This one-room renovation reimagined an underused formal dining room into a cozy, conversation-focused sitting room—infused with moody sophistication and architectural interest. With minimal structural limitations, the project offered full creative freedom to rethink the layout and mood of the space. The goal was to create a refined yet relaxed atmosphere: a space less about utility and more about experience. We introduced bold, layered elements—including wall moulding, rich finishes, and a dramatic ceiling wallpaper—to elevate the room without overwhelming it. A curved sofa became the cornerstone of the layout, softening circulation and encouraging connection, while a flexible secondary seating area added versatility. Lighting played a critical role in setting tone and function. A sculptural statement fixture brought visual presence, while layered accent lighting offered warm ambiance for evening use. Every detail—from the ceiling pattern to the furniture silhouettes—was chosen to strike a balance between drama and cohesion, tying in tonal references from adjacent rooms while giving this space its own identity. The result is a distinctive, inviting retreat designed for everything from quiet moments to casual entertaining—proof that even a single room can completely shift the rhythm and feel of a home.

No greater compliment of a material is possible than when stone is selected for a historic property renovation within a home rich in tradition and with a celebrated past. This new feature stair addition to a private residence in Toronto, Canada, has an equally compelling story to tell. Originally envisioned as a wall-supported, cantilevered stone stair, the owner boldly accepted a unique solution for their showpiece element. The 19-tread stair would be designed with 550 lb. solid stone treads, and fully liberated from traditional supports and the adjacent rubble wall. To say, “it would float” is not an exaggeration. The stair would be designed as a monolithic beam spanning 16.5 feet, 10 feet high and 41 inches wide. Aesthetically bold, with a reduced tone from pure black, the basalt stone was the perfect contrast for the white modern interior of the home. The 3-1/2" tension cables played the most important role by resisting the large bending moment generated by the stone load and stair geometry. Fabrication required precise coordination and care to ensure perfect alignment of the interlocking key, and the corresponding cable holes. The fabrication challenge was achieving the highest level of accuracy in notching, coring, and replicating each tread identically. Expert precision and skill were key to nesting each tread in sequence and simultaneously with the strands. Meticulous alignment and exacting tolerance assured the true performance and aesthetics were delivered. Hydraulic post-tensioning pulled each cable to 120 kiloNewtons or 27,000 lbs, infusing strength and structural integrity. Removing the temporary support and testing was the last critical step—it was the first time the stone stair would be self-supporting. The “floating” stair is an ultimate achievement and example of innovation, material strength, fabrication quality, installation precision, and expert coordination. A perfect final chapter to a historical journey and modern ode to stone as structure.

These homeowners wanted to freshen up their master bath and at the same time, improve it's overall function and retain/accentuate it's vintage qualities. There was nothing wrong with the hex tile floor, toilet, or vintage tub. The toilet was repurposed, the floor was cleaned up, and the tub refinished. Cabinetry and vintage trim was added in critical locations along with a new, taller one-sink vanity. Removing an overlay revealed a beautiful vintage door leading to storage space under the East roof. Photos by Greg Schmidt. Cabinets by Housecraft Remodeling.

This is the space we carved out of the basement bathroom, which was also extraordinarily large. When we moved to the house full time, I knew, with so much work ahead of us, that we would need a place to store and organize our vast collection of tools, hardware, and various other bits and pieces. I designed the new bathroom so there would be a closet that was about 5' x 10', with enough pegboards and shelving to hold all the stuff. With few exceptions, the junk that previously was scattered around a very disorganized 20'x20' garage was condensed and sorted into this space. I've had to learn to be more organized and put my toys away at the end of play time, but so far this very mission critical space is working like a charm. I can always find a drill bit or a saw blade when I need one.

