David Duncan Livingston
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary single-wall light wood floor open concept kitchen remodel in Sacramento with flat-panel cabinets, quartz countertops, an island, an undermount sink, dark wood cabinets and stainless steel appliances

Before the remodel there was a chamfered soffit in the breakfast room. The main entry to the room had a header lowering the height of the opening and there was an opening with a header between the kitchen and the family room. There were also upper cabinets suspended over the base cabinetry separating the two rooms. All of this was able to be removed during the remodel. These alterations allowed us to create the open feeling room the homeowners were hoping for. Alie Zandstra

Inspiration for a large traditional full sun front yard brick driveway in New York.

This kitchen in Forest Acres came together around a solid granite countertop, and it's the kind of stone that does the quiet work of holding a whole room together. Granite's been the go-to for kitchen counters for decades because it earns it. It's igneous rock, formed under heat and pressure, and that history is why it laughs off the stuff a real kitchen throws at it. Hot pans, knife work, everyday spills, granite takes it and keeps looking good. We went with an eased edge on this one, which is the clean, simple line that a lot of Midlands homeowners want. It's not flashy, but that's the point. An eased edge softens the sharp corner just enough to be comfortable to lean against and easy to wipe down, and it lets the granite itself, the movement, the flecks, the depth in the stone, do the talking instead of a fussy edge profile competing for attention. Getting a countertop like this right starts before the stone ever gets cut. We template the kitchen precisely, accounting for the cabinets, the appliances, and any out-of-square walls that always show up in real houses. Then it's cut, the edges are worked by hand to get that eased profile even and consistent around every corner, and the seams, if there are any, get lined up so the pattern reads as close to continuous as we can get it. Granite doesn't forgive sloppy fabrication. Every joint and cutout has to be tight because the stone's not going anywhere once it's set. Day to day, this is a countertop that's built for actual cooking and actual life, not just for photos. Granite resists scratching, it handles heat better than almost anything else you'd put in a kitchen, and with a good sealer it shrugs off staining from wine, oil, or lemon juice. It's low maintenance once it's in, just a wipe down and, depending on the specific granite, a reseal every year or two to keep it performing at its best. Forest Acres has a good mix of older homes getting updated and newer builds going in, and granite fits both. It's a material that's stood the test of time in kitchens across the Midlands, and this one's a solid, honest example of why. Clean lines, real stone, and a countertop that's going to outlast most everything else in that kitchen.

This kitchen in Forest Acres came together around a solid granite countertop, and it's the kind of stone that does the quiet work of holding a whole room together. Granite's been the go-to for kitchen counters for decades because it earns it. It's igneous rock, formed under heat and pressure, and that history is why it laughs off the stuff a real kitchen throws at it. Hot pans, knife work, everyday spills, granite takes it and keeps looking good. We went with an eased edge on this one, which is the clean, simple line that a lot of Midlands homeowners want. It's not flashy, but that's the point. An eased edge softens the sharp corner just enough to be comfortable to lean against and easy to wipe down, and it lets the granite itself, the movement, the flecks, the depth in the stone, do the talking instead of a fussy edge profile competing for attention. Getting a countertop like this right starts before the stone ever gets cut. We template the kitchen precisely, accounting for the cabinets, the appliances, and any out-of-square walls that always show up in real houses. Then it's cut, the edges are worked by hand to get that eased profile even and consistent around every corner, and the seams, if there are any, get lined up so the pattern reads as close to continuous as we can get it. Granite doesn't forgive sloppy fabrication. Every joint and cutout has to be tight because the stone's not going anywhere once it's set. Day to day, this is a countertop that's built for actual cooking and actual life, not just for photos. Granite resists scratching, it handles heat better than almost anything else you'd put in a kitchen, and with a good sealer it shrugs off staining from wine, oil, or lemon juice. It's low maintenance once it's in, just a wipe down and, depending on the specific granite, a reseal every year or two to keep it performing at its best. Forest Acres has a good mix of older homes getting updated and newer builds going in, and granite fits both. It's a material that's stood the test of time in kitchens across the Midlands, and this one's a solid, honest example of why. Clean lines, real stone, and a countertop that's going to outlast most everything else in that kitchen.

This season, ‘Windy City Rehab’ star Alison Victoria and her partner Mike Holmes from ‘Holmes + Holmes’ teamed up to win the kitchen challenge for the second year in a row. They carried their vision of creating a French countryside home into this space. When it came time to select the appliances Alison just knew she had to go with BlueStar®. She was able to maintain a sense of history without giving up the cutting-edge performance that they provide. After using BlueStar® in her season 1 winning design and being an owner of one herself she knew the combination of cooking performance with almost unlimited customization would be the perfect way to make her kitchen stand out. For this season she chose a 48” Nova (RNB) Series range in Signal White with Jet Black knobs and Antique Brass trim that perfectly matched the surrounding elements and seamlessly blended into her French countryside design. It’s searing 22,000 BTU burners and oversized oven capacity are perfect for any home chef, while the 1,000+ color and designer trim options only help to enhance any space. For the refrigerator she selected the 36” PRO French Door Built-In Refrigerator customized with the same Signal White and Antique Brass trim design as used on the range. By including a painted top grill, the refrigerator becomes more a part of the overall room design and less of an appliance. Featuring an over-sized capacity of 22.4 cu. ft., all stainless steel and glass interiors and the ability to accommodate a full-size baking sheet it is the perfect refrigerator for the home entertainer or a large family.

