A classicist with an artist’s vision, Carter Skinner ultimately derives his inspiration from the daily lives of his clients. Whether designing a coastal home, country estate, city home or historic home renovation, Carter pairs his architectural design expertise with the preferences of his clients to design a home that will truly enhance their lives.

A classicist with an artist’s vision, Carter Skinner ultimately derives his inspiration from the daily lives of his clients. Whether designing a coastal home, country estate, city home or historic home renovation, Carter pairs his architectural design expertise with the preferences of his clients to design a home that will truly enhance their lives.

Stuart Wade, Envision Virtual Tours Envision Virtual Tours and High Resolution Photography is your best choice to find just what you are looking for in the Ellijay, Ga. area .Ellijay, Georgia, known as the “Apple Capital” of Georgia, is located between the Ellijay and Cartecay Rivers where they join to make the Coosawattee River and is the county seat of Gilmer County, Georgia. The origin of the city’s name is not certain but thought to be the English derivative of an Indian word(s) meaning “many waters”, “place of green things” or “new ground”. Some histories say it may have been named for an Indian chief. Inhabited for countless years by the Cherokee people indigenous to the North Georgia, the area was first mentioned as a village and trade center before the onslaught of white settlers inhabited the region. During the 1830’s both white settlers and Indians occupied Ellijay. During the original land lottery in 1832, Martin Scalf acquired the 160 acre lot where the town now stands. In 1833, Clemonds Quinland bought 10 acres from Scalf, retained one acre for himself and donated the rest of the purchase to the County. A plan for twenty town lots, streets and a public square was created and the streets were oriented to allow maximum sunlight exposure to the buildings. Proceeds from lot sales were used to build a jail and courthouse and pay other city expenses. During this same year, Gilmer County was appropriated $800.00 from the State to build a school, and a three-acre lot was donated for the city cemetery. On December 29, l834, Ellijay was incorporated and designated as the County seat of Gilmer County. By 1837, the town had twenty dwellings, three stores and one attorney. Most of these early buildings were of log construction. Many roads led to Ellijay by 1849. The population had grown to 150 by 1850 and the town at five stores. Some wood-frame buildings were being constructed at this time and in 1854, a new courthouse was built in the center of the square, replacing the earlier building. The County’s first newspaper was the Ellijay Courier, started in 1875, and during this time period, Ellijay was a stop on the stagecoach line. The railroad bridge over the Cartecay River was completed in 1884 and the town now had rail service. With the arrival of the railroad and subsequent tracks to White Path, Ellijay began to grow much faster. Many hotels were constructed and land was donated for a depot east of town. More industries, such as a cheese factory and the Shippen Brothers Lumber Mill, located in Ellijay. By 1898, the city had expanded its limits in every direction and now included the depot. By 1900, all the buildings on the town square were brick. This included the recently completed Hyatt Hotel. Most of the other buildings in town were still of log construction, but new wood-frame buildings were being built. The Shippen Brothers Lumber Company production was expanding and exporting their lumber to Europe. Within the next few decades, this company grew to be one of the largest employers in Ellijay, often with five to six million feet of lumber in the yard at one time. The population of Ellijay grew to 659 by 1910, and began to acquire many new modern conveniences such as electric lights and power, a telephone company and many new businesses. Then in 1912, a fire ravaged the city, destroying 23 buildings. As a result, many new buildings were constructed under new and stricter fire and safety guidelines. The population, however, decreased slightly at this time to 632 in 1920. During the 1920’s the town’s population began to grow again and, by this time, apples were being shipped out of the county and new storage facilities were built. Chickens were also shipped to markets outside of Ellijay and Gilmer County. From the mid 1930’s to 1950, Ellijay received much assistance from the Federal WPA Programs. The old courthouse was removed from the center of town square and the Hyatt Hotel was remodeled to be the new courthouse. A park was created on the site of the old courthouse and the streets around the square were paved. A new street was built at this time entering town from the northeast. Other new roads, bridges, sidewalks and gutters were constructed to improve the city. A school and gymnasium were also built and other structures improved. This growth began to impact the city’s infrastructure and in the l950’s and l960’s, a period of upgrading water systems, roads, and power supplies began. New low-rent housing appeared in l960 and a new hospital was built in l957. Georgia Highway 5 was widened in l962, new buildings around the square replaced old ones and some were remodeled. In 1974, the hospital was enlarged. Currently, Ellijay attracts tourists who love the small-town feel and friendly atmosphere. Hotels and restaurants, unique shops, antiques and art galleries lend their charms to those who visit. A new courthouse constructed to resemble the old one, new streetscaping, family-oriented downtown events and the beautification of the square have stepped up the social and economic activity and have made Ellijay a popular destination.