This extensive remodel overlooking Lake Austin is a paean to the powerful art it enfolds. Rigorous editing of every distracting, inconsequential element of the original house was critical. So too was the insertion of new complementary components that provide artful ways to move through both interior and exterior rooms. The collection of modern art is arresting. Ranging from a Turrell hologram to a pair of Agnes Martins, the art is framed by the architecture and lighting so that it is experienced in a choreographed, curated way that encourages wandering and an intimate connection to each piece. The mood is set in the entry courtyard. A floating walkway curves down and around a brilliant spiraling blue Clement sculpture. It pauses once, at a moment of surprise, when the first view through the house is filled with the blue water of the lake beyond. Inside, the saturated color of many of the pieces of art are balanced by an absence of other visual clutter in the color palette, furniture, and architecture. A new interior plaster, steel, and bronze stair carves through a space occupied by two small Clement sculptures in niches, a McKay Otto sculpture on a landing and a glass cylinder elevator. This is a very specific place, designed for specific art and for a collector who has a close relationship with each piece.

Soft Modern is perfect for those who appreciate both form and function, this style blends the clean lines of modern design with a warm, welcoming palette for a look that strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and luxury. Even neutrals can make a strong statement. The warm, subtle backdrop of Chai Latte paired with Bella MDF speaks of refined quality. The cool brilliance of Brava Charcoal glass with a matte sheen suggests a calm serenity. Bright white porcelain floor tiles and counters in classic marble tones with subtle grey veins assert a fresh, clean brightness. When a room's design is minimal, its storage space is critical. With Design-Craft, innovative solutions make any space versatile and fully functional while maintaining the architectural grace of a modern design. Like sleek wall cabinets with motorized, touch-activated bifold doors. Overhead wall storage with lift-and-stay horizontal doors add interest to a room's character. Appliances that are strategically disguised with custom paneling to give the space a cohesive feel. Because gorgeous design paired with ultimate functionality is the most beautiful thing of all.

A tiny jewel box apartment nestled into the landmarked neighborhood of Forest Hills, this renovation included custom work in every corner. In order to maximize space, uneven walls on the window wall were built out to become storage spaces. The kitchen, clad in a clean solid surface material, houses hidden storage spots. Attention to detail was critical throughout this space. The floors are made of solid, wide plank white oak, and they meet along the main divide of the apartment to form a chevron spine. Photo by Charlie Bennet

