Inspiration for a modern white tile and porcelain tile brown floor corner shower remodel in Toronto with gray walls, an undermount sink and quartzite countertops

Paul Dyer
Inspiration for a contemporary master freestanding bathtub remodel in San Francisco with an undermount sink, beige cabinets and beige walls

Inspiration for a rustic brown one-story wood gable roof remodel in Seattle

u2014 ALE: Wayne Rain Garden Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association u2014 ALE: Wayne Rain Garden Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence winner Category: Residential Up to $15,000 Award Level: Gold Project Description: Our company was contracted by the client to provide a creative solution to an ongoing drainage problem. Their property is located within 30 feet of a local stream that collects storm water from the surrounding area. The nearby stream and high water table caused the lawn area at the side of their home to flood and to remain waterlogged for a few days after each storm. The client not only had difficulty growing plants in the existing conditions, but also had a problem with mosquitoes due to standing water. Our goal was to design a self-contained, naturalistic rain garden that slowed storm water runoff, allowed for percolation, and promoted infiltration while permitting excess clean water to enter the nearby stream with diminished force. As designed, the rain garden allows the earth to slowly and more naturally absorb excess storm water while filtering out toxins such as excess nitrogen and phosphorous which are frequently found in the landscape, therefore reducing the contaminants entering the stream. A percolation test was conducted with criteria of absorbing a one-inch rainstorm within four hours without overflow. The one-inch storm calculation included an existing downspout from the home, which would be piped into the rain garden to reduce roof runoff. The first test failed due to a deep layer of high clay-content soil. Excavation continued until a layer of sandy loam was reached, the percolation test was repeated, and a successful test result was achieved. Next, the entire rain garden basin was excavated to the sandy loam layer and the soil amended with compost and sand to create a highly porous planting media. Geotextile fabric was placed to help reduce migration of the surface stone into the soil and allow for minimal maintenance. Gravel, river stone and small boulders were carefully placed to achieve the look of a natural streambed. A palette of mostly native plants with a few non-invasive ornamentals were chosen for their ability to survive in extreme conditions ranging from floods to drought and were placed according to their specific preferences. Wetland plants were chosen for the lowest portion of the rain garden as that area remains saturated for longer periods of time, with a Chionanthus virginicus as a focal point surrounded by irises and ferns at the lowest depth. Plants tolerant of drier conditions were chosen for the upper edges of the garden. The beautiful colors of Monarda, Ligularia, Eupatorium, Solidago, Chelone, and Rudbeckia were scattered within the upper edge, while movement and softness were incorporated by use of the graceful Nassella that lines the border. Finally, winter interest was provided with a backdrop of Cornus sericea. As built, this small rain garden creates tremendous impact by decreasing the amount of storm water runoff not only on our client's property, but also in the neighboring stream. It serves as a means of slowing the water and providing an area for infiltration back into the earth. The plants provide a habitat for birds, butterflies, and insects, working in harmony with nature and providing beautiful visual interest year-round. Photo Credit: Lisa C. Falls

Photo: Ten Ten Creative
Wet bar - transitional single-wall dark wood floor and brown floor wet bar idea in Dallas with shaker cabinets, black cabinets, black backsplash, subway tile backsplash and gray countertops

Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless master gray tile alcove shower remodel in Austin with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink and quartz countertops

This is an organic Lime Wash done with a true lime wash product as opposed to a brick mortar or concrete that is often seen on new houses. This product can be applied as a solid coating making the surface completely white, or can be applied and "washed off" in many artistic ways, as seen here. If you hate your brick or just want something unique this is a great option! Photo credit: Jeff Murrey

Example of a mid-sized trendy medium tone wood floor and brown floor front door design in Denver with white walls and a glass front door

Freestanding bathtub - large contemporary master white tile and stone slab marble floor and white floor freestanding bathtub idea in Phoenix with quartzite countertops, white countertops, a built-in vanity, white cabinets and a niche

Glassed in shower and double sinks of the primary bathroom at Boxwood Hill.
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional master marble tile marble floor and double-sink freestanding bathtub remodel in Baltimore with blue cabinets, gray walls, marble countertops and a hinged shower door

Wet room - mid-sized contemporary master white tile and ceramic tile mosaic tile floor and beige floor wet room idea in Phoenix with white walls, quartzite countertops and a hinged shower door

