Dictating - Photos & Ideas

Our clients had one unusual priority for this kitchen remodel. They wanted a literal “catwalk” spanning the top of the entire kitchen that their 3 cats could enjoy. This dictated that the kitchen cabinets could not be more than 30” tall to make the catwalk functional. We added decorative upper shelving between cabinets to create a continuous walk way for the cats. In addition, to better utilize space and open up a major pinch point between multiple doors we integrated angled upper and lower end cabinets. It has been noted by everyone using this new kitchen space that the thoughtful cabinet design makes the entire kitchen space feels much larger. Continuing the flow of the existing flooring in the adjoining room and to provide warmth and solidity, red oak hardwood flooring was installed in the kitchen. To coordinate with the Cabernet colored shaker cabinets we chose an unusual “Gialllo Ornamental” granite pattern and the effect was stunning. To complete the look we installed a buff subway tile backsplash with a gorgeous crackled glass accent. Because our client wash and prepare a lot of veggies, an extra deep stainless steel 60/40 double sink and faucet with pull-down sprayer were great additions.

Middle Eastern Beauty at the Beach

E. F. San Juan

Riad Zasha: Middle Eastern Beauty at the Beach Private Residence / Alys Beach, Florida Architect: Khoury & Vogt Architects Builder: Alys Beach Construction --- “Riad Zasha resides in Alys Beach, a New Urbanist community along Scenic Highway 30-A in the Florida Panhandle,” says the design team at Khoury & Vogt Architects (KVA), the town architects of Alys Beach. “So named by the homeowner, who came with an explicit preference for something more exotic and Middle Eastern, the house evokes Moroccan and Egyptian influences spatially and decoratively while maintaining continuity with its surrounding architecture, all of which is tightly coded.” E. F. San Juan furnished Weather Shield impact-rated windows and doors, a mahogany impact-rated front door, and all of the custom exterior millwork, including shutters, screens, trim, handrails, and gates. The distinctive tower boasts indoor-outdoor “Florida room” living spaces caged in beautiful wooden mashrabiya grilles created by our team. The execution of this incredible home by the professionals at Alys Beach Construction and KVA resulted in a landmark residence for the town. Challenges: “Part of [the Alys Beach] coding, along with the master plan itself, dictated that a tower mark the corner of the lot,” says KVA. “Aligning this with the adjoining park to the south reinforces the axiality of each and locks the house into a greater urban whole.” The sheer amount of custom millwork created for this house made it a challenge, but a welcome one. The unique exterior called for wooden details everywhere, from the shutters to the handrails, mouldings and trim, roof decking, courtyard gates, ceiling panels for the Florida rooms, loggia screen panels, and more—but the tower was the standout element. The homeowners’ desire for Middle Eastern influences was met through the wooden mashrabiya (or moucharaby) oriel-style wooden latticework enclosing the third-story tower living space. Creating this focal point was some of our team’s most unique work to date, requiring the ultimate attention to detail, precision, and planning. The location close to the Gulf of Mexico also dictated that we partner with our friends at Weather Shield on the impact-rated exterior windows and doors, and their Lifeguard line was perfect for the job. The mahogany impact-rated front door also combines safety and security with beauty and style. Solution: Working closely with KVA and Alys Beach Construction on the timeline and planning for our custom wood products, windows, and doors was monumental to the success of this build. The amount of millwork produced meant our team had to carefully manage their time while ensuring we provided the highest quality of detail and work. The location south of Scenic Highway 30-A, steps from the beach, also meant deciding with KVA and Alys Beach Construction what materials should be used for the best possible production quality and looks while adhering to coding and standing the test of time in the harsh Gulfside elements such as high winds, humidity, and salt. The tower elements alone required the utmost care for building and installation. It was truly a test of skill for our team and Alys Beach Construction to create the corbels and other support pieces that would hold up the wooden oriel windows and latticework screens. We couldn’t be happier with the result and are genuinely honored to have been part of the talented team on such a cornerstone residence in the Alys Beach townscape. --- Photography courtesy of Alys Beach

