Surrounded by trees to the north and old farm buildings, the Agnew Farmhouse naturally took shape to capture the expansive southern views of the prairie on which it resides. Inspired from the rural venacular of the property, the home was designed for an engaged couple looking to spend their days on the family farm. Built next to the original house on the property, a story of past, present, and future continues to be written. The south facing porch is shaded by the upper level and offers easy access from yard to the heart of the home. North Dakota offers challenging weather, so naturally a south-west facing garage to melt the snow from the driveway is often required. This also allowed for the the garage to be hidden from sight as you approach the home from the NE. Respecting its surroundings, the home emphasizes modern design and simple farmer logic to create a home for the couple to begin their marriage and grow old together. Cheers to what was, what is, and what's to come... Tim Anderson

The client requested a kitchen that would not only provide a great space to cook and enjoy family meals but one that would fit in with her unique design sense. An avid collector of contemporary art, she wanted something unexpected in her 100-year-old home in both color and finishes but still providing a great layout with improved lighting, storage, and superior cooking abilities. The existing kitchen was in a closed off space trapped between the family room and the living. If you were in the kitchen, you were isolated from the rest of the house. Making the kitchen an integrated part of the home was a paramount request. Step one, remove the wall separating the kitchen from the other rooms in the home which allowed the new kitchen to become an integrated space instead of an isolation room for the cook. Next, we relocated the pantry access which was in the family room to the kitchen integrating a poorly used recess which had become a catch all area which did not provide any usable space for storage or working area. To add valuable function in the kitchen we began by capturing unused "cubbies", adding a walk-in pantry from the kitchen, increasing the storage lost to un-needed drop ceilings and bring light and design to the space with a new large awning window, improved lighting, and combining interesting finishes and colors to reflect the artistic attitude of the client. A bathroom located above the kitchen had been leaking into the plaster ceiling for several years. That along with knob and tube wiring, rotted beams and a brick wall from the back of the fireplace in the adjacent living room all needed to be brought to code. The walls, ceiling and floors in this 100+ year old home were completely out of level and the room’s foot print could not be increased. The choice of a Sub-Zero wolf product is a standard in my kitchen designs. The quality of the product, its manufacturing and commitment to food preservation is the reason I specify Sub Zero Wolf. For the cook top, the integrated line of the contemporary cooktop and the signature red knobs against the navy blue of the cabinets added to the design vibe of the kitchen. The cooking performance and the large continuous grate on the cooktop makes it an obvious choice for a cook looking for a great cook top with professional results in a more streamlined profile. We selected a Sharp microwave drawer for the island, an XO wine refrigerator, Bosch dishwasher and Kitchen Aid double convection wall ovens to round out the appliance package. A recess created by the fireplace was outfitted with a cabinet which now holds small appliances within easy reach of my very petite client. Natural maple accents were used inside all the wall cabinets and repeated on the front of the hood and for the sliding door appliance cabinet and the floating shelves. This allows a brighter interior for the painted cabinets instead of the traditional same interior as exterior finish choice. The was an amazing transformation from the old to the new. The final touches are the honey bronze hardware from Top Knobs, Mitzi pendants from Hudson Valley Lighting group, a fabulous faucet from Brizo. To eliminate the old freestanding bottled water cooler, we specified a matching water filter faucet.

A ground up design and build of a modern seven bedroom primary residence incorporating sustainable design principles built for an international family of four. The concept revolved around the need for environmental sustainability while having plentiful communal spaces to create ease for a vibrant family and their guests. Equally important was that the private spaces functioned as a retreat. Natural light creates shifting patterns on the opposing wall of the glass paned hallway leading from the main house past the guest bedrooms and to the master suite. Subtle color palette and interior design use contrasting tactile elements to create an environment of luxury and accessibility. The views of the pool and garden through the large and continuous windows enable an ever-present connection to nature.

BlueStar Regional Winner Suzanne & Gary Shumaker, Shumaker Design + Build Associates Location: Evanston, IL Project Name: Elm This Mid-century home on Chicago’s North Shore was re-imagined with Mid-century modern sensibilities. The kitchen was expanded to take advantage of clear views through the sunroom, now dining room, celebrating garden views and connecting the family living spaces to the new and now light filled Kitchen. The uncluttered work spaces of the kitchen were crafted to provide continuous traffic flow and access for a family that cooks together. The result is a space that is warm, open and inviting, while holding the clean Mid-century modern lines re-introduced to this house throughout the first floor living room, dining room and foyer spaces.

A ground up design and build of a modern seven bedroom primary residence incorporating sustainable design principles built for an international family of four. The concept revolved around the need for environmental sustainability while having plentiful communal spaces to create ease for a vibrant family and their guests. Equally important was that the private spaces functioned as a retreat. Natural light creates shifting patterns on the opposing wall of the glass paned hallway leading from the main house past the guest bedrooms and to the master suite. Subtle color palette and interior design use contrasting tactile elements to create an environment of luxury and accessibility. The views of the pool and garden through the large and continuous windows enable an ever-present connection to nature.