This airy living room was conceived around the homeowners love of art and nature. A palette derived from sea and sand, natural elements were brought in both literally and figuratively. Warm wood and earthen accents are countered by sleek, modern accent chairs. The embroidered linen draperies draw the eye up and serve as a dramatic backdrop to the serene conversation area. Oversized mirrors transfer the ambient light throughout the room. The centerpiece of the room is a silk and copper aerial sculpture by artist Jan R. Carson (www.janrcarson.com) that is accented by a halogen spotlight. The lighting casts an ever-changing shadow, creating life and whimsy to the room. The homeowners have even been known to move the furniture back, spotlight the mobile, and use the room as a salsa dance floor! A reclaimed hand-carved door was repurposed as a coffee table. Modern elements such as the lucite "Ghost" chair, the Gus rocker, and impressionist original oil painting balance out the rustic elements of the room. Julie Austin Photography

Stuart Wade, Envision Virtual Tours Envision Virtual Tours and High Resolution Photography is your best choice to find just what you are looking for in the Ellijay, Ga. area .Ellijay, Georgia, known as the “Apple Capital” of Georgia, is located between the Ellijay and Cartecay Rivers where they join to make the Coosawattee River and is the county seat of Gilmer County, Georgia. The origin of the city’s name is not certain but thought to be the English derivative of an Indian word(s) meaning “many waters”, “place of green things” or “new ground”. Some histories say it may have been named for an Indian chief. Inhabited for countless years by the Cherokee people indigenous to the North Georgia, the area was first mentioned as a village and trade center before the onslaught of white settlers inhabited the region. During the 1830’s both white settlers and Indians occupied Ellijay. During the original land lottery in 1832, Martin Scalf acquired the 160 acre lot where the town now stands. In 1833, Clemonds Quinland bought 10 acres from Scalf, retained one acre for himself and donated the rest of the purchase to the County. A plan for twenty town lots, streets and a public square was created and the streets were oriented to allow maximum sunlight exposure to the buildings. Proceeds from lot sales were used to build a jail and courthouse and pay other city expenses. During this same year, Gilmer County was appropriated $800.00 from the State to build a school, and a three-acre lot was donated for the city cemetery. On December 29, l834, Ellijay was incorporated and designated as the County seat of Gilmer County. By 1837, the town had twenty dwellings, three stores and one attorney. Most of these early buildings were of log construction. Many roads led to Ellijay by 1849. The population had grown to 150 by 1850 and the town at five stores. Some wood-frame buildings were being constructed at this time and in 1854, a new courthouse was built in the center of the square, replacing the earlier building. The County’s first newspaper was the Ellijay Courier, started in 1875, and during this time period, Ellijay was a stop on the stagecoach line. The railroad bridge over the Cartecay River was completed in 1884 and the town now had rail service. With the arrival of the railroad and subsequent tracks to White Path, Ellijay began to grow much faster. Many hotels were constructed and land was donated for a depot east of town. More industries, such as a cheese factory and the Shippen Brothers Lumber Mill, located in Ellijay. By 1898, the city had expanded its limits in every direction and now included the depot. By 1900, all the buildings on the town square were brick. This included the recently completed Hyatt Hotel. Most of the other buildings in town were still of log construction, but new wood-frame buildings were being built. The Shippen Brothers Lumber Company production was expanding and exporting their lumber to Europe. Within the next few decades, this company grew to be one of the largest employers in Ellijay, often with five to six million feet of lumber in the yard at one time. The population of Ellijay grew to 659 by 1910, and began to acquire many new modern conveniences such as electric lights and power, a telephone company and many new businesses. Then in 1912, a fire ravaged the city, destroying 23 buildings. As a result, many new buildings were constructed under new and stricter fire and safety guidelines. The population, however, decreased slightly at this time to 632 in 1920. During the 1920’s the town’s population began to grow again and, by this time, apples were being shipped out of the county and new storage facilities were built. Chickens were also shipped to markets outside of Ellijay and Gilmer County. From the mid 1930’s to 1950, Ellijay received much assistance from the Federal WPA Programs. The old courthouse was removed from the center of town square and the Hyatt Hotel was remodeled to be the new courthouse. A park was created on the site of the old courthouse and the streets around the square were paved. A new street was built at this time entering town from the northeast. Other new roads, bridges, sidewalks and gutters were constructed to improve the city. A school and gymnasium were also built and other structures improved. This growth began to impact the city’s infrastructure and in the l950’s and l960’s, a period of upgrading water systems, roads, and power supplies began. New low-rent housing appeared in l960 and a new hospital was built in l957. Georgia Highway 5 was widened in l962, new buildings around the square replaced old ones and some were remodeled. In 1974, the hospital was enlarged. Currently, Ellijay attracts tourists who love the small-town feel and friendly atmosphere. Hotels and restaurants, unique shops, antiques and art galleries lend their charms to those who visit. A new courthouse constructed to resemble the old one, new streetscaping, family-oriented downtown events and the beautification of the square have stepped up the social and economic activity and have made Ellijay a popular destination.

