This all-electric certified Passive House sits on a 10-acre parcel in Cachagua, a rural area of Carmel Valley, California. The 2,277-square-foot, 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence was built next to an observatory, the initial draw for the owners who are avid star gazers. The hues of the home’s interior are intentionally neutral, focusing attention on the dramatic natural surroundings. The great room and adjacent bedroom feature pitched ceilings accented with dark wood beam trestles, lending a sense of expansiveness and elegance. Built-in cabinetry and shelving take maximum advantage of the space. Given that it is located in a Wildland—Urban Interface zone, Trex® deck and railing materials, a metal roof and special finishes were added to the exterior to decrease flammability. This helped protect the home during a 2020 wildfire. A state-of-the-art heat recovery ventilation system (HRV) is designed to prevent infiltration of smoke to the interior. Thanks to the highly efficient HRV, and the application of advanced insulation and air sealing techniques, the energy demand for space conditioning is about 90 percent less than a traditionally built structure. The remainder of the home’s energy needs are provided by a solar array. Windows were strategically placed to capitalize on the mountain and valley views as well as naturally control heat gain from the sun. The observatory, once the sole building on the property, now includes a two car garage and a cozy room for relaxing until the stars make their appearance. While the home was under construction and interior walls still uncovered, it was used to demonstrate Passive House techniques and technologies and related benefits.

u2014 ALE: Wayne Rain Garden Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association u2014 ALE: Wayne Rain Garden Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence winner Category: Residential Up to $15,000 Award Level: Gold Project Description: Our company was contracted by the client to provide a creative solution to an ongoing drainage problem. Their property is located within 30 feet of a local stream that collects storm water from the surrounding area. The nearby stream and high water table caused the lawn area at the side of their home to flood and to remain waterlogged for a few days after each storm. The client not only had difficulty growing plants in the existing conditions, but also had a problem with mosquitoes due to standing water. Our goal was to design a self-contained, naturalistic rain garden that slowed storm water runoff, allowed for percolation, and promoted infiltration while permitting excess clean water to enter the nearby stream with diminished force. As designed, the rain garden allows the earth to slowly and more naturally absorb excess storm water while filtering out toxins such as excess nitrogen and phosphorous which are frequently found in the landscape, therefore reducing the contaminants entering the stream. A percolation test was conducted with criteria of absorbing a one-inch rainstorm within four hours without overflow. The one-inch storm calculation included an existing downspout from the home, which would be piped into the rain garden to reduce roof runoff. The first test failed due to a deep layer of high clay-content soil. Excavation continued until a layer of sandy loam was reached, the percolation test was repeated, and a successful test result was achieved. Next, the entire rain garden basin was excavated to the sandy loam layer and the soil amended with compost and sand to create a highly porous planting media. Geotextile fabric was placed to help reduce migration of the surface stone into the soil and allow for minimal maintenance. Gravel, river stone and small boulders were carefully placed to achieve the look of a natural streambed. A palette of mostly native plants with a few non-invasive ornamentals were chosen for their ability to survive in extreme conditions ranging from floods to drought and were placed according to their specific preferences. Wetland plants were chosen for the lowest portion of the rain garden as that area remains saturated for longer periods of time, with a Chionanthus virginicus as a focal point surrounded by irises and ferns at the lowest depth. Plants tolerant of drier conditions were chosen for the upper edges of the garden. The beautiful colors of Monarda, Ligularia, Eupatorium, Solidago, Chelone, and Rudbeckia were scattered within the upper edge, while movement and softness were incorporated by use of the graceful Nassella that lines the border. Finally, winter interest was provided with a backdrop of Cornus sericea. As built, this small rain garden creates tremendous impact by decreasing the amount of storm water runoff not only on our client's property, but also in the neighboring stream. It serves as a means of slowing the water and providing an area for infiltration back into the earth. The plants provide a habitat for birds, butterflies, and insects, working in harmony with nature and providing beautiful visual interest year-round. Photo Credit: Lisa C. Falls

