self
Example of a tuscan home design design in Phoenix

View of the fabric in the projected position: The patio at this private residence in Mahwah NJ faces west, and during the summer months, the heat and glare from the sun is overwhelming; making this beautiful outdoor retreat unbearable. Motorized exterior solar shades were installed on the fascia of the overhang to reduce the harmful effects of the sun. The goals were to create a comfortable living space, reduce the glare, heat and UV, and reduce flying insects and inclement weather when in use. A Charcoal colored fabric was chosen for this roller shade as retaining the view was one of the priorities. The shade cloth selected blocks 95% of glare, but still allows the an unobstructed view of the pool for safety, and keeps the views of the Ramapo River and beautifully landscaped property. The amount of coverage and openness of the fabric drastically reduces insects and inclement weather, and cable guide rails were chosen to keep the shade fabric from billowing in the wind. Due to their small footprint, cable guides are more aesthetically pleasing versus aluminum rails, zip rails or concealed edge options which were available, but not selected for this application. The Somfy motorization allows for push-button operation, and was also tied into an existing smart-home automation system which allows the client to control the product remotely. An added benefit of this automation feature allows the client to save on cooling related air conditioning costs. The combination of 95% UV blockage and dark colored fabric gives these exterior solar shades an 87% Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, meaning that these solar screen shades will dramatically reduce the amount of UV and heat penetrating the windows of the home. Fabric Specifications: Mermet Satine Charcoal/Charcoal, Pattern 30.30 7% Solar Transmittance (Ts) 5% Solar Reflectance (Rs) 88% Solar Absorptance (As) 7% Visible Light Transmission VLT (Tv)

Our client's central stairwell is dramatically lit by a custom domed acrylic skylight. They soon discovered that the stairwell became too bright and hot, especially during summer months. The challenge was to control the temperature and glare without overheating the acrylic of the skylight or compromising the elegant character of the stairway. The solution is a nearly 12’ long x 8’ wide horizontal OpenLight shade that operates with the push of a button. White/white 3% open fabric stops 97% of the light while allowing sufficient light to brighten the stairway. It also minimizes heating falling into the stairwell while letting enough heat dissipate so as not to overheat the skylight. The fabric itself has a fiberglass substrate so that it can withstand the heat without stretching. OpenLight shades are fabricated in the Creative Windows Ann Arbor plant and are available in an exceptionally wide selection of fabrics and creative applications. Shade shown here is partially deployed to highlight the dramatic stairwell and interesting architecture of the home. The white fabric of the shade matches the shade fabric used throughout the house. The white casing blends with the wall and trim color. The shade is an elegant solution to the problem that complements the homes modern aesthetic. Best of all, our client now can enjoy their stairway year-round. Our client purchased a lakeside home in Fenton, MI that features a central stairwell that is dramatically lit by a custom 12’ long x8’ wide domed skylight. Positioned over the entry stairwell and running the entire length of the foyer below, they soon discovered that the stairwell became too bright and hot, especially during summer months. The challenge was to control the temperature and glare without compromising the clean lines and elegant character of the home’s main entry. The solution was an expansive motorized screen shade that operates with the simple push of a button. The selected shade cloth, in 3% openness, stops 97% of the harsh light while allowing sufficient brightness in the stairway. The white color not only compliments the home’s interior finishes but serves to reflect heat that would otherwise fall into the stairwell, without overheating the acrylic skylight. The fabric itself has a fiberglass substrate and can withstand the heat without stretching, and the unique shading system features a zippered design that holds the shade cloth perfectly taut, regardless of the expansive coverage required. The shade, shown here, is partially deployed to highlight the dramatic stairwell and reveal the interesting architecture of the domed skylight above. The shade is an elegant solution to the problem that not only compliments the homes modern aesthetic but allows our client to enjoy their stairway year-round.

Studio Adjective Hong Kong | Interior Design Studio www.adj.com.hk Contact : +852 28828564 Instagram/ Facebook : @studioadjective Media coverage : https://designanthologymag.com/story/new-traditions

Mid-sized backyard gravel patio fountain photo in New York with a gazebo

Barbara Reis
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary partial sun backyard stone retaining wall landscape in San Francisco.