The Watonga residence was commissioned by a woman with a big heart for animal fostering. She wanted a house that felt private from the street but visually and physically connected to the backyard. The house needed to consider the typology and scale of the existing neighborhood, and it needed durable materials to accommodate little paws. Finally, it had to support an environmentally conscientious life. The house was intentionally placed on the short end of an irregularly shaped lot, allowing the living spaces to open up to a large native landscape and adjacent lot containing a significant tree grove. This siting allowed for a passive orientation where window walls face north and exposure to the south and west is minimal. The interior is light-filled, capturing expansive landscape views of an established oak grove to the North and bayou views to the East. A carefully choreographed entry vestibule and screen shield create interior privacy from the street. A two-story volume fills the center of the home with warm, southern light. A palette of tile, Texas stone, and concrete are used for budget friendly durability. The house is derived from a simple diagram with utilitarian functions placed in the stone box and living in a minimal gabled roof that supports solar panel orientation and rainwater collection. At its core, this home is designed for family, foster dogs, well-curated music, and Aggie game days.

The Residence, located on a birch covered mountain in Western Maine, is a response to the natural surroundings. Utilizing a rough palette of Deer Island Granite monoliths, local black slate, Red Cedar, and Eastern White Pine, the spaces derive directly from the local geology and woods. The movement of the sun throughout the seasons and day guide the orientation of the cabin, and the intricate placement of windows on the various exterior faces. The cabin is a vessel for light, crafted of natural materials, with a bright interior volume diffusing the sun's rays throughout the space.

This airy living room was conceived around the homeowners love of art and nature. A palette derived from sea and sand, natural elements were brought in both literally and figuratively. Warm wood and earthen accents are countered by sleek, modern accent chairs. The embroidered linen draperies draw the eye up and serve as a dramatic backdrop to the serene conversation area. Oversized mirrors transfer the ambient light throughout the room. The centerpiece of the room is a silk and copper aerial sculpture by artist Jan R. Carson (www.janrcarson.com) that is accented by a halogen spotlight. The lighting casts an ever-changing shadow, creating life and whimsy to the room. The homeowners have even been known to move the furniture back, spotlight the mobile, and use the room as a salsa dance floor! A reclaimed hand-carved door was repurposed as a coffee table. Modern elements such as the lucite "Ghost" chair, the Gus rocker, and impressionist original oil painting balance out the rustic elements of the room. Julie Austin Photography

Duo contrasting cabinets perfectly designed and laid out for this log cabin kitchen remodel. Choosing natural wood cabinets for the island with contrasting stark white cabinets for the perimeter of the kitchen is stunning! First, client came to showroom looking to make their kitchen more function. Being a log cabin and prior remodels made this a bit tricky from the previous owners. Next, we began working around support beams with the client. However, a solution from owner was derived to make the space more functional by bringing the wall out further. This allotted more space for the wall cabinets and made the space more appealing. Cabinet selection and designing was next in process. Island selection is natural hickory cabinets with a liquid toffee glaze. Which added richness to the island bringing warmth into the kitchen. Tying in the woods from the ceiling and various walls. Additionally, the painted alder cabinets with a glaze along the perimeter brighten up the cozy kitchen. Finally, adding beautiful desert beach granite countertops tops off the project. This kitchen will be enjoyable for years to come.

Three generations have shared summers together at this very special place called Merry Hill. Recognizing their shifting needs and looking forward to future generations, the clients wanted to both drastically change their beloved family lake house and yet not change it at all. This new iteration of the cottage is nearly double the size of the original, transforming their summer home into a four-season getaway while evoking the character of the original house in a new and fresh way. The main cottage, boathouse and sleeping cabin all have broad, shallow-pitched roofs with generous overhangs that derive their form from their mid-century predecessor. Expansive openings, wood interiors, operable clerestories, and local stone double-stacked fireplaces are all familiar to the clients but rendered in different scales. Designed for resiliency and sustainability, the new retreat employs an integrated generator, geothermal heating, solar arrays, and battery storage as well as incorporates passive strategies such as sun orientation, earth sheltering, and cross ventilation to keep the interior at an ideal temperature all year round. The resulting form, detailing, and material selections of this new build allows for the seamless continuity of memory-making for a sentimental family.

