This custom roof deck in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood features lightweight aluminum decking, ipe planters, an ipe and metal pergola, and ipe benches with built-in storage under the seats. Few woods can match the natural beauty of ipe (pronounced ee-pey), a hardwood with a 30-year life expectancy. These pictures were taken in early spring, before the leaves have filled out on the trees. Plantings include coralbark maples, hornbeams, pink cherry trees, crape myrtles, and feather grasses. The planters include LED up-lighting and automated drip irrigation lines. Read more about our projects on my blog, www.amberfreda.com.

The full bathroom is complete with a "his and hers" style vanity. One of the most distinct textures, the exposed stonework, is visible in both the bedroom and bathroom area.

Lincoln Barbour
Mid-sized 1960s galley terrazzo floor and multicolored floor open concept kitchen photo in Portland with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

photo by Michael Haywood
Small trendy built-in desk concrete floor home office photo in Other with white walls

Bathroom - large transitional master white tile and marble tile dark wood floor and brown floor bathroom idea in Houston with white cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, a two-piece toilet, white countertops and flat-panel cabinets

Inspiration for a timeless master white tile and stone tile corner shower remodel in Austin with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, an undermount tub and gray walls

Small elegant l-shaped dark wood floor kitchen photo in DC Metro with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash and subway tile backsplash

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The client requested a large (19 foot wide by 15 foot projection) two-span retractable waterproof patio cover system to provide heavy rain, hail, heat, sun, glare and UV protection. This would allow our client to sit outside and enjoy their garden throughout the year, extending their outdoor entertainment space. For functionality they requested that water drain from the rear of the system into the front beam and down inside the right end post, exiting at the bottom from a tiny hole and draining into the flower beds thus preventing rain water from simply dropping off the front of the unit. The entire system used one continuous piece of fabric and one motor. The uprights and guides meet together at a smooth L-shaped angle, flush at the top for a perfectly smooth profile. The system has a Beaufort wind load rating Scale 10 (up to 63 mph) with the fabric fully extended and in use. A grey hood was also used to prevent rain water, debris and snow from collecting in the folds of fabric when not in use. A running profile from end to end in the rear of the unit was used to attach the Somfy RTS motor which is installed inside a motor safety box. Circular concrete footers were installed in the grassy area in front of the unit for mounting the 3 posts. To allow for a flat vertical mounting surface, a ledger board using pressure-treated wood was mounted the full 19-foot wall width, as the client’s house was made of uneven, thick stone. PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT: The client’s intention was for installation of a retractable waterproof patio cover system to provide heavy rain, hail, heat, sun, glare and UV protection for their backyard patio area. What is unique or complex about the project? This project was difficult for two main reasons: 1. Very large installation fasteners needed to be used to install through the above referenced ledger board and deep in to the stone structure of the house. 2. The motor cable needed to be placed through deeply drilled holes as the stone wall house wall is 15” thick. Drilling through en-even stone was definitely a challenge. PROJECT RESULTS The client was delighted with the results. The retractable patio cover system now makes it possible for the client to use a very large area in the rear of their house 24/7, 365 with the exclusion of snow. Since the client was very happy, they will be covering the ends, front and sides with our motorized vertical drop zippered awnings. Gable ends will also be covered with fixed fabric panels. Enclosing the entire area will allow the customer to heat the space in the winter and air condition the space in the summer.

Photo by Jamie Anholt
Mid-sized transitional galley light wood floor open concept kitchen photo in Calgary with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, marble countertops, multicolored backsplash, marble backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and multicolored countertops

Example of a transitional kitchen design in Seattle with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, gray backsplash, subway tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Elegant gray tile claw-foot bathtub photo in Boston with recessed-panel cabinets, blue cabinets and white walls

Gourmet kitchen designed around locally acquired historic apothecary casework. Photo by Blake Mistich.
Country dark wood floor kitchen photo in Austin with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Patio - transitional backyard stone patio idea in Richmond with a roof extension

Rob Karosis
Example of a mid-sized classic master gray tile and stone tile ceramic tile bathroom design in Portland Maine with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white walls and marble countertops

Elizabeth Strianese Interiors and Meredith Heuer photography. We opted for a classic inspired bathroom with literally "splashes" of fun for these little girls. The triple laundry sink serves the 3 children nicely with it's deep basin and built in soap holders. Simplicity was key when selecting a class marble hex floor tile and white subway tile for the bulk of the room - but then we had a little fun with the colorful glass mosaic tile in the tub niche. Handblown locally made light fixtures from Dan Spitzer over the sink keep my signature of "local and handmade" alive.

Example of a trendy freestanding desk medium tone wood floor and brown floor home office design in Minneapolis with beige walls

Our goal on this project was to make the main floor of this lovely early 20th century home in a popular Vancouver neighborhood work for a growing family of four. We opened up the space, both literally and aesthetically, with windows and skylights, an efficient layout, some carefully selected furniture pieces and a soft colour palette that lends a light and playful feel to the space. Our clients can hardly believe that their once small, dark, uncomfortable main floor has become a bright, functional and beautiful space where they can now comfortably host friends and hang out as a family. Interior Design by Lori Steeves of Simply Home Decorating Inc. Photos by Tracey Ayton Photography.

Richard Titus
Inspiration for a farmhouse backyard stone outdoor patio shower remodel in New York with a roof extension

Example of a huge classic enclosed carpeted and multicolored floor home theater design in Austin with beige walls and a projector screen