4 Steps to Achieving a Rewarding Cost Effective Home Renovation 1 Home Renovation an Introduction A home renovation due to changes in family needs and space requirements can be a challenging, but also a rewarding experience. As a homeowner, gathering and coordinating resources and possibly help from professional consultants are required. Once the construction phase has started, patience, endurance and commitment to follow through are necessary. Despite the challenges, the rewards of a well-planned and successfully completed project are meaningful, adding aesthetic and economic value, also providing the opportunity to personalize a home, encompassing the function, comfort and aesthetics to accommodate individual taste and lifestyle. A renovation of an existing home is a viable alternative to moving or building a new home, assuming that a home is structurally sound, the expenditure to enlarge or improve can be a cost effective alternative. A home possessing charm, style, historical significance, established landscaping or an exceptional location could be a significant motivation to consider purchasing another home with the intent to renovate. The complexity of a project could be relatively simple, changing the use of a room, consolidating two rooms into one, or opening up a room to the outdoors. It could also be a more involved task requiring planning, design and construction documents to build a second floor addition, the addition of a new wing or completely gutting the interior. Some projects could be completed in a weekend’s work or more complex projects, using a “Master Plan”, a plan which provides overall guidance; a renovation can be accomplished all at once or divided into manageable projects over a period of time. With the home evolving gradually allowing the renovation to be planned, timed and tailored to meet individual needs and circumstances. The due diligence phase should precede the decision to renovate whether it’s an existing home or a home that is purchased with the intent to renovate. The due diligence phase will reveal the factors affecting the nature and scope of the project or if a renovation makes sense. Every renovation project is unique relative to personal requirements, architectural style & construction type. This guide will be helpful in developing an understanding of the preliminary groundwork required to realize a successful project. If properly planned, a home renovation project can be a positive and rewarding experience resulting in a comfortable, practical and an attractive living environment. The first step of the planning process is documenting the goals and long-range plans referred to as the “Project Program”. This will dictate the nature, scope and feasibility of the project. Providing a guide to achieving defined goals, the timing or phasing of the project and budget required to achieve the desired end result. 2 Documenting Existing Conditions Once the “Project Program”, has been established, the next step is to determine what there is to work with. This requires documenting the home’s floor plan and site elements which includes drawing an “as built” floor & site plan consisting of the existing exterior walls, interior rooms, doors, windows, etc. and surrounding site elements, landscape and other significant exterior features. Additionally understanding and noting on the “as built” plan, the structural, mechanical and electrical systems as necessary. Gathering the “existing condition” information defines what there is to work with, creating the framework from which to facilitate and organize the decision making process and develop effective “project program” solutions. 3 Evaluating Existing Conditions The goals and long-range plans have been established, and the existing floor plan and site elements have been documented. Before developing design solutions, the next step is to evaluate existing conditions. The evaluation includes: a detailed analysis of the structural, mechanical and electrical systems, determining the condition of the house, noting functional and aesthetic deficiencies. At the same time recognizing the home’s strengths, assets and evaluating its relationship to its site. The remaining parameters will be defined by the local jurisdiction’s zoning regulations, these regulations will define the “envelope”, within which the proposed project will be required to fit: •required front, side & rear yard setbacks •maximum allowable lot coverage & height The previous three steps have provided the necessary foundation to start the design phase. The goals and long range plans have been established, existing conditions have been documented and the evaluation of what there is to work with are now in place. This will provide the framework from which to facilitate and organize design solutions. The consolidation of this information is manifested in the development of the “Master Plan” which will become the road map by which sound decision-making can be made as a home renovation evolves. Keeping the project, on a linear path, avoiding redundancies and back tracking, on time, within budget, concluding with a well crafted finished product. After all the “up front” research and documentation has been completed, the design phase of the project can now precede, with the creation of diagrammatic design drawings. Organizing interior spaces, taking into account the external elements, prevailing breezes, solar orientation, view, existing outdoor features, etc. Through the development of schematic sketches themes will emerge followed by design development drawings. Wise planning and renovation decisions can save money and time at the same time provide a well crafted finished project. The “Master Plan” provides a strategic path in the planning and decision making process leading to a successful and rewarding home renovation, which will add value and considerable enjoyment, for many years, living in a newly renovated home. By virtue of having gone through these steps, frustrations sometimes encountered during a home renovation will be minimized, allowing the renovation to be a gratifying and rewarding experience. Being aware of the process allows one to become an “Educated Client,” which is worth quite a bit more than one might realize. The uneducated client may not realize the benefit of going through the planning, evaluation and documentation groundwork. He will only realize its benefits after having completed a prior renovation project. This rational approach keeps the design process on a direct path to achieving prescribed goals. 4 Exploring Design Solutions & Developing a Master Plan The previous three steps have provided the necessary foundation to start the design phase. The goals and long range plans have been established, existing conditions have been documented and the evaluation of what there is to work with are now in place. This will provide the framework from which to facilitate and organize design solutions. The consolidation of this information is manifested in the development of the “Master Plan” which will become the road map by which sound decision-making can be made as a home renovation evolves. Keeping the project, on a linear path, avoiding redundancies and back tracking, on time, within budget, concluding with a well crafted finished product. By virtue of having gone through these steps, frustrations sometimes encountered during a home renovation will be minimized, allowing the renovation to be a gratifying and rewarding experience. Being aware of the process allows one to become an “Educated Client,” which is worth quite a bit more than one might realize. The uneducated client may not realize the benefit of going through the planning, evaluation and documentation groundwork. He will only realize its benefits after having completed a prior renovation project. This rational approach keeps the design process on a direct path to achieving prescribed goals. After all the “up front” research and documentation has been completed, the design phase of the project can now precede, with the creation of diagrammatic design drawings. Organizing interior spaces, taking into account the external elements, prevailing breezes, solar orientation, view, existing outdoor features, etc. Through the development of schematic sketches themes will emerge followed by design development drawings. Wise planning and renovation decisions can save money and time at the same time provide a well crafted finished project. The “Master Plan” provides a strategic path in the planning and decision making process leading to a successful and rewarding home renovation, which will add value and considerable enjoyment, for many years, living in a newly renovated home.