Originally built in 1892, this quaint log cabin has undergone a transformative renovation while preserving its charming character. Located near the Little Deschutes River in Central Oregon, within the historic Vandert Homestead, the home now boasts bright, open spaces for everyday living, complete with flexible aluminum clad folding doors. Working alongside contractor Bales Inc., architect Jeff Klein from Klein Architecture led the renovation with the goal of opening the once dark interior to natural light and the surrounding landscape. Central to the design was transforming a deteriorating garage into a new functional sunroom, creating a light-filled space that reorients the cabin design toward the patio and natural environment. Restoring a Historic Cabin with Aluminum Clad Folding Doors outdoor living with aluminum clad folding door A Revamped Cabin Design for Indoor-Outdoor Living The former garage is now a transitional space between the cabin and a natural stone patio. Positioned along the south elevation, the sunroom captures daylight throughout the day while acting as a buffer between the interior and exterior environments. A revised roof assembly was developed to resolve previous drainage failures. Working with framers, the design team incorporated a sloping roof system with a waterproof membrane to direct water away from the structure. This approach not only protected the log walls but also created access to a rooftop deck from the upper level, adding functional outdoor space without expanding the building footprint. “It was also critical to transform the existing dark, segmented interior spaces by physically opening them up to the new sunroom,” says Klein. “NanaWall systems offered the ideal solution for what we were after.” historical homestead interior Improving Spatial Flow, From the Kitchen to the Sunroom The kitchen remained largely intact during the renovation, retaining many of the elements that had defined the cabin’s character for decades. Features such as the farmhouse sink, concrete countertops, butcher-block island, and built-in seating were retained, creating a perfect blend of old and new. What changed was how the kitchen connects to the surrounding rooms. The layout now flows naturally into an adjacent dining area before extending into the newly added sunroom, delivering a seamless transition from the interiors to the outdoors through aluminum clad folding doors. Historic log cabin with clad folding doors and windows A Light-Filled Sunroom Designed for Gatherings with Aluminum Clad Windows and Doors The newly added sunroom became the centerpiece of the cabin design. Designed as a bright, welcoming space, it connects the historic cabin to the natural stone patio beyond. Interior designer Sue Olson helped create the room's atmosphere by choosing finishes and furnishings that complement the cabin's rustic materials while keeping the space open and inviting. The sunroom captures sunlight throughout the day and serves as a flexible space for dining, relaxing, and entertaining. The addition was designed to sit comfortably alongside the existing log structure while introducing expansive glazing and aluminum clad folding doors that draw daylight deep into the home. NanaWall aluminum clad folding doors and windows Aluminum Clad Folding Doors Open the Sunroom to the Patio A NanaWall aluminum clad folding glass door opens the south wall of the sunroom, creating a direct connection to the natural stone patio. Spanning more than thirteen feet wide and nearly eight feet tall, the system allows the entire façade to open when the panels are folded back. Specified with pine wood frames and simulated divided lites, the door complements the cabin’s traditional materials while introducing the flexibility of modern indoor-outdoor living. When closed, the door frames the view while bringing daylight into the sunroom. When open, the space seamlessly flows into the patio. Plus, customized with double glazed panels, these aluminum clad systems offer an insulated barrier that keeps cold weather out and keeps comfortable interiors year-round. “The NanaWall system was the ideal solution for the proposed design,” says Klein. “The result is a seamless connection between the sheltered interior area and the openness of the outdoor environment.” aluminum clad folding windows A Folding Window Creates an Indoor-Outdoor Bar Complementing the folding door and indoor-outdoor cabin design, a NanaWall aluminum clad folding window was installed at bar height along the sunroom wall facing the patio. Stretching more than thirteen feet across and just over four feet in height, the opening transforms the wall into a casual indoor-outdoor serving counter. Specified with matching pine wood frames and simulated divided lites, the system folds away easily, creating an indoor-outdoor bar that encourages interaction between the sunroom and patio. When open, the counter becomes a flexible gathering point for meals, drinks, and conversation, allowing those inside and outside to share the space comfortably. “The NanaWall door and window systems played a pivotal role in achieving our design objectives,” says Klein. “The connection between the indoor and outdoor environment has become seamless.” inoor-outdoor living with clad folding windows and doors The Flexible Design Solution for Every Home Style Beyond creating large openings, the NanaWall aluminum clad folding doors were chosen for how well they integrate with the cabin’s traditional architecture while delivering modern functionality. The wood clad panels, specified with simulated divided lites, reflect the style and charm of classic window detailing, while panels that fold outward maximize usable space inside the cabin. Minimal frames maximize glass area, drawing natural light deeper into the sunroom and adjacent spaces. Paired with higher weather performance sills, the systems are built to withstand the region’s climate while allowing the sunroom to shift easily between a sheltered interior space and an open-air extension of the patio. Additionally, NanaWall aluminum clad systems feature clip-on cladding technology that allows the wood to breathe in environments where temperatures are extremely hot, humid, or cold. This, in turn, aligns with the renovation’s goal of resolving prior drainage and moisture issues. outdoor living with NanaWall aluminum clad systems Final Thoughts: Historic Cabin Design Reimagined for Modern Living Today, the Vandevert Homestead perfectly blends old-time charm with modern living. The renovation maintains the historic character of the original log structure while introducing brighter, more connected spaces that better engage with the surrounding landscape. With the transformation of the garage into a light-filled sunroom and flexible NanaWall aluminum clad folding doors, everyday living now flows naturally between the kitchen, dining area, sunroom, and patio. The result is a cabin that feels both timeless and renewed, where historic craftsmanship remains intact while the home experience is lighter, more open, and closely tied to the natural beauty of Central Oregon.

