This very large corner site was shrouded in tired and thirsty conventional lawn. Really a bland, uninteresting monoculture—impossible to maintain especially in light of our dwindling resources and our growing understanding about sustainable practices. We chose to approach this project not with the idea that existing lawn is bad, but with respect for what lawn has historically represented: a socially connective tissue. Instead of conventional grass requiring endlessly large amounts of water, chemicals and mowing, this lawn conversion shifts to a naturalistic native meadow mix splashed with wildflowers and drought tolerant native shrubs. It was the clients’ desire to be wrapped by a garden attracting native pollinators and beneficial insects. A wildlife photographer, they wanted the opportunity to open windows and doors and feel immediately connected to a coastal native environment. The handsome new stone walls, stairs and massive boulders became the structural framework containing the loose, coastal sage scrub plant community, holding the landscape together during the dormant months. As we continue to grow our acceptance of and appreciation for climate appropriate California gardens, and embrace the paradigm shift, let us graciously bid adieu to our home’s unsustainable velvet robe.

This very large corner site was shrouded in tired and thirsty conventional lawn. Really a bland, uninteresting monoculture—impossible to maintain especially in light of our dwindling resources and our growing understanding about sustainable practices. We chose to approach this project not with the idea that existing lawn is bad, but with respect for what lawn has historically represented: a socially connective tissue. Instead of conventional grass requiring endlessly large amounts of water, chemicals and mowing, this lawn conversion shifts to a naturalistic native meadow mix splashed with wildflowers and drought tolerant native shrubs. It was the clients’ desire to be wrapped by a garden attracting native pollinators and beneficial insects. A wildlife photographer, they wanted the opportunity to open windows and doors and feel immediately connected to a coastal native environment. The handsome new stone walls, stairs and massive boulders became the structural framework containing the loose, coastal sage scrub plant community, holding the landscape together during the dormant months. As we continue to grow our acceptance of and appreciation for climate appropriate California gardens, and embrace the paradigm shift, let us graciously bid adieu to our home’s unsustainable velvet robe.

Our homeowners love to cook, bake, and entertain. They were dealing with the original builder grade cabinets that were falling apart and coming off the walls. They initially reached out to consider refacing, but realized a remodel was what they needed to reimagine the kitchen space and achieve the functionality they were looking for. We went to work understanding how they use their kitchen creating a design for the chef to be able to work while keeping people engaged and out of her workspace. They decided on a two-toned kitchen with Polar White and Pebble Gray cabinets. The countertops were done in Smoked Pearl quartz with a matching full splash creating a clean and continuous flow. We removed the existing peninsula and built a large island/prep area. Their guests can now walk directly into the living area without having to go through the kitchen. We also added seating on two sides of the island. To provide more functionality and storage, we relocated the refrigerator and added a double oven and pantry cabinets, rollout shelves, and various pullout storage solutions. Now our homeowners have the kitchen they never thought they could have. We are glad we could solve this kitchen for them!

Our homeowners love to cook, bake, and entertain. They were dealing with the original builder grade cabinets that were falling apart and coming off the walls. They initially reached out to consider refacing, but realized a remodel was what they needed to reimagine the kitchen space and achieve the functionality they were looking for. We went to work understanding how they use their kitchen creating a design for the chef to be able to work while keeping people engaged and out of her workspace. They decided on a two-toned kitchen with Polar White and Pebble Gray cabinets. The countertops were done in Smoked Pearl quartz with a matching full splash creating a clean and continuous flow. We removed the existing peninsula and built a large island/prep area. Their guests can now walk directly into the living area without having to go through the kitchen. We also added seating on two sides of the island. To provide more functionality and storage, we relocated the refrigerator and added a double oven and pantry cabinets, rollout shelves, and various pullout storage solutions. Now our homeowners have the kitchen they never thought they could have. We are glad we could solve this kitchen for them!

Our homeowners love to cook, bake, and entertain. They were dealing with the original builder grade cabinets that were falling apart and coming off the walls. They initially reached out to consider refacing, but realized a remodel was what they needed to reimagine the kitchen space and achieve the functionality they were looking for. We went to work understanding how they use their kitchen creating a design for the chef to be able to work while keeping people engaged and out of her workspace. They decided on a two-toned kitchen with Polar White and Pebble Gray cabinets. The countertops were done in Smoked Pearl quartz with a matching full splash creating a clean and continuous flow. We removed the existing peninsula and built a large island/prep area. Their guests can now walk directly into the living area without having to go through the kitchen. We also added seating on two sides of the island. To provide more functionality and storage, we relocated the refrigerator and added a double oven and pantry cabinets, rollout shelves, and various pullout storage solutions. Now our homeowners have the kitchen they never thought they could have. We are glad we could solve this kitchen for them!