Interior Design Trends for 2021/2022 It is largely expected that the interior design trends of 2021/2022 will feature a lot of innovation and experimentation on the part of designers. As a result, these trends will surely present themselves as narkedly unconventional while still posing a challenge to designers to forge designs with a strong aesthetic appeal. Certain defining features inform the innovative trends that will highlight the approach to interior design in 2021/2022: • The modern-day, and ever-growing, eco-friendly culture will require that interior designs take the conservation of nature into strong consideration. The application of technology will be in greater harmony with the natural environment. • Redesigning the interior space will also be influenced by the sweeping changes that are occurring in the modern-day world. Technologies are rapidly evolving and thus rapidly changing our lifestyles. The interior space will have to support these changes and make room for the emergence of future technologies. • Nostalgia for the retro style will also take centre stage in the 2021/2022 season. Vintage-inspired designs – from the 70's and 90's, for instance – will come out in stark relief. • The modern-day way of living has become more complex, and this increase in complexity will have to be reflected in the interior space where we live and work. The conventional approach of delineating spaces for the different parts of a home will largely be replaced with a more integrated interior. • Also, modern technology and the constraints of the pandemic have actually succeeded in opening up the possibility of working from home. More and more companies find this more convenient and cost-effective. Hence, the future home will need to have an integrated workplace. • The conservationist culture of our time will dictate that the materials used in interior design be made of such things as are eco-friendly. As a result, there will be a decrease in the use of plastics and a strong preference for natural materials such as wood, marble, stone, ceramics, sea grass, bamboo and corn. https://www.ferriss.co/ #ferriss #We_bring_objects_to_life #3drendering #architecture #San_Francisco

Alan Barley, AIA This soft hill country contemporary family home is nestled in a surrounding live oak sanctuary in Spicewood, Texas. A screened-in porch creates a relaxing and welcoming environment while the large windows flood the house with natural lighting. The large overhangs keep the hot Texas heat at bay. Energy efficient appliances and site specific open house plan allows for a spacious home while taking advantage of the prevailing breezes which decreases energy consumption. screened in porch, austin luxury home, austin custom home, barleypfeiffer architecture, barleypfeiffer, wood floors, sustainable design, soft hill contemporary, sleek design, pro work, modern, low voc paint, live oaks sanctuary, live oaks, interiors and consulting, house ideas, home planning, 5 star energy, hill country, high performance homes, green building, fun design, 5 star applance, find a pro, family home, elegance, efficient, custom-made, comprehensive sustainable architects, barley & pfeiffer architects,

Alan Barley, AIA This soft hill country contemporary family home is nestled in a surrounding live oak sanctuary in Spicewood, Texas. A screened-in porch creates a relaxing and welcoming environment while the large windows flood the house with natural lighting. The large overhangs keep the hot Texas heat at bay. Energy efficient appliances and site specific open house plan allows for a spacious home while taking advantage of the prevailing breezes which decreases energy consumption. screened in porch, austin luxury home, austin custom home, barleypfeiffer architecture, barleypfeiffer, wood floors, sustainable design, soft hill contemporary, sleek design, pro work, modern, low voc paint, live oaks sanctuary, live oaks, interiors and consulting, house ideas, home planning, 5 star energy, hill country, high performance homes, green building, fun design, 5 star applance, find a pro, family home, elegance, efficient, custom-made, comprehensive sustainable architects, barley & pfeiffer architects,

