Who says green and sustainable design has to look like it? Designed to emulate the owner’s favorite country club, this fine estate home blends in with the natural surroundings of it’s hillside perch, and is so intoxicatingly beautiful, one hardly notices its numerous energy saving and green features. Durable, natural and handsome materials such as stained cedar trim, natural stone veneer, and integral color plaster are combined with strong horizontal roof lines that emphasize the expansive nature of the site and capture the “bigness” of the view. Large expanses of glass punctuated with a natural rhythm of exposed beams and stone columns that frame the spectacular views of the Santa Clara Valley and the Los Gatos Hills. A shady outdoor loggia and cozy outdoor fire pit create the perfect environment for relaxed Saturday afternoon barbecues and glitzy evening dinner parties alike. A glass “wall of wine” creates an elegant backdrop for the dining room table, the warm stained wood interior details make the home both comfortable and dramatic. The project’s energy saving features include: - a 5 kW roof mounted grid-tied PV solar array pays for most of the electrical needs, and sends power to the grid in summer 6 year payback! - all native and drought-tolerant landscaping reduce irrigation needs - passive solar design that reduces heat gain in summer and allows for passive heating in winter - passive flow through ventilation provides natural night cooling, taking advantage of cooling summer breezes - natural day-lighting decreases need for interior lighting - fly ash concrete for all foundations - dual glazed low e high performance windows and doors Design Team: Noel Cross+Architects - Architect Christopher Yates Landscape Architecture Joanie Wick – Interior Design Vita Pehar - Lighting Design Conrado Co. – General Contractor Marion Brenner – Photography

Photos copyright 2012 Scripps Network, LLC. Used with permission, all rights reserved.
Mid-sized transitional boy carpeted and green floor kids' room photo in Atlanta with beige walls

When our client purchased his mother’s home, the house he grew up in, he knew it was time to update while incorporating his preferred contemporary style. Enter remodeling specialists, Renovisions, who were hired to customize his new look. The main challenge came with creating a more open floor plan. The kitchen was part of one large room, so making this new space unique and awe-inspiring while differentiating from the surrounding dining room was the goal in mind. Renovisions accomplished this goal by first removing the walls between the dining room and kitchen to open up the space The idea was to draw your eye into the room with some interesting elements such as a 2-tier island, a functional and creative pull-out storage cabinet, sleek looking stainless steel GE appliances and glass mosaic tiles with stunning stainless steel backsplash in a Harlequin pattern. Cement colored quartz countertops in a suede finish and 12” x 24” larger format textured porcelain floor tile in a varied pattern completed the modern look. Contemporary designs boast simplicity by focusing on clean lines and an uncluttered look. This is exactly what our client wanted and the contemporary styled frameless cherry cabinetry with a medium dark stain infused a masculine vibe.

To match the stunning architectural features of this modern property in Kirkland, we designed and installed massive steel retaining walls that when rusted will match the color of the cedar siding. With understated plant choices that ranged from grasses to evergreen trees, this landscape really tries to emphasize the level changes achieved by the large plates of steel. One of the goals of this project was to conserve water and help maintain as many native trees as possible. Kirkland Land Care installed a rubber sidewalk as requested by the city to allow for this magnificent London Plane Tree to grow. LED landscape lights and a permeable driveway with recharge sub grade were also installed to decrease the building's footprint.

Elegant porch photo in Portland

Jim Schmid Photography
This is an example of a modern landscaping in Charlotte.

Elegance often starts with simplicity, regardless of the style of the space. This Midcentury Modern kitchen has a 24x48 porcelain floor tile installed. Bigger is better, even in the smallest of areas. When stepping to a 12x24 tile, the reality of that choice, often creates the space to date quicker due to the increased grout. Also, a product on the floor must appear to have the strength and depth to support the visual size of a room. That is created by size or by using tiles to work as a team. Stepping to a 12x24 tile will often cause a home owner to feel as if they must remodel once 3-4 years have passed. Simply, a larger format tile will often increase the longevity of a home, space or project, it's due to the simplicity and decrease in grout. This home has porcelain countertops installed. Porcelain countertops are a choice many don't know they can make. Porcelain handles heat incredibly well, It looks incredible and handles abuse, with no real maintenance required, where stone requires a lot of up-keep. We have been walking on porcelain for decades. It's strange it has taken so long to create porcelain countertops. To be successful with the install of a porcelain countertop, you must hire the right company that specializes in installing that type of product. Not always, but often, a stone countertop installer is not interested or trained in the install of a porcelain countertop. Laminam is probably one of the most successful porcelain countertops to install. They don't have a tendency to hairline facture at install like the other bands.