Some backyards start with potential but need a complete transformation to reach their full beauty. That was the case with our recent customers in Southlake. What began as a simple covered patio original to the home was reimagined into a luxurious outdoor oasis that is now perfect for year-round enjoyment. We designed and built two custom Patio Covers to maximize the poolside space. One extended the original covered patio to give the homeowners more room to relax and entertain. The second created a large, shaded retreat in front of the home’s sliding doors, blending seamlessly into the design while providing much-needed coverage. Within the new expanded patio space, we added a full Outdoor Kitchen complete with everything needed for cooking and entertaining outdoors. To make the poolside space even more inviting, we built a stunning Fire Pit poolside that creates a natural gathering spot by the water for evenings with family and friends. Electrical was installed for overhead heaters so the patio can be enjoyed comfortably no matter the season. As a finishing touch, we installed Coolcrete concrete around the pool area to tie everything together with both beauty and functionality.

This project involved adding a cedar pergola to the existing covered patio and an outdoor kitchen for entertaining convenience! Built in to the existing patio, a concrete slab was poured making additional space for outdoor dining and seating underneath the pergola. An outdoor kitchen was tied into the covered patio. Stone-faced with gorgeous granite countertops, this kitchen provides ample storage space and the opportunity to prepare and grill any cuisine! Tongue and groove pre-stained ceiling was added to the existing patio cover as well as additional recessed lighting. Our clients created a trophy-winning patio complete with Texas A&M décor, perfect for hosting football season parties! This combination of patio cover and pergola provides optimum shade coverage and the chance to enjoy some natural lighting underneath the partial shade structure.

Example of a mid-sized transitional l-shaped vinyl floor and beige floor eat-in kitchen design in Other with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, quartz countertops, beige backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and beige countertops

In addition to the shade coverage, these homeowners wished for a more private area to enjoy the hot tub area. We also built a partial privacy wall to the existing open porch area, offering these homeowners and their guests a space of intimate respite and conversation. This once wide-open space is now enclaved in privacy

Inspiration for a timeless patio remodel in Phoenix

With so much surface area of modern houses dedicated to windows, having control over energy efficiency and privacy is an absolute must. Plantation shutters are the most energy-efficient window treatments available, and can even be installed on those aforementioned sliding glass doors and transom windows. For full-wall windows, shutters offer even more freedom in window coverage since you can open and shut individual sets of louvers, rather than having to pull a whole drapery over your window.

