Designing this spec home meant envisioning the future homeowners, without actually meeting them. The family we created that lives here while we were designing prefers clean simple spaces that exude character reminiscent of the historic neighborhood. By using substantial moldings and built-ins throughout the home feels like it’s been here for one hundred years. Yet with the fresh color palette rooted in nature it feels like home for a modern family.

This project, an extensive remodel and addition to an existing modern residence high above Silicon Valley, was inspired by dominant images and textures from the site: boulders, bark, and leaves. We created a two-story addition clad in traditional Japanese Shou Sugi Ban burnt wood siding that anchors home and site. Natural textures also prevail in the cosmetic remodeling of all the living spaces. The new volume adjacent to an expanded kitchen contains a family room and staircase to an upper guest suite. The original home was a joint venture between Min | Day as Design Architect and Burks Toma Architects as Architect of Record and was substantially completed in 1999. In 2005, Min | Day added the swimming pool and related outdoor spaces. Schwartz and Architecture (SaA) began work on the addition and substantial remodel of the interior in 2009, completed in 2015. Photo by Matthew Millman

Sunbrella believes in worry-free fabrics. Fabrics that are durable, easy to clean and beautiful for everyone to enjoy comfortably in any environment. We began in the 1960s meeting the challenge of creating an awning canvas with a substantially longer lifespan than cotton. Over the years we have expanded our portfolio, developing new fabrics and technologies specifically designed for use on outdoor furniture, indoor furniture, window treatments, boats, and more.

We've transformed this cozy courtyard by the river valley into the ultimate focal point of this home. A substantial custom cedar pergola was created as the centrepiece, with plenty of spacing underneath for relaxing and entertaining. Rich, green foliage was used to emphasize the lush feeling of the forest. Artificial turf was used throughout to maintain a neat and verdant look without the upkeep involved, perfect for the homeowner's dog. Using a variety of paving stone throughout creates interest as well as tie in the entire courtyard together, making it flow. This courtyard is the ultimate summer relaxation spot, and we are pleased to help these wonderful homeowners create it! Designed by Zac Marks

Sunbrella believes in worry-free fabrics. Fabrics that are durable, easy to clean and beautiful for everyone to enjoy comfortably in any environment. We began in the 1960s meeting the challenge of creating an awning canvas with a substantially longer lifespan than cotton. Over the years we have expanded our portfolio, developing new fabrics and technologies specifically designed for use on outdoor furniture, indoor furniture, window treatments, boats, and more.

The Elani/Josie rectangular 5-piece dining table features an 87-by-44-inch clear tempered-glass tabletop with a substantial 15 mm thickness. Stainless steel pucks secure the glass to a sculptural double-pedestal base finished in natural walnut veneer, creating a durable dining surface with a distinctive industrial profile. Its spacious rectangular shape provides ample room for everyday meals, dinner parties, and shared serving dishes.

Sunbrella believes in worry-free fabrics. Fabrics that are durable, easy to clean and beautiful for everyone to enjoy comfortably in any environment. We began in the 1960s meeting the challenge of creating an awning canvas with a substantially longer lifespan than cotton. Over the years we have expanded our portfolio, developing new fabrics and technologies specifically designed for use on outdoor furniture, indoor furniture, window treatments, boats, and more.

Design Visualization | Expected Completed Exterior Architectural visualization of the completed custom residence, illustrating the intended final exterior composition, materials, landscaping and site work. The French-inspired design combines a highly articulated roofline, natural stone, detailed architectural trim, dormers and a formal central entrance to create a substantial but balanced estate façade.

This circular fixture is a beautifully crafted, high-quality crystal chandelier that brings a refined sense of elegance to the space. The thick, substantial crystal elements give it a luxurious weight and presence, catching and reflecting light in a way that feels both warm and radiant. Its clean, structured silhouette balances modern design with classic glamour, making it feel timeless rather than overly ornate. The craftsmanship is evident in the clarity and precision of each crystal piece, creating a soft, sparkling glow that elevates the entire room. It’s a statement fixture that feels intentional, sophisticated, and built to last.

This angled view emphasizes the relationship between the substantial brick chimney, exposed ceiling beams, and intimate seating arrangement. White sofas sit within the generous vaulted volume, while a wood console behind the seating helps define separate areas without enclosing them. The natural brown flooring, pale timber, weathered furniture, and creamy textiles establish a warm, restrained palette. Light from the windows and garden doors softens the masonry and illuminates the room’s depth. Rustic farmhouse elements and relaxed coastal styling create a space that feels comfortable, grounded, and casually refined.

