Whenever couples engage in the selection phase during the design process, there is always some give and take over style, taste, and design. Sometimes, as in this case, that is expressed in the form of constructive disagreements followed by clear non-defensive distinctions of what each really wants. Sometimes. We do our best to help with that negotiation of course. Remember, every remodel is a custom endeavor, so the challenge is always to balance needs and wants so everyone wins. FLOORING Kitchen: Cortcc Pro Kendal Bamboo W49202012, 3/16"' thick, floating LIGHTING Kitchen sink: Kichler Winslow 9" Wide Semi-Flush Ceiling Fixture Model:440330Z Kitchen island: One light pendant in buffed bronze #6963722

View from the Entry through the dining room to the water. photo credit: Tim Bies
Dining room - transitional dining room idea in Seattle

As we turn back toward the home, we see stucco on the back of the home's exterior protects the home from fire, supporting the ember-repelling efforts of the tile roof. Cozy but flammable outdoor seating cushions can be stashed in the nearby shed to remove the greatest danger visible in this picture. While it looks close at this angle, a five foot gap between the hedge and the home provides defensible space. Photo: Lesly Hall Photography

Tree canopy, more than 10 feet from the home, can catch flying embers, preventing them from igniting the home. Dense, drought-resistant native Coast Live Oak canopy is particularly effective at this defense tactic! See how much harder it would be to break through the canopies in the center than the pine canopy on the right? Photo: Lesly Hall Photography

Revitalize your hardworking garage with this modern, full-chip floor coating in the highly versatile Gravel color blend. This durable, slip-resistant surface seamlessly covers unsightly old concrete stains and imperfections, creating a clean, protective foundation that perfectly complements any storage or workspace setup. The easy-to-maintain finish not only elevates the visual appeal of the garage but also provides long-lasting defense against daily wear, significantly improving the home's overall functionality, organization, and value.

At times, natural pavers reinforce the decomposed granite path as it weaves through foliage and over bioswales and active water features. The owners remove dry leaves from the native sages but keep seed heads to feed the birds. This garden sings!

Angelo Tomaiuolo graduated in Architecture with the highest honours at University of Florence in 2001. In the same year he won the 2nd Prize for the International Design Competition of Planetary and Science Museum in Cosenza and started his collaboration with Primadesign firm, involving in high-end residential projects and Salvatore Ferragamo's worldwide retail stores. In 2006 he moved to Rome and began collaborating with Massimiliano Fuksas Studio, in charge of the Armani Ginza Tower Flagship project in Tokyo. Being part of the competition team and responsible for the interiors development design, he won the 1st Prize for the international competition of Shenzhen Bao’an Int. Airport Terminal in China. He also took part in the major international competitions, such as Gazprom City Competition in St. Petersburg, La Defense Project Phare in Paris and Nuragic & Contemporary Art Museum in Cagliari.

Native foliage and a Madrone Tree now fill steel raised beds that once held herbs and veggies. As with the Western Redbuds in front, this petite, low growing tree adds needed shade and a vertical ember blocker. Established tree canopy is well maintained and does not connect to the roof or the siding of the office. The vine against the office is a recognized vulnerability. At ground level, it's foliage is uplifted from ground level and the bed is mulched with ember resistant gravel to reduce chances of its ignition.

This side of the home's Zone 0 has always been a smooth and clear service entrance. The trash bin nook built into the retaining wall may be a home-saving intervention. While added in the original 2009 renovation, it is cutting edge! A CAL FIRE+IBHS analysis of home ignitions during the 2025 LA Fires found garbage bins were one of the top 2 sources for home ignition. Each bin is the equivalent of 3.5 gallons of gasoline in fuel. They should be kept more than 5 feet from homes and ideally in an ember resistant space.

Revitalize your hardworking garage with this modern, full-chip floor coating in the highly versatile Gravel color blend. This durable, slip-resistant surface seamlessly covers unsightly old concrete stains and imperfections, creating a clean, protective foundation that perfectly complements any storage or workspace setup. The easy-to-maintain finish not only elevates the visual appeal of the garage but also provides long-lasting defense against daily wear, significantly improving the home's overall functionality, organization, and value.

Complete outdoor living transformation. Our team removed an existing dilapidated wooden deck and installed the following: multi-level travertine patio, step lights, state-of-the-art outdoor kitchen with pizza oven, low maintenance artificial turf, outdoor gas fire pit, Covered patio, mosquito defense screens, infra-tech outdoor heating system, storage shed, cedar siding, modern tropical landscape, landscape lighting, bench seating, and a privacy wall.

OUI Attorney Boston - The law office of stephen novick your top boston, ma criminal defense lawyer. I strive to build a solid relationship with each client by establishing reliable, regular communication. This is demonstrated in my availability: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you find yourself in need facing criminal charges, and you want the best, look no further. In fact, my abilities were recognized by the United States Supreme Court in 2008, when I was admitted to practice law – a privilege which I cherish, to uphold justice in the United States court system.

Complete outdoor living transformation. Our team removed an existing dilapidated wooden deck and installed the following: multi-level travertine patio, step lights, state-of-the-art outdoor kitchen with pizza oven, low maintenance artificial turf, sod, outdoor gas fire pit, Covered patio, mosquito defense screens, infra-tech outdoor heating system, storage shed, cedar siding, modern tropical landscape, landscape lighting, bench seating, and a privacy wall.

Keep noise to a low hum with cork wall coverings as your line of defense. Let cork wall coverings bring a little peace and quiet to your home. Cork has a honeycomb cellular structure and each cubic centimeter contains roughly 40 million hexagonal cells that are saturated with air. That gives cork its sound dampening ability. Imagine it on your walls and how much noise it can reduce from traveling from room to room. Even better for a home near a busy street. No more traffic running inside your home. https://www.icorkfloor.com/store/product-category/cork-wall-tiles/cork-wall-tiles-6mm/

a lush dining area
Photo of a small mid-century modern partial sun backyard water fountain landscape in Seattle.

Landscapes need not be overly edited to highlight the charms of modern architecture. To the contrary, natural, even rustic, foliage choice and placement can add enchanting warmth to homes and outdoor living spaces with clean lines. The paver and joint walkway adjacent to the home both reflects and complements the home's architecture. It also provides critical defensible space for fire fighters, improving the safety of the coastal canyon home. Photo: Lesly Hall Photography

The suspended porch overhang detail was designed to coordinate with a new rain screen application, using Timber Tech Azek vintage collection mahogany finish siding. Defining the first and second floor is a black metal I-beam detail that continues across the front of the home and ties into the front porch overhang perfectly.

The SBVDT is your first line of defense against under-sink cabinet damage from minor leaks. The unique design not only protects the bottom of your cabinet by holding water, the tray actually funnels excessive water to the front of your cabinet and out onto the floor alerting you of the leak. The series is designed for installation in NEW cabinets from 21", 24", 27", 30", 33" and 36" vanity sink base cabinets They are easy to clean up and resistant to most household chemicals. This product may require extra cuts or modification if installing into existing sink base cabinets where your plumbing is coming thru the floor, rather than the rear of the cabinet.