Our homeowners love to cook, bake, and entertain. They were dealing with the original builder grade cabinets that were falling apart and coming off the walls. They initially reached out to consider refacing, but realized a remodel was what they needed to reimagine the kitchen space and achieve the functionality they were looking for. We went to work understanding how they use their kitchen creating a design for the chef to be able to work while keeping people engaged and out of her workspace. They decided on a two-toned kitchen with Polar White and Pebble Gray cabinets. The countertops were done in Smoked Pearl quartz with a matching full splash creating a clean and continuous flow. We removed the existing peninsula and built a large island/prep area. Their guests can now walk directly into the living area without having to go through the kitchen. We also added seating on two sides of the island. To provide more functionality and storage, we relocated the refrigerator and added a double oven and pantry cabinets, rollout shelves, and various pullout storage solutions. Now our homeowners have the kitchen they never thought they could have. We are glad we could solve this kitchen for them!

Embarking on a new journey with a client is always an exciting and inspiring time for Moderne Living. Building a relationship and translating our clients' vision calls for trust, collaboration and guidance, and it's a role we take immense pleasure and pride in fulfilling. Moderne Living was recently commissioned to carry out a transitional design project for a North Carolina home, which on the face of it could have presented obvious challenges due to the geographical difference. Not believing that distance should be an issue, we rose to the challenge. Through careful consultation, the client revealed their vision, in turn guiding our choices on their behalf. This led us to select the Euforia range by Montbel, whose design ethos encapsulates tradition, innovation and dynamism. We set out by developing a relationship with the client through telephone conversations, an investment in time that was absolutely crucial in contributing to the success of the project. Using the client's descriptions, ideas and floor plan, along with the talents of our designer, we were able to understand, give shape to and define the vision the client had in mind for their home. We chose Euforia dining chairs, armchairs and stools because their collections offer modern elegance perfectly balanced with supreme comfort. The range takes the best of classical design and reimagines it with character, flair and modern touches. Euforia blends traditional design hallmarks including tufting (buttoned upholstery) with familiar silhouettes, solid wood frames and upholstered seats and backs. Color options are varied with neutral tones or rich, bold shades. Modern details such as chrome footrests reminds us of the harmony that can be achieved when you blend the contemporary and classic. Each new client brings with them an ideal for their home, be it on a small or larger scale, and this helps shape our approach to each client and project. We understand that our clients' visions and ideals for their home are as diverse and individual as they are, calling for Moderne Living to offer and deliver diversified styles. As we look back on this project, what we will take away from the experience is not only the professional and personal satisfaction of realizing the client's vision, and doing so without the benefit of visiting the space, but also the experience of being able to draw on what inspires us. Delivering a diversity of styles for our clients, be it contemporary, transitional or modern, remains a great source of creative energy, and continues to inspire and motivate us in our work.

Great room - huge craftsman dark wood floor, brown floor and coffered ceiling great room idea in DC Metro with gray walls, a standard fireplace and a wood fireplace surround

Scandinavian exterior home idea in Portland Maine

QZ2705 HAILEE SCULPTED HANDCRAFTED CHANDELIER DESCRIPTION: Handcrafted chandelier of natural brass and plaster white. Descending crystal drops. At Alan Mizrahi Lighting Design, we especially emphasize exclusive creations, made by designers at home and abroad. No mass products, but one by one characteristic designs that offer you the possibility to add your own unique touch to your interior. Because of our close bonds with the designers, handmade designs are no problem. The possibilities are unlimited! In our continuing search for new discoveries, we often come in contact with original designers. That leads up to a continuing expansion of our stock. SPECIFICATIONS: Collection: Contemporary Shape: Suspended Size: 32” Width x 58” Height Adjustable (Custom sizes are also available) Metal Finished: Natural Brass (Custom finishes are available at no additional cost) Materials: Brass, Crystal Lights: 6 e12 Candelabra 60W UL Weight: 78 lbs Assembly: Each piece comes with easy to understand assembly instructions for your convenience. Dimmer Switch Compatible: Optional Shipping: Free Door-To-Door Shipping Worldwide! Rush Order: 4-6 Weeks; 15% added to the total Regular Lead Time: 6-10 Weeks Warranty: 3 years for pieces under 30”, 5 years for pieces over 30” SIZE OPTIONS: Size: Price: 22” Width x 48” Height $2,240.00 32” Width x 58” Height (as shown) $3,650.00 40” Width x 58” Height $4,816.00 46” Width x 58” Height $6,910.00 52” Width x 60” Height $8,580.00 60” Width x 70” Height $10,277.00 Custom sizes, colors and metal finishes available upon request.