Live edge Elm glue-up table with Chill Epoxy clear fill. Live edge Elm bench with Tacoma legs.
Kitchen - modern kitchen idea in Seattle

Contemporary Kitchen design - Edge of Modernism - Residential Interior Design Project in Canada by DKOR Interiors Photographer: Alexia Fodere
Eat-in kitchen - contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen idea in Miami with stainless steel appliances and an island

Nothing short of spectacular, this infinity zero edge pool with its four sheer descent waterfalls epitomizes an adult-oriented retreat. Built into a reverse slope, its irregular geometric shape echoes the clean lines of the surrounding hardscape. The pool is finished in black Armorcoat and enveloped by raised, black, polished tile walls which create a sense of enclosure. A spa, tanning deck, and indoor-outdoor eating areas complete this urban getaway. (20 x 36, custom geometric shape)

Photo: Patrick O'Malley
Example of an eclectic sunroom design in Boston

Inverted Maple Epoxy River Dining table with Bridgeport legs.
Minimalist kitchen photo in Seattle

Troy Campbell
Example of a trendy powder room design in New York with an undermount sink, wood countertops and brown countertops

Custom wood gates are flanked by natural stone columns in a square-cut pattern with a rock face edge.
Inspiration for a huge modern shade front yard gravel landscaping in Other for summer.

We collaborated with Interior Specialist, Aspen Vanhoorebeck from @acozyblessednest, in her teenage boy's bedroom redesign. Originally Aspen’s 16-year-old son wanted all-black painted bedroom walls. Not especially thrilled on the dark color choice (she hoped the room would easily transition into a guest room when he went to college), Aspen looked for another option. When she found our smooth Timeless Nickel Gap Midnight Black shiplap, she and her son were able to reach a happy medium. At the end of her project, Aspen shared, "We loved working with UFP-Edge to put the black nickel gap shiplap in my son's room. My favorite part is that it comes pre-cut to fit the wall. It made the project easy enough for anyone to do! Not only do I love it, but my son does too! We’ve gotten so many compliments. I can’t wait for the next project!" Our UFP-Edge Timeless nickel gap shiplap adds incredible character to any space with its sleek lines and clean finish. The lasting appeal of smooth shiplap provides the perfect design element for a variety of design styles, including both modern farmhouse and transitional. Take your interior design to the next level by installing Timeless shiplap for added dimension and character.

Photo Whit Preston
Inspiration for a contemporary backyard l-shaped pool house remodel in Austin

Dimension: 95" L X 39" D X 30" H Modern meets the outdoors in this beautifully handcrafted Mariemont Solid Wood Live Edge Slab Large Dining Table. The geometric black legs of the table add a great modern contrast to the rustic and natural tabletop. No matter what the rest of your decor looks like, this table is sure to fit in seamlessly. This live edge table is large enough to fit 8-10 of your favorite people, so it's ideal for any aspiring host or hostess. Hours of time from the most talented craftsmen are put into making each and every table. They are 100% handcrafted with love and care to bring out the best in the wood. You can rest assured that this artisan product will exceed all expectations.Suar, also known as the majestic "rain tree" is the giant tropical rainforest tree. It is a hardwood known for its beautiful straight grains, durability, strength and is often used as a substitute for hardwoods like Walnut and Mahogany. With such properties, the beauty of the Suar wood furniture is easy to retain for years. Special Features: • 100% solid handcrafted wood furniture • Solid Sergai Suar wood tabletop • Seating for 8-10 • One of a kind live edge table top and grain pattern Note: Real wood is a product of nature, and as such, no two pieces are alike. Variations in solid wood grain patterns are to be expected and make each furniture uniquely beautiful, just like us humans.

The front entry is unapologetically elegant, utilizing minimalized details balanced with soft curves to maintain a modern, comfortable approach to a formal home. Dark accents contrast the light brick and stone for a warm modern impression. Granite pavers provide a historic European feel, while the smooth saw-cut edges are strict enough to introduce the modern patterns seen throughout the home. The steeply pitched roof descends to the first story level, grounding the archway to the front door at a human scale to create a welcoming experience, with a glimpse of landscape and mature trees beyond.

