This large patio offers two distinct conversation rooms or one large entertainment space. Medina, WA.
Patio - large traditional backyard stone patio idea in Seattle with a fire pit and a pergola

THEME A passion for sports that never grows up, never grows old and never tires is at the heart of this room. Designed as a den/office for a radio sports talent who’s life work revolves around stats, scores, free agents and athletes, the room ensures that its owner is surrounded by the teams and games he loves, with room for storage, a desk, a computer station and some personal accents. FOCUS Four baseball stadium seats procured from the old Tiger Stadium in Detroit, repainted with a faux wood grain look and personalized with each member of the family’s name give the room a true sports feel. Favorite team jerseys as well as team logos — painted tan to match the overall look of the room — highlight the space. Large wall towers divide the room into three distinct spaces. The central area houses two TV monitors and a hidden computer system, while the other two areas display oversized family photos in sepia tone prints and custom, matching frames. The towers, which provide storage, were purchased at Pottery Barn, and already in the room. To make them more functional, height was added to bring them to the ceiling, and the room’s crown molding is taken around each tower’s top to create a seamless flow. STORAGE The creation of the towers gives the room plenty of useful storage, including display areas, multiple shelves, and a place to hide computer accessories and office supplies. GROWTH The room can easily change over time as new sports memorabilia and family photos are added or switched out. SAFETY All wires for the monitors and computer system are hidden within the wall and inside the storage towers. Power running to digital frames dedicated to particular teams is hidden within the walls.

Hillcrest is very proud to present this custom country estate. Our journey to provide this home for our customer started with our Realty division searching for land for them. After we found the gorgeous countryside site with an old pond, wetland and pastures we managed complex re-zoning and permitting. Because every direction offers distinct views, we spent a lot of time with our customers to place the home and create a layout that maximizes views from every living space. Our design department created a two story main dwelling with an open concept, modern country style custom kitchen, dining area with two sided fireplace, and abutting three season porch. With the kitchen being the hub, it accesses the office, front hall foyer, stairs to the second floor, and the breezeway to the auxiliary part of the home. The living room is semi-open of the dinette, and has chauffeured ceilings. The second floor contains the master suite with a very luxurious bathroom and stunning views. The other two bedrooms also provide great, far flung views. The auxiliary part of the home is perhaps the most unique part of this estate. It offers a long hallway with glass to the south overlooking a large patio with a hot tub. The other side of the hallway has a large laundry with a dumbwaiter to return the laundry upstairs, a shower and powder room for direct access from the hot tub and swimming pond, and a large mudroom. It terminates in the rear foyer with access to the garage and the crown jewel, the sports bar. The customer wanted a brew pub to make and serve his home made beer. The brew pub contains heated, stained concrete floors, concrete counters, and very tall vaulted ceilings. The walls and ceilings are clad with wire brushed grey stained pine and lots of windows overlook the hot tub patio and 270 degree views. The customer also wanted a barn, as both he and she grew up on a farm and shared the love of barns with Hillcrest’s owner. We designed the “perfect gentleman’s barn”, of course red with white trim and with a covered porch which extends on one side into a small greenhouse. Hillcrest also designed and built extensive landscaping features including a winding plank walk to a large swimming pond in the woods. Because of the ample ground water, we created a second swimming pond next to the house which is stays crystal clear and ended up functioning as an outdoor pool.

Nestled into a steep hill on an urban-sized lot, N44° 58' 34" is a creative response to a set of unique site conditions. The house is terraced up the hill, providing multiple connections to the large urban lot. This allows the main living spaces to wrap around the greenspace, providing numerous visual and physical relationships to the backyard. With a direct connection to the largest public park in Minneapolis, the backyard transforms seasonally to support the families active, outdoor lifestyle. A grand, central staircase functions as a statement of modern design while windows simultaneously flood all three levels with light. The towering stair is framed by two distinct wings of the home, creating secluded, yet connected moments on each level.

