This two level deck in Summit, NJ transitions to a pool and patio. The flooring is Ipe hardwood. The upper deck has a custom cedar bench.
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless backyard deck remodel in New York

Cabinet design by: Collaborative Interiors | Kitchen design by: Beverly Bradshaw Interiors | Remodeler: McKinney Group | Photographer: Tom Marks Photo | ***Please visit the Houzz page of Beverly Bradshaw Interiors for any info regarding this project***

Example of a large classic brown floor living room design in Chicago with beige walls

View through the main level (living/kitchen/dining) towards the back yard. Photo by Eduardo Navarro (eduardophoto.com).
Minimalist l-shaped open concept kitchen photo in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets and white cabinets

Architect: Blaine Bonadies, Bonadies Architect Photography By: Jean Allsopp Photography “Just as described, there is an edgy, irreverent vibe here, but the result has an appropriate stature and seriousness. Love the overscale windows. And the outdoor spaces are so great.” Situated atop an old Civil War battle site, this new residence was conceived for a couple with southern values and a rock-and-roll attitude. The project consists of a house, a pool with a pool house and a renovated music studio. A marriage of modern and traditional design, this project used a combination of California redwood siding, stone and a slate roof with flat-seam lead overhangs. Intimate and well planned, there is no space wasted in this home. The execution of the detail work, such as handmade railings, metal awnings and custom windows jambs, made this project mesmerizing. Cues from the client and how they use their space helped inspire and develop the initial floor plan, making it live at a human scale but with dramatic elements. Their varying taste then inspired the theme of traditional with an edge. The lines and rhythm of the house were simplified, and then complemented with some key details that made the house a juxtaposition of styles. The wood Ultimate Casement windows were all standard sizes. However, there was a desire to make the windows have a “deep pocket” look to create a break in the facade and add a dramatic shadow line. Marvin was able to customize the jambs by extruding them to the exterior. They added a very thin exterior profile, which negated the need for exterior casing. The same detail was in the stone veneers and walls, as well as the horizontal siding walls, with no need for any modification. This resulted in a very sleek look. MARVIN PRODUCTS USED: Marvin Ultimate Casement Window

We were contacted by the owner of a Houston, Texas home who asked us to design a series of gardens and landscaping features that would compliment and expand the Mediterranean theme of his house into the surrounding landscape. This house sat on a very large lot of several acres in a secluded Memorial Drive neighborhood located near the 610 Loop. The home featured a symmetrical, linear appearance in spite of its two-story build, and our client wanted a landscape and garden design that would follow these same principles of self-contained regularity and subtle linear motion. Creating a Mediterranean theme in a Houston, Texas garden and landscape is a bit more complex that it might appear at face value. The southern coast of Europe—particularly in Italy and Greece—is a mountainous area where homes and gardens are built on steep angles and sharp vertical rises. Gardens and fields are often built in terraces that climb the mountains due to the limited planting area and rough, rocky terrain. Limestone is the predominant rock type in Italy and Greece and has become iconic of this part of the world in our collective consciousness. Mediterranean homes and gardens are historically famous for their white stucco walls, olive groves, and carefully sculptured greenery embedded in a rugged limestone backdrop. The challenge lay in taking an essentially three-dimensional landscaping style and transfering it to a Houston property. As we all know, this part of Texas is very flat, so a hillside garden is out of the question in the literal sense. However, using a combination of symmetrical forms and linear progressions, along with some innovative garden materials, we were able to mimic several aspects of seaside European terrain. The key to doing this was to establish a combination of circular forms and linear patterns in the multiple garden elements we designed. French and Italian gardens place a heavy emphasis on order and symmetry, and both tend to utilize right angles to establish form. We planted a variety of low level growth around the house and rear swimming pool patio to emphasize its walls and corners. We then added three keynote forms to the landscape to create a Houston equivalent of a Mediterranean garden. The first of these forms was a knot garden centered on the front door, located just in front of the home’s motorcourt. We planted boxwoods in three circular rows that looked like terraces on a hillside. In the center of the knot garden we planted Loropatalum, punctuated with a lone Crinum lily as the center piece. The rich purple of the Loropatalum draws catches the eye, and the vertical dimension added by the lily draws it upward to the front entrance of the house. Moving then to one side of the house, we transformed a substantial portion of the yard into a parterre garden that centered on a large glass room that extended from the west wing of the house. This garden was populated by low-growth rose bushes whose amenability to constant trimming makes them an ideal plant material for parterre gardens, and whose colorful blooms a made them stand out from multiple vantage points throughout this Houston neighborhood. The garden borders were made from of boxwood hedges, and the central pathways were made using European limestone gravel that mimics the color of the limestone cliffs of the Aegean and Adriatic Seas. We then completed the design by adding dwarf yaupon, a small shrub that bears a curious resemblance to clouds, all along the borders of the gravel walkways. This helped create the impression that the garden was located on a hilltop near the sea, and that the clouds were rolling across the shoreline. One of the most appealing attributes of this Houston, Texas property is its superb location. The back of the yard borders a 50-foot ravine carved out of the earth by a major tributary of Buffalo Bayou. This seemed to us a natural destination spot for garden guests to visit after strolling around the west wing of the home to the pool. To encourage them to do so, we planted an alley of crepe myrtles leading from the pool area all the way back to the woods along the ravine. We then built a walkway out of limestone aggregate blocks that started at the parterre garden, ran alongside the house to the pool, then ran straight out through the alley of trees to the scenic overlook of the forest and stream below. For more the 20 years Exterior Worlds has specialized in servicing many of Houston's fine neighborhoods.