QZ2705 HAILEE SCULPTED HANDCRAFTED CHANDELIER DESCRIPTION: Handcrafted chandelier of natural brass and plaster white. Descending crystal drops. At Alan Mizrahi Lighting Design, we especially emphasize exclusive creations, made by designers at home and abroad. No mass products, but one by one characteristic designs that offer you the possibility to add your own unique touch to your interior. Because of our close bonds with the designers, handmade designs are no problem. The possibilities are unlimited! In our continuing search for new discoveries, we often come in contact with original designers. That leads up to a continuing expansion of our stock. SPECIFICATIONS: Collection: Contemporary Shape: Suspended Size: 32” Width x 58” Height Adjustable (Custom sizes are also available) Metal Finished: Natural Brass (Custom finishes are available at no additional cost) Materials: Brass, Crystal Lights: 6 e12 Candelabra 60W UL Weight: 78 lbs Assembly: Each piece comes with easy to understand assembly instructions for your convenience. Dimmer Switch Compatible: Optional Shipping: Free Door-To-Door Shipping Worldwide! Rush Order: 4-6 Weeks; 15% added to the total Regular Lead Time: 6-10 Weeks Warranty: 3 years for pieces under 30”, 5 years for pieces over 30” SIZE OPTIONS: Size: Price: 22” Width x 48” Height $2,240.00 32” Width x 58” Height (as shown) $3,650.00 40” Width x 58” Height $4,816.00 46” Width x 58” Height $6,910.00 52” Width x 60” Height $8,580.00 60” Width x 70” Height $10,277.00 Custom sizes, colors and metal finishes available upon request.

The Yoder Smokers YS640s Pellet Grill is the ultimate in versatility. Yoder Smokers introduced direct grilling to the pellet industry nearly ten years ago and that legacy continues with the YS640s. Let's start with the control board. The Adaptive Control System (ACS), control board boasts impressive temperature control and precise built-in food monitoring. In addition to the ultra-powerful microprocessor, you can control your grill from virtually anywhere with Fireboard's industry-leading cloud connectivity system. When we say Yoder Pellet Grills are built like a tank, we mean it. The hopper and cart are constructed of 14 gauge steel, while the cooking chamber is constructed of 10 gauge steel. Lift the hood on this grill and you'll quickly understand why this will be your grill for life. This grill is packed full of features you will not find in other pellet grills. From the ceramic igniter to the two-piece diffuser, the engineers at Yoder Smokers have thought of it all. If you're looking for one grill to be your workhorse, you're at the right place.

QZ2705 HAILEE SCULPTED HANDCRAFTED CHANDELIER DESCRIPTION: Handcrafted chandelier of natural brass and plaster white. Descending crystal drops. At Alan Mizrahi Lighting Design, we especially emphasize exclusive creations, made by designers at home and abroad. No mass products, but one by one characteristic designs that offer you the possibility to add your own unique touch to your interior. Because of our close bonds with the designers, handmade designs are no problem. The possibilities are unlimited! In our continuing search for new discoveries, we often come in contact with original designers. That leads up to a continuing expansion of our stock. SPECIFICATIONS: Collection: Contemporary Shape: Suspended Size: 32” Width x 58” Height Adjustable (Custom sizes are also available) Metal Finished: Natural Brass (Custom finishes are available at no additional cost) Materials: Brass, Crystal Lights: 6 e12 Candelabra 60W UL Weight: 78 lbs Assembly: Each piece comes with easy to understand assembly instructions for your convenience. Dimmer Switch Compatible: Optional Shipping: Free Door-To-Door Shipping Worldwide! Rush Order: 4-6 Weeks; 15% added to the total Regular Lead Time: 6-10 Weeks Warranty: 3 years for pieces under 30”, 5 years for pieces over 30” SIZE OPTIONS: Size: Price: 22” Width x 48” Height $2,240.00 32” Width x 58” Height (as shown) $3,650.00 40” Width x 58” Height $4,816.00 46” Width x 58” Height $6,910.00 52” Width x 60” Height $8,580.00 60” Width x 70” Height $10,277.00 Custom sizes, colors and metal finishes available upon request.