Hillcrest is very proud to present this custom country estate. Our journey to provide this home for our customer started with our Realty division searching for land for them. After we found the gorgeous countryside site with an old pond, wetland and pastures we managed complex re-zoning and permitting. Because every direction offers distinct views, we spent a lot of time with our customers to place the home and create a layout that maximizes views from every living space. Our design department created a two story main dwelling with an open concept, modern country style custom kitchen, dining area with two sided fireplace, and abutting three season porch. With the kitchen being the hub, it accesses the office, front hall foyer, stairs to the second floor, and the breezeway to the auxiliary part of the home. The living room is semi-open of the dinette, and has chauffeured ceilings. The second floor contains the master suite with a very luxurious bathroom and stunning views. The other two bedrooms also provide great, far flung views. The auxiliary part of the home is perhaps the most unique part of this estate. It offers a long hallway with glass to the south overlooking a large patio with a hot tub. The other side of the hallway has a large laundry with a dumbwaiter to return the laundry upstairs, a shower and powder room for direct access from the hot tub and swimming pond, and a large mudroom. It terminates in the rear foyer with access to the garage and the crown jewel, the sports bar. The customer wanted a brew pub to make and serve his home made beer. The brew pub contains heated, stained concrete floors, concrete counters, and very tall vaulted ceilings. The walls and ceilings are clad with wire brushed grey stained pine and lots of windows overlook the hot tub patio and 270 degree views. The customer also wanted a barn, as both he and she grew up on a farm and shared the love of barns with Hillcrest’s owner. We designed the “perfect gentleman’s barn”, of course red with white trim and with a covered porch which extends on one side into a small greenhouse. Hillcrest also designed and built extensive landscaping features including a winding plank walk to a large swimming pond in the woods. Because of the ample ground water, we created a second swimming pond next to the house which is stays crystal clear and ended up functioning as an outdoor pool.

Hillcrest is very proud to present this custom country estate. Our journey to provide this home for our customer started with our Realty division searching for land for them. After we found the gorgeous countryside site with an old pond, wetland and pastures we managed complex re-zoning and permitting. Because every direction offers distinct views, we spent a lot of time with our customers to place the home and create a layout that maximizes views from every living space. Our design department created a two story main dwelling with an open concept, modern country style custom kitchen, dining area with two sided fireplace, and abutting three season porch. With the kitchen being the hub, it accesses the office, front hall foyer, stairs to the second floor, and the breezeway to the auxiliary part of the home. The living room is semi-open of the dinette, and has chauffeured ceilings. The second floor contains the master suite with a very luxurious bathroom and stunning views. The other two bedrooms also provide great, far flung views. The auxiliary part of the home is perhaps the most unique part of this estate. It offers a long hallway with glass to the south overlooking a large patio with a hot tub. The other side of the hallway has a large laundry with a dumbwaiter to return the laundry upstairs, a shower and powder room for direct access from the hot tub and swimming pond, and a large mudroom. It terminates in the rear foyer with access to the garage and the crown jewel, the sports bar. The customer wanted a brew pub to make and serve his home made beer. The brew pub contains heated, stained concrete floors, concrete counters, and very tall vaulted ceilings. The walls and ceilings are clad with wire brushed grey stained pine and lots of windows overlook the hot tub patio and 270 degree views. The customer also wanted a barn, as both he and she grew up on a farm and shared the love of barns with Hillcrest’s owner. We designed the “perfect gentleman’s barn”, of course red with white trim and with a covered porch which extends on one side into a small greenhouse. Hillcrest also designed and built extensive landscaping features including a winding plank walk to a large swimming pond in the woods. Because of the ample ground water, we created a second swimming pond next to the house which is stays crystal clear and ended up functioning as an outdoor pool.

