Front of large family home with window film installed could help save energy and help with solar heat control in the summer and winter Photo Courtesy of Eastman

David Kingsbury, www.davidkingsburyphoto.com
Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized traditional l-shaped dark wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in San Francisco with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and beige countertops

Front of large family home with window film installed could help save energy and help with solar heat control in the summer and winter Photo Courtesy of Eastman

Large transitional open concept vinyl floor living room photo in Perth with gray walls

Tucked away in the backwoods of Torch Lake, this home marries “rustic” with the sleek elegance of modern. The combination of wood, stone and metal textures embrace the charm of a classic farmhouse. Although this is not your average farmhouse. The home is outfitted with a high performing system that seamlessly works with the design and architecture. The tall ceilings and windows allow ample natural light into the main room. Spire Integrated Systems installed Lutron QS Wireless motorized shades paired with Hartmann & Forbes windowcovers to offer privacy and block harsh light. The custom 18′ windowcover’s woven natural fabric complements the organic esthetics of the room. The shades are artfully concealed in the millwork when not in use. Spire installed B&W in-ceiling speakers and Sonance invisible in-wall speakers to deliver ambient music that emanates throughout the space with no visual footprint. Spire also installed a Sonance Landscape Audio System so the homeowner can enjoy music outside. Each system is easily controlled using Savant. Spire personalized the settings to the homeowner’s preference making controlling the home efficient and convenient. Builder: Widing Custom Homes Architect: Shoreline Architecture & Design Designer: Jones-Keena & Co. Photos by Beth Singer Photographer Inc.

Building Design, Plans, and Interior Finishes by: Fluidesign Studio I Builder: Structural Dimensions Inc. I Photographer: Seth Benn Photography
Mid-sized elegant master gray tile and subway tile mosaic tile floor double shower photo in Minneapolis with furniture-like cabinets, gray cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink and marble countertops

With a sizeable backyard and a love for entertaining, these clients wanted to build a covered outdoor kitchen/bar and seating area. They had one specific area by the side of their pool, with limited space, to build the outdoor kitchen. There were immediate concerns about how to incorporate the two steps in the middle of the patio area; and they really wanted a bar that could seat at least eight people (to include an additional seating area with couches and chairs). This couple also wanted to use their outdoor living space year round. The kitchen needed ample storage and had to be easy to maintain. And last, but not least, they wanted it to look beautiful! This 16 x 26 ft clear span pavilion was a great fit for the area we had to work with. By using wrapped steel columns in the corners in 6-foot piers, carpenter-built trusses, and no ridge beams, we created good space usage underneath the pavilion. The steps were incorporated into the space to make the transition between the kitchen area and seating area, which looked like they were meant to be there. With a little additional flagstone work, we brought the curve of the step to meet the back island, which also created more floor space in the seating area. Two separate islands were created for the outdoor kitchen/bar area, built with galvanized metal studs to allow for more room inside the islands (for appliances and cabinets). We also used backer board and covered the islands with smooth finish stucco. The back island housed the BBQ, a 2-burner cooktop and sink, along with four cabinets, one of which was a pantry style cabinet with pull out shelves (air tight, dust proof and spider proof—also very important to the client). The front island housed the refrigerator, ice maker, and counter top cooler, with another set of pantry style, air tight cabinets. By curving the outside edge of the countertop we maximized the bar area and created seating for eight. In addition, we filled in the curve on the inside of the island with counter top and created two additional seats. In total, there was seating for ten people. Infrared heaters, ceiling fans and shades were added for climate control, so the outdoor living space could be used year round. A TV for sporting events and SONOS for music, were added for entertaining enjoyment. Track lighting, as well as LED tape lights under the backsplash, provided ideal lighting for after dark usage. The clients selected honed, Fantasy Brown Satin Quartzite, with a chipped edge detail for their countertop. This beautiful, linear design marble is very easy to maintain. The base of the islands were completed in stucco and painted satin gray to complement their house color. The posts were painted with Monterey Cliffs, which matched the color of the house shutter trim. The pavilion ceiling consisted of 2 x 6-T & G pine and was stained platinum gray. In the few months since the outdoor living space was built, the clients said they have used it for more than eight parties and can’t wait to use it for the holidays! They also made sure to tell us that the look, feel and maintenance of the area all are perfect!

