A couple with two small children requested a modern garden that would work for the whole family but one that wouldn’t feel too child orientated. As a design conscious couple they wanted a space that would stand the test of time and grow with their family, something that would be graphic and contemporary. A design working with interconnecting geometrical shapes was used for this layout, with level changes which add a dynamic dimension to this garden. The areas set out in the space created separate zones that can have a multitude of uses for the family; areas for the adults and children to come together or to use separately and they can be swapped around if desired making a play area into a dining area and visa versa. The spaces are separated by contemporary planting beds, which can be viewed and appreciated from all angles. The clipped box used in the garden compliments the strong graphic lines in the space which create the individual areas. This garden was a finalist in the SGD awards, was featured in Homes and Gardens plus was selected by Alan Titchmarsh as one of his favourite gardens in the UK!

Created for a stunning new build home, this bespoke solid poplar kitchen has been handpainted in Farrow & Ball Wevet and Worset. The custom crafted cabinetry features solid walnut internals throughout enhancing the premium feel. The cabinetry is complemented by the Silestone Calacatta Gold work surfaces. Design highlights include the walk-in pantry, accessed through a sliding door and a separate breakfast station with walnut internals has been custom-crafted to hold small appliances. The curved breakfast bar is another strong feature, adding a sweeping finish to the island to define the casual dining area.

What Makes an Ocean Wave, Wave? The quintessential New England ocean-front cottage poised for perfection, how could you possibly improve? What was already an amazing property on the shore in Ipswich, MA, gave way to a ‘face lift’. The ocean facing roofline with steep pitch created a blank canvas, our favorite! Constructing an eyebrow shaped dormer transformed the second floor by ‘opening the home’s eyes’, adding a master bedroom suite and reading nook…to die for. Ocean views and natural light were maximized by the strong use of glass and transparent finishes. The dramatic roofline resembles an ocean wave, befitting of the home’s coastal cottage location and style. Photo by Eric Roth

Nestled in the treetops overlooking Lake Sarah, this second-story addition was designed as both a retreat and an extension of home. Elevated above the shoreline, the new spaces immerse the homeowners in the beauty of their surroundings while supporting the rhythm of daily life. The addition introduces a private guest en-suite for visiting family and friends, a quiet office for focused work, a cozy lounge for gathering, a dedicated ceramic studio for making, and an outdoor patio that connects seamlessly to views of the lake and woods. Every space reflects the homeowners’ lifestyle—places where creativity can flourish, where moments of reflection are possible, and where memories with friends and family can be made. Natural light, framed views, and a strong connection to the outdoors guided the design, ensuring that each room feels both purposeful and restorative. Outside, durable cement board siding, anodized aluminum Marvin windows, and composite decking ensure lasting performance. Inside, walnut flooring and custom millwork bring warmth and texture, balancing comfort with modern practicality This project goes beyond adding square footage. It creates a sanctuary—an elevated experience of home where living, creating, and connecting come together in the treetops.

An historic Spanish Colonial residence built in 1925 being redesigned and furnished for a modern-day Southern California family was the challenge. The interiors of the main house needed the backgrounds set and then a timeless collection created for its furnishings. Lifestyle was always a consideration as well as the interiors relating to the strong architecture of the residence. Natural colors such as terra cotta, tans, blues, greens, old red and soft vintage shades were incorporated throughout. Our goal was to maintain the historic character of the residence combining design elements and materials considered classic in Southern California Spanish Colonial architecture. Natural fiber textiles, leathers and woven linens were the predominated upholstery choices. A 7000 square foot basement was added and furnished to provide a gym, Star Wars theater, game areas, spa area and a simulator for indoor golf and other sports. Antiques were selected throughout the world, fine art from major galleries, custom reproductions fabricated in the old-world style. Collectible carpets were selected for the reclaimed hardwood flooring in all the areas. An estancia and garden over the basement were created and furnished with old world designs and materials as reclaimed woods, terra cotta and French limestone flooring.

Black and white is a universally appealing palette for a relaxing and clean look. Waypoint linen painted white cabinets create an open fresh space that contrasts beautifully with the darker countertops. Varied tile patterns add interest to the otherwise monochromatic spaces, with an intricate mosaic-tiled backsplash in the master bathroom. The round mirrors in the master bathroom balances the strong crisp lines, breaking up the monotony and adding some movement to the space.