After many years of having no outdoor living space and dealing with overgrown plants and trees the owner’s decided it was time to revitalize their backyard. They knew they wanted a large sitting area with a wood burning fireplace, room for outdoor dining and a place for the grill. A connecting walk would be needed to get guests from the driveway to the outdoor space. Last but not least, the owners wanted the ability to and a reason for stepping out of their unusable patio doors. The designers decided from the start the fireplace would be the prominent feature and focal point for the entire project. A large fireplace accented with sitting walls and arbors was positioned to anchor the corner of the patio. Stone was chosen to set the fireplace apart as its own element. Brick was used for the sitting walls and brick accents were added to the fireplace to tie into the house. An inlaid herringbone brick detail was incorporated above the stone mantle to simulate artwork which is typically found above indoor fireplaces. Flagstone was used for the wall caps and hearth to match the patio and thicker flagstone tread stock was used for the mantle and top. The arbors were added to visually balance the pergolas at the opposite side of the patio. For the patio the designers created a series of offset spaces to help subtly divide the space into two areas, sitting and dining. Two large existing trees also help dictate the shape of the patio. Cut flagstone was chosen for the surface bordered by a double soldier edge of brick. The brick edging also surrounds a decorative gravel area topped with an urn fountain which provides a secondary focal point and the sound of water. Large flagstone treads were used for the steps leading to the previously unused patio doors. Opposite the fireplace a short walk leads to a square transition area with a statue chosen by the owner. The statue provides a strong focal point when entering from the driveway. A longer walk leads from this space along the house to the driveway. The pergolas and arbors were designed by the landscape designer as part of this project but were ultimately contracted separately by the owner. The larger square pergola was intended as an area for a bench or two separate from the main patio. The longer pergola was added later in the design phase to help provide shade to the interior of the house. The arbors at the fireplace were added to balance out the wood elements at the opposite side while adding additional architectural interest to the fireplace. While this project was predominantly hardscaping, planting and lighting were also incorporated into the design. Several large existing trees were retained and serious of smaller understory trees were added to help enclose the space. The designer’s took advantage of the large trees to place down lights on the branches to achieve a moonlight effect at night. Additional lighting was used on the pergola, to accent focal points, to up light the smaller trees and around the patio. Massed planting of Japanese forest grass provides bold foliage color for the shady garden. A mulch path leads off behind the fireplace to another garden and a secluded area ideal for a bench or small table and chairs. Additional plantings were added along the rear property line to screen and unsightly fence. This project has obviously completely changed the way the owners use their backyard. They now have a seamless transition from indoors to outdoors with the use of the patio doors. The large patio allows for entertaining small gatherings outdoors for the first time. The fireplace has definitely become the primary gathering place for family and friends.

As written in Northern Home & Cottage by Elizabeth Edwards Sara and Paul Matthews call their head-turning home, located in a sweet neighborhood just up the hill from downtown Petoskey, “a very human story.” Indeed it is. Sara and her husband, Paul, have a special-needs son as well as an energetic middle-school daughter. This home has an answer for everyone. Located down the street from the school, it is ideally situated for their daughter and a self-contained apartment off the great room accommodates all their son’s needs while giving his caretakers privacy—and the family theirs. The Matthews began the building process by taking their thoughts and needs to Stephanie Baldwin and her team at Edgewater Design Group. Beyond the above considerations, they wanted their new home to be low maintenance and to stand out architecturally, “But not so much that anyone would complain that it didn’t work in our neighborhood,” says Sara. “We were thrilled that Edgewater listened to us and were able to give us a unique-looking house that is meeting all our needs.” Lombardy LLC built this handsome home with Paul working alongside the construction crew throughout the project. The low maintenance exterior is a cutting-edge blend of stacked stone, black corrugated steel, black framed windows and Douglas fir soffits—elements that add up to an organic contemporary look. The use of black steel, including interior beams and the staircase system, lend an industrial vibe that is courtesy of the Matthews’ friend Dan Mello of Trimet Industries in Traverse City. The couple first met Dan, a metal fabricator, a number of years ago, right around the time they found out that their then two-year-old son would never be able to walk. After the couple explained to Dan that they couldn’t find a solution for a child who wasn’t big enough for a wheelchair, he designed a comfortable, rolling chair that was just perfect. They still use it. The couple’s gratitude for the chair resulted in a trusting relationship with Dan, so it was natural for them to welcome his talents into their home-building process. A maple floor finished to bring out all of its color-tones envelops the room in warmth. Alder doors and trim and a Doug fir ceiling reflect that warmth. Clearstory windows and floor-to-ceiling window banks fill the space with light—and with views of the spacious grounds that will become a canvas for Paul, a retired landscaper. The couple’s vibrant art pieces play off against modernist furniture and lighting that is due to an inspired collaboration between Sara and interior designer Kelly Paulsen. “She was absolutely instrumental to the project,” Sara says. “I went through two designers before I finally found Kelly.” The open clean-lined kitchen, butler’s pantry outfitted with a beverage center and Miele coffee machine (that allows guests to wait on themselves when Sara is cooking), and an outdoor room that centers around a wood-burning fireplace, all make for easy, fabulous entertaining. A den just off the great room houses the big-screen television and Sara’s loom— making for relaxing evenings of weaving, game watching and togetherness. Tourgoers will leave understanding that this house is everything great design should be. Form following function—and solving very human issues with soul-soothing style.