Karen Melvin Photography
Bathroom - traditional bathroom idea in Minneapolis with marble countertops

High in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, this majestic lodge was custom designed by MossCreek to provide rustic elegant living for the extended family of our clients. Featuring four spacious master suites, a massive great room with floor-to-ceiling windows, expansive porches, and a large family room with built-in bar, the home incorporates numerous spaces for sharing good times. Unique to this design is a large wrap-around porch on the main level, and four large distinct and private balconies on the upper level. This provides outdoor living for each of the four master suites. We hope you enjoy viewing the photos of this beautiful home custom designed by MossCreek. Photo by Todd Bush

Situated on this 2.5-acre lake site, four new structures have been created. A main residence, guesthouse, guest cabin, and a detached garage fully unite the site and support a strong desire for family fun and large gatherings. Kept in a similar material palette, each structure is clad in beautifully stained shingles and vertical board paneling, with natural timber brackets detailing the gable ends. Details throughout the residences mark each structure as uniquely connected, and yet provides individual characteristics; a fieldstone veneer was added to the base of the main house to create a hierarchy among the structures. This rustic gathering space boasts large roof overhangs and beautifully landscaped outdoor entertaining areas. Stunning views of the lake and distant mountains can be appreciated from the entire southern front of the site, whether through the large windows or from the comfort of the porch, moments of breathtaking beauty reconnect the spaces with the surrounding environment. The main residence hosts fully connected living room, kitchen, dining room and screened porch on the main level with a private master suite at the edge. Located on the upper level of the lodge are three guest bedrooms and a large bunkroom. Photographer: MTA