Branksome Road Set within a Bournemouth conservation zone; Branksome Woods provided the challenge of designing additional, modern space for a growing family whilst respecting sensitive contextual conditions. Footprint Architects responded by continuing the existing roofline across the property, providing an extra two bedrooms whilst also allowing the proposal to blend seamlessly with the properties existing form, whilst breathing new life into the look of the dated building. On the ground floor, the kitchen and dinning area were re-organised and extended out from the property in a brick form that exhibits views of the garden, with an alternative contrasting timber rear entrance to provide improved access to the house from the drive and garage. The design changes have transformed the quality and functionality of Branksome Woods, providing modern additional space, with a minimal impact on the surrounding context. The project was completed in November 2017.

HISTORIC DISTRICT OF KALORAMA, A THREE-STORY BRICK CITY HOME IS RENOVATED AND ADDED TO. A DARK CONSERVATORY FORM IS ADDED CONTINUOUSLY ALONG THE BACK OF THE HOUSE SOLVING CIRCULATION ISSUES AND ADDING SPACE FOR A BREAKFAST ROOM. THE ADDITION REFERENCES CONSERVATORIES DESIGNED DURING THE TIME, THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN THE ORIGINAL HISTORIC HOME AND THE NEW CONTRASTING ADDITION IS CLEAR. THE UPPER LANDING OF THE MAIN STAIRWAY WAS CHANGED TO WINDERS. THE BENEFIT OF WHICH PURCHASES ENOUGH RISE TO ALLOW CIRCULATION BELOW THE WINDERS ALLOWING ACCESS AND VIEW TO THE BACK GARDENS. INFORMAL KITCHEN, FAMILY AND BREAKFAST WERE OPENED UP TO ADDRESS MODERN LIVING, THE PARENTHESIS OF THE ORIGINAL ROOMS WAS LEFT CLEARLY DEFINED. BRICK WALLS ARE ALSO ADDED TO THE FRONT ACT AS A BASE ON THE FRONT.

This custom-build banquette was created onsite by our team to lower production costs. With the direction of J Peterson Design, no detail was left unattended. The shaker panels are just the right height so that the continuous baseboard doesn't interfere with the design. Integrated outlets for easy electronic charging and under-seating access panel to ensure local code-compliance. This banquette is not only functional but it's our favorite banquette done thus far because it was done correctly from the start. Did I mention the seating height is ideal?

BlueStar Regional Winner Suzanne & Gary Shumaker, Shumaker Design + Build Associates Location: Evanston, IL Project Name: Elm This Mid-century home on Chicago’s North Shore was re-imagined with Mid-century modern sensibilities. The kitchen was expanded to take advantage of clear views through the sunroom, now dining room, celebrating garden views and connecting the family living spaces to the new and now light filled Kitchen. The uncluttered work spaces of the kitchen were crafted to provide continuous traffic flow and access for a family that cooks together. The result is a space that is warm, open and inviting, while holding the clean Mid-century modern lines re-introduced to this house throughout the first floor living room, dining room and foyer spaces.

Beyond the grand stone veneer entrance, a breezeway opens to a stunning outdoor living space with views of Sarasota bay. Over 1,000 square feet of flagstone decking lays right up to the edge of the rock waterfall pool, the stonework continues around to an outdoor shower made with three large boulders and massive stone steps to a secret tropical pathway behind the pool grotto. From here you can climb the grotto rocks and jump into the swimming pool, or meander on to the tiki hut. Once in the pool, the the swim up ledge in the grotto can be accessed from the pool’s sun shelf and is large enough to stand in. If the walk-through grotto doesn’t make this one of the best lagoons in Florida, there is a fire pit peninsula between the lounge chairs on the sun shelf and the in-pool seating cove next to the oversize spa to maximize the space. Photo: Geza Darrah

A ground up design and build of a modern seven bedroom primary residence incorporating sustainable design principles built for an international family of four. The concept revolved around the need for environmental sustainability while having plentiful communal spaces to create ease for a vibrant family and their guests. Equally important was that the private spaces functioned as a retreat. Natural light creates shifting patterns on the opposing wall of the glass paned hallway leading from the main house past the guest bedrooms and to the master suite. Subtle color palette and interior design use contrasting tactile elements to create an environment of luxury and accessibility. The views of the pool and garden through the large and continuous windows enable an ever-present connection to nature.

Here’s a polished paragraph for you: We took what was once a poorly finished flipper’s space and transformed it into a properly built, functional laundry room and bathroom designed with this growing family in mind. With a newborn on the way, every detail mattered — from creating an open, accessible layout for effortless laundry, to building a comfortable, safe area to bathe the baby. Thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, and smart planning came together to deliver a space that not only works beautifully today, but will make life easier for this family as they continue to grow.

