The client had fallen in love with the curvy bath and absolutely had to have it so I created the rest of the design to complement this hero piece. As the client wanted to lean into their feminine side we chose some beautiful dappled hexagon tiles in variegated shades of dusky pink and putty, which matched the vibe of the bath nicely. We chose a deep, rich indigo for the joinery to ground the scheme and to still maintain the overarching elegance of the design, emphasis on feminine - not girly! The quadrant shower echoes the curves of the bath and its sleek, minimalist design showcase the beauty of the tiles. The flooring is a gloriously pale stone which produces an amazing tactile experience in a subtle way without overshadowing the rest of the scheme. Joinery is kept simple in a deep, rich indigo to give some warmth to the room and ground the space with clean lines to make sure everything is kept uncluttered. The result is a gentle, restful sanctuary perfect for whiling hours away contemplating the world.

The clients owned the house next door and were contemplating a substantial remodel to their 110 year old Crafstman when the neighbor to the south put their old Craftsman home up for sale - it was in much more need of TLC so my clients purchased this house and we removed the 2nd floor gable/attic space and gutted the first floor and basements. The home was re-imagined with a Scandanavian inspired contemporary Northwest style, but keeping the covered porch common to the neighborhood's Craftsman homes. A 2nd floor covered porch takes advantage of the views across Ballard and to the Olympic Peninsula and gorgeous Northwest sunsets. The entry is open to the 2nd floor and features a steel and wood stair. The living space is open to the dining room with a bay bump out which flows into the kitchen featuring an island. The kitchen opens to a covered back patio; a raised parking pad is accessed from the alley. An exercise room (guest room) and 3/4 bath finish out the main floor. The basement is set up with two bedrooms and a full bath with space for a future kitchenette and private back entry to be used as an ADU. The utility and storage room holds the air-source hydronic heating system, providing in slab heat to the basement and in-floor heat to the main floor. Up on the top floor, a front family room space opens to the stair and entry below and out to the covered view deck. The primary bedroom and bath sit at the east end catching the morning sun. Interior photos can be seen at: https://www.rainahinteriors.com/phinney-modern

We designed and installed the rill as a solution to the immovable cement pad below grade (and next to the garage) that did not allow for plants. The fountain on the right side is viewed from inside the home.

Jack Carman
Example of a minimalist home design design in Philadelphia

Part of the 'Atmospheric Series', Michelle's work takes on a more contemplative feeling with misty tones of grey, aqua, smoke and creme...painted on wood with multiple glazes, each piece is completed with a highly reflective glossy finish that really catches the eye. These pieces are transportive and relaxing, bringing the viewer to a serene space where dreams take flight. CHD Interiors showing Original Painting by Michelle Woolley Sauter, One Coast Design

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.

The goal of this project was to craft clean lines, gentle flows, and seasonal texture within an established woodland setting. Challenges arose from dappled light and deer pressure, along with the need for minimal irrigation. These conditions inspired us to create a woodland meadow enriched with understory birches, flowering shrubs, part-shade perennials, and spring bulbs. The inclusion of woodland ephemerals, stepping-stone paths and strategically-placed boulders enhanced the opportunity for quiet contemplation and wildlife observation. The crisp, curved edges of the tightly-jointed walks invite you into the garden while clearly defining maintenance areas. Angela Kearney, Minglewood, LLC

A glowing yellow Tree Peony, a glowing burgundy Japanese Maple tree, and delicate chartreuse Ferns combine to add luminosity to a shaded corner of the garden.

Photo of a craftsman landscaping in Vancouver.

Moss Garden: A Living Carpet of Tranquility A moss garden is a serene, low-maintenance landscape feature that evokes a profound sense of calm and natural beauty. Composed of vibrant, velvety mosses that thrive in shaded, humid environments, these gardens offer a soft, carpet-like groundcover that replaces traditional lawns or gravel with rich, green texture. At Westland Design, our moss gardens are thoughtfully integrated into the overall landscape to enhance a feeling of timelessness and stillness. Whether nestled beneath the canopy of trees, edging a stone pathway, or surrounding a tranquil water feature, moss brings subtle movement and color to quiet corners of the garden. Key qualities of a moss garden include: Evergreen softness: Moss provides lush, year-round greenery that requires no mowing or fertilizing. Quiet beauty: It absorbs sound, contributing to a peaceful, contemplative environment. Natural elegance: Ideal for Japanese-style gardens or woodland settings, moss complements stone, water, and wood elements with organic harmony. A moss garden is more than a design choice—it’s an invitation to slow down, observe closely, and appreciate nature’s quiet elegance.