Stuart Wade, Envision Virtual Tours Nestled in the North Georgia mountains overlooking the shores of Lake Burton, Waterfall offers some of the most breathtaking scenery to be found anywhere. Our exclusive private club was designed to be a refreshing retreat from the real world of responsibilities and deadlines. The heart of Waterfall is our spectacular golf course featuring Bentgrass greens, fairways, and tees –it is one of only two courses in the Georgia with that distinction. The centerpiece of the course is a waterfall on the second hole that will take your breath away. An amazing golf course is just where the fun begins. The Waterfall Club also has a 52,000 square foot Athletic Center complete with a sauna, spa, junior Olympic swimming pool, indoor sports complex and much more. With the Appalachian Trail and Lake Burton just outside of our gates, you will never be short of adventure at Waterfall. From the picture postcard setting for outdoor recreation, to a refined array of indoor amenities, to a staff ready to respond to your every need, The Waterfall Club will exceed your expectations. Whether you are drawn to the splendor of the surrounding Chattahoochee and Nantahala National forests, the emerald green lake and golf course, the energy of the Athletic Center, or the culinary treats of The Lodge, Waterfall is a true get away from it all.

Exquisitely renovated with sophisticated finishes, this six bedroom distinctive Colonial will impress you. The newly installed chef's kitchen is brimming with style and functionality. Those who love to cook will be inspired to entertain in the open floor plan. The palatial entry with custom millwork and the formal dining room with elegant herringbone wood floors will impress your guests. A sun-lit breakfast area flows into the re-styled family room which is highlighted by a stone fireplace. Upstairs, five spacious bedrooms and four updated bathrooms are thoughtfully designed. The extravagant master bedroom suite contains two walk-in closets, a private sitting room and a luxuriously appointed bathroom. The third floor includes an impressive loft-like sixth bedroom with en-suite bathroom. The finished lower level features a gym, full bathroom and entertainment room. A sport court and a three car garage complete this exceptional home.

THEME A passion for sports that never grows up, never grows old and never tires is at the heart of this room. Designed as a den/office for a radio sports talent who’s life work revolves around stats, scores, free agents and athletes, the room ensures that its owner is surrounded by the teams and games he loves, with room for storage, a desk, a computer station and some personal accents. FOCUS Four baseball stadium seats procured from the old Tiger Stadium in Detroit, repainted with a faux wood grain look and personalized with each member of the family’s name give the room a true sports feel. Favorite team jerseys as well as team logos — painted tan to match the overall look of the room — highlight the space. Large wall towers divide the room into three distinct spaces. The central area houses two TV monitors and a hidden computer system, while the other two areas display oversized family photos in sepia tone prints and custom, matching frames. The towers, which provide storage, were purchased at Pottery Barn, and already in the room. To make them more functional, height was added to bring them to the ceiling, and the room’s crown molding is taken around each tower’s top to create a seamless flow. STORAGE The creation of the towers gives the room plenty of useful storage, including display areas, multiple shelves, and a place to hide computer accessories and office supplies. GROWTH The room can easily change over time as new sports memorabilia and family photos are added or switched out. SAFETY All wires for the monitors and computer system are hidden within the wall and inside the storage towers. Power running to digital frames dedicated to particular teams is hidden within the walls.

Exquisitely renovated with sophisticated finishes, this six bedroom distinctive Colonial will impress you. The newly installed chef's kitchen is brimming with style and functionality. Those who love to cook will be inspired to entertain in the open floor plan. The palatial entry with custom millwork and the formal dining room with elegant herringbone wood floors will impress your guests. A sun-lit breakfast area flows into the re-styled family room which is highlighted by a stone fireplace. Upstairs, five spacious bedrooms and four updated bathrooms are thoughtfully designed. The extravagant master bedroom suite contains two walk-in closets, a private sitting room and a luxuriously appointed bathroom. The third floor includes an impressive loft-like sixth bedroom with en-suite bathroom. The finished lower level features a gym, full bathroom and entertainment room. A sport court and a three car garage complete this exceptional home.

Nestled into a steep hill on an urban-sized lot, N44° 58' 34" is a creative response to a set of unique site conditions. The house is terraced up the hill, providing multiple connections to the large urban lot. This allows the main living spaces to wrap around the greenspace, providing numerous visual and physical relationships to the backyard. With a direct connection to the largest public park in Minneapolis, the backyard transforms seasonally to support the families active, outdoor lifestyle. A grand, central staircase functions as a statement of modern design while windows simultaneously flood all three levels with light. The towering stair is framed by two distinct wings of the home, creating secluded, yet connected moments on each level.