Branksome Road Set within a Bournemouth conservation zone; Branksome Woods provided the challenge of designing additional, modern space for a growing family whilst respecting sensitive contextual conditions. Footprint Architects responded by continuing the existing roofline across the property, providing an extra two bedrooms whilst also allowing the proposal to blend seamlessly with the properties existing form, whilst breathing new life into the look of the dated building. On the ground floor, the kitchen and dinning area were re-organised and extended out from the property in a brick form that exhibits views of the garden, with an alternative contrasting timber rear entrance to provide improved access to the house from the drive and garage. The design changes have transformed the quality and functionality of Branksome Woods, providing modern additional space, with a minimal impact on the surrounding context. The project was completed in November 2017.

Branksome Road Set within a Bournemouth conservation zone; Branksome Woods provided the challenge of designing additional, modern space for a growing family whilst respecting sensitive contextual conditions. Footprint Architects responded by continuing the existing roofline across the property, providing an extra two bedrooms whilst also allowing the proposal to blend seamlessly with the properties existing form, whilst breathing new life into the look of the dated building. On the ground floor, the kitchen and dinning area were re-organised and extended out from the property in a brick form that exhibits views of the garden, with an alternative contrasting timber rear entrance to provide improved access to the house from the drive and garage. The design changes have transformed the quality and functionality of Branksome Woods, providing modern additional space, with a minimal impact on the surrounding context. The project was completed in November 2017.

This luxurious pool exemplifies seamless design continuity, perfectly integrating the house with its surrounding outdoor spaces. The pool flows effortlessly to the covered outdoor area, complete with an inviting TV lounge for ultimate relaxation. The layout encourages interaction, with pathways and stepping areas allowing easy access to the opposite side of the pool. Elegantly designed fire features and travertine finishes further enhance the cohesive aesthetic, creating a harmonious lakeside retreat.

Mark Hoyle Originally, this 3700 SF two level eclectic farmhouse from the mid 1980’s underwent design changes to reflect a more colonial style. Now, after being completely renovated with additional 2800 SF living space, it’s combined total of 6500 SF boasts an Energy Star certification of 5 stars. Approaching this completed home, you will meander along a new driveway through the dense buffer of trees until you reach the clearing, and then circle a tiered fountain on axis with the front entry accentuating the symmetrical main structure. Many of the exterior changes included enclosing the front porch and rear screened porch, replacing windows, replacing all the vinyl siding with and fiber cement siding, creating a new front stoop with winding brick stairs and wrought iron railings as will as other additions to the left and rear of the home. The existing interior was completely fro the studs and included modifying uses of many of the existing rooms such as converting the original dining room into an oval shaped theater with reclining theater seats, fiber-optic starlight ceiling and an 80” television with built-in surround sound. The laundry room increased in size by taking in the porch and received all new cabinets and finishes. The screened porch across the back of the house was enclosed to create a new dining room, enlarged the kitchen, all of which allows for a commanding view of the beautifully landscaped pool. The upper master suite begins by entering a private office then leads to a newly vaulted bedroom, a new master bathroom with natural light and an enlarged closet. The major portion of the addition space was added to the left side as a part time home for the owner’s brother. This new addition boasts an open plan living, dining and kitchen, a master suite with a luxurious bathroom and walk–in closet, a guest suite, a garage and its own private gated brick courtyard entry and direct access to the well appointed pool patio. And finally the last part of the project is the sunroom and new lagoon style pool. Tucked tightly against the rear of the home. This room was created to feel like a gazebo including a metal roof and stained wood ceiling, the foundation of this room was constructed with the pool to insure the look as if it is floating on the water. The pool’s negative edge opposite side allows open views of the trees beyond. There is a natural stone waterfall on one side of the pool and a shallow area on the opposite side for lounge chairs to be placed in it along with a hot tub that spills into the pool. The coping completes the pool’s natural shape and continues to the patio utilizing the same stone but separated by Zoysia grass keeping the natural theme. The finishing touches to this backyard oasis is completed utilizing large boulders, Tempest Torches, architectural lighting and abundant variety of landscaping complete the oasis for all to enjoy.

Design detail: Sliding barn door continues the reclaimed feel and maximizes space Recipient of 2018 Regional Best Bath Remodel over $75,000 - Team Award - DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen Bay Area & Project Guru Design

Here’s a polished paragraph for you: We took what was once a poorly finished flipper’s space and transformed it into a properly built, functional laundry room and bathroom designed with this growing family in mind. With a newborn on the way, every detail mattered — from creating an open, accessible layout for effortless laundry, to building a comfortable, safe area to bathe the baby. Thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, and smart planning came together to deliver a space that not only works beautifully today, but will make life easier for this family as they continue to grow.

Summer has a way of inspiring fresh starts. Whether you're relocating, looking for your first home, or searching for a neighborhood that better fits your lifestyle, July is an excellent time to explore the growing opportunities available in East Austin. With its vibrant culture, expanding amenities, and convenient access to some of the city's most popular destinations, East Austin continues to attract homebuyers looking for more than just a place to live—they're looking for a place to belong. At Arden Springdale, homeowners can enjoy thoughtfully designed residences in a community that embraces modern living while remaining connected to the character that makes East Austin unique.