Christian Torres
Inspiration for a farmhouse kitchen remodel in New York

A&E Construction. Our Pennington NJ client had recently moved into this home and was dissatisfied with the way the kitchen functioned. As it was before, the kitchen was closed off from the rest of the home with the single entrance being on the far end of the main first-floor hallway, next to the door to the garage. A&E Construction developed a design for her kitchen remodel that both creates a better flow between the kitchen and the rest of the house, and also offers a better option for eating/work space.

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

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

Two Birds Photography
Kids' room - transitional kids' room idea in Chicago

Inspiration for a contemporary bathroom remodel in Minneapolis

A new deck and glass railing allow the amazing ocean views to be enjoyed from inside or out.
Inspiration for a mid-sized coastal open concept living room remodel in San Diego with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace and a media wall

This project is a new 5,900 sf. primary residence for a couple with three children. The site is slightly elevated above the residential street and enjoys winter views of the Potomac River. The family’s requirements included five bedrooms, five full baths, a powder room, family room, dining room, eat-in kitchen, walk-in pantry, mudroom, lower level recreation room, exercise room, media room and numerous storage spaces. Also included was the request for an outdoor terrace and adequate outdoor storage, including provision for the storage of bikes and kayaks. The family needed a home that would have two entrances, the primary entrance, and a mudroom entry that would provide generous storage spaces for the family’s active lifestyle. Due to the small lot size, the challenge was to accommodate the family’s requirements, while remaining sympathetic to the scale of neighboring homes. The residence employs a “T” shaped plan to aid in minimizing the massing visible from the street, while organizing interior spaces around a private outdoor terrace space accessible from the living and dining spaces. A generous front porch and a gambrel roof diminish the home’s scale, providing a welcoming view along the street front. A path along the right side of the residence leads to the family entrance and a small outbuilding that provides ready access to the bikes and kayaks while shielding the rear terrace from view of neighboring homes. The two entrances join a central stair hall that leads to the eat-in kitchen overlooking the great room. Window seats and a custom built banquette provide gathering spaces, while the French doors connect the great room to the terrace where the arbor transitions to the garden. A first floor guest suite, separate from the family areas of the home, affords privacy for both guests and hosts alike. The second floor Master Suite enjoys views of the Potomac River through a second floor arched balcony visible from the front. The exterior is composed of a board and batten first floor with a cedar shingled second floor and gambrel roof. These two contrasting materials and the inclusion of a partially recessed front porch contribute to the perceived diminution of the home’s scale relative to its smaller neighbors. The overall intention was to create a close fit between the residence and the neighboring context, both built and natural. Builder: E.H. Johnstone Builders Anice Hoachlander Photography

Danish home design photo in Phoenix

This project is a new 5,900 sf. primary residence for a couple with three children. The site is slightly elevated above the residential street and enjoys winter views of the Potomac River. The family’s requirements included five bedrooms, five full baths, a powder room, family room, dining room, eat-in kitchen, walk-in pantry, mudroom, lower level recreation room, exercise room, media room and numerous storage spaces. Also included was the request for an outdoor terrace and adequate outdoor storage, including provision for the storage of bikes and kayaks. The family needed a home that would have two entrances, the primary entrance, and a mudroom entry that would provide generous storage spaces for the family’s active lifestyle. Due to the small lot size, the challenge was to accommodate the family’s requirements, while remaining sympathetic to the scale of neighboring homes. The residence employs a “T” shaped plan to aid in minimizing the massing visible from the street, while organizing interior spaces around a private outdoor terrace space accessible from the living and dining spaces. A generous front porch and a gambrel roof diminish the home’s scale, providing a welcoming view along the street front. A path along the right side of the residence leads to the family entrance and a small outbuilding that provides ready access to the bikes and kayaks while shielding the rear terrace from view of neighboring homes. The two entrances join a central stair hall that leads to the eat-in kitchen overlooking the great room. Window seats and a custom built banquette provide gathering spaces, while the French doors connect the great room to the terrace where the arbor transitions to the garden. A first floor guest suite, separate from the family areas of the home, affords privacy for both guests and hosts alike. The second floor Master Suite enjoys views of the Potomac River through a second floor arched balcony visible from the front. The exterior is composed of a board and batten first floor with a cedar shingled second floor and gambrel roof. These two contrasting materials and the inclusion of a partially recessed front porch contribute to the perceived diminution of the home’s scale relative to its smaller neighbors. The overall intention was to create a close fit between the residence and the neighboring context, both built and natural. Builder: E.H. Johnstone Builders Anice Hoachlander Photography

