This was a 5-year renovation project of a 2,000 sq. ft. house in Fire Island Pines. New cedar siding and Arcadia windows & doors create a subtly textured exterior inspired by the sleekly modern houses of Palm Springs yet retains the style unique to the Pines. Custom kitchen and baths, as well as original artwork throughout, enhances the elegant yet relaxed style befitting a beach house. Materials like rift-cut white oak cabinetry and large 2’ x 2’ porcelain tile is repeated throughout to create continuity and harmony.

Designed to offer a peaceful retreat with modern amenities and stunning lake views. The layout and materials are carefully chosen to create a balance between luxury and relaxation. The freestanding tub is positioned next to expansive glass windows that overlook Lake LBJ, providing a breathtaking view while preserving privacy. The open layout allows for ample natural light to flow in, giving the bathroom a bright and airy feel. The glass doors provide seamless access to the outdoor environment, enhancing the indoor-outdoor living experience central to the home’s design. The custom-built double vanity features clean lines and natural wood cabinetry, emphasizing a modern yet warm aesthetic. The cabinetry offers generous storage while maintaining a minimalist design. Above the vanity, a large backlit mirror adds both function and form, offering soft, even lighting, ideal for daily grooming while contributing to the luxurious feel of the bathroom. The flooring is composed of a terrazzo-style tile that complements the natural wood cabinetry and adds subtle texture to the space. The wood-paneled ceiling continues the natural elements seen throughout the home, bringing warmth and a cohesive design language from other rooms. The entire space is accented with modern fixtures, such as the floating vanity with under-cabinet lighting that creates a soft, glowing ambiance. These subtle design elements enhance the overall feeling of calm and relaxation, perfect for unwinding after a long day.

The remarkable Greek inspired indoor pool facility has a blend of contemporary rectilinear components with Greek-Roman architectural elements and finishes, such as the over-extending, ancient-style aqueduct that transitions from the spa into the pool, and the hand carved fire-water features at each end of the room. The aqueduct is a key relevance to the style which portrays an ancient cultural method of elutriating stagnant bath water with a continuous supply of fresh water. Each elaborately hand carved feature sets a mood of Greek architectural expression in this space. The two fire-water features at each end of the pool and all of the column structural support depict a ‘Doric’ style consisting of channeled columns. Also, to enhance this space with a full perspective of Greek-Roman style, the convex ceiling depicts a vision of an opened-ceiling that reveals a fully animated Greek-mythological star setting created by fiber optic lighting. Geothermal technology is the primary source for heating and cooling the pool and spa. Although they appear to be one body of water, they are independent so the spa can be maintained at 103degrees all year round. Photography: Daniel Driensky

Sun Control of Minnesota is a family owned and operated business that offers Professional Window Tinting Services. We first started out in one office with two part time installers, and we have now grown our business with over 15 employees badge-1980and four different locations in the metro area. We continue to expand our relationships with customers, as well as our service and quality of work. We offer a complete line of Window Tinting services for Automotive, Commercial, Residential, & Marine applications. Our products include Decorative Frost Films, for glass enhancement; Safety/ Security Films, for Anti-Theft and Blast Protection; and 3M Paint Protection Film, for Automotive Rock Chip Prevention. We focus on helping our customers reduce damaging UV rays, excessive solar heat gain, and glare from their interior spaces. UV rays, solar heat, and visible light are the main contributors to fading concerns in homes. Window Film reduces these elements to provide a beautiful view without having to close out the natural sunlight with a shade or blind. We provide the quality that competitors can’t even touch. Our Mission is to Provide the Highest Quality Service, Products, and Installation in the Solar Energy Control Tint & Glass Film industry.

We had the opportunity to renovate this space, which needed a lot of updating. The client wanted to update the finishes throughout their home, allowing for a more inviting feel. They wanted a more modern look while also upgrading those cabinets with durable materials that would last a lifetime. We used all new custom cabinets made of rich wood and premium hardware to achieve this goal. We continued throughout each room; fresh paint, lighting packages, and appliances enhance an area's design and create cohesiveness throughout the house.

The site descends from the street and is privileged with dynamic natural views toward a creek below and beyond. To incorporate the existing landscape into the daily life of the residents, the house steps down to the natural topography. A continuous and jogging retaining wall from outside to inside embeds the structure below natural grade at the front with flush transitions at its rear facade. All indoor spaces open up to a central courtyard which terraces down to the tree canopy, creating a readily visible and occupiable transitional space between man-made and nature. The courtyard scheme is simplified by two wings representing common and private zones - connected by a glass dining “bridge." This transparent volume also visually connects the front yard to the courtyard, clearing for the prospect view, while maintaining a subdued street presence. The staircase acts as a vertical “knuckle,” mediating shifting wing angles while contrasting the predominant horizontality of the house. Crips materiality and detailing, deep roof overhangs, and the one-and-half story wall at the rear further enhance the connection between outdoors and indoors, providing nuanced natural lighting throughout and a meaningful framed procession through the property. Photography Charles Davis Smith

