details. We combined it with the Osaka armchairs, with a pure look and beautiful details.

Inspired by the labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral in France we were asked to create a special space of contemplative unwind. With a new hot tub partially dug into the hillside overlooking the custom cut flagstone labyrinth patio, the restorative tone of this back yard brings you back to a place of center.

Photo of a craftsman landscaping in Vancouver.

On a quiet street just steps from San Francisco’s beloved Dolores Park, a formerly modest urban structure has been transformed into a luminous vertical residence that quietly redefines contemporary city living. Through a comprehensive remodel and both vertical and horizontal expansion, the project turns a constrained urban footprint into a sequence of serene, art-forward living spaces that unfold upward toward expansive city views. The architecture balances restraint and warmth: crisp contemporary geometry softened by natural materials, artful lighting, and carefully curated interiors. The result is a home that feels simultaneously grounded and elevated—deeply connected to its neighborhood yet remarkably private. Reimagining the Urban Envelope The original building has been almost entirely reconceived. The facade now reads as a disciplined composition of plaster volumes and precisely detailed window openings framed by subtle projecting bands. The geometry references San Francisco’s classic rhythm of bayed facades while stripping the language down to a refined modern expression. Behind this quiet exterior lies a dramatically expanded interior volume. The redesign adds both additional floor area and new vertical circulation, transforming what was once a conventional city house into a multi-level architectural sequence organized around light, art, and views. At the roofline, planted terraces soften the building’s silhouette and create a green crown visible from surrounding hillsides. Interiors as a Sequence of Galleries Inside, the home unfolds as a series of spatial moments connected by a sculptural stair and gallery-like corridors. Wide plank oak floors run throughout, providing continuity and warmth against a palette of plaster walls, dark steel detailing, and natural stone. The hallways function almost as curated galleries, with layered artworks suspended in front of mesh panels that create depth and subtle shadow. Light filters through carefully placed windows and stair openings, transforming circulation spaces into contemplative transitions rather than mere passageways. A Living Room Anchored by Stone and Light The primary living room occupies one of the home’s central floors, where a quiet interplay of texture and geometry defines the space. A monumental fireplace wrapped in dark stone forms the room’s anchor, its mass contrasting with a recessed ceiling plane that seems to float above the seating area. Integrated perimeter lighting creates a soft architectural glow that washes the ceiling and walls. Furniture is sculptural yet understated—rounded lounge chairs in warm ochre velvet, tailored sofas, and a striking marble cocktail table whose expressive veining becomes a focal artwork in itself. Deep blue carpeting grounds the seating arrangement and subtly absorbs light, enhancing the calm atmosphere. Above the fireplace, a delicate projection artwork introduces a moment of visual poetry—an unexpected cinematic gesture that transforms the wall into a quietly animated canvas. Kitchen as Architectural Furniture The kitchen expresses a different register: crisp, tactile, and materially rich. Custom walnut cabinetry spans the wall in a continuous plane, punctuated only by the sculpted hood and integrated appliances. The wood’s depth and warmth are balanced by expanses of pale marble that flow seamlessly from countertop to backsplash. Three dome pendants hover above the island like industrial sculptures, casting pools of warm light onto the stone surface. A row of vivid red stools introduces a controlled burst of color, a small but confident departure from the otherwise restrained palette. Dining With a Living Backdrop Adjacent to the kitchen, the dining room opens toward a glass wall overlooking a vertical garden of climbing ivy. The greenery becomes a constantly changing backdrop—lush and shadowy during the day, atmospheric and cinematic after sunset. A dark wood table anchors the room, surrounded by pale oak chairs whose understated forms echo Scandinavian design traditions. The simplicity of the furniture allows the view and natural light to become the dominant experience. Intimate Spaces and Material Contrast Throughout the home, smaller rooms offer moments of intimacy and material experimentation. The powder room pairs textured wall coverings with a dramatic black marble vanity whose bold veining feels almost geological. A suspended mirror and slender pendant create a sculptural composition against the tactile backdrop. The primary bedroom, by contrast, feels serene and expansive. Floor-to-ceiling glazing frames sweeping views of the city, while soft textiles and warm wood paneling create a cocooning effect. Slender black columns subtly define a sitting area without interrupting the openness of the space. Bathing Above the City In the primary bathroom, a sculptural freestanding tub sits beside a panoramic window overlooking San Francisco’s hills and rooftops. The room’s palette—light oak, grey stone, and matte metals—reinforces the spa-like atmosphere. Floating cabinetry and integrated lighting maintain a sense of visual lightness despite the richness of the materials. Entertaining Above the Park Higher in the house, a lounge and bar area becomes the social heart of the home. Here, dark stone slabs with dramatic veining wrap the bar wall like a piece of monumental art. Open shelving displays glassware and spirits, while integrated wine storage hints at the home’s entertaining ambitions. A soft leather sectional and low glass table create a relaxed setting for conversation, framed by expansive views of the city skyline. Cinema and Retreat The lower level introduces yet another atmosphere: a dedicated media room designed for immersive viewing. Dark walls, plush seating, and soft lighting create a cinematic environment that contrasts intentionally with the airy upper floors. It’s a retreat within the home—intimate, quiet, and removed from the brightness above. Architecture That Balances Discipline and Warmth What makes the project particularly compelling is its balance between architectural discipline and lived warmth. Every element—from the carefully framed views to the restrained material palette—contributes to a cohesive spatial narrative. Yet the home never feels austere. Natural materials, curated art, and layered lighting create a sense of comfort and depth. The result is a house that feels both architecturally rigorous and deeply human. A Contemporary Interpretation of San Francisco Living In a neighborhood defined by historic homes and iconic park views, this transformation offers a contemporary interpretation of San Francisco living. It respects the city’s urban density while embracing openness, light, and vertical living. The home rises quietly above its surroundings, culminating in panoramic vistas that stretch across rooftops, hills, and sky. What began as a conventional structure has become something far more nuanced: a modern urban sanctuary—part gallery, part retreat, and wholly connected to the vibrant city just beyond its walls.