The Home The Bannockburn is a uniquely-designed ranch home that features amazing mountain views from multiple rooms. Situated on two-and-a-half acres, this “rustic, industrial farmhouse” includes four bedrooms, four baths and an oversized four-car finished garage, along with a whole-house stereo. The 12-foot tall main ceilings and bright open rooms, with the natural white oak floors, immediately give the sense of home entertainment. The unique butler bar connects to the gourmet kitchen, blending the ten-and-a-half foot granite-surface island with unique gabion features. The spacious quartz counter for food prep, along with the rear windows for viewing the wildlife, are a bonus. For eating spaces, along with the butler bar and island, there is a large dinette and large dining/flex room with oversized windows overlooking the covered sun deck. The master suite features a rustic wood and iron-trimmed fireplace, a super shower with gabion vanity accents, large mirrors, a makeup station and floor-to-ceiling tile. The master closet connects to the laundry, featuring an eight-foot bench and cubby row, diamond plate tile flooring, plenty of cabinets and a desk with filing space. The lower-level, iron and rusted metal fireplace with an exposed aggregate concrete floor enhance the natural industrial look. The rec room and full galley leads to the walkout patio for a future barbecue, hot tub or firepit. The Builder Albano Homes is a family-owned, custom and luxury homebuilder, building in the Colorado Springs area since 1991. Al Albano comes from a family of homebuilders and tradesmen. With almost 50 years of building experience, he personally works with every client to ensure unique architectural designs, functionality and quality of products to meet every clients’ needs and desires for their home. With design trends constantly changing, we believe it is critical to research the markets to give our clients the design possibilities that can be integrated into their new home. Al melds current design features with time-tested architectural stability and the highest-quality workmanship. Al is the overall home designer and planner. His son, Adam, is the project manager, supervisor and scheduler. Al’s wife, Paula, is the specialty designer as well as the color & finish materials selector. Joni, Al’s daughter, is the marketing and sales director and supervisor. The Interior Design Blending both farmhouse and industrial styles in several features, this home seamlessly flows from room to room. The classicstyle trim and over-the-door transoms on the main level meld the past with the present. Soft grays and whites coupled with stark reds and blacks bring the home to life. Distinctive gabion features throughout the home, coupled with natural granite, white oak and alder woods, bring in the outdoors. Uniqueness, flow, design and superior quality are the hallmarks of this 2020 Parade home.

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Rich Colors Color can literally ‘make or break’ a room. Therefore, it’s critical that you get it right, especially in the bedroom. Regardless if you prefer neutral tones, pastels, or bold color palettes, don’t be nervous about incorporating strong color choices in a classic style bedroom. First, pick your furniture, bedding, artwork, etc. and then select your wall colors last. It’s much easier to match the wall color to your furnishings than trying to match your furnishings to your wall color. Take your time and get plenty of paint samples. Keep in mind that the wall color should complement your furnishings rather than trying to match them ‘shade for shade.’

Getting every detail right was critical to the success of this project. The brick was carefully matched to the house brick. The color of the precast column caps and the ball and finial details was selected to blend with the custom mortar color used on the home. There are no shortcuts.