The Ackerman-Dater House was built in 1745 and is the recipient of the prestigious State of New Jersey Historic Preservation Award. Ensuing years had taken their toll on the house and major intervention was needed when the owners engaged Morpurgo Architects to restore their home. Our collaboration has protected and preserved this house, perpetuating its continued use. Today, the Ackerman-Dater House is a historic residence that incorporates various contextual building periods, each in harmony with the original, producing a cohesive whole. With the sensitively-placed addition of a new wing, compatible with the style of the existing architecture, we enhanced the Ackerman-Dater House and ensured that it would meet the functional needs of a family living in current times. Preservation of the Ackerman-Dater House maintains the character and history of our mutual past, benefiting the entire community. For our exceptional restoration, client, contractor and Morpurgo Architects were presented with the NJ State and the Bergen County Historic Preservation Awards.

The site descends from the street and is privileged with dynamic natural views toward a creek below and beyond. To incorporate the existing landscape into the daily life of the residents, the house steps down to the natural topography. A continuous and jogging retaining wall from outside to inside embeds the structure below natural grade at the front with flush transitions at its rear facade. All indoor spaces open up to a central courtyard which terraces down to the tree canopy, creating a readily visible and occupiable transitional space between man-made and nature. The courtyard scheme is simplified by two wings representing common and private zones - connected by a glass dining “bridge." This transparent volume also visually connects the front yard to the courtyard, clearing for the prospect view, while maintaining a subdued street presence. The staircase acts as a vertical “knuckle,” mediating shifting wing angles while contrasting the predominant horizontality of the house. Crips materiality and detailing, deep roof overhangs, and the one-and-half story wall at the rear further enhance the connection between outdoors and indoors, providing nuanced natural lighting throughout and a meaningful framed procession through the property. Photography Charles Davis Smith

Lachlan - Modin Rigid Collection Installed throughout customer's beautiful home. Influenced by classic Nordic design. Surprisingly flexible with furnishings. Amplify by continuing the clean modern aesthetic, or punctuate with statement pieces. The Modin Rigid luxury vinyl plank flooring collection is the new standard in resilient flooring. Modin Rigid offers true embossed-in-register texture, creating a surface that is convincing to the eye and to the touch; a low sheen level to ensure a natural look that wears well over time; four-sided enhanced bevels to more accurately emulate the look of real wood floors; wider and longer waterproof planks; an industry-leading wear layer; and a pre-attached underlayment.

The exterior of this historic beauty, long in need of repair, was in poor condition. Stucco cracks, paint deterioration, holes in the garage walls, and a dilapidated patio cover created daunting challenges. We carefully and respectfully addressed these issues, breathing new life into the home while maintaining its original charm. Modern enhancements were central to the project’s success. We thoughtfully preserved the existing structure and carefully considered the design lines to ensure rhythm and continuity. We masterfully balanced symmetry and asymmetry, particularly in the new back patio design, which extends the living space and adds a visually cohesive element to the rear of the home. The choice of materials and colors highlights the home’s Spanish Colonial character, with a mix of textures and contrasting hues emphasizing key architectural features. Durable porcelain tiles on the patio floor provide function, safety and beauty. The color palette creates clear transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, enhancing flow and safety. The homeowners desired an updated, functional space while preserving the home’s historic characteristics. We navigated the complexities of working with a historic property, coordinating with the Historic Preservation Office to ensure all updates followed established guidelines. We fully realized the homeowner’s vision for a beautiful and functional outdoor space, meeting their need for an inviting outdoor entertaining area.

The Arcadia Louvered Roof enhances the beauty of any style home and provides the flexibility of having an open roof when the weather is good or a solid roof to keep the rain off your patio when the weather turns bad. Eco-friendly Construction The Arcadia system is made up of recycled aluminum making it an extremely Green product. It is also eco-friendly, helping consumers save on passive solar heating and cooling. We Think Green Arcadia is proud to continue the company's tradition with its approach to Environmental Innovation. From the choice of lightweight materials and lean production methods to the efficiency of its drive system and designs, Arcadia is committed to operating as a more sustainable business and reducing its overall environmental impact. High-quality Building Materials Each Arcadia system is a work of art, constructed with care and attention to every little detail. Our system is powered coated, extruded aluminum with stainless steel components giving us the most durable louvered roof on the market today. From our superior drive system, which is UL & CE certified, down to the stainless steel tex screws that secures the system together. Nothing but the best! Our low-maintenance components eliminate painting, staining, and waterproofing of traditional shading structures. Using powder-coated aluminum construction prevents warping, cracking, and corrosion. Photographed by: Roger Chafin

This San Francisco home wanted to diffuse light from the upper levels down throughout the lower levels. Blank and Cables custom fabricated a floating staircase with a glass guardrail to spread light throughout the multi-level home. Blackened steel rides along the staircase in one continuous run to enhance the “floating effect” created from the wall anchored treads. This modern home office is the entry pt for lighting throughout the entire house. From here the light shines down to the lower levels where it is evenly dispersed from the floating staircase that winds through the center of the house.