Despite the challenge of a limited lot size, property setbacks, and strict lot coverage requirements, LandStudio360 designed a space for this new Baker Ranch home that complied with the HOA Design Guidelines yet pushed the design to the limits which satisfied the homeowners' desires. The custom shaped contemporary pool and spa fit set the tone of the yard as the primary view feature from inside the home. The expansive sideyard provided opportunity to expand the living space to the outdoors with the addition of a covered great room warm enough to spend winter evenings snuggled up by the fire or hosting large family gatherings. This yard has become the hangout spot for all friends and family.

Trendy porch idea in Jacksonville

Patio - traditional patio idea in Denver

The rustic/elegant kitchen (right) custom cabinets are white oak and charcoal black with a large island and an island banquette. To the left of a coffee bar, flanked by 2 sub zero built in units is a hidden cabinet door that leads to a large pantry with a dog bath, dog pot filler, and a doggie door to the outside. The traditional curved stove vent hood is accented by white oak. Two large, crystal chandeliers hang of the island. Adjacent to the kitchen is a cozy seating area in front of a large gas log set fireplace flanked by black mullion Pella life style windows. Elegant Lighting Sydney 12 Light 60" Wide Crystal Linear Chandelier with Clear Royal Cut Crystals This new 7,200 SF Custom Designed (Rustic/Elegant Farmhouse Ranch) Home was built on part of the foundation of the previous home which was a split level. Our architectural strategy required a continuous first floor (10ft) and the home remained aligned with the existing circle driveway. The rustic metal roof front entrance porch (gas lanterns) leads into a massive 2 story center hall (home of a large, centered gathering table) to a large centered outdoor back yard courtyard (kitchen to the right and sports bar to the left) which centers on the new swimming pool and wide outdoor stairs of the retaining wall required for the extensive stormwater management system. That establishes the center of the home stretching over 100 ft from the front step to the back yard stairs flanked by 2 fire features highlighting the pool. The locations of other rooms listed below are to the right and left of this centered home line. Kitchen, kitchen fireplace, pantry, and guest suite are to the right. Entrance to the finished basement theater room are to the right along with a bar to support events in the center hall. To the left of the center 2 story hall are the exercise room with sauna (with glass garage type door to the front porch), sport bar with theater and see through fireplace, game room, mudroom, laundry, 4 car conditioned garage, and pool changing rooms. From the centered 2 story hall to the right is the glass stairwell and curved stairs made of white oak and wrought iron. These beautiful stairs lead to the library balcony overlooking the massive center hall and large gathering dining table. From the right of the balcony are the primary suite with a private 2nd floor porch and a bedroom suite. From the left of the balcony are 2 more suites with a laundry room, kitchenette, and a large EZ Breeze, closed in porch that overlooks the pool and provides coverage over the pool patio next to the see through fireplace in the sports bar theater room. The exterior is James Hardie fibercement and limestone veneer. Fascia and frieze boards are capped with heavy roof metal materials. The front porch roof is standing metal seam and columns and ceiling are rustic, reclaimed wood.

Custom Gable Patio Cover with Skylights & Heaters | All-Season Outdoor Living in Washington. This custom patio cover project in Washington transforms an open backyard into a comfortable, year-round outdoor living space. Designed as a gable style patio cover with a skillion roof extension, the structure provides expanded coverage and a seamless connection to the home while protecting the space from Pacific Northwest rain and weather. The covered patio features a warm pine soffit ceiling, wrapped posts, and four skylights that bring in natural light while maintaining full overhead protection. Integrated can lighting, dimmer controls, and Bromic heaters create a cozy environment for evening gatherings and cooler seasons, making the space functional in every month of the year. Built with a durable wood frame, composite CertainTeed Landmark roofing, and tied-in gutters and drainage, this custom patio cover is engineered for long-term performance and clean integration with the home’s existing siding and architecture. Thoughtful detailing and finish carpentry ensure the structure looks like a natural extension rather than an add-on. Perfect for covered outdoor dining, entertaining, or relaxing, this backyard upgrade adds both value and everyday livability.

Arcadia Louvered Roofs give you more enjoyment of the deck with protection from hot sun, rain and snow.
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary home design remodel in Other