We revamped this client's kitchen, dining area, pantry and laundry room. The homeowners cook a lot and they like to entertain, so they wanted a cleaner, more open feel. The kitchen felt cluttered, the sink was not convenient, they wanted a bar area, more outlets, smooth flooring and more lighting! We removed all existing finishes and took it down to drywall and the concrete slab and started over. We moved the sink out of the corner, installed ceiling height cabinetry giving them additional storage and all new Vicostone Graphite countertops with a contrasting Summer Drought 2"x8" glass backsplash. The water heater that was originally located between the laundry room and the pantry was moved outside, allowing for more kitchen space. Also, the footprint of the original walk-in laundry room was decreased to a laundry closet with bi-fold doors, allowing for even more kitchen space. Gaining the additional square footage in the kitchen allowed for a 6 1/2' island. The sink was moved to the longer side of the kitchen and a new window was added above the new sink, Recessed lights were added, along with a new light fixture above the kitchen table instantly brightening up this space. New Aberdeen wood floors was laid in the kitchen with new tile in the laundry room. To finish it off, we replaced the cooktop with a smooth electric cooktop and the clients are ready to entertain! Design & Construction by Hatfield Builders & Remodelers | Photography by Versatile Imaging

I was hired by my previous employer, Corvallis Custom Kitchens and Baths to assist these homeowners with all of the materials, fixtures and finish choices to complete this master bathroom remodel. Brian Egan, owner and designer at CCKB in Sept 2017, since retired), designed this aging-in-place, accessible shower (previously a shower and separate soaker tub) for the clients who reside in an over 55 community here in Corvallis. Large format 12x24 unpolished Crossville Kosmos Moonstruck tile was chosen for the bathroom floor and the shower walls to minimize grout lines. For the shower floor/pan small 1x1 DalTile Keystones Marble color tile was used to aid in making the floor feel extra slip resistant as the Keystones tiles do not have grittier feeling surface than porcelain tile. For safety and a non-industrial look, Moen Align chrome designer grab bars were installed in the shower and toilet room. The handshower and rainshower head system by Grohe beautifully combines the 2 systems in one unit called Retrofit 160. To allow the homeowners to turn the shower on and warm up without them having to step in the direct spray of the shower head, the controls were placed under the window near the shower entry. This would also allow a helper to assist anyone using the shower in the future should the need arise. A linear drain was installed to pull water away from the zero threshold shower entry. Installing a linear shower drain allows for a no threshold shower which can allow for the shower to be accessible with a walker or roll-in with a wheelchair as the shower was designed almost 40" wide. The homeowners were thrilled with the transformation of their bathroom. The design and material choices fit their tastes and needs perfectly. Now they can continue to age in place and not worry about how they would be able to bathe if something were to decrease their mobility. Photos by: H. Needham

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.

We revamped this client's kitchen, dining area, pantry and laundry room. The homeowners cook a lot and they like to entertain, so they wanted a cleaner, more open feel. The kitchen felt cluttered, the sink was not convenient, they wanted a bar area, more outlets, smooth flooring and more lighting! We removed all existing finishes and took it down to drywall and the concrete slab and started over. We moved the sink out of the corner, installed ceiling height cabinetry giving them additional storage and all new Vicostone Graphite countertops with a contrasting Summer Drought 2"x8" glass backsplash. The water heater that was originally located between the laundry room and the pantry was moved outside, allowing for more kitchen space. Also, the footprint of the original walk-in laundry room was decreased to a laundry closet with bi-fold doors, allowing for even more kitchen space. Gaining the additional square footage in the kitchen allowed for a 6 1/2' island. The sink was moved to the longer side of the kitchen and a new window was added above the new sink, Recessed lights were added, along with a new light fixture above the kitchen table instantly brightening up this space. New Aberdeen wood floors was laid in the kitchen with new tile in the laundry room. To finish it off, we replaced the cooktop with a smooth electric cooktop and the clients are ready to entertain! Design & Construction by Hatfield Builders & Remodelers | Photography by Versatile Imaging