This thoughtfully executed renovation has transformed a beloved family home into a retirement-ready haven. The design, anchored by a family heirloom—a shoji door made by the owner's father—brings a sense of history and warmth with its rich wood tones. The reimagined kitchen shines with increased space and light, becoming a baker's dream, while maintaining its functionality for everyday use. Alongside, the powder room and laundry have received functional upgrades, enhancing the home's overall efficiency. Every detail is a blend of personal legacy and modern living, ensuring this home continues to be a place of comfort and ease for years to come.

The Arcadia Louvered Roof enhances the beauty of any style home and provides the flexibility of having an open roof when the weather is good or a solid roof to keep the rain off your patio when the weather turns bad. Eco-friendly Construction The Arcadia system is made up of recycled aluminum making it an extremely Green product. It is also eco-friendly, helping consumers save on passive solar heating and cooling. We Think Green Arcadia is proud to continue the company's tradition with its approach to Environmental Innovation. From the choice of lightweight materials and lean production methods to the efficiency of its drive system and designs, Arcadia is committed to operating as a more sustainable business and reducing its overall environmental impact. High-quality Building Materials Each Arcadia system is a work of art, constructed with care and attention to every little detail. Our system is powered coated, extruded aluminum with stainless steel components giving us the most durable louvered roof on the market today. From our superior drive system, which is UL & CE certified, down to the stainless steel tex screws that secures the system together. Nothing but the best! Our low-maintenance components eliminate painting, staining, and waterproofing of traditional shading structures. Using powder-coated aluminum construction prevents warping, cracking, and corrosion. Photographed by: Roger Chafin

Step down into the cozy master bedroom with many custom features to enhance form and function. The wood staircase winds up and around to the left to access the private art studio above. Enjoy the gas fireplace with a hand applied stucco surround and custom finished driftwood mantle. Hunter Douglas Provenance Woven Wood blinds are the top-down style for privacy and natural light. Wall switches at each bedside allow for easy access to switch plug-in lights on/off. An extra closet (pictured) takes advantage of space under the stairs for storage. An extra closet (not pictured) is designed as a tall coat closet and augments the storage in the his and hers closets to either side of the fireplace (not shown). Continue around to the master bathroom with a ventless stacking washer and dryer (not shown).

An unusual and exceptionally beautiful work of art, the Carriage Crib, like the carriages of old it is modeled after, transports children to a time and place where prancing white horses, flowing gowns, and suits-of-armor are part of daily life. The crib cleverly holds a standard round mattress that is perfect for sleeping, as well as for transporting Cinderella to the ball. The carriage, wheels, balustrades and trim are painted different colors and accented by customizable fabrics for the crib cover and pillows. A variety of accessories, including a colorful, fringed canopy and assortment of pillows ensure the Carriage Crib will enhance fairytale themes and bedroom designs for both boys and girls. SAFETY A sturdy railing encloses the crib to prevent babies and small children from falling out, and meets current crib safety standards. Edges are rounded, and wheels are immobile to ensure the carriage remains stationary. The entire railing is removable, and enables the child to continue to use the carriage as a bed with a toddler mattress. STORAGE The rear suitcase box is used for both storage and as a changing table. A standard changing pad fits perfectly on the top.

While this new home had an architecturally striking exterior, the home’s interior fell short in terms of true functionality and overall style. The most critical element in this renovation was the kitchen and dining area, which needed careful attention to bring it to the level that suited the home and the homeowners. As a graduate of Culinary Institute of America, our client wanted a kitchen that “feels like a restaurant, with the warmth of a home kitchen,” where guests can gather over great food, great wine, and truly feel comfortable in the open concept home. Although it follows a typical chef’s galley layout, the unique design solutions and unusual materials set it apart from the typical kitchen design. Polished countertops, laminated and stainless cabinets fronts, and professional appliances are complemented by the introduction of wood, glass, and blackened metal – materials introduced in the overall design of the house. Unique features include a wall clad in walnut for dangling heavy pots and utensils; a floating, sculptural walnut countertop piece housing an herb garden; an open pantry that serves as a coffee bar and wine station; and a hanging chalkboard that hides a water heater closet and features different coffee offerings available to guests. The dining area addition, enclosed by windows, continues to vivify the organic elements and brings in ample natural light, enhancing the darker finishes and creating additional warmth. Photography by Ira Montgomery

Positioned as the centerpiece of this home, this grand white oak staircase anchors the space. Warm white oak treads provide a natural foundation, complemented by intricate iron balusters that add traditional elegance. The combination of organic wood warmth and detailed metalwork creates a timeless aesthetic that suits the home's luxurious character. The staircase connects levels while serving as a refined focal point that enhances the overall ambiance. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

We had the opportunity to renovate this space, which needed a lot of updating. The client wanted to update the finishes throughout their home, allowing for a more inviting feel. They wanted a more modern look while also upgrading those cabinets with durable materials that would last a lifetime. We used all new custom cabinets made of rich wood and premium hardware to achieve this goal. We continued throughout each room; fresh paint, lighting packages, and appliances enhance an area's design and create cohesiveness throughout the house.