Elegance often starts with simplicity, regardless of the style of the space. This Midcentury Modern kitchen has a 24x48 porcelain floor tile installed. Bigger is better, even in the smallest of areas. When stepping to a 12x24 tile, the reality of that choice, often creates the space to date quicker due to the increased grout. Also, a product on the floor must appear to have the strength and depth to support the visual size of a room. That is created by size or by using tiles to work as a team. Stepping to a 12x24 tile will often cause a home owner to feel as if they must remodel once 3-4 years have passed. Simply, a larger format tile will often increase the longevity of a home, space or project, it's due to the simplicity and decrease in grout. This home has porcelain countertops installed. Porcelain countertops are a choice many don't know they can make. Porcelain handles heat incredibly well, It looks incredible and handles abuse, with no real maintenance required, where stone requires a lot of up-keep. We have been walking on porcelain for decades. It's strange it has taken so long to create porcelain countertops. To be successful with the install of a porcelain countertop, you must hire the right company that specializes in installing that type of product. Not always, but often, a stone countertop installer is not interested or trained in the install of a porcelain countertop. Laminam is probably one of the most successful porcelain countertops to install. They don't have a tendency to hairline facture at install like the other bands.

Elegance often starts with simplicity, regardless of the style of the space. This Midcentury Modern kitchen has a 24x48 porcelain floor tile installed. Bigger is better, even in the smallest of areas. When stepping to a 12x24 tile, the reality of that choice, often creates the space to date quicker due to the increased grout. Also, a product on the floor must appear to have the strength and depth to support the visual size of a room. That is created by size or by using tiles to work as a team. Stepping to a 12x24 tile will often cause a home owner to feel as if they must remodel once 3-4 years have passed. Simply, a larger format tile will often increase the longevity of a home, space or project, it's due to the simplicity and decrease in grout. This home has porcelain countertops installed. Porcelain countertops are a choice many don't know they can make. Porcelain handles heat incredibly well, It looks incredible and handles abuse, with no real maintenance required, where stone requires a lot of up-keep. We have been walking on porcelain for decades. It's strange it has taken so long to create porcelain countertops. To be successful with the install of a porcelain countertop, you must hire the right company that specializes in installing that type of product. Not always, but often, a stone countertop installer is not interested or trained in the install of a porcelain countertop. Laminam is probably one of the most successful porcelain countertops to install. They don't have a tendency to hairline facture at install like the other bands.

Elegance often starts with simplicity, regardless of the style of the space. This Midcentury Modern kitchen has a 24x48 porcelain floor tile installed. Bigger is better, even in the smallest of areas. When stepping to a 12x24 tile, the reality of that choice, often creates the space to date quicker due to the increased grout. Also, a product on the floor must appear to have the strength and depth to support the visual size of a room. That is created by size or by using tiles to work as a team. Stepping to a 12x24 tile will often cause a home owner to feel as if they must remodel once 3-4 years have passed. Simply, a larger format tile will often increase the longevity of a home, space or project, it's due to the simplicity and decrease in grout. This home has porcelain countertops installed. Porcelain countertops are a choice many don't know they can make. Porcelain handles heat incredibly well, It looks incredible and handles abuse, with no real maintenance required, where stone requires a lot of up-keep. We have been walking on porcelain for decades. It's strange it has taken so long to create porcelain countertops. To be successful with the install of a porcelain countertop, you must hire the right company that specializes in installing that type of product. Not always, but often, a stone countertop installer is not interested or trained in the install of a porcelain countertop. Laminam is probably one of the most successful porcelain countertops to install. They don't have a tendency to hairline facture at install like the other bands.