Our installation experts at Independent Home just completed a walk in tub installation for our customer Edward of Haddonfield. Find out why he decided to go with Independent Home along with how the installation was completed. Edward began shopping around for walk in tubs about a month ago. He was looking for a tub that was not only safe but could help with his arthritis. He received quotes from a few different companies but in the end decided on Independent Home. We were chosen because our salesmen were not pushy and were patient with answering all of Edward’s questions. A pre-installation meeting was then scheduled. The pre-installation meeting involved our installation experts and, of course, Edward. The meeting consisted of discussing what tub would be best for Edward’s needs, where the best location would be, and what type of finish should be added. Edward and our experts decided to go with our celebrity walk in tub with hydrotherapy model. The celebrity was the best choice for Edward because it had all of the requirements he was looking for. It met his safety requirements with a non-slip floor, an ADA compliant seat, and a low threshold for an easy entrance and exit. The tub’s hydrotherapy features will be able to reduce Edward’s arthritis pain. All he has to do is turn on the jets and relax. The way that the jets move will increase his circulation which will help his muscles and joints rehabilitate. The entire installation process only took a couple of days to complete. This consisted of removing Edward’s old tub and foundation, bringing in the new tub, leveling the legs, connecting the water, and testing for leaks. The last step of the installation was building the finish with a simple tile wall surround that Edward had requested. Edward loves his new tub. The hydrotherapy features have decreased his arthritis pain, allowing him to get out more.

Alan Barley, AIA This soft hill country contemporary family home is nestled in a surrounding live oak sanctuary in Spicewood, Texas. A screened-in porch creates a relaxing and welcoming environment while the large windows flood the house with natural lighting. The large overhangs keep the hot Texas heat at bay. Energy efficient appliances and site specific open house plan allows for a spacious home while taking advantage of the prevailing breezes which decreases energy consumption. screened in porch, austin luxury home, austin custom home, barleypfeiffer architecture, barleypfeiffer, wood floors, sustainable design, soft hill contemporary, sleek design, pro work, modern, low voc paint, live oaks sanctuary, live oaks, interiors and consulting, house ideas, home planning, 5 star energy, hill country, high performance homes, green building, fun design, 5 star applance, find a pro, family home, elegance, efficient, custom-made, comprehensive sustainable architects, barley & pfeiffer architects,

Zuri® Premium Decking by Royal® will transform how you live your outdoor life. Our multi-layered premium decking is the luxurious result of passionate forward thinking and painstaking execution. No other decking looks as amazing and lasts as long as Zuri. Which means, you can revel in the stunning beauty of exotic wood without the need to paint, stain or reseal to maintain that beauty. You can have an envy-inducing deck that's resistant to scratches, stains, color fading, slips and moisture.

We revamped this client's kitchen, dining area, pantry and laundry room. The homeowners cook a lot and they like to entertain, so they wanted a cleaner, more open feel. The kitchen felt cluttered, the sink was not convenient, they wanted a bar area, more outlets, smooth flooring and more lighting! We removed all existing finishes and took it down to drywall and the concrete slab and started over. We moved the sink out of the corner, installed ceiling height cabinetry giving them additional storage and all new Vicostone Graphite countertops with a contrasting Summer Drought 2"x8" glass backsplash. The water heater that was originally located between the laundry room and the pantry was moved outside, allowing for more kitchen space. Also, the footprint of the original walk-in laundry room was decreased to a laundry closet with bi-fold doors, allowing for even more kitchen space. Gaining the additional square footage in the kitchen allowed for a 6 1/2' island. The sink was moved to the longer side of the kitchen and a new window was added above the new sink, Recessed lights were added, along with a new light fixture above the kitchen table instantly brightening up this space. New Aberdeen wood floors was laid in the kitchen with new tile in the laundry room. To finish it off, we replaced the cooktop with a smooth electric cooktop and the clients are ready to entertain! Design & Construction by Hatfield Builders & Remodelers | Photography by Versatile Imaging