Below Buchanan

Ventures Design

Below Buchanan is a basement renovation that feels as light and welcoming as one of our outdoor living spaces. The project is full of unique details, custom woodworking, built-in storage, and gorgeous fixtures. Custom carpentry is everywhere, from the built-in storage cabinets and molding to the private booth, the bar cabinetry, and the fireplace lounge. Creating this bright, airy atmosphere was no small challenge, considering the lack of natural light and spatial restrictions. A color pallet of white opened up the space with wood, leather, and brass accents bringing warmth and balance. The finished basement features three primary spaces: the bar and lounge, a home gym, and a bathroom, as well as additional storage space. As seen in the before image, a double row of support pillars runs through the center of the space dictating the long, narrow design of the bar and lounge. Building a custom dining area with booth seating was a clever way to save space. The booth is built into the dividing wall, nestled between the support beams. The same is true for the built-in storage cabinet. It utilizes a space between the support pillars that would otherwise have been wasted. The small details are as significant as the larger ones in this design. The built-in storage and bar cabinetry are all finished with brass handle pulls, to match the light fixtures, faucets, and bar shelving. White marble counters for the bar, bathroom, and dining table bring a hint of Hollywood glamour. White brick appears in the fireplace and back bar. To keep the space feeling as lofty as possible, the exposed ceilings are painted black with segments of drop ceilings accented by a wide wood molding, a nod to the appearance of exposed beams. Every detail is thoughtfully chosen right down from the cable railing on the staircase to the wood paneling behind the booth, and wrapping the bar.

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Middle Eastern Beauty at the Beach

E. F. San Juan

Glen Lake Cottage

Villa Decor

Ashely Avila Photography
Inspiration for a large coastal guest carpeted bedroom remodel in Grand Rapids with blue walls

Middle Eastern Beauty at the Beach

E. F. San Juan

Middle Eastern Beauty at the Beach

E. F. San Juan

Middle Eastern Beauty at the Beach

E. F. San Juan

Endless Pools Systems

Pioneer Family Pools

Let the Original Endless Pool transform your idea of what a swimming pool is, and what it can do. This incredible machine, first built in 1988, provides the ability to swim endlessly, right in the comfort of your backyard, garage, deck, or anywhere you want to place it. This cost effective swimming machine uses a single propeller 5hp system to create a seamless current of water that allows you to swim without obstruction for as long as you want. The pool is wide enough and deep enough to accommodate any swimming stroke you want to practice, and with no turbulence from traditional jetted pool systems, you can enjoy a nice and smooth swim. Use this durable and resilient modular steel panel system to swim, do your aerobics, or work out. Customize to your preference to compliment any aesthetic.

Play Doodles

Flavor Paper

Designed by UK born, Brooklyn based artist Jon Burgerman, Play Doodles brings to life Jon's famous doodles...where he just grabs a pen, wiggles it over a piece of paper and sees what, or who, pops out. Thinking it would be interesting to see how this could translate into 3D, he grabbed a bunch of colourful Play Doh and tried to make some fun characters without any plan, allowing the medium to dictate the results, which was a whole gaggle of funny little dudes. They are ageless, genderless, raceless and clearly embody the fun Jon had in making them. From a half-eaten cookie and a laid back corn on the cob to many abstract and curious creatures that ooze personality. When Jon and Jon started to talk about a collaboration it seemed like using the realized doodles made the most sense since they added such a colorful 3D aspect to the design. All of the characters were photographed and then built into a repeat resulting in a lively wallpaper that will bring cheer to many spaces. Play Doodles is one of our EZ Papes designs, meaning it's pre-pasted and water-activated for an easy DIY installation and removal!

2014 Spring Parade of Homes Winner

Clark & Co Homes

Doug Petersen Photography
Example of a huge classic home weight room design in Boise with beige walls

The New Traditional

Blue Heron Signature Homes

Designed and built by Terramor Homes in Raleigh, NC. The kitchen cabinets were consciously chosen in classic farmhouse style. Pure white and designed to reach the ceiling, clean and simple inset doors with simple classic chrome hardware pulls make for an impressive statement. Soapstone was used on the perimeter, offering the aged traditional look you would find in a classic farm home. However, the island was topped with a slightly more modern white granite with beautiful gray movement to add interest and a hard, reliable prep surface. The island measures an impressive 7 feet by 10 feet, matches the same clean lines, but was custom painted in a deep grayed turquoise to make a statement. It serves 6 seats for everyday eating and conversation and also allows for full functionality while still enjoying all the activity and views surrounding anyone who is spending time the kitchen workspace. Photography: M. Eric Honeycutt

