Bluestone, limestone and cedar all work in concert.
Example of a classic backyard stone patio design in Chicago

Project by Studio H:T principal in charge Brad Tomecek (now with Tomecek Studio Architecture). This project tests the theory of bringing high quality design to a prefabricated factory setting. Enrolled in the LEED-Home Pilot, this residence completed certification. The modular home was conceived as two boxes that slide above one another to create outdoor living space and a lower covered rear entry. The passive solar design invites large amounts of light from the south while minimizing openings to the east and west. Factory construction saves both time and costs while reducing waste and using a controlled labor force. Built in a factory north of Denver, the home arrived by flatbed truck in two pieces and was craned into place in about 4 hours providing a fast, sustainable, cost effective alternative to traditional homebuilding techniques. Upgraded lighting fixtures, plumbing fixtures, doors, door hardware, windows, tile and bamboo flooring were incorporated into the design. 80% of the residence was completed in the factory in less than 3 weeks and other items were finished on site including the exterior stucco, garage, metal railing and stair. Stack-Slide-Stitch describes the conceptual process of how to tie together two distinct modular boxes. Stack refers to setting one modular directly on top of the other. Slide refers to the action that creates an upper southern deck area while simultaneously providing a covered rear entry area. The stitching or interlocking occurs with the upward extension of the lower volume with the front deck walls and with the rear two story vertical.

Basement - scandinavian basement idea in Toronto

The simple use of black and white…classic, timeless, elegant. No better words could describe the renovation of this kitchen, dining room and seating area. First, an amazing wall of custom cabinets was installed. The home’s 10’ ceilings provided a nice opportunity to stack up decorative glass cabinetry and highly crafted crown moldings on top, while maintaining a considerable amount of cabinetry just below it. The custom-made brush stroke finished cabinetry is highlighted by a chimney-style wood hood surround with leaded glass cabinets. Custom display cabinets with leaded glass also separate the kitchen from the dining room. Next, the homeowner installed a 5’ x 14’ island finished in black. It houses the main sink with a pedal style control disposal, dishwasher, microwave, second bar sink, beverage center refrigerator and still has room to sit five to six people. The hardwood floor in the kitchen and family room matches the rest of the house. The homeowner wanted to use a very selective white quartzite stone for counters and backsplash to add to the brightness of their kitchen. Contemporary chandeliers over the island are timeless and elegant. High end appliances covered by custom panels are part of this featured project, both to satisfy the owner’s needs and to implement the classic look desired for this kitchen. Beautiful dining and living areas surround this kitchen. All done in a contemporary style to create a seamless design and feel the owner had in mind.

phillip harris
Mountain style dining room photo in San Francisco

Featuring Dura Supreme Cabinetry
Example of a farmhouse gray tile bathroom design in Minneapolis with shaker cabinets, white cabinets and gray walls

Adrienne DeRosa © 2014 Houzz Inc. A study in contrasts, this corner of the bedroom brings all aspects of the room's decor into one arrangement. White walls and upholstery act as a launchpad for a variety of textures and tones. Jennifer covered the chair in an upholstery class, and it now is a great spot to enjoy with windows open and a good book in hand. "It's just that 'place'," as she describes it. Photo: Adrienne DeRosa © 2014 Houzz

Described as a high-load barn, a ramp was built with stone foundations to the outside entrance, with a patio in the back. It was designed to look functional, and to 'settle' into the landscape.

Photo: Angela Flournoy © 2018 Houzz
Living room - mid-century modern living room idea in Dallas

This is another favorite home redesign project. Throughout my career, I've worked with some hefty budgets on a number of high-end projects. You can visit Paris Kitchens and Somerset Kitchens, companies that I have worked for previously, to get an idea of what I mean. I could start name dropping here, but I won’t, because that's not what this project is about. This project is about a small budget and a happy homeowner. This was one of the first projects with a custom interior design at a fraction of a regular budget. I could use the term “value engineering” to describe it, because this particular interior was heavily value engineered. The result: a sophisticated interior that looks so much more expensive than it is. And one ecstatic homeowner. Mission impossible accomplished. ​ P.S. Don’t ask me how much it cost, I promised the homeowner that their impressive budget will remain confidential. In any case, no one would believe me even if I spilled the beans.

Tracy Yohe
Example of a large transitional u-shaped dark wood floor open concept kitchen design in Columbus with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, gray backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2014 Houzz
Inspiration for a contemporary exterior home remodel in Dallas

Location: Nantucket, MA, USA A gorgeous New England beach compound which features a tranquil, sophisticated kitchen. The blue backsplash is the perfect backdrop to a sunny breakfast at the island or a glamorous dinner party in the paneled banquet. The cabinets are accented with hand-made European hardware that enhances the bespoke nature of the kitchen. The children's bathroom has a fun penny tile on the floor juxtaposed against the over-sized subway wall tile. The master bath features crystal fixtures and fittings imported from France. threshold interiors loves working with our clients to produce the perfect blend of relaxation and sophistication in your beach home! Photographed by: Michael Partenio

Architect: Blaine Bonadies, Bonadies Architect Photography By: Jean Allsopp Photography “Just as described, there is an edgy, irreverent vibe here, but the result has an appropriate stature and seriousness. Love the overscale windows. And the outdoor spaces are so great.” Situated atop an old Civil War battle site, this new residence was conceived for a couple with southern values and a rock-and-roll attitude. The project consists of a house, a pool with a pool house and a renovated music studio. A marriage of modern and traditional design, this project used a combination of California redwood siding, stone and a slate roof with flat-seam lead overhangs. Intimate and well planned, there is no space wasted in this home. The execution of the detail work, such as handmade railings, metal awnings and custom windows jambs, made this project mesmerizing. Cues from the client and how they use their space helped inspire and develop the initial floor plan, making it live at a human scale but with dramatic elements. Their varying taste then inspired the theme of traditional with an edge. The lines and rhythm of the house were simplified, and then complemented with some key details that made the house a juxtaposition of styles. The wood Ultimate Casement windows were all standard sizes. However, there was a desire to make the windows have a “deep pocket” look to create a break in the facade and add a dramatic shadow line. Marvin was able to customize the jambs by extruding them to the exterior. They added a very thin exterior profile, which negated the need for exterior casing. The same detail was in the stone veneers and walls, as well as the horizontal siding walls, with no need for any modification. This resulted in a very sleek look. MARVIN PRODUCTS USED: Marvin Ultimate Casement Window

This Powell, Ohio Bathroom design was created by Senior Bathroom Designer Jim Deen of Dream Baths by Kitchen Kraft. Photos by John Evans.

You can read more about the project through this Houzz Feature link: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/hillside-yard-offers-scenic-views-and-space-for-contemplation-stsetivw-vs~131483772

Photo: Kimberley Bryan © 2016 Houzz
Elegant patio photo in Seattle

Matt Delphenich
Small minimalist dark wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Boston with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface countertops, paneled appliances and an island

Inspiration for a mediterranean dining room remodel in Portland