Designed by Nancy Knickerbocker of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Southern Pines, NC this transitional farmhouse inspired grey kitchen design features Merillat Classic cabinets in the Ralston door style with a Mist finish. Kitchen countertops are granite in the color Crema Kashmere and are complemented by Kohler's Simplice faucet and Farm sink. Tile played an important part in the design. The backsplash features a White Gloss 4x16 Subway tile and the flooring features a 18x18 Nation tile, both from Emser Tile. Said Nancy, "The clients wanted to update and brighten their kitchen without changing the floorplan. The painted Mist finish with the large white subway tile opened up their kitchen. The Kohler stainless farm sink helped to create the farmhouse feel they were trying to achieve. The bar area design is my favorite. The previous bar was longer and crowded the walkway. We decreased the overall size, but added glass doors and bumped out the middle cabinets for interest. Although smaller than before, it became a focal point!" Photos courtesy of Laura Fuelleman, ShowSpaces Photography LLC.

Designed by Nancy Knickerbocker of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Southern Pines, NC this transitional farmhouse inspired grey kitchen design features Merillat Classic cabinets in the Ralston door style with a Mist finish. Kitchen countertops are granite in the color Crema Kashmere and are complemented by Kohler's Simplice faucet and Farm sink. Tile played an important part in the design. The backsplash features a White Gloss 4x16 Subway tile and the flooring features a 18x18 Nation tile, both from Emser Tile. Said Nancy, "The clients wanted to update and brighten their kitchen without changing the floorplan. The painted Mist finish with the large white subway tile opened up their kitchen. The Kohler stainless farm sink helped to create the farmhouse feel they were trying to achieve. The bar area design is my favorite. The previous bar was longer and crowded the walkway. We decreased the overall size, but added glass doors and bumped out the middle cabinets for interest. Although smaller than before, it became a focal point!" Photos courtesy of Laura Fuelleman, ShowSpaces Photography LLC.

Designed by Nancy Knickerbocker of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Southern Pines, NC this transitional farmhouse inspired grey kitchen design features Merillat Classic cabinets in the Ralston door style with a Mist finish. Kitchen countertops are granite in the color Crema Kashmere and are complemented by Kohler's Simplice faucet and Farm sink. Tile played an important part in the design. The backsplash features a White Gloss 4x16 Subway tile and the flooring features a 18x18 Nation tile, both from Emser Tile. Said Nancy, "The clients wanted to update and brighten their kitchen without changing the floorplan. The painted Mist finish with the large white subway tile opened up their kitchen. The Kohler stainless farm sink helped to create the farmhouse feel they were trying to achieve. The bar area design is my favorite. The previous bar was longer and crowded the walkway. We decreased the overall size, but added glass doors and bumped out the middle cabinets for interest. Although smaller than before, it became a focal point!" Photos courtesy of Laura Fuelleman, ShowSpaces Photography LLC.

Designed by Nancy Knickerbocker of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Southern Pines, NC this transitional farmhouse inspired grey kitchen design features Merillat Classic cabinets in the Ralston door style with a Mist finish. Kitchen countertops are granite in the color Crema Kashmere and are complemented by Kohler's Simplice faucet and Farm sink. Tile played an important part in the design. The backsplash features a White Gloss 4x16 Subway tile and the flooring features a 18x18 Nation tile, both from Emser Tile. Said Nancy, "The clients wanted to update and brighten their kitchen without changing the floorplan. The painted Mist finish with the large white subway tile opened up their kitchen. The Kohler stainless farm sink helped to create the farmhouse feel they were trying to achieve. The bar area design is my favorite. The previous bar was longer and crowded the walkway. We decreased the overall size, but added glass doors and bumped out the middle cabinets for interest. Although smaller than before, it became a focal point!" Photos courtesy of Laura Fuelleman, ShowSpaces Photography LLC.

Designed by Nancy Knickerbocker of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Southern Pines, NC this transitional farmhouse inspired grey kitchen design features Merillat Classic cabinets in the Ralston door style with a Mist finish. Kitchen countertops are granite in the color Crema Kashmere and are complemented by Kohler's Simplice faucet and Farm sink. Tile played an important part in the design. The backsplash features a White Gloss 4x16 Subway tile and the flooring features a 18x18 Nation tile, both from Emser Tile. Said Nancy, "The clients wanted to update and brighten their kitchen without changing the floorplan. The painted Mist finish with the large white subway tile opened up their kitchen. The Kohler stainless farm sink helped to create the farmhouse feel they were trying to achieve. The bar area design is my favorite. The previous bar was longer and crowded the walkway. We decreased the overall size, but added glass doors and bumped out the middle cabinets for interest. Although smaller than before, it became a focal point!" Photos courtesy of Laura Fuelleman, ShowSpaces Photography LLC.