Middle Eastern Beauty at the Beach

E. F. San Juan

Below Buchanan

Ventures Design

Middle Eastern Beauty at the Beach

E. F. San Juan

Gather by the Fire

River Valley Landscapes

After many years of having no outdoor living space and dealing with overgrown plants and trees the owner’s decided it was time to revitalize their backyard. They knew they wanted a large sitting area with a wood burning fireplace, room for outdoor dining and a place for the grill. A connecting walk would be needed to get guests from the driveway to the outdoor space. Last but not least, the owners wanted the ability to and a reason for stepping out of their unusable patio doors. The designers decided from the start the fireplace would be the prominent feature and focal point for the entire project. A large fireplace accented with sitting walls and arbors was positioned to anchor the corner of the patio. Stone was chosen to set the fireplace apart as its own element. Brick was used for the sitting walls and brick accents were added to the fireplace to tie into the house. An inlaid herringbone brick detail was incorporated above the stone mantle to simulate artwork which is typically found above indoor fireplaces. Flagstone was used for the wall caps and hearth to match the patio and thicker flagstone tread stock was used for the mantle and top. The arbors were added to visually balance the pergolas at the opposite side of the patio. For the patio the designers created a series of offset spaces to help subtly divide the space into two areas, sitting and dining. Two large existing trees also help dictate the shape of the patio. Cut flagstone was chosen for the surface bordered by a double soldier edge of brick. The brick edging also surrounds a decorative gravel area topped with an urn fountain which provides a secondary focal point and the sound of water. Large flagstone treads were used for the steps leading to the previously unused patio doors. Opposite the fireplace a short walk leads to a square transition area with a statue chosen by the owner. The statue provides a strong focal point when entering from the driveway. A longer walk leads from this space along the house to the driveway. The pergolas and arbors were designed by the landscape designer as part of this project but were ultimately contracted separately by the owner. The larger square pergola was intended as an area for a bench or two separate from the main patio. The longer pergola was added later in the design phase to help provide shade to the interior of the house. The arbors at the fireplace were added to balance out the wood elements at the opposite side while adding additional architectural interest to the fireplace. While this project was predominantly hardscaping, planting and lighting were also incorporated into the design. Several large existing trees were retained and serious of smaller understory trees were added to help enclose the space. The designer’s took advantage of the large trees to place down lights on the branches to achieve a moonlight effect at night. Additional lighting was used on the pergola, to accent focal points, to up light the smaller trees and around the patio. Massed planting of Japanese forest grass provides bold foliage color for the shady garden. A mulch path leads off behind the fireplace to another garden and a secluded area ideal for a bench or small table and chairs. Additional plantings were added along the rear property line to screen and unsightly fence. This project has obviously completely changed the way the owners use their backyard. They now have a seamless transition from indoors to outdoors with the use of the patio doors. The large patio allows for entertaining small gatherings outdoors for the first time. The fireplace has definitely become the primary gathering place for family and friends.

Middle Eastern Beauty at the Beach

E. F. San Juan

Below Buchanan

Ventures Design

Traditional House Interior 18

Jim O'Brien Architects

Inspiration for a timeless home gym remodel in New York with green walls

Island Prep Sink in Classic Work Triangle

Orren Pickell Building Group

**Project Overview** This new construction home built next to a serene lake features a gorgeous, large-scale kitchen that also connects to a bar, home office, breakfast room and great room. The homeowners sought the warmth of traditional styling, updated for today. In addition, they wanted to incorporate unexpected touches that would add personality. Strategic use of furniture details combined with clean lines brings the traditional style forward, making the kitchen feel fresh, new and timeless. **What Makes This Project Unique?* Three finishes, including vintage white paint, stained cherry and textured painted gray oak cabinetry, work together beautifully to create a varied, unique space. Above the wall cabinets, glass cabinets with X mullions add interest and decorative storage. Single ovens are tucked in cabinets under a window, and a warming drawer under one perfectly matches the cabinet drawer under the other. Matching furniture-style armoires flank the wall ovens, housing the freezer and a pantry in one and custom designed large scale appliance garage with retractable doors in the other. Other furniture touches can be found on the sink cabinet and range top cabinet that help complete the look. The variety of colors and textures of the stained and painted cabinetry, custom dark finish copper hood, wood ceiling beams, glass cabinets, wood floors and sleek backsplash bring the whole look together. **Design Challenges* Even though the space is large, we were challenged by having to work around the two doorways, two windows and many traffic patterns that run through the kitchen. Wall space for large appliances was quickly in short supply. Because we were involved early in the project, we were able to work with the architect to expanded the kitchen footprint in order to make the layout work and get appliance placement just right. We had other architectural elements to work with that we wanted to compliment the kitchen design but also dictated what we could do with the cabinetry. The wall cabinet height was determined based on the beams in the space. The oven wall with furniture armoires was designed around the window with the lake view. The height of the oven cabinets was determined by the window. We were able to use these obstacles and challenges to design creatively and make this kitchen one of a kind. Photo by MIke Kaskel