ARCHITECTURE: Honor Award PROJECT: Cathedral Campus CLIENT: Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston ARCHITECTURE FIRM: Strada Architecture, LLC ENGINEERS: Allen & Shariff; Atlantic Engineering Services; Lennon, Smith, Souleret Engineering, Inc. CONTRACTORS: JD&E PHOTOGRAPHER: Dennis Marisco DESCRIPTION: The Cathedral Campus project is an exercise in campus place making, which created a new administrative and religious center for the Diocese of Wheeling/Charleston. An opportunity for a makeover emerged when the parish school was closed due to low enrollment. The final result combines selective demolition, adaptive reuse of historic structures, and strategic additions to establish a new religious place focused on the historic St. Joseph’s Cathedral. JURY COMMENTS: While in some ways this project seems very basic, it is deceptively so. Its details, materials, and spaces – both internal and external – are rich and sophisticated. The building is strong and very comfortable in its response at an urban scale, just as it is very successful at the detail scale. It demonstrates a great understanding of the campus by removing those parts that do not work and creating a beautiful courtyard that enhances all of the surrounding buildings. The glass and metal façade, while modern, continues the lines of the brick buildings next to it and fits masterfully. Beautiful landscape work too!

This room just draws in the little ones... using floating shelves to store books for easy access, and wire bins that can sit on the floor or hang on the wall to make toys easily seen, kids of all ages can enjoy this space and pick it up when finished with play time! Room Redefined is a full-service home organization and design consultation firm. We offer move management to help with all stages of move prep to post-move set-up. In this case, once we moved the homeowners into their beautiful custom home, we worked intimately with them to understand how they needed each space to function, and to customize solutions that met their goals. As a part of our process, we helped with sorting and purging of items they did not want in their new home, selling, donating, or recycling the removed items. We then engaged in space planning, product selection and product purchasing. We handled all installation of the products we recommended, and continue to work with this family today to help maintain their space as they go through transitions as a family. We have been honored to work with additional members of their family and now their mountain home in Frisco, Colorado.

Dual Fire-tables to match the dual Umbrellas. We pierced the furniture with the mast of the Umbrella to create this custom look and to provide even shade. All this plus just an earshot away is a waterfall which adds the perfect touch to an already tricked out space!

Photography by Caryn B. Davis Located in the Cornfield Point area of Old Saybrook along Long Island Sound, this project brought a classic, yet forgotten beach house back to life. Through a little detective work and some creative ingenuity, we restored and enhanced the exterior to it’s former glory and transformed the interior to a highly efficient and functional home all the while uplifting its quaint cottage charm. On the exterior, we recreated a wonderful, airy front porch with cozy bench seats that look out to the water. The white cedar shingle siding is pre-bleached with a subtle flair at the bottom and a delicate break at mid-elevation. The asphalt shingles are not only beautifully matched with the siding, but offer superior reflective qualities to dissipate the heat of the summer sun. On the interior, we joined the front seasonal porch with the family room to form a larger, open living and dining space with paneled walls and ceilings anchored by the original round stone fireplace. In the rear, we carefully crafted a galley kitchen and laundry space with an adjacent first floor master suite. The diminutive house and property posed multiple practical and regulatory challenges which were overcome by a strong team effort, due diligence, and a commitment to the process. John R. Schroeder, AIA is a professional design firm specializing in architecture, interiors, and planning. We have over 30 years experience with projects of all types, sizes, and levels of complexity. Because we love what we do, we approach our work with enthusiasm and dedication. We are committed to the highest level of design and service on each and every project. We engage our clients in positive and rewarding collaborations. We strive to exceed expectations through our attention to detail, our understanding of the “big picture”, and our ability to effectively manage a team of design professionals, industry representatives, and building contractors. We carefully analyze budgets and project objectives to assist clients with wise fund allocation. We continually monitor and research advances in technology, materials, and construction methods, both sustainable and otherwise, to provide a responsible, well-suited, and cost effective product. Our design solutions are highly functional using both innovative and traditional approaches. Our aesthetic style is flexible and open, blending cues from client desires, building function, site context, and material properties, making each project unique, personalized, and enduring.

Baldwin Homes, one of Maryland’s leading green home builders, continues to set a high standard for innovation by bringing DOW POWERHOUSE™ Solar Shingles to homebuyers. Baldwin Homes has already built five beautiful homes with POWERHOUSE, the dually-functional solar system that protects like conventional roofing materials while generating clean electricity. “As a progressive Builder, we are excited to offer the DOW POWERHOUSE Solar Shingles to our buyers,” said Mike Baldwin, President of Baldwin Homes. “The benefits of Solar Shingles are impressive - they are part of the home, built solidly into the roof allowing for a seamless look, while providing energy savings to the homeowner. Also of great value to the customer is the ability to track their savings online and really see the advantage of actively generating energy with the Solar Shingles.” Mike Baldwin has over 20 years of experience building quality homes and built the first Maryland Green Designer Show Home. Staying ahead of market trends has allowed Baldwin Homes to excel in offering the most innovatively and solidly constructed homes in Maryland. Including POWERHOUSE and other green energy products in their portfolio evidences their dedication to understanding the needs of discerning, sophisticated buyers.

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.