Designed by Nancy Knickerbocker of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Southern Pines, NC this transitional farmhouse inspired grey kitchen design features Merillat Classic cabinets in the Ralston door style with a Mist finish. Kitchen countertops are granite in the color Crema Kashmere and are complemented by Kohler's Simplice faucet and Farm sink. Tile played an important part in the design. The backsplash features a White Gloss 4x16 Subway tile and the flooring features a 18x18 Nation tile, both from Emser Tile. Said Nancy, "The clients wanted to update and brighten their kitchen without changing the floorplan. The painted Mist finish with the large white subway tile opened up their kitchen. The Kohler stainless farm sink helped to create the farmhouse feel they were trying to achieve. The bar area design is my favorite. The previous bar was longer and crowded the walkway. We decreased the overall size, but added glass doors and bumped out the middle cabinets for interest. Although smaller than before, it became a focal point!" Photos courtesy of Laura Fuelleman, ShowSpaces Photography LLC.

Designed by Nancy Knickerbocker of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Southern Pines, NC this transitional farmhouse inspired grey kitchen design features Merillat Classic cabinets in the Ralston door style with a Mist finish. Kitchen countertops are granite in the color Crema Kashmere and are complemented by Kohler's Simplice faucet and Farm sink. Tile played an important part in the design. The backsplash features a White Gloss 4x16 Subway tile and the flooring features a 18x18 Nation tile, both from Emser Tile. Said Nancy, "The clients wanted to update and brighten their kitchen without changing the floorplan. The painted Mist finish with the large white subway tile opened up their kitchen. The Kohler stainless farm sink helped to create the farmhouse feel they were trying to achieve. The bar area design is my favorite. The previous bar was longer and crowded the walkway. We decreased the overall size, but added glass doors and bumped out the middle cabinets for interest. Although smaller than before, it became a focal point!" Photos courtesy of Laura Fuelleman, ShowSpaces Photography LLC.

Designed by Nancy Knickerbocker of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Southern Pines, NC this transitional farmhouse inspired grey kitchen design features Merillat Classic cabinets in the Ralston door style with a Mist finish. Kitchen countertops are granite in the color Crema Kashmere and are complemented by Kohler's Simplice faucet and Farm sink. Tile played an important part in the design. The backsplash features a White Gloss 4x16 Subway tile and the flooring features a 18x18 Nation tile, both from Emser Tile. Said Nancy, "The clients wanted to update and brighten their kitchen without changing the floorplan. The painted Mist finish with the large white subway tile opened up their kitchen. The Kohler stainless farm sink helped to create the farmhouse feel they were trying to achieve. The bar area design is my favorite. The previous bar was longer and crowded the walkway. We decreased the overall size, but added glass doors and bumped out the middle cabinets for interest. Although smaller than before, it became a focal point!" Photos courtesy of Laura Fuelleman, ShowSpaces Photography LLC.

Designed by Nancy Knickerbocker of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Southern Pines, NC this transitional farmhouse inspired grey kitchen design features Merillat Classic cabinets in the Ralston door style with a Mist finish. Kitchen countertops are granite in the color Crema Kashmere and are complemented by Kohler's Simplice faucet and Farm sink. Tile played an important part in the design. The backsplash features a White Gloss 4x16 Subway tile and the flooring features a 18x18 Nation tile, both from Emser Tile. Said Nancy, "The clients wanted to update and brighten their kitchen without changing the floorplan. The painted Mist finish with the large white subway tile opened up their kitchen. The Kohler stainless farm sink helped to create the farmhouse feel they were trying to achieve. The bar area design is my favorite. The previous bar was longer and crowded the walkway. We decreased the overall size, but added glass doors and bumped out the middle cabinets for interest. Although smaller than before, it became a focal point!" Photos courtesy of Laura Fuelleman, ShowSpaces Photography LLC.