Hillcrest is very proud to present this custom country estate. Our journey to provide this home for our customer started with our Realty division searching for land for them. After we found the gorgeous countryside site with an old pond, wetland and pastures we managed complex re-zoning and permitting. Because every direction offers distinct views, we spent a lot of time with our customers to place the home and create a layout that maximizes views from every living space. Our design department created a two story main dwelling with an open concept, modern country style custom kitchen, dining area with two sided fireplace, and abutting three season porch. With the kitchen being the hub, it accesses the office, front hall foyer, stairs to the second floor, and the breezeway to the auxiliary part of the home. The living room is semi-open of the dinette, and has chauffeured ceilings. The second floor contains the master suite with a very luxurious bathroom and stunning views. The other two bedrooms also provide great, far flung views. The auxiliary part of the home is perhaps the most unique part of this estate. It offers a long hallway with glass to the south overlooking a large patio with a hot tub. The other side of the hallway has a large laundry with a dumbwaiter to return the laundry upstairs, a shower and powder room for direct access from the hot tub and swimming pond, and a large mudroom. It terminates in the rear foyer with access to the garage and the crown jewel, the sports bar. The customer wanted a brew pub to make and serve his home made beer. The brew pub contains heated, stained concrete floors, concrete counters, and very tall vaulted ceilings. The walls and ceilings are clad with wire brushed grey stained pine and lots of windows overlook the hot tub patio and 270 degree views. The customer also wanted a barn, as both he and she grew up on a farm and shared the love of barns with Hillcrest’s owner. We designed the “perfect gentleman’s barn”, of course red with white trim and with a covered porch which extends on one side into a small greenhouse. Hillcrest also designed and built extensive landscaping features including a winding plank walk to a large swimming pond in the woods. Because of the ample ground water, we created a second swimming pond next to the house which is stays crystal clear and ended up functioning as an outdoor pool.

Hillcrest is very proud to present this custom country estate. Our journey to provide this home for our customer started with our Realty division searching for land for them. After we found the gorgeous countryside site with an old pond, wetland and pastures we managed complex re-zoning and permitting. Because every direction offers distinct views, we spent a lot of time with our customers to place the home and create a layout that maximizes views from every living space. Our design department created a two story main dwelling with an open concept, modern country style custom kitchen, dining area with two sided fireplace, and abutting three season porch. With the kitchen being the hub, it accesses the office, front hall foyer, stairs to the second floor, and the breezeway to the auxiliary part of the home. The living room is semi-open of the dinette, and has chauffeured ceilings. The second floor contains the master suite with a very luxurious bathroom and stunning views. The other two bedrooms also provide great, far flung views. The auxiliary part of the home is perhaps the most unique part of this estate. It offers a long hallway with glass to the south overlooking a large patio with a hot tub. The other side of the hallway has a large laundry with a dumbwaiter to return the laundry upstairs, a shower and powder room for direct access from the hot tub and swimming pond, and a large mudroom. It terminates in the rear foyer with access to the garage and the crown jewel, the sports bar. The customer wanted a brew pub to make and serve his home made beer. The brew pub contains heated, stained concrete floors, concrete counters, and very tall vaulted ceilings. The walls and ceilings are clad with wire brushed grey stained pine and lots of windows overlook the hot tub patio and 270 degree views. The customer also wanted a barn, as both he and she grew up on a farm and shared the love of barns with Hillcrest’s owner. We designed the “perfect gentleman’s barn”, of course red with white trim and with a covered porch which extends on one side into a small greenhouse. Hillcrest also designed and built extensive landscaping features including a winding plank walk to a large swimming pond in the woods. Because of the ample ground water, we created a second swimming pond next to the house which is stays crystal clear and ended up functioning as an outdoor pool.