The phone rings early in the morning, and it’s a long-time client who treats our team of skilled craftsmen like family, continually lauding our work. It’s these types of clients we all have and all love and, of course, will drop anything to help. As I navigate my usual morning commute, I’m greeted by a forlorn sigh and the description of the freak-fire which destroyed their beloved outdoor living area (along with the home’s family room, kitchen, and master bedroom). Getting past the initial shock, we had to act quickly to ensure their safety. Quite the start to the morning. Challenges with this project run deeper than just the build: security of the entire affected area, good and sensitive communication, and navigating a pandemic lockdown can cause even the strongest-willed person to throw their hands up and call it quits. When the fire broke out, it took out the entire backyard and portions of the home, making the structure unlivable. We needed to mitigate the fire damage and make sure the house was secure against break-ins, but also, no damage existed that could cause harm to the neighbors. It’s these moments where relationships matter. The client needed a trusted and established partner to begin the rebuilding process. Professional knowledge is only one part of the puzzle. It’s here an empathetic ear, and extra solace goes far to remind the client all can be rebuilt. Lastly, none of us saw the difficulties a pandemic would bring. At a time when a person was about to use every square foot of their home to shelter-in-place, our client would be in the middle of a rebuild with no use of their beautiful outdoor living area to get through the day. Luckily, we were able to work with the city of Clyde Hill and continue through an emergency services waiver. What was done? The outdoor living area included a complete rebuild of the gazebo, including a large sitting area and fire pit. Stone patios were replaced, and additional stone was chosen to create a secondary, uncovered living area with a fire pit to enjoy during the summer months. The build is a testament to superb craftsmanship and design. However, we believe excellence also includes the holistic approach to listen deeply, empathize and understand a client’s history, external pressures of the world, and build community and relationship.

Great room - tropical great room idea in Miami with white walls

Concrete can be made to look like any substance. Tile, stone, wood, brick, etc. With unlimited color options, Ky-Kan Coatings can transform any room in your home or business using lightweight, beautiful concrete.

This project was done for a professional couple who had two children and a grandchild move back home due to the Pandemic. We helped the family add over 600 SF to their living space that they desperately needed. The home is a brick home built in the 1980s. The area we had to work with was an atrium (We don’t see many of those these days!) and a garage that would be closed in. They needed an additional room & storage space including a mechanical room for the AC that would service this area and expanded office space. The primary difficulties were making the project not look like a closed garage and reframing the roof that had a valley that terminated at the atrium. We were able to raise + level the floor of the garage so that it was equal to the rest of the home. We also matched windows put into the garage to other windows on the front of the house creating design continuity. Often when we do garage conversions, we uncouple the drive way from the house to avoid the closed in garage appearance. Unfortunately, on this project that was not possible because of the need for maximum parking. But with the design consistency, the conversion appears seamless with the house. The roof framing turned out to be more problematic than we had anticipated because the garage roof had been created with trusses whereas the rest of the roof had been traditionally framed. That combined with the open atrium falling in the roof valley made the infill framing a challenge. Ultimately, we were able to fill in the roof over the atrium so that it looks like it was always there. Where there had once been a garage door, there was now a bedroom wall with two large windows. In addition to the two large windows, light-colored paint and flooring also contributed to the brightness of the new space. The bedroom has a walk-in closet with built-in shelving. On the other side, we created a large storage space for the family to use since they no longer have their garage for storage.

This project was done for a professional couple who had two children and a grandchild move back home due to the Pandemic. We helped the family add over 600 SF to their living space that they desperately needed. The home is a brick home built in the 1980s. The area we had to work with was an atrium (We don’t see many of those these days!) and a garage that would be closed in. They needed an additional room & storage space including a mechanical room for the AC that would service this area and expanded office space. The primary difficulties were making the project not look like a closed garage and reframing the roof that had a valley that terminated at the atrium. We were able to raise + level the floor of the garage so that it was equal to the rest of the home. We also matched windows put into the garage to other windows on the front of the house creating design continuity. Often when we do garage conversions, we uncouple the drive way from the house to avoid the closed in garage appearance. Unfortunately, on this project that was not possible because of the need for maximum parking. But with the design consistency, the conversion appears seamless with the house. The roof framing turned out to be more problematic than we had anticipated because the garage roof had been created with trusses whereas the rest of the roof had been traditionally framed. That combined with the open atrium falling in the roof valley made the infill framing a challenge. Ultimately, we were able to fill in the roof over the atrium so that it looks like it was always there. Where there had once been a garage door, there was now a bedroom wall with two large windows. In addition to the two large windows, light-colored paint and flooring also contributed to the brightness of the new space. The bedroom has a walk-in closet with built-in shelving. On the other side, we created a large storage space for the family to use since they no longer have their garage for storage.