This project is a new 5,900 sf. primary residence for a couple with three children. The site is slightly elevated above the residential street and enjoys winter views of the Potomac River. The family’s requirements included five bedrooms, five full baths, a powder room, family room, dining room, eat-in kitchen, walk-in pantry, mudroom, lower level recreation room, exercise room, media room and numerous storage spaces. Also included was the request for an outdoor terrace and adequate outdoor storage, including provision for the storage of bikes and kayaks. The family needed a home that would have two entrances, the primary entrance, and a mudroom entry that would provide generous storage spaces for the family’s active lifestyle. Due to the small lot size, the challenge was to accommodate the family’s requirements, while remaining sympathetic to the scale of neighboring homes. The residence employs a “T” shaped plan to aid in minimizing the massing visible from the street, while organizing interior spaces around a private outdoor terrace space accessible from the living and dining spaces. A generous front porch and a gambrel roof diminish the home’s scale, providing a welcoming view along the street front. A path along the right side of the residence leads to the family entrance and a small outbuilding that provides ready access to the bikes and kayaks while shielding the rear terrace from view of neighboring homes. The two entrances join a central stair hall that leads to the eat-in kitchen overlooking the great room. Window seats and a custom built banquette provide gathering spaces, while the French doors connect the great room to the terrace where the arbor transitions to the garden. A first floor guest suite, separate from the family areas of the home, affords privacy for both guests and hosts alike. The second floor Master Suite enjoys views of the Potomac River through a second floor arched balcony visible from the front. The exterior is composed of a board and batten first floor with a cedar shingled second floor and gambrel roof. These two contrasting materials and the inclusion of a partially recessed front porch contribute to the perceived diminution of the home’s scale relative to its smaller neighbors. The overall intention was to create a close fit between the residence and the neighboring context, both built and natural. Builder: E.H. Johnstone Builders Anice Hoachlander Photography

Built in 1884, this is the first house on Main Street one sees when exiting the train station. Its prominent corner location helps define the gateway to the town shopping district. Schematic design sessions for this period home’s renovation were already complete when the news was shared with the design team that one of the owners had been diagnosed with a progressive motor neuron disease. The homeowners asked us to incorporate universal design features—including wheelchair access to every room on every level of the home—but were insistent that they did not want to create a home that looked or felt institutional. Due to the home’s high visibility, it was important to the owners that the addition, including the elevator rise, be stylistically seamless and unobtrusive. This was achieved by applying existing character-defining features from the house such as octagonal massing, columned porches, steep roof slopes, and decorative shingle patterns. Complimentary architectural ornamentation was introduced to highlight the Queen Anne style and diminish the scale of the elevator rise. Interior and exterior access challenges were graciously overcome without sacrificing authentic period detailing. The addition begins with exterior entry at ground level. A half stop down to the basement provides access to a “wheelchair wash/dog wash” station and game room. A half stop up brings the elevator to the first floor followed by traditional stops at the second floor and attic/owner’s suite. Widened halls and doors make circulation via a wheelchair through the home achievable. Other universal design features and fixtures include the zero-entry shower in the owner’s and guest baths, French-door ovens, induction cooktop, touchless faucet, and refrigerator and freezer drawers. These make the home functional and comfortable for all members of the family. In collaboration with a landscape architect, we also created a lush pocket of privacy on this very public lot. The new hardscaping creates access around the house, to the grill, fire pit, patio and driveway as well as to the town sidewalks making wheelchair inclusion both possible and effortless. Substantially complete Fall 2021.