Full-Height Pantry Cabinetry Tall custom pantry cabinetry extends nearly to the coffered ceiling, creating substantial concealed storage without disrupting the architectural rhythm of the room. Deep green paint, aged brass hardware, herringbone flooring, and dark-framed doors give the kitchen a warm, collected character.

Sunbrella believes in worry-free fabrics. Fabrics that are durable, easy to clean and beautiful for everyone to enjoy comfortably in any environment. We began in the 1960s meeting the challenge of creating an awning canvas with a substantially longer lifespan than cotton. Over the years we have expanded our portfolio, developing new fabrics and technologies specifically designed for use on outdoor furniture, indoor furniture, window treatments, boats, and more.

New gray shaker-style cabinetry gives the room a more streamlined appearance while maintaining substantial upper and lower storage. Black hardware and dark appliances create contrast against the softer cabinet finish and help establish a consistent contemporary palette.

Photo credit: Laurey W. Glenn/Southern Living
Example of a beach style entryway design in Jacksonville

A substantial sliding timber door becomes the focal point of this narrow hallway, its broad horizontal boards and exposed black track contrasting with the simple white walls. Wood floorboards lead the eye toward a bright room beyond, creating a clear sense of depth and movement. Minimal ceiling fixtures keep the architecture visually quiet and allow the door’s rugged grain to stand out. The palette of white, weathered brown, and black blends rustic farmhouse references with straightforward contemporary detailing. Walking through the passage would feel intimate, tactile, and gently drawn toward the light.

We've transformed this cozy courtyard by the river valley into the ultimate focal point of this home. A substantial custom cedar pergola was created as the centrepiece, with plenty of spacing underneath for relaxing and entertaining. Rich, green foliage was used to emphasize the lush feeling of the forest. Artificial turf was used throughout to maintain a neat and verdant look without the upkeep involved, perfect for the homeowner's dog. Using a variety of paving stone throughout creates interest as well as tie in the entire courtyard together, making it flow. This courtyard is the ultimate summer relaxation spot, and we are pleased to help these wonderful homeowners create it! Designed by Zac Marks

http://www.ccabinet.com Understated Elegance for Historic Saratoga Home Project Details Designer: Ray Roberts Cabinetry: Wood-Mode Framed Cabinetry Wood: Perimeter – Maple; Island – Quarter Sawn Oak Finishes: Perimeter – Nordic White; Island – Nut Brown Door: Perimeter – Regent Recessed Inset; Island – Alexandria Recessed Inset Countertop: Perimeter – Soapstone; Island – Calacatta Marble Perhaps one of my favorite projects of the year, this historic home on Broadway in Saratoga Springs deserved the finest of kitchens. And that it always fun to design. The real challenge here was to capture an understated elegance worthy of the history of the home, the street, the town itself. This particular refinement meant having the sum of the parts be greater than the whole…meticulous focus on every detail to create something grand but livable, historically appropriate but adapted for today’s modern family, luxe but quietly graceful. Some of the details include a beautifully detailed wooden hood, a rolling ladder to access the double stacked upper cabinets which feature antiqued mirror inserts, a substantial, grounding quarter sawn oak island in a contrasting nut brown finish as well as historically appropriate hardware contrasted with modern fixtures and lighting.

We've transformed this cozy courtyard by the river valley into the ultimate focal point of this home. A substantial custom cedar pergola was created as the centrepiece, with plenty of spacing underneath for relaxing and entertaining. Rich, green foliage was used to emphasize the lush feeling of the forest. Artificial turf was used throughout to maintain a neat and verdant look without the upkeep involved, perfect for the homeowner's dog. Using a variety of paving stone throughout creates interest as well as tie in the entire courtyard together, making it flow. This courtyard is the ultimate summer relaxation spot, and we are pleased to help these wonderful homeowners create it! Designed by Zac Marks

We've transformed this cozy courtyard by the river valley into the ultimate focal point of this home. A substantial custom cedar pergola was created as the centrepiece, with plenty of spacing underneath for relaxing and entertaining. Rich, green foliage was used to emphasize the lush feeling of the forest. Artificial turf was used throughout to maintain a neat and verdant look without the upkeep involved, perfect for the homeowner's dog. Using a variety of paving stone throughout creates interest as well as tie in the entire courtyard together, making it flow. This courtyard is the ultimate summer relaxation spot, and we are pleased to help these wonderful homeowners create it! Designed by Zac Marks