James M. Downs
Eat-in kitchen - small coastal u-shaped dark wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in New York with a single-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, multicolored backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island

Hardworking Walls Inside the closet, a metal pegboard provides sleek, efficient access to crafts tools and supplies. A wall-mount ribbon holder makes gift wrapping a snap. Small buckets of colored pencils stay organized and accessible on a desktop turntable

This project was an exploration in taking and urban corner lot and transforming it into and urban farm of sorts. The project incorporated rainwater tanks, raised vegetable beds, fruit trees, chicken coop, prefab studio, composite deck, poured in place concrete, pre-cast concrete, custom wood features, a green wall, custom bench/fountain, lighting, swimming pool with solar hot water heating, an outdoor kitchen, drip irrigation which is controlled by smart phone, landscape lighting which can be controlled by smart phone. A fun project where we melded contemporary elements with sustainable/ self sufficient principles.

Vladimir Radutny Architects
Example of an urban freestanding bathtub design in Las Vegas

Induction cooking transforms your cookware into the heat source for a cooler, efficient, and energy saving method of cooking. The Power Management induction system speeds boil times for those favorite dishes as well as providing a quick simmer for sauces. Viking Induction cooktops are compatible with all Viking cookware as well as most other high-end brands of stainless steel and enamel cookware. Features: Induction Glass Ceramic Surface: Spend more time creating and less time cleaning with our easy-to-clean glass ceramic top and removable knobs. Wear-resistant glass ceramic surface is extremely durable for easy cleanup. Power Management System: Speeds boil time for your favorite dishes as well as providing a quick simmer for sauces. MagneQuick™ Induction Elements: Cook quickly and efficiently with induction heat generated by the exceptionally responsive MagneQuick(TM) power generators. MagneQuick(TM) induction elements utilize magnetic energy for superior power, responsiveness and efficiency.

Design Firm: Dallas Design Group, Interiors Designer: Tracy Rasor Photography: Dan Piassick
Inspiration for a transitional wine cellar remodel in Dallas with storage racks

Open concept kitchen - large traditional l-shaped medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen idea in Louisville with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Both beautiful and functional, full wall backsplashes not only provide a dramatic accent wall in the kitchen but are very easy to clean. The warm grout color keeps the design consistent.

We teamed up with an investor to design a one-of-a-kind property. We created a very clear vision for this home: Scandinavian minimalism. Our intention for this home was to incorporate as many natural materials that we could. We started by selecting polished concrete floors throughout the entire home. To balance this masculinity, we chose soft, natural wood grain cabinetry for the kitchen, bathrooms and mudroom. In the kitchen, we made the hood a focal point by wrapping it in marble and installing a herringbone tile to the ceiling. We accented the rooms with brass and polished chrome, giving the home a light and airy feeling. We incorporated organic textures and soft lines throughout. The bathrooms feature a dimensioned shower tile and leather towel hooks. We drew inspiration for the color palette and styling by our surroundings - the desert.

Tucked away in the backwoods of Torch Lake, this home marries “rustic” with the sleek elegance of modern. The combination of wood, stone and metal textures embrace the charm of a classic farmhouse. Although this is not your average farmhouse. The home is outfitted with a high performing system that seamlessly works with the design and architecture. The tall ceilings and windows allow ample natural light into the main room. Spire Integrated Systems installed Lutron QS Wireless motorized shades paired with Hartmann & Forbes windowcovers to offer privacy and block harsh light. The custom 18′ windowcover’s woven natural fabric complements the organic esthetics of the room. The shades are artfully concealed in the millwork when not in use. Spire installed B&W in-ceiling speakers and Sonance invisible in-wall speakers to deliver ambient music that emanates throughout the space with no visual footprint. Spire also installed a Sonance Landscape Audio System so the homeowner can enjoy music outside. Each system is easily controlled using Savant. Spire personalized the settings to the homeowner’s preference making controlling the home efficient and convenient.

Back of large family home with window film installed could help save energy and help with solar heat control in the summer and winter Photo Courtesy of Eastman

Photo: YE-H PHOTOGRAPHY Design: Gavin Smith http://www.dwell.com/finishing-touch/article/amazing-transformation-musty-attic-luminous-loft