Flooded with natural light, the veranda stairway includes a hand-wrought steel railing that stands strong against the backdrop of weathered oak. The stairwell is truly a work of art and a testament to the craftsmanship of the home. Discarded 1-by-1 weathered oak slats were reused for the interior pine wall siding, and a salvaged cast-iron grate was inlaid into the wooden stair landing and lit from the underside, creating a beautiful pattern that is cast onto the wall at night. Solid bronze light fixtures imported from Egypt cast light that warms the stairwell space. Photographer: Blake Mistich

Design Builders & Remodeling is a one stop shop operation. From the start, design solutions are strongly rooted in practical applications and experience. Project planning takes into account the realities of the construction process and mindful of your established budget. All the work is centralized in one firm reducing the chances of costly or time consuming surprises. A solid partnership with solid professionals to help you realize your dreams for a new or improved home. Hand fabricated barn doors create a clean and modern twist to compliment this homes historic charm

Matthew Niemann Photography
Example of a transitional master medium tone wood floor bedroom design with beige walls and no fireplace

View towards Saratoga Passage and Whidbey Island. Photography by Lucas Henning.
Inspiration for a small modern gray three-story metal exterior home remodel in Seattle with a shed roof and a metal roof

Saturday June 27, 1:30 to 3:30pm | Greenwich Village Jane Street and 11th Street Gardens by Robin Key of Robin Key Landscape Architecture See the hidden side of Greenwich Village with an exclusive visit to two enchanting townhouse gardens. The first, on Jane Street, includes a front garden, rear garden, and second floor terrace. In the rear garden a large, curved seatwall defines the space, creating a niche for the garden’s dining table and providing additional seating. Custom-made copper planters hold lush, shade-tolerant plantings backed by a cedar and copper trellis, adding warmth and texture to the walled garden. Tucked away in a corner, a compact outdoor kitchen provides the perfect spot from which to entertain. A quick walk will take attendees to 11th Street, where the design for this townhouse rear garden is structured around three outdoor rooms. The geometry of the contemporary space is softened with lush, massed plantings, while two columnar hornbeams provide height. The perimeter fence takes design cues from the steel deck and railings, while the bluestone paving in the upper areas echoes the floor pattern inside the home. Photo by Francine Fleischer

MONTECITO, CA / SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL The Casa de Casey takes its place among the graceful and genteel tradition of Santa Barbara architecture. Located in a secreted area of Montecito, the house is tucked amidst a wooded glen along a riparian creek bed. Carefully sited at the top of a rolling green, the building provides a strong form in the natural landscape. With its reference to historical precedent, the house is both undeniably familiar and tangibly rich. Site sensitivity and pure spatial relationships combine in new ways, showing that what’s old can be new again. An entry courtyard concealed behind a pair of wooden doors of Moorish design begins the entry sequence. The courtyard, wrapped around an existing mature oak tree, creates an outdoor room, which establishes an interplay between interior and exterior spaces, a theme that recurs throughout the house. An exercise in scale and proportion, the 5,000-square-foot residence is imbued with classic detail and richness found in the Spanish Colonial architecture characteristic of George Washington Smith and others. Interior spaces are created through pure and varied geometric volumes, and are elaborated by opened beamed ceilings, groin vaults and Moorish arches.

White Oak cabinets are a mainstay in many modern and contemporary homes. But this project riffs on the popular design in a new and refreshing way. A rich Bourbon stain, wire mesh cabinet door panels, and polished brass fixtures give this remodeled kitchen a refined and original look that’s not like the neighbors. The warm, expressive character of the oak creates a strong foundation for the space that makes it feel like home. One of the kitchen’s most distinctive details is the use of wire mesh in select cabinet doors. The translucent panels break up the expanse of wood while offering a glimpse of what’s inside, adding a subtle layer of texture and visual interest. Paired with the polished brass hardware and and carefully selected finishes, these details give the kitchen a refined, almost furniture-like quality. That’s especially apparent in the distinctly shaped kitchen island, designed to perfectly fit the space.