Naaya geometry series is inspired by geometric shapes and forms. Most of the forms derived starts with a simple sketch of geometric shapes, placing them at various heights and connecting the edges. Once an interesting shape is in sight, same is taken into clay and then the formal process of clay starts. Perfect for restaurants and other commercial space that requires minimal lighting but eye catching design. For the frame, the wire is cleverly tucked inside the groove that is cut through the vertical member to give your wall a clean and tidy look. Dimensions: Standard wall mount : 12"w X 6.5" h X 5.5" deep - Please note that all color finish is done on natural clay. White finish is done on white clay, all finishes except white come in black fittings. - A small Naaya logo (approx 3/4") is embossed in 1 place on the inside surface of lamp. - The lamp shade can be cleaned without hassle. Just wipe with damp cloth. Accessories - Adapter/converter from Indian pin to your country specific pin will be supplied with all the plug in versions. - All Light electrical Fixtures are in compliance with US, European, UK, Australian, Canadian and International Standard. - Lamp comes with E27 holder (bulbs not supplied) - Beech wood custom made wooden bracket. - We may be able to accommodate some custom changes in the setup (wire length etc.) with nominal cost.

Duo contrasting cabinets perfectly designed and laid out for this log cabin kitchen remodel. Choosing natural wood cabinets for the island with contrasting stark white cabinets for the perimeter of the kitchen is stunning! First, client came to showroom looking to make their kitchen more function. Being a log cabin and prior remodels made this a bit tricky from the previous owners. Next, we began working around support beams with the client. However, a solution from owner was derived to make the space more functional by bringing the wall out further. This allotted more space for the wall cabinets and made the space more appealing. Cabinet selection and designing was next in process. Island selection is natural hickory cabinets with a liquid toffee glaze. Which added richness to the island bringing warmth into the kitchen. Tying in the woods from the ceiling and various walls. Additionally, the painted alder cabinets with a glaze along the perimeter brighten up the cozy kitchen. Finally, adding beautiful desert beach granite countertops tops off the project. This kitchen will be enjoyable for years to come.

Photography by Eric Rorer
Tuscan kitchen photo in San Francisco

Nestled in a secluded mountaintop location is the captivating Contemporary Mountaintop Escape. Complementing its natural surroundings, the 2,955 square foot, four-bedroom, three-bathroom residence captures the panoramic view of the skyline and offers high-quality finishes with modern interior design. The exterior features a timber frame porch, standing seam metal roof, custom chimney cap, Barnwood siding, and a glass garage door. Reclaimed timber derived from the homeowner’s family farmhouse is incorporated throughout the structure. It is decoratively used on the exterior as well as on the interior accent walls and ceiling beams. Other central interior elements include recessed lighting, flush baseboards, and caseless windows and doors. Hickory engineered flooring is displayed upstairs, and exposed concrete slab and foundation walls complement the downstairs decor. The rustic and luxurious great room offers a wood-burning fireplace with an onsite extricated boulder hearth, reclaimed timber ceiling beams, a full reclaimed accent wall, and a charming stucco chimney. The main floor also exhibits a reclaimed, sliding barn door to enclose the in-home office space. The kitchen is situated near the great room and is defined by stainless steel appliances that include a Thermador refrigerator/freezer, an induction range, and a coordinating farmhouse sink. Other standout features are leathered granite countertops, floating reclaimed timber shelves, and stunning ebony-colored drawers. The home’s lower level provides ideal accommodations for hosting family and friends. It features a spacious living area with access to a multi-purpose mudroom complete with a kitchen. This level also includes two guest bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. All bedrooms, including the master bedroom, have caseless windows and doors, floating reclaimed shelves, and flush baseboards. The master bathroom showcases a modern floating vanity with boulder vessel sinks, wall-mounted faucets, and large format floor tile.

Inspiration for this bathroom remodel was derived from the captivating beauty of the ocean. The crisp white finishes and sleek design mark this remodel at the top of our list!

What amazing days spent with Teresa Roemer, owner of this Suburban Sanctuary in The Woodlands, Texas. The property is 17,315 SQF with 9 beds, 10 bathrooms on 2 acres, she did an stunning and delicious job to redesign this mansion, she built the biggest closet in USA, more than 3,000 SQF. Teresa is the ultimate real housewife in Houston, a fitness expert, a successful business woman, she charmed me and I would like to thanks her again so much for those 2 days. More photos: http://www.thierrydehove.com/2016/07/24/suburban-sanctuary-teresa-roemer/ © Thierry Dehove Photography. All rights reserved. These images, or derivative works, can not be used, published, distributed or sold without written permission of the owner.