This project is an incredible transformation and the perfect example of successful style mixing! This client, and now a good friend of TVL (as they all become), is a wonderfully eclectic and adventurous one with immense interest in texture play, pops of color, and unique applications. Our scope in this home included a full kitchen renovation, main level powder room renovation, and a master bathroom overhaul. Taking just over a year to complete from the first design phases to final photos, this project was so insanely fun and packs an amazing amount of fun details and lively surprises. The original kitchen was large and fairly functional. However, the cabinetry was dated, the lighting was inefficient and frankly ugly, and the space was lacking personality in general. Our client desired maximized storage and a more personalized aesthetic. The existing cabinets were short and left the nice height of the space under-utilized. We integrated new gray shaker cabinets from Waypoint Living Spaces and ran them to the ceiling to really exaggerate the height of the space and to maximize usable storage as much as possible. The upper cabinets are glass and lit from within, offering display space or functional storage as the client needs. The central feature of this space is the large cobalt blue range from Viking as well as the custom made reclaimed wood range hood floating above. The backsplash along this entire wall is vertical slab of marble look quartz from Pental Surfaces. This matches the expanse of the same countertop that wraps the room. Flanking the range, we installed cobalt blue lantern penny tile from Merola Tile for a playful texture that adds visual interest and class to the entire room. We upgraded the lighting in the ceiling, under the cabinets, and within cabinets--we also installed accent sconces over each window on the sink wall to create cozy and functional illumination. The deep, textured front Whitehaven apron sink is a dramatic nod to the farmhouse aesthetic from KOHLER, and it's paired with the bold and industrial inspired Tournant faucet, also from Kohler. We finalized this space with other gorgeous appliances, a super sexy dining table and chair set from Room & Board, the Paxton dining light from Pottery Barn and a small bar area and pantry on the far end of the space. In the small powder room on the main level, we converted a drab builder-grade space into a super cute, rustic-inspired washroom. We utilized the Bonner vanity from Signature Hardware and paired this with the cute Ashfield faucet from Pfister. The most unique statements in this room include the water-drop light over the vanity from Shades Of Light, the copper-look porcelain floor tile from Pental Surfaces and the gorgeous Cashmere colored Tresham toilet from Kohler. Up in the master bathroom, elegance abounds. Using the same footprint, we upgraded everything in this space to reflect the client's desire for a more bright, patterned and pretty space. Starting at the entry, we installed a custom reclaimed plank barn door with bold large format hardware from Rustica Hardware. In the bathroom, the custom slate blue vanity from Tharp Cabinet Company is an eye catching statement piece. This is paired with gorgeous hardware from Amerock, vessel sinks from Kohler, and Purist faucets also from Kohler. We replaced the old built-in bathtub with a new freestanding soaker from Signature Hardware. The floor tile is a bold, graphic porcelain tile with a classic color scheme. The shower was upgraded with new tile and fixtures throughout: new clear glass, gorgeous distressed subway tile from the Castle line from TileBar, and a sophisticated shower panel from Vigo. We finalized the space with a small crystal chandelier and soft gray paint. This project is a stunning conversion and we are so thrilled that our client can enjoy these personalized spaces for years to come. Special thanks to the amazing Ian Burks of Burks Wurks Construction for bringing this to life!

Terrace level seated bar with pecan finished cabinets and bar top. The cabinets have a custom stain to complement the quartz countertop. Gregg Willett Photography

The landscape design for this private residence brings together a diverse array of elements to create an ethereal, multi-sensory experience where sound, movement, colour and scent are simultaneously evoked. Shielded by a forty foot hedge, the site challenged us to create an exterior, yet interior, world where Asian and Western influences intersect. In honouring the traditions of Feng Shui, the retaining wall does not sit directly on the entrance. Meditation pathways lead to areas of retreat and socialization (including an outdoor fire, a restored pool and covered seating area). An ergonomic garden and potting station lined with fruit trees allows the client to grow her own plants and vegetables. A multi-leveled water feature is framed with lush camellias and peonies; the landscape is lined with evergreens and decorated with Chinese basalt and local granite. The multi-sensory design comes to life in the grove of Shirofugen cherry trees as it sheds its petals to the music of a custom Corten steel wind chime sculpture made by English artist David Harber. A weather station was placed on site for a month to determine the weight of the chimes—each one set to the pentatonic scale. This is a space where our clients can grow and evolve their lives with the seasons.

This is the lower level of lovely town house in Northern Virginia. The client and her teenage daughter wanted a place to hang out, watch TV, play games, use a laptop and do homework. Our goal was to allocate space for each request while not overwhelming the whole room. We achieved this by keeping the lines and color palette simple, but certainly not boring. The dramatic deep blue accent walls acts as a backdrop to the furnishings and draws the eye to the far reaches of the long room. The high table and 4 leather barstools are perfect for dining, games or working on a laptop. The sectional is a soft and comfy place to land after a long day. David Keith Photography

Pro-Land was challenged with the task of incorporating a pool onto a property with large grade changes. Levels quickly became a key feature of this design, highlighting and creating pockets for each usable space. Because of the multiple spaces minimal materials were used throughout. Neutral Unilock pavers were used on the patios and walkways, and a beige toned stone on feature walls creates a cohesion to each space.