This atmospheric 3D rendering focuses on the interplay of light, shadow, and nature within an interior space. A healthy monstera plant is highlighted by soft, natural light from a nearby window, demonstrating the principles of biophilic design. This visualization captures a quiet, contemplative moment and the beauty of bringing the outdoors in.

This unique 2.75 acre property, located on the Roosevelt Channel on Captiva Island, was transformed from a barren construction site into a tropical garden that would rival some botanical gardens. The homeowners are garden enthusiasts and collaborated closely with Bob Walsh and the landscape team to create a variety of lush landscape gardens including; a Tropical Flowering Tree Garden, Moonlight & Scent Garden, Citrus & Edible Garden, Specimen Palm Gardens, Tropical Shade Gardens, Butterfly Gardens, and Waterfall Gardens with lagoon pools for Koi fish. Outdoor living was of primary consideration as well. The Seminole Indian Chickee Hut overlooks a private Island Beach with hammocks to offer a retreat for entertaining and relaxation while a 42 foot circular Stone Labyrinth is a place for meditation and contemplation. Moon and accent landscape lighting allow the numerous pathways and gardens to be enjoyed well beyond sunset.

Inspired by the labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral in France we were asked to create a special space of contemplative unwind. With a new hot tub partially dug into the hillside overlooking the custom cut flagstone labyrinth patio, the restorative tone of this back yard brings you back to a place of center.

Located above Boulder, Mothertree follows the curve and slope of the land making strong connections to the earth and sky. Each outdoor connection is inspired by existing natural features: The Entry Courtyard encircles a small cluster of mature trees, the Northern Contemplation Garden is rocky with dappled light and a spiral fountain, and the South Patio is open, exposed and perfect for warming in the sun while enjoying the views from Boulder to the Denver skyline. A warm but bright interior palette includes bamboo cabinetry and built-ins, cork flooring, beetle kill pine, indoor-outdoor ceilings, and vibrant ceramic tiles, sinks and light fixtures made by the client, a ceramics artist.

"About this Home: This custom luxury home isn't just a house; it's an homage to the art of coastal living. Offering over 2,500 square feet of meticulously crafted living space, three bedrooms, and three bathrooms, this residence is an invitation to the timeless allure of coastal life. One of the standout features of this home is the screened porch, a tranquil oasis that invites you to embrace the coastal breeze and the soothing sounds of nature. It's here that you can savor the beauty of the outdoors while being sheltered from the elements—an ideal spot for relaxation and contemplation. Ziman Development is a member of the Certified Luxury Builders Network. Certified Luxury Builders is a network of leading custom home builders and luxury home and condo remodelers who create 5-Star experiences for luxury home and condo owners from New York to Los Angeles and Boston to Naples. As a Certified Luxury Builder, Ziman Development is proud to feature photos of select projects from our members around the country to inspire you with design ideas. Please feel free to contact the specific Certified Luxury Builder with any questions or inquiries you may have about their projects. Please visit www.CLBNetwork.com for a directory of CLB members featured on Houzz and their contact information."

A lush living wall of varied species built outside for interior contemplation from the bathroom
Example of a beach style bathroom design in Miami

In this recently completed project in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, a previously underutilized and awkwardly laid-out backyard was reimagined as a sleek, modern outdoor retreat. The garden was thoughtfully divided into three distinct zones: a dining and cooking area anchored by a modern outdoor kitchen, a quiet, contemplative nook designed for one or two people to unwind, and a generous lounge space featuring a custom curved Ipe bench beneath a minimalist pergola. To complete the transformation, integrated lighting, irrigation, and a fully equipped kitchen were installed. A clean-lined fence was added to screen out negative views, helping to create a private, oasis-like atmosphere in the heart of the city. The result is a sophisticated, highly functional garden that extends the home’s living space and supports year-round enjoyment.

When you love something and you realize after years, you’ve inadvertently put that away, a good designer will help you bring that back out. That was Turnstyle’s responsibility here with this recent client project: bring back the joy of spending time in a home library. This space is precious to me, because I’ve known it for all the many years I’ve been working on this home. It sits proudly in the center of the house, greeting people upon entry, and, in my opinion, was a jewel box ready to receive its shine. We blew through a wall to allow it a more spacious entrance, helping anyone who visits to immediately see the stunning on-the-lake view. I applied custom wall to wall antique glass to each wall, floor to ceiling, to enhance the view, make the walls feel like they fall away, and also reflect all the now beautiful art and furniture pieces as part of its new design. Influences from things gathered, stunning reworked furniture from the 1970s and all around functional hero items, allow for better working. The main push residing in really enabling quality time there. This space is open is now refreshing and full of beautiful objects and memorabilia. An inspiring place to contemplate, one is surrounded, and influenced, by a strong, fully fleshed out space through my extensive love of pattern, color and unusual combinations.