This project was done for a professional couple who had two children and a grandchild move back home due to the Pandemic. We helped the family add over 600 SF to their living space that they desperately needed. The home is a brick home built in the 1980s. The area we had to work with was an atrium (We don’t see many of those these days!) and a garage that would be closed in. They needed an additional room & storage space including a mechanical room for the AC that would service this area and expanded office space. The primary difficulties were making the project not look like a closed garage and reframing the roof that had a valley that terminated at the atrium. We were able to raise + level the floor of the garage so that it was equal to the rest of the home. We also matched windows put into the garage to other windows on the front of the house creating design continuity. Often when we do garage conversions, we uncouple the drive way from the house to avoid the closed in garage appearance. Unfortunately, on this project that was not possible because of the need for maximum parking. But with the design consistency, the conversion appears seamless with the house. The roof framing turned out to be more problematic than we had anticipated because the garage roof had been created with trusses whereas the rest of the roof had been traditionally framed. That combined with the open atrium falling in the roof valley made the infill framing a challenge. Ultimately, we were able to fill in the roof over the atrium so that it looks like it was always there. Where there had once been a garage door, there was now a bedroom wall with two large windows. In addition to the two large windows, light-colored paint and flooring also contributed to the brightness of the new space. The bedroom has a walk-in closet with built-in shelving. On the other side, we created a large storage space for the family to use since they no longer have their garage for storage.

This project was done for a professional couple who had two children and a grandchild move back home due to the Pandemic. We helped the family add over 600 SF to their living space that they desperately needed. The home is a brick home built in the 1980s. The area we had to work with was an atrium (We don’t see many of those these days!) and a garage that would be closed in. They needed an additional room & storage space including a mechanical room for the AC that would service this area and expanded office space. The primary difficulties were making the project not look like a closed garage and reframing the roof that had a valley that terminated at the atrium. We were able to raise + level the floor of the garage so that it was equal to the rest of the home. We also matched windows put into the garage to other windows on the front of the house creating design continuity. Often when we do garage conversions, we uncouple the drive way from the house to avoid the closed in garage appearance. Unfortunately, on this project that was not possible because of the need for maximum parking. But with the design consistency, the conversion appears seamless with the house. The roof framing turned out to be more problematic than we had anticipated because the garage roof had been created with trusses whereas the rest of the roof had been traditionally framed. That combined with the open atrium falling in the roof valley made the infill framing a challenge. Ultimately, we were able to fill in the roof over the atrium so that it looks like it was always there. Where there had once been a garage door, there was now a bedroom wall with two large windows. In addition to the two large windows, light-colored paint and flooring also contributed to the brightness of the new space. The bedroom has a walk-in closet with built-in shelving. On the other side, we created a large storage space for the family to use since they no longer have their garage for storage.

This project was done for a professional couple who had two children and a grandchild move back home due to the Pandemic. We helped the family add over 600 SF to their living space that they desperately needed. The home is a brick home built in the 1980s. The area we had to work with was an atrium (We don’t see many of those these days!) and a garage that would be closed in. They needed an additional room & storage space including a mechanical room for the AC that would service this area and expanded office space. The primary difficulties were making the project not look like a closed garage and reframing the roof that had a valley that terminated at the atrium. We were able to raise + level the floor of the garage so that it was equal to the rest of the home. We also matched windows put into the garage to other windows on the front of the house creating design continuity. Often when we do garage conversions, we uncouple the drive way from the house to avoid the closed in garage appearance. Unfortunately, on this project that was not possible because of the need for maximum parking. But with the design consistency, the conversion appears seamless with the house. The roof framing turned out to be more problematic than we had anticipated because the garage roof had been created with trusses whereas the rest of the roof had been traditionally framed. That combined with the open atrium falling in the roof valley made the infill framing a challenge. Ultimately, we were able to fill in the roof over the atrium so that it looks like it was always there. Where there had once been a garage door, there was now a bedroom wall with two large windows. In addition to the two large windows, light-colored paint and flooring also contributed to the brightness of the new space. The bedroom has a walk-in closet with built-in shelving. On the other side, we created a large storage space for the family to use since they no longer have their garage for storage.