The project starts from the idea and from the willing to create a positive relationship between indoor and outdoor space, in order to emphasize the prime location of the rooftop that benefits of an amazing view over the San Francisco Bay. OUTDOOR SPACES Outdoor spaces are detached by the main central building, so that has naturally appeared to give different connotations to the two areas. So the first space – accessible from the elevator – results to be more representative, with a small and not deep pool that, form an inner view, appears to be a natural pursuation of the windowsill: from the pool or from the interior coworking area, thanks to the glass rail, the look is uninterrupted, reaching the bay. A multilevel weaving pegola partially shades the decking pool, leading the path toward the penthouse entrance. Pergola can be also equipped with polycarbonate louvres to make the path rainproof. The other portion of the outdoor space, attainable only by passing indoor or over the rooftop, is more intimate and for this reason it has been chosen to be a space dedicated to working or lounging. Green and water design the space and interpenetrating the interior space, creating a sort of continuum. This area is equipped with a large coworking/lounging area, a sort of small amphiteatre with benches that also host stools, increasing the number of seating and giving the freedom of using the space. A huge shelf stands on this structure and it is conceived as a single workspace in side – by – side positionsm, with special stool. The path leading to the fire escape has absolutely to be clear for all the time, so it has been highlited with a wooden flooring. In the southern area there is a space bordering a body of water, equipped with shaded daybed and confortable armchairs, both to work or to realax. A stairway, made with cantilevered stairs, leads to the rooftop. INDOOR SPACES Main entrance comes from the terrace, where the elevator reaches; however, the penthouse is attainable also from an inner stairway. Close to this second entrance, two small unisex bathrooms are located. Returning to the main entrance, it is possible to acceed enter the huge open space that occupies almost the entire penthouse. Despite being a single space, it has been divided in many functional areas using partitions and furnitures. Close to the main entrance stands the reception and a L – shape coworking area. This has been equipped with two big hanging desks, looking out of the window toward the bay; there are also two loveseat with high backs, a kind of alcova with a great sense of intimate privacy. The other side of the room, behind the glazing, hosts double coworking stations, separate from each other by the ceiling – height backs seats, custom built. In front of them stands a passing shelf unit, hosting stools to be freely used all over the space. From here it is also possible to enter the conference room, by the secondary entrance. The passing shelf unit and the back of the reception border the area where is located a big table suitable for the coworking; this space is limited also by the back of the lockers, directly accessible from the stairways landing entrance. Lockers structure is specially created also to sustain a wooden louvres false ceiling, giving a sense of itimate privacy to this area. In this first macro – area, it has been decided to highlight the natural lighting provision coming from the glazings using white and just few hint of bright popping colours, helping enhancing creativity. The huge lounging area is characterized by a big skylight, enlightning the leather – couch area; hanging chairs and poufs allow the most freeedom in the space management. This area has a different flooring, using a warm feeling old fashoned style parquet. The loungin area is also bordered by a curve wall, outside leading, letting the green of the terrace entering the open space; this wall also sustains the cantilevered stairs leading to the rooftop. The wooden coating hides the door the leads into the main executive office; this also benefits from the view of a tiny winter garden, enlighted by a skylight. Here colours become softer, natural shades with greys and beige, giving warmth, elegance and comfort to the space. Behind the couch, intettupted by a vertical green wall, a glaze leads to the small kitchen and to the conference room. This room is divided from the kitchen by a wall made of glass and furnitures, also equipped with television. A wooden coated false ceiling overhangs the conference table, hiding the projector; the wall behind the table is coated with a painting imitating a blackboard where it is possibile to write on. No windows have been opened in the perimetric wall, so the facade has not been modified. A curved glass wall, parallel to the wooden coated one, creates a sort of hallway leading both to the terrace than to the two smaller operative offices. Peculiarity of those two rooms is being divided by a glass maneuvrable wall (also eventually soundproof) that, when needed, can be folded to create one unique bigger office.