THE SETUP When we first encountered this basement for a family with three boys, we saw a space with untapped potential. Though previously remodeled, it lacked a cohesive design strategy. The expansive area housed various entertainment pieces (a shuffleboard table, air hockey, foosball, etc.) scattered haphazardly throughout the space. While the basement included a workout room and a rudimentary kitchen area, it lacked a dedicated game room or proper bar. Excessive storage closets along the back wall consumed valuable real estate that could be repurposed for more engaging uses. In essence, the basement was spacious but disjointed—functional for family use but falling short as an entertainment hub. It didn’t align with the sophistication of the rest of the home. Our clients envisioned a transformation: a fresh, organized space that would not only serve their family’s needs but also shine as an inviting arena for entertaining friends and hosting gatherings – especially sports-focused gatherings! Design Objectives: Reimagine the basement layout, creating distinct zones for varied activities. Expand the workout area to accommodate new equipment, including a Smith machine. Implement a multi-screen setup inspired by high-end sports bars, allowing guests to follow multiple games while socializing. Enhance existing features while developing new areas: Optimize a workout space for all equipment needs Establish a dedicated children’s space with guest room capabilities Create an integrated bar and entertainment area Retain and incorporate the existing projector setup Design Challenges: Navigate layout constraints in the new workout room due to fixed utility areas. Carve out a distinct space for kids within the open plan. Revitalize an underutilized section of the basement. Elevate the existing big screen area with purposeful design elements. Develop a full-fledged bar area while maintaining kitchen functions applicable for hangout snacking. Work around immovable structural elements (soffits, load-bearing support columns) THE RENEWED SPACE Design Solutions: Install a stylish barn door for the utility area of the new workout space, improving aesthetics and accessibility. Repurpose the former workout room into a dedicated game room for kids, utilizing couches with pull-out beds so the area can double as overflow guest accommodations. Transform the unused area into a vibrant pub-style area for card and table games. Enhance the big screen area with elegant wainscoting and ambient theatre-style lighting. Design a multi-functional wet bar area featuring varied seating, prep areas, and a microwave. Base the bar sink area width off the soffit above it. In the big screen area, use the soffit to inform the width of a wainscoting section. For the immovable support columns, dress one up to match the wainscoting of the nearby big screen wall. Hide the other one in a new wall. Final Thoughts: The reimagined basement has exceeded our clients’ expectations, evolving into the ultimate entertainment hub. With seven strategically placed screens, it’s perfect for gatherings focused on major sporting events and casual gatherings, as well. The space strikes a balance between adult sophistication and family-friendly functionality, featuring distinct zones for various activities. The new design not only maximizes functionality for modern, multi-screen entertainment but also elevates the aesthetic appeal. It integrates flawlessly with the rest of the home’s transitional style while allowing each basement section to maintain its unique character. The result is a versatile space that caters to both intimate family time and large-scale entertaining.