We revamped this client's kitchen, dining area, pantry and laundry room. The homeowners cook a lot and they like to entertain, so they wanted a cleaner, more open feel. The kitchen felt cluttered, the sink was not convenient, they wanted a bar area, more outlets, smooth flooring and more lighting! We removed all existing finishes and took it down to drywall and the concrete slab and started over. We moved the sink out of the corner, installed ceiling height cabinetry giving them additional storage and all new Vicostone Graphite countertops with a contrasting Summer Drought 2"x8" glass backsplash. The water heater that was originally located between the laundry room and the pantry was moved outside, allowing for more kitchen space. Also, the footprint of the original walk-in laundry room was decreased to a laundry closet with bi-fold doors, allowing for even more kitchen space. Gaining the additional square footage in the kitchen allowed for a 6 1/2' island. The sink was moved to the longer side of the kitchen and a new window was added above the new sink, Recessed lights were added, along with a new light fixture above the kitchen table instantly brightening up this space. New Aberdeen wood floors was laid in the kitchen with new tile in the laundry room. To finish it off, we replaced the cooktop with a smooth electric cooktop and the clients are ready to entertain! Design & Construction by Hatfield Builders & Remodelers | Photography by Versatile Imaging

We revamped this client's kitchen, dining area, pantry and laundry room. The homeowners cook a lot and they like to entertain, so they wanted a cleaner, more open feel. The kitchen felt cluttered, the sink was not convenient, they wanted a bar area, more outlets, smooth flooring and more lighting! We removed all existing finishes and took it down to drywall and the concrete slab and started over. We moved the sink out of the corner, installed ceiling height cabinetry giving them additional storage and all new Vicostone Graphite countertops with a contrasting Summer Drought 2"x8" glass backsplash. The water heater that was originally located between the laundry room and the pantry was moved outside, allowing for more kitchen space. Also, the footprint of the original walk-in laundry room was decreased to a laundry closet with bi-fold doors, allowing for even more kitchen space. Gaining the additional square footage in the kitchen allowed for a 6 1/2' island. The sink was moved to the longer side of the kitchen and a new window was added above the new sink, Recessed lights were added, along with a new light fixture above the kitchen table instantly brightening up this space. New Aberdeen wood floors was laid in the kitchen with new tile in the laundry room. To finish it off, we replaced the cooktop with a smooth electric cooktop and the clients are ready to entertain! Design & Construction by Hatfield Builders & Remodelers | Photography by Versatile Imaging

We revamped this client's kitchen, dining area, pantry and laundry room. The homeowners cook a lot and they like to entertain, so they wanted a cleaner, more open feel. The kitchen felt cluttered, the sink was not convenient, they wanted a bar area, more outlets, smooth flooring and more lighting! We removed all existing finishes and took it down to drywall and the concrete slab and started over. We moved the sink out of the corner, installed ceiling height cabinetry giving them additional storage and all new Vicostone Graphite countertops with a contrasting Summer Drought 2"x8" glass backsplash. The water heater that was originally located between the laundry room and the pantry was moved outside, allowing for more kitchen space. Also, the footprint of the original walk-in laundry room was decreased to a laundry closet with bi-fold doors, allowing for even more kitchen space. Gaining the additional square footage in the kitchen allowed for a 6 1/2' island. The sink was moved to the longer side of the kitchen and a new window was added above the new sink, Recessed lights were added, along with a new light fixture above the kitchen table instantly brightening up this space. New Aberdeen wood floors was laid in the kitchen with new tile in the laundry room. To finish it off, we replaced the cooktop with a smooth electric cooktop and the clients are ready to entertain! Design & Construction by Hatfield Builders & Remodelers | Photography by Versatile Imaging

Whon Photography
Large urban underground carpeted staircase photo in Indianapolis with gray walls and no fireplace

Large trendy u-shaped light wood floor and beige floor open concept kitchen photo in Vancouver with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, quartz countertops, marble backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and white countertops

Summer herbs hung to dry | Lore Patterson
This is an example of a mid-sized rustic landscaping in Seattle.