The French country influence is clearly evident in the style of the architecture and materials, which includes old world random stone work with wide mortar joints and contrasting dark timber supports and trim. The highlight of the backyard is a massive 19 x 49 dry Gunite infinity pool with visual zero edge.

The opposite wall in the living room features a wet bar that includes two full-sized wine refrigerators, sink, storage cabinets, and shelving, as well as plenty of open floor space to entertain. The tall dark blue painted cabinetry helps to visually balance the room, as a large, bold design element opposite the fireplace wall. The inlaid brass detail on the cabinet doors adds a touch of glamour to this more formal space. The focal point of the wet bar is the illuminated book-matched marble backsplash with custom floating brass and glass shelves.

Photo- Lisa Romerein
Inspiration for a mediterranean orange floor front door remodel in San Francisco with white walls and a medium wood front door

Acid wash applied to concrete floor. After a few hours, we will wash residue from floor and allow it to dry to apply the clear coat.

Acid wash applied to concrete floor. After a few hours, we will wash residue from floor and allow it to dry to apply the clear coat.

Photo Credit: Amy Barkow | Barkow Photo, Lighting Design: LOOP Lighting, Interior Design: Blankenship Design, General Contractor: Constructomics LLC

Pondless Waterfeature and stone seating wall surrounding acid etch patio. Inset sconce LED lighting in wall. Greener Living Solutions, Inc
Design ideas for a traditional full sun landscaping in Seattle.

Strand woven bamboo flooring is made by compressing "strands" of the bamboo strips under intense pressure, while using a heat-sensitive low-VOC adhesive. Bamboo poles are split, shredded into individual strands, and fused under a cold press of 2,500 tons of pressure. After the curing process, the block is sliced into flooring with T+G system and coatings applied. Strand Woven bamboo is conditioned by soaking in Boric acid. We put the cut bamboo in containers of boric acid, live cells will soak the boric acid then make it pest proof in all cells of bamboo. Once boric acid is gone through the cells, they will dry them. Once totally dried, they crash the entire pole and compress the fibers with adhesive.

Bonus room created when we used a dry deck product on the above deck. The floors have been acid stained and wall height screens were installed. A wood ceiling with recesssed lights gave this under deck space a warm feeling to relax in front of the fire and look at the lake.

Basement - rustic basement idea

Gray Birch at Chicago Botanic Garden.

Hammer & Hand, Alice Design, and Domestic Arts worked together to transform an unfinished basement into a multifunctional guest bedroom and family room. The finished basement now serves many purposes: family entertainment room, guest bedroom, extra storage, laundry room, and mudroom when entering from the carport. When not in use by guests, a Murphy bed (built by Big Branch Woodworking) is easily stored away to make extra space. Photography by Jeff Amram.