Since 1998, Sunset magazine has built Idea Houses throughout the West that showcase the latest innovations in architecture, construction, design, and sustainable building. Photos here are from "The Ultimate Sierra Retreat" Idea House recently completed in Truckee. Spirit Tahoe worked with the General Contractor on this project providing the Interior Design.

We continued the patio beyond the roofline for a more open feel and added a natural gas fire pit and seating walls as an entertainment focal point.
Mid-sized trendy backyard concrete paver patio photo in Philadelphia with a fire pit and a roof extension

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Floating path provides access form the living room into the garden across the pond. The rectangular shape of the path reflects the geometry of the window architecture

Maximizing the functionality of this space, and coordinating the new kitchen with the beautiful remodel completed previously by the client were the two most important aspects of this project. The existing spaces are elegantly decorated with an open plan, dark hardwood floors, and natural stone accents. The new, lighter, more open kitchen flows beautifully into the client’s existing dining room space. Satin nickel hardware blends with the stainless steel appliances and matches the satin nickel details throughout the home. The fully integrated refrigerator next to the narrow pull-out pantry cabinet, take up less visual weight than a traditional stainless steel appliance and the two combine to provide fantastic storage. The glass cabinet doors and decorative lighting beautifully highlight the client’s glassware and dishes. Finished with white subway tile, Dreamy Marfil quartz countertops, and a warm natural wood blind; the space warm, inviting, elegant, and extremely functional. copyright 2013 marilyn peryer photography

Andover, MA backyard renovation. - Bluestone patio with radius cut curved stone accents. New England fieldstone seat wall, fire pit and Goshen stone pavers leading to pool house. Granite paver borders and jumbo granite cobbled apron on driveway with lavender and misc. plantings - Sallie Hill Design | Landscape Architecture | 339-970-9058 | salliehilldesign.com | photo ©2012 Brian Hill

The Pattie Group
Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional partial sun side yard brick garden path in Cleveland for summer.

Inspiration for an industrial l-shaped kitchen remodel in Singapore with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, metallic backsplash, metal backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Quinn and Paige, residents of this tired 1960’s tri-level home hated their kitchen. As a matter of fact, prior to making plans to renovate the first floor - they considered selling the home, but were reluctant because of its enviable location near the heart of downtown Barrington which was within walking distance to local stores and all their favorite places. So instead they contacted Advance Design Studio after hearing about them from a neighbor, to rescue their tired home and give it new life. The very first plan was to remove the constricting walls surrounding the original kitchen, and open the expansive first floor living room and dining area to the new heart of the space; a stunning state of the art coastal designed kitchen. Exposing attractive beams in the vaulted ceiling created an interesting structural detail that suits the open plan and salutes the original architecture of the home, further emphasizing the height of the new space enjoyed now by the family as a great room. The stage was set for the seaside feel of this kitchen by pairing crisp white painted maple cabinets with Dura Supreme’s one of kind hand weathered finish on the island in soft blue-green finish. But the authentic feeling of being on your favorite beach was supremely achieved by the matching of unique Mt. Claire marble on the island and the specialty Wareham acid washed stone on the perimeter counter tops. Pictures don’t do justice to the feel of this stone under your hand; its water-washed texture reminds instantly of summer vacations collecting rocks softly etched by hundreds of waves. Stainless steel appliances and satin nickel hardware shine brightly against the backdrop of bright white subway tiles accentuated by subtle grey grout lines contributing to the nautical feel of this comfortable kitchen. Seeded glass door cabinetry reminiscent of beach grasses dress up the space just enough, and a proud 6” stacked crown molding extends above 36” wall cabinets into the expanse of the now taller space; balancing this kitchen nicely within its newly integrated home. Features in this kitchen include a built in standard depth refrigerator, pull out spice racks, tall tray dividers and wood super Susan with double pull out trash and recycling. A cutlery divider holds sharp knives, and an angled cabinet was customized to hold a secret USB charging station. The bright white Kohler farm sink is graced by an elegant bridge faucet in brushed nickel. This now airy and spacious kitchen has room for guest and family to congregate around the large island, complete with stools and attractive hidden storage for seldom used entertainment pieces. “I was sold when I saw the drawings. My designer nailed it, down to every last storage idea and coastal detail I envisioned, it was all in there. It was unbelievable how accurate her interpretation was of what was in my head; working with her made my kitchen renovation so easy, it’s as if she literally read my mind”, said Paige enthusiastically. The woman of the house expressed upon completion not only her love for her fantastic new cooking space, but how renovating her kitchen has given new life to the entire home. Talk of moving has been relegated to the recycling bin, and instead the family is discussing plans to renovate the master bath now that they’ve decided to stay for the long term. Friends who visit the home do a double-take as they recognize the new space’s dramatic transformation from original cramped and closed spaces - to the now amazingly fresh open kitchen that has become the center of every gathering and family meal. Designer: Nicole Ryan Photographer: Joe Nowak

Laura Moss Photography
Example of a farmhouse freestanding desk study room design in New York with gray walls

This garden path is constructed of concrete stepping stones. It is retained by a manufactured stone block that complements the homes stone veneer. The stucco wall and wrought iron gate provide a formal entrance.

The 'before' photo shows just how forlorn this space looked before it was redone. Pamela Crawford designed a simple shade garden with a path made of stepping stones and lots of tropical plants. See over 500 photos of container gardens on her website at pamela-crawford.com. Pamela designs landscapes throughout Palm Beach County, FL, including Boca Raton, Delray Beach, the town of Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, and Wellington.

Design ideas for a small modern side yard concrete paver landscaping in Portland.

Photo of a small modern full sun front yard brick landscaping in Sydney for summer.

Beautiful white kitchen with stainless steel appliances and pops of blue. photo credit Trevor Povah
Inspiration for a mid-sized coastal u-shaped medium tone wood floor enclosed kitchen remodel in San Luis Obispo with a farmhouse sink, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula and subway tile backsplash

Large minimalist master white tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile bathroom photo in Atlanta with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, black cabinets, marble countertops and gray walls

Maina Enterprises, LLC
Inspiration for a coastal side yard landscaping in New York.

Eric Foote
Photo of a small mediterranean landscaping in Santa Barbara.

Dalton Portella
Inspiration for a coastal dining room remodel in New York