An historic Spanish Colonial residence built in 1925 being redesigned and furnished for a modern-day Southern California family was the challenge. The interiors of the main house needed the backgrounds set and then a timeless collection created for its furnishings. Lifestyle was always a consideration as well as the interiors relating to the strong architecture of the residence. Natural colors such as terra cotta, tans, blues, greens, old red and soft vintage shades were incorporated throughout. Our goal was to maintain the historic character of the residence combining design elements and materials considered classic in Southern California Spanish Colonial architecture. Natural fiber textiles, leathers and woven linens were the predominated upholstery choices. A 7000 square foot basement was added and furnished to provide a gym, Star Wars theater, game areas, spa area and a simulator for indoor golf and other sports. Antiques were selected throughout the world, fine art from major galleries, custom reproductions fabricated in the old-world style. Collectible carpets were selected for the reclaimed hardwood flooring in all the areas. An estancia and garden over the basement were created and furnished with old world designs and materials as reclaimed woods, terra cotta and French limestone flooring.

An historic Spanish Colonial residence built in 1925 being redesigned and furnished for a modern-day Southern California family was the challenge. The interiors of the main house needed the backgrounds set and then a timeless collection created for its furnishings. Lifestyle was always a consideration as well as the interiors relating to the strong architecture of the residence. Natural colors such as terra cotta, tans, blues, greens, old red and soft vintage shades were incorporated throughout. Our goal was to maintain the historic character of the residence combining design elements and materials considered classic in Southern California Spanish Colonial architecture. Natural fiber textiles, leathers and woven linens were the predominated upholstery choices. A 7000 square foot basement was added and furnished to provide a gym, Star Wars theater, game areas, spa area and a simulator for indoor golf and other sports. Antiques were selected throughout the world, fine art from major galleries, custom reproductions fabricated in the old-world style. Collectible carpets were selected for the reclaimed hardwood flooring in all the areas. An estancia and garden over the basement were created and furnished with old world designs and materials as reclaimed woods, terra cotta and French limestone flooring.

We created a luxurious spa experience for our clients that received a write up in the Coastal RE Guide with Anna Shay of Solanna Design. The project uses a strong symmetrical layout around a central oval soaking tub. The photograph highlights a mosaic-clad tub surround, long dark wood vanities, pale counters, illuminated mirrors, arched cabinetry, a geometric tile floor, and soft blue striped walls. A decorative etched glass panel anchors the far end, while a circular recessed ceiling and layered lighting create an elegant spa-like suite with generous storage and carefully balanced architectural detail.

Arches of Rain - designed by Mike Farley. To create a focal point to blend with the Spanish style home but still leaving the view open to the pasture behind was a challenge. Centered on the backyard entrance from the home the golden stucco arches with rainfalls created the solution. The yard slope created multiple opportunities. Steps transition the sight line down to a flush vanishing edge spa. A Bridge of Travertine allows access over the pool to the spa. The spa tile blends with the water color. Symmetrical curves flank the spa to allow transition around the cabana and the slide. Low ground cover softens the upper terrace and adds color. A finger ledge of Travertine or benches provide many resting places around the pool. The precast trim on the arches matches the detail on the home as well as the stucco Finnish and color. The Scabos Travertine field is accented with a square of glass used fromthe spa and provides great backdrop for the Lions Heads. Each of the rain falls are individually controlled to create sound from gentle rain to a strong shower. This space creates a space of tranquility and peace that is enjoyed everyday. Photo by Mike Farley

What Makes an Ocean Wave, Wave? The quintessential New England ocean-front cottage poised for perfection, how could you possibly improve? What was already an amazing property on the shore in Ipswich, MA, gave way to a ‘face lift’. The ocean facing roofline with steep pitch created a blank canvas, our favorite! Constructing an eyebrow shaped dormer transformed the second floor by ‘opening the home’s eyes’, adding a master bedroom suite and reading nook…to die for. Ocean views and natural light were maximized by the strong use of glass and transparent finishes. The dramatic roofline resembles an ocean wave, befitting of the home’s coastal cottage location and style. Photo by Eric Roth

This open kitchen at Villa Harrah in South Lake Tahoe pairs richly grained wood cabinetry with a broad island and upholstered counter stools. A substantial metal range hood and professional-style cooking area give the room a strong culinary focus. Pale floor tile lightens the composition, while warm undercabinet lighting highlights the backsplash and work surfaces. The direct connection to the dining area creates an efficient, welcoming layout for cooking and entertaining.