Here, all the deconstructed parts of the garden are seen, isolated for study and contemplation. The "levitating" maple branch is isolated and plumbed to rain into the reflecting pool below. Photo by Jay Sifford.

The client had fallen in love with the curvy bath and absolutely had to have it so I created the rest of the design to complement this hero piece. As the client wanted to lean into their feminine side we chose some beautiful dappled hexagon tiles in variegated shades of dusky pink and putty, which matched the vibe of the bath nicely. We chose a deep, rich indigo for the joinery to ground the scheme and to still maintain the overarching elegance of the design, emphasis on feminine - not girly! The quadrant shower echoes the curves of the bath and its sleek, minimalist design showcase the beauty of the tiles. The flooring is a gloriously pale stone which produces an amazing tactile experience in a subtle way without overshadowing the rest of the scheme. Joinery is kept simple in a deep, rich indigo to give some warmth to the room and ground the space with clean lines to make sure everything is kept uncluttered. The result is a gentle, restful sanctuary perfect for whiling hours away contemplating the world.

A teenage girl's room thats a departure from the ordinary. This space was meticulously crafted to capture her love for music, museums, literature, and moments of quiet contemplation. Our design journey took us on a quest to create a space that not only exudes a moody atmosphere but also serves as a haven for relaxation, study, and cherished gatherings with friends.

The goal of this project was to craft clean lines, gentle flows, and seasonal texture within an established woodland setting. Challenges arose from dappled light and deer pressure, along with the need for minimal irrigation. These conditions inspired us to create a woodland meadow enriched with understory birches, flowering shrubs, part-shade perennials, and spring bulbs. The inclusion of woodland ephemerals, stepping-stone paths and strategically-placed boulders enhanced the opportunity for quiet contemplation and wildlife observation. The crisp, curved edges of the tightly-jointed walks invite you into the garden while clearly defining maintenance areas. Angela Kearney, Minglewood, LLC

Inspiration for a rustic landscaping in Vancouver.

Within its 35m² of functional space, divided into an anteroom and a bathroom, Fernanda crafted a sunroom that intentionally brings together a vast array of elements: native Atlantic Forest species in a biophilic and naturalistic arrangement, a hand-painted chinoiserie adorning the walls, classic jequitibá wood furniture, refined retro-inspired tapestries, wallpapers, wooden beams reminiscent of country homes, ceramic lighting fixtures, and vases created exclusively for the project. This composition clearly expresses the richness of detail in her work and the depth of her research. Driven by a desire to offer visitors a bucolic, fresh, and ethereal experience, landscaping was a central element of the project. Regarding the furniture, classic, rounded, lightweight, and intricately crafted forms were a prerequisite. Thus, the choice fell on pieces from Paschoal Bianco, crafted individually by master carpenters who are true artists in wood carving. Opting for the natural tone of jequitibá wood, the armchairs, stool, and side tables transport visitors to the grand residences and châteaus of rural France. To soften the design, natural fibers from Biasá were incorporated into the sofa, the Paris rattan chair, and a round rug, all displayed in an area the designer dubbed “the poetry corner.” This corner, featuring a classic writing desk, a porcelain coffee cup, eucalyptus branches, books, and a note card beside a large window dressed with a dramatic, meticulously crafted curtain by A Morada, could only be called “the poetry corner.” Here, the public is invited to sit, contemplate the surrounding landscape, read, and write.

Design ideas for an asian landscaping in Vancouver.

Inspiration for an asian landscaping in Vancouver.

Rustic and refined meet to give a mountaintop home in Portola Valley, California, classic charm. They say the best things in life come to those who wait. So when a Bay Area couple purchased a rare set of adjoining lots overlooking Windy Hill in Portola Valley, they made frequent visits to the site where they absorbed the views while listening to the land as they contemplated building a home there. The intent: to create a home that would celebrate the scenic beauty of the San Mateo County region. Long before the design process began, the couple committed themselves to preserving as many trees on the land as possible. These trees, two majestic, centuries-old Blue Oaks in particular, ultimately became the impetus for the home’s orientation and the inspiration for its design. Detailed discussions and brainstorming sessions led the owners to discover their own unique tastes: “cozy” and “rustic“ while “contemporary, but not minimal.” The result? Sophisticated style comprised of simple, honest materials.