This project is a new 5,900 sf. primary residence for a couple with three children. The site is slightly elevated above the residential street and enjoys winter views of the Potomac River. The family’s requirements included five bedrooms, five full baths, a powder room, family room, dining room, eat-in kitchen, walk-in pantry, mudroom, lower level recreation room, exercise room, media room and numerous storage spaces. Also included was the request for an outdoor terrace and adequate outdoor storage, including provision for the storage of bikes and kayaks. The family needed a home that would have two entrances, the primary entrance, and a mudroom entry that would provide generous storage spaces for the family’s active lifestyle. Due to the small lot size, the challenge was to accommodate the family’s requirements, while remaining sympathetic to the scale of neighboring homes. The residence employs a “T” shaped plan to aid in minimizing the massing visible from the street, while organizing interior spaces around a private outdoor terrace space accessible from the living and dining spaces. A generous front porch and a gambrel roof diminish the home’s scale, providing a welcoming view along the street front. A path along the right side of the residence leads to the family entrance and a small outbuilding that provides ready access to the bikes and kayaks while shielding the rear terrace from view of neighboring homes. The two entrances join a central stair hall that leads to the eat-in kitchen overlooking the great room. Window seats and a custom built banquette provide gathering spaces, while the French doors connect the great room to the terrace where the arbor transitions to the garden. A first floor guest suite, separate from the family areas of the home, affords privacy for both guests and hosts alike. The second floor Master Suite enjoys views of the Potomac River through a second floor arched balcony visible from the front. The exterior is composed of a board and batten first floor with a cedar shingled second floor and gambrel roof. These two contrasting materials and the inclusion of a partially recessed front porch contribute to the perceived diminution of the home’s scale relative to its smaller neighbors. The overall intention was to create a close fit between the residence and the neighboring context, both built and natural. Builder: E.H. Johnstone Builders Anice Hoachlander Photography

Built in 1884, this is the first house on Main Street one sees when exiting the train station. Its prominent corner location helps define the gateway to the town shopping district. Schematic design sessions for this period home’s renovation were already complete when the news was shared with the design team that one of the owners had been diagnosed with a progressive motor neuron disease. The homeowners asked us to incorporate universal design features—including wheelchair access to every room on every level of the home—but were insistent that they did not want to create a home that looked or felt institutional. Due to the home’s high visibility, it was important to the owners that the addition, including the elevator rise, be stylistically seamless and unobtrusive. This was achieved by applying existing character-defining features from the house such as octagonal massing, columned porches, steep roof slopes, and decorative shingle patterns. Complimentary architectural ornamentation was introduced to highlight the Queen Anne style and diminish the scale of the elevator rise. Interior and exterior access challenges were graciously overcome without sacrificing authentic period detailing. The addition begins with exterior entry at ground level. A half stop down to the basement provides access to a “wheelchair wash/dog wash” station and game room. A half stop up brings the elevator to the first floor followed by traditional stops at the second floor and attic/owner’s suite. Widened halls and doors make circulation via a wheelchair through the home achievable. Other universal design features and fixtures include the zero-entry shower in the owner’s and guest baths, French-door ovens, induction cooktop, touchless faucet, and refrigerator and freezer drawers. These make the home functional and comfortable for all members of the family. In collaboration with a landscape architect, we also created a lush pocket of privacy on this very public lot. The new hardscaping creates access around the house, to the grill, fire pit, patio and driveway as well as to the town sidewalks making wheelchair inclusion both possible and effortless. Substantially complete Fall 2021.