Sometimes the design solutions we come up for a homeowner extend beyond their kitchen — as was the case at the Burfeind residence. Julia Burfeind was unhappy that her home’s nearly 20-year-old kitchen was not well suited to entertain guests, which is something she’s been doing more of recently. She was also not satisfied with how the adjacent sunroom and mud/laundry rooms were laid out and being used (or in the case of the sunroom, not being used) by the family. Julia was recommended to Morris Black Designs whom she was told would be excellent at resolving all three issues. “Our house was built in ‘98 I believe, so the kitchen was in need of a facelift but more importantly its setup was not particularly helpful for socializing,” explains Julia. “Among other things, there was a small island in the kitchen which was not suitable for accommodating guests. “In addition, our kitchen was attached to a “sunroom” which was essentially a stepdown separate room that was attached to the kitchen but really wasn’t part of the kitchen — and so it felt like a lot of wasted space for us,” she continues. “We had our kids’ art supplies and the dog bed out there. The space was kinda useless. We didn’t like that setup particularly.” “And then thirdly, we had a room attached to the kitchen that served as both a mudroom and a laundry room but didn’t do a good job of being either. I’ve got two active young kids that play a lot of sports. There wasn’t enough room in there for all their stuff. And not enough room to do the laundry. The problems we had with all three spaces convinced us to renovate.” Julia met with one of our designers in her home to discuss and show first-hand the issues that were plaguing the kitchen area of the home. Initial designs were created and approved quickly. The need to address three distinct areas required a bit more planning and time to go from initial ideas to installation than typical kitchen-only projects, but when it was all finally said and done, Julia had three rooms that now meet her needs much better than they did before. “By itself the kitchen would be fantastic,” she happily expresses. “We have a really large island now where we have four comfortable stools where people can sit and relax while others cook which is exactly what we wanted. You know the kitchen is always the central part of your home and when you entertain, which we do fairly often, people always end up in the kitchen so this big new island works great for us.” “And now the area that was called a sunroom is incorporated with the kitchen — it was brought physically up to the same level as the kitchen which opened the two rooms up to each other as much as they can be so it’s really all one room now. We now have a dining room table out in that area and a wet bar where we have our bar stuff and our coffee makers and all of that. So those areas now work together great.” “We completed a small addition to bump the laundry room out behind the kitchen. We then had Morris Black Designs build four big storage lockers in our mudroom for the kids’ gym bags and sports stuff. They’re not like gym lockers; they’re more like nice cabinets with wooden doors which we keep closed to hide the mess inside each — so it looks very nice in that room despite having all of my kids’ gym bags secretly piled up in there. And we have the great big, beautiful, sunny laundry room with a door and a window and a skylight and a big granite countertop where I can fold clothes.” As much as she loves the distinct improvements made to each individual space, Burfeind will quickly tell you, however, that this project is truly an example of when the whole is greater than the sum of its parts “The whole house is just much more usable now,” she surmises. “The work done by Morris Black Designs has really increased our daily satisfaction of being in the house which is fun and makes it all worthwhile.”

Nestled into a steep hill on an urban-sized lot, N44° 58' 34" is a creative response to a set of unique site conditions. The house is terraced up the hill, providing multiple connections to the large urban lot. This allows the main living spaces to wrap around the greenspace, providing numerous visual and physical relationships to the backyard. With a direct connection to the largest public park in Minneapolis, the backyard transforms seasonally to support the families active, outdoor lifestyle. A grand, central staircase functions as a statement of modern design while windows simultaneously flood all three levels with light. The towering stair is framed by two distinct wings of the home, creating secluded, yet connected moments on each level.

This is the view from the balcony of the entertainment level of this home.
Inspiration for a contemporary indoor basketball/tennis/multi-game court remodel in Columbus with white walls

Welcome home to your brand new 2 bedroom, 2 bath home featuring a 441 sq. ft. private rooftop cabana with direct NYC skyline views (accessed by elevator). With Empire State views from your distinctive bay window, world class amenities & contemporary finishes, # 504 at 1400 Hudson has it all; generous living space with a defined dining area, great natural light, wide plank oak flooring, expansive closets & luxurious finishes ie. Thermador and Bosch appliances, custom kitchen cabinetry and quartz countertops in the open concept kitchen. The spa inspired master bath offers dual rainfall shower, quartz vanity tops, wainscoting and a fully tiled accent wall. For the practical homeowner this amazing condo has the most closets of any 2 bedroom floor plan in the building: with 1 walk- in and 2 standard closets in the master suite, front load washer and vented dryer, dedicated linen closet and Nest thermostats throughout. The private cabana is deeded to your home, providing an ideal urban oasis. Amenities abound in the latest Toll Doorman City Living development & include a fabulous pool, landscaped courtyard, sports/billiard lounge, an indoor and outdoor residence lounge outfitted with a catering kitchen, state of the art fitness center, bike storage, children's play room, 24 hour concierge & shuttle to PATH.

Our client wanted to maximize the view looking onto a golf course so that it was relatively seamless yet distinct. Their kids enjoy time on the sport court while others can enjoy the pool.