Daylight is a very important factor that influences plant growth and reproduction. Gardeners need to make sure that they measure the length of daylight hours that a plant gets within a 24-hour period. This way, growth can be monitored and regulated. For sun-loving plants, changes in the length of each day serve as the guide that helps plants transition from vegetative growth to reproductive stages. Changes in seasons and daylight hours have an impact on the adjustment of growth hormones that are responsible for flowering. Therefore, it’s very important for gardeners to make sure that they conduct thorough research on long-season plants that are adapted to extended sunlight exposure. During this research, it’s not uncommon for gardeners to come across topics related to sativa seeds for sale because these plants are studied for their adaptation to bright, extended growing seasons. For gardeners that want to experiment with these kinds of plants, sativa seeds for sale can be a good starting point. But in all cases of plant growth for sun-loving plants, the principle is always the same: it’s that daylight acts as a calendar that plants use so they can determine when it’s time for them to reproduce. Long-Day, Short-Day, and Day-Neutral Responses Different plants have different responses to light cycles. This is why plants are grouped into long-day, short-day, and day-neutral categories. Long-day plants are those plants that thrive when daylight goes beyond the critical threshold. This is mostly common in late spring or early summer. A lot of sun-loving ornamental plants and vegetables fall within this category. They always take advantage of the longer days that support energy-intensive flower and seed production. On the other hand, short-day plants are those that usually flower and thrive when nights grow longer. When temperatures cool or the seasonal rainfall patterns change, these plants tend to thrive. Sure, these plants still require strong sunlight. However, it’s their uninterrupted time in the dark that triggers their reproductive phase. For day-neutral plants, it’s age and environmental stress that impacts their reproductive phase. However, they still do benefit from adequate sunlight. It’s very important for gardeners to understand these categories so that they can plan what to grow in their garden with each turn of the season. By doing this, it’s easier to guarantee better results in one’s garden. Why Sunlight Duration Matters More Than Intensity Alone It’s not only the sun’s intensity that should be taken into account when growing a garden. It’s also very important to take note of sunlight duration, which is actually more important for plants. Sure, light intensity does influence photosynthesis. However, it’s the duration of sunlight exposure that plays an important regulatory role. When plants are exposed to sunlight longer, they are able to produce more carbohydrates through photosynthesis. This helps them build the energy reserves they need to grow buds and flowers. However, if a plant does not get enough sunlight time, there is a huge chance that the plant will not bloom at all. If you have observed plants that grow very quickly but do not flower, the reason is that it doesn’t get enough sunlight time. Therefore, it’s very important to monitor sunlight duration in order to make sure that plants will actually grow buds and flowers. Practical Implications for Garden Planning When gardeners understand the impact of daylight hours on plants, they are able to plan their gardens more effectively. After all, seasons do change and the conditions brought by each season will definitely have a huge impact on plant growth. Once gardeners have the right knowledge in terms of which categories plants belong to, they can easily decide which plants to grow at any given time. It’s not enough to just rely on sunlight intensity and then expect plants to grow buds and flowers. It’s also very important to take into account the duration of sunlight time for each plant. By having this understanding, gardeners will become more effective when it comes to making sure that flowering occurs.

A spectacular exterior will stand out and reflect the general style of the house. Beautiful house exterior design can be complemented with attractive architectural features. Unique details can include beautiful landscaping ideas, gorgeous exterior color combinations, outdoor lighting, charming fences, and a spacious porch. These all enhance the beauty of your home’s exterior design and improve its curb appeal. Whether your home is traditional, modern, or contemporary, exterior design plays a critical role. It allows homeowners to make a great first impression but also add value to their homes.

Complete Hillside Backyard Renovation, El Paso – by GoDesigns This breathtaking backyard transformation in the historic area of El Paso, Texas, is a shining example of GoDesigns’ vision, expertise, and resilience. Situated on a challenging hillside property, the original backyard installed in 2005 was plagued by critical design flaws that led to a complete failure of the outdoor space. The existing negative edge pool, improperly installed with insufficient grade, drainage, and support, caused massive water loss and structural issues. The consequences were severe — the side rock wall broke in half, the backyard destabilized, and even a portion of the house was compromised. GoDesigns was brought in to turn crisis into opportunity. During the height of COVID-19, they launched Phase 1 of a multi-phase master plan to restore and reinvent the space. The entire backyard was demolished, including the compromised pool shell. The broken negative edge section was filled in, making way for a reimagined pool design. A new, reinforced pool structure was shot, finished with 5cm tumbled travertine coping, oversized mossrock boulders, new waterline tile, and a premium PebbleTec interior. Beneath the beauty lies smart engineering: GoDesigns replaced all plumbing and regraded the property, applying subsurface remediation and compaction techniques to ensure long-term stability. A new rocksalt steel reinforced concrete deck was poured, replacing the narrow wraparound layout with a spacious, functional outdoor living area. Now, the family enjoys ample room for chaise lounges, alfresco dining, and relaxing by the existing outdoor fireplace — luxuries they never had before. GoDesigns didn’t stop there. Advanced drainage systems — including underground piping, box drains, and planter drains — were installed to protect the integrity of the hillside. These systems are integrated into leveled planters that not only beautify the space but also reinforce the structure of the pool and surrounding terrain. Phase 2 focused on upgrading the patio directly outside the main house, while Phase 3 was the final touch — a lush landscape planting plan paired with elegant outdoor lighting to enhance ambiance and curb appeal. What was once a scene of despair is now a luxurious retreat — completed in thoughtfully timed phases over four years. Thanks to GoDesigns’ master planning and unwavering commitment, this hillside haven is a true testament to transformation. The clients are now looking forward to their next chapter: the front yard.