To create a more open plan, our solution was to replace the current enclosed stair with an open, glass stair and to create a proper dining space where the third bedroom used to be. This allows the light from the large living room windows to cascade down the length of the apartment brightening the front entry. The Venetian plaster wall anchors the new stair case and LED lights illuminate each glass tread. Photography: Anice Hoachlander, Hopachlander Davis Photography

Richfield Lower Level
Example of a classic pink floor basement design in Milwaukee

Check out this beauty that we worked on in the Glenwild Golf Club in Park City, Utah! We collaborated with two of the best designers in the industry on this project, Michael Upwall and Leslie Schofield, and every detail was thought through and refined. We built three gorgeous interior staircases, a main entry stair, a back stair near the master suite, and a basement stair, all of which are pictured here. Using African Mahogany and gun blue’d steel, each curve was hand bent and hand carved. We even ensured that the ceiling edge on the lower level was stepped and scalloped to mirror the underside of the bowed stair treads. In addition to these beauties, we also worked on the exterior guardrails. All the exterior steel received a powder coat finish and the handrail was designed to be the mirror opposite of the interior, in that the wood and steel were switched. So great to work with great people. We love what we do!

For a family who believes fitness is not only an essential part of life but also a fun opportunity for the whole family to connect, build and achieve greatness together there is nothing better than a custom designed obstacle course right in your back yard. THEME The theme of this half mile trail through the woods is evident in the fun, creative and all-inclusive obstacles hidden in the natural flow of the land around this amazing family home. The course was created with adults and children, advanced and beginner athletes, competitive and entertaining events all accounted for. Each of the 13 obstacles was designed to be challenging no matter the size, skill or ability of the athlete lucky enough to run the course. FOCUS The focus for this family was to create an outdoor adventure that could be an athletic, social and personal outlet for their entire family while maintaining the natural beauty of the landscape and without altering the sweeping views from the home. The large scale of the challenging obstacles is camouflaged within the landscape using the rolling hills and mature trees as a natural curtain in every season. The beauty of the course does not diminish the functional and demanding nature of the obstacles which are designed to focus on multiple strength, agility, and cardio fitness abilities and intensities. STORAGE The start of the trail includes a raised training area offering a dedicated space clear from the ground to place bags, mats and other equipment used during the run. A small all-terrain storage cart was provided for use with 6 yoga mats, 3 medicine balls of various weights, rings, sprinting cones, and a large digital timer to record laps. GROWTH The course was designed to provide an athletic and fun challenge for children, teens and adults no matter their experience or athletic prowess. This course offers competitive athletes a challenge and budding athletes an opportunity to experience and ignite their passion for physical activity. Initially the concept for the course was focused on the youngest of the family however as the design grew so did the obstacles and now it is a true family experience that will meet their adapting needs for years. Each obstacle is paired with an instructional sign directing the runners in proper use of the obstacle, adaptations for skill levels and tips on form. These signs are all customized for this course and are printed on metal to ensure they last for many years. SAFETY Safety is crucial for all physical activity and an obstacle course of this scale presents unique safety concerns. Children should always be supervised when participating in an adventure on the course however additional care was paid to details on the course to ensure everyone has a great time. All of the course obstacles have been created with pressure treated lumber that will withstand the seasonal poundings. All footer pilings that support obstacles have been placed into the ground between 3 to 4 feet (.9 to 1.2 meters) and each piling has 2 to 3 bags of concrete (totaling over 90 bags used throughout the course) ensuring stability of the structure and safety of the participants. Additionally, all obstacle lumber has been given rounded corners and sanded down offering less splintering and more time for everyone to enjoy the course. This athletic and charismatic family strives to incorporate a healthy active lifestyle into their daily life and this obstacle course offers their family an opportunity to strengthen themselves and host some memorable and active events at their amazing home.