Log Cabins Over The Ages Log cabins have been in existence for a long time and it is assumed that they were first built during the Bronze Age. This means that humans have been living in log cabins for over 5000 years. Written works from that age show that logs were placed over one another to build log cabins and if there were any gaps in between logs, then wood chippings were used to fill them. Log cabins are more prevalent in the cool climes rather than the hotter ones and this is the reason that you can find a lot of log cabins in Europe rather than in South Asia. The early settlers in North America used the Scandinavian technique of building log cabins when they settled in the cold parts of the continent. Over the years when larger homes started being constructed, log cabins started being used as outbuildings. Though they were used as outbuildings the charm of log cabins has not diminished. In fact, Abraham Lincoln has gone on to say that he was proud to be born in a log cabin. In the United Kingdom log cabin construction ceased considerably in the 20th century. People found it below their dignity to live in log cabins, as they thought that it was just basic housing. However, over time, log cabins have made a comeback and you can find log cabins in almost every garden in the UK. It has become a very common sight. There are many log cabin kit providers in the UK like Waltons. The choice of log cabin is also many such as: • Corner Log Cabin • Log Cabin Studio • Home Office Log Cabin • Insulated Log Cabin • Pool House Log Cabin • Traditional Log Cabin and much much more. Nowadays everyone likes to be hands on and hence you get DIY log cabin kits. Everything is laid out for you and you just need to follow the steps mentioned. You can do it alone or you can get one or two of your friends or family to help you and you will be able to create a log cabin. Creating anything gives a lot of satisfaction and when you create something truly nice you will feel genuinely overwhelmed. If you do not like to get your hands dirty then you have the option of asking the provider to send professionals to come and set up the log cabin for you.

Dining room extends out to the cozy intimate screened in porch with additional fireplace and fabulous view of the lake.
Mid-sized minimalist light wood floor and gray floor kitchen/dining room combo photo with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

The hanging rattan balls were sprayed a glittering gold metallic and filled with LED string lights for an extra magical effect.
Inspiration for a small tropical courtyard gravel concrete floor home design remodel in San Francisco with a skylight

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4 Meadow Green Court, Wichita Falls, TX FEATURED HOME IN THE PARADE OF HOMES. 4885 Total SF Under Roof 3500 sq. ft. Living Area ½ Acre, Cul-de-Sac location Two story, 4 Bedroom, 3 ½ Baths, Study, Formal Dining Room & Bonus Room Two, two-car Garages and Large Rear Patio (Master bedroom, Study & 4th bedroom all located on first floor) Amenities Include: • Kitchen • Stainless Wolf, Sub-Zero & Scottsman Appliances: o 36" Gas cook top & range; cast iron grates and sealed burners o Energy Star qualified dishwasher, with purge filtration system o 1200 watt Microwave Oven o 15" Scottsman ice maker o 36" Sub-Zero Counter depth Refrigerator • Large, Open design, with prep island and floating sink island • Quartz countertops. • 42" high Knotty Alder custom cabinets. • Under cabinet lighting • Oversized Breakfast area with large windows • Great Room, 19' 6" x 17' with wood burning fireplace and gas starter. • Great Room wired for surround sound. • Formal Dining Room with large picture window. • Master Bedroom, 16' x 17' with double layered crown molding. • Master Bath has 60" whirlpool tub & 4' x 6' shower o Quartz counter top, double sinks and framed mirrors o Walk in master closet with lots of shelving & rods • Study / Office has coffered wood beam ceiling. • Bonus Room upstairs, 15' x 21' • Laundry room includes sink, cabinets and bench seating. • Rear Patio, 18" 6" x 14' 4" includes built-in roll top, stainless Grill. • Rinnai Tank-less high capacity hot water system. • Two, Two-car Garages (4 stalls) with twin door openers & insulated doors. Expanded Driveway. • Foam wall and sub-floor insulation. • Outdoor roll-top Grill. • Radiant barrier roof decking to reduce attic heat • Vapor barrier house wrap diminishes moisture accessibility and drafts • Low E tilt out windows reduce radiant heat and harmful UV rays • 14 Seer, high efficient, HVAC unit with zone controls. Natural gas heater and electronic thermostat. • Security System on all exterior doors and operating windows. • Landscaping includes Bermuda grass, automatic sprinklers, Oak trees, shrubs, and 6' wood privacy fence with concrete curbing. • On site Water well; • Price $497000.