With no vanity storage became a critical element for the client. We custom made this cabinet giving the owner a place for linens etc...The face frame finishes flush to the tile maintaining the bathrooms clean lines. The Home Doctors

The first thing you notice about this property is the stunning views of the mountains, and our clients wanted to showcase this. We selected pieces that complement and highlight the scenery. Our clients were in love with their brown leather couches, so we knew we wanted to keep them from the beginning. This was the focal point for the selections in the living room, and we were able to create a cohesive, rustic, mountain-chic space. The home office was another critical part of the project as both clients work from home. We repurposed a handmade table that was made by the client’s family and used it as a double-sided desk. We painted the fireplace in a gorgeous green accent to make it pop. Finding the balance between statement pieces and statement views made this project a unique and incredibly rewarding experience. Project designed by Montecito interior designer Margarita Bravo. She serves Montecito as well as surrounding areas such as Hope Ranch, Summerland, Santa Barbara, Isla Vista, Mission Canyon, Carpinteria, Goleta, Ojai, Los Olivos, and Solvang. --- For more about MARGARITA BRAVO, click here: https://www.margaritabravo.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://www.margaritabravo.com/portfolio/mountain-chic-modern-rustic-home-denver/

Building materials are one of the primary sources of indoor air contaminants that negatively affect the health of our living spaces The EcoCraft team has meticulously selected building materials that are healthy, recyclable, and free of harmful contaminants thereby improving the health of our homes. Consider also that consistent temperatures between floors, rooms, and surfaces plays a critical role in how humans experience true comfort. Our advanced airtight continuously insulated building envelopes eliminate drafts and cold surface to ensure consistent air and surface temperatures. Individually zoned floors and spaces provide occupant control for added flexibility and individualized temperature settings. Our extra thick walls and energy star windows reduce sound transfer between the interior and exterior spaces, while our state of the art mechanical systems run quietly to provide an experience you can feel, but can barely hear.

While most people in town considered this building a "tear-down", the new homeowners wanted to revive the property with an ambitions renovation and addition project. Two major challenges needed to be overcome on this project: the first was preserving the integrity of the original 200 year old barn; the second was designing a complementary structure that would co-exist on the site without looking like a 21st century addition. In order to achieve these goals, our team studied how farm buildings evolve on a site over time. Additions are usually constructed based on need and function. With this protocol in mind, a grain silo was designed to act as our entry tower and buffer the intersection of the two buildings. The silo acts as our focal point and allowed us to construct very simple buildings to house the balance of the owner’s program. The team paid very close attention to scale, use of materials (many of which were recycled) and developed a vocabulary of modern interior detailing that would complement the original house. Specific program requirements for the project included: large entertainment spaces, gourmet kitchen with adjacent family room, a squash court, multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, master suite, and plenty of storage space. In addition, since both adults work from home and receive clients in their offices, two offices needed to be created and it was critical to separate the work areas for the more private family spaces. The new silo, with central stair, became the element that allowed these different program needs to coexist effectively.