M-S Pro Architects announce the completion of an indoor swimming pool in a state-of-the-art, single storey family home set in a picturesque location on the outskirts of Bratislava - one of Europe’s youngest capital cities. Kebony, a beautiful wood recommended by leading architects, was chosen to craft the ceiling of the swimming pool, which is designed to emulate rippling waves as well as for the terrace deck and structural beams. Sustainability and a desire to recreate the close proximity often seen between wood and water in the natural environment were primary focuses in the design of this project. This led a requirement for a low maintenance wood, compatible humidity and with advanced durability, for the swimming pool ceiling. In addition, a high level of precision when cutting the wood was required in order to achieve the desired appearance of waves. Supplied by Leading Market, Kebony was carefully selected for the pool ceiling, which consists of 490 lamellae of timber, due to its versatility, durability and environmental credentials. Kebony was also installed throughout the exterior of this property, both for the spacious outdoor terrace and the exterior and interior beams. One of the reasons to choose Kebony was the unified look of wood in all these different applications. Developed in Norway, the patented Kebony technology uses an environmentally friendly process, which permanently enhances the properties of sustainable softwood with a bio-based liquid derived from agricultural crop waste. By polymerising the wood’s cell wall with furfuryl alcohol, the wood gains greatly improved durability and dimensional stability, giving it characteristics similar to those of tropical hardwood. In creating a wood with comparable properties to tropical hardwood that can be grown in a FSC certified, sustainably managed forest, the demand for tropical woods is reduced, allowing timber to once again be an important part of sustainable construction. Tomáš Hubinský, Lead Architect at M-S Pro, commented: “From conception through to completion, the creation of this ceiling has been a real feat. Despite the challenges faced by such an intricate design, Kebony was the perfect material to convey our desired effect of waves rippling along the ceiling. We will continue to incorporate Kebony into our interior and exterior designs, with wood fast becoming the first choice material for all architects.” Mette Valen, Sales Manager Norway at Kebony, explained: “The distinctive nature of this design cleverly portrays the capability of Kebony, demonstrating both the aesthetic and performance qualities of the product. We would be honoured to work with M-S Pro in the future and look forward to seeing how they utilise Kebony in their future projects.”

St. Andrews Project — Primary Bedroom & Architectural Fireplace This St. Andrews primary bedroom is designed as a serene architectural retreat, balancing softness and warmth with the refined contemporary language established throughout the home. Rather than relying on decorative excess, the room derives its character from proportion, material continuity, natural light, and carefully integrated architectural details. The fireplace wall acts as a sculptural divider and focal point within the open bedroom suite. Framed in a softly veined stone, the fireplace introduces a natural, organic pattern against the otherwise restrained white interior. Its placement allows the architectural feature to define the sleeping area while maintaining visual connection to the adjoining spaces, creating a sense of openness without sacrificing intimacy. The vertical fluted treatment surrounding the fireplace adds texture and subtle rhythm to the wall plane. This detailing continues the language established elsewhere in the residence, creating a cohesive thread between the kitchen, living areas, and bedroom. The fine vertical lines catch the ambient light beautifully and give the architectural volume a sense of height and refinement. A restrained palette of warm whites, pale natural wood, soft taupe, charcoal, and black creates a calm and sophisticated atmosphere. The natural oak flooring brings warmth underfoot and prevents the predominantly white architecture from feeling cold. Black-framed windows provide a crisp architectural contrast while drawing the surrounding greenery into the composition, making the exterior landscape an important part of the bedroom's visual experience. Lighting is intentionally layered rather than decorative. Recessed fixtures provide functional illumination, while concealed perimeter lighting washes the ceiling with a soft warm glow. This indirect illumination emphasizes the room's architectural proportions and creates a more intimate atmosphere in the evening. The furnishings are deliberately understated, allowing texture and form to carry the design. Soft bedding, layered textiles, sculptural cushions, and organic neutral tones create a sense of comfort while maintaining the sophisticated visual discipline of the architecture. The patterned textiles introduce just enough graphic contrast to prevent the monochromatic palette from becoming flat. The overall concept is one of quiet luxury through architectural restraint. The room combines custom detailing, natural materials, integrated lighting, and carefully controlled contrast to create a retreat that feels contemporary yet timeless. Every element is considered as part of a larger architectural composition, resulting in a primary bedroom that is calm, elegant, highly livable, and seamlessly connected to the design language of the York Mills residence.