Photos by Stashu Smaka Design by Mark Engberg of Colab Architecture and Urban Design, Railing in mild steel bar
Example of a trendy staircase design in Portland

The bioclimatic pergola is a one-of-a-kind, innovative pergola system that was designed to transform and expand outdoor living space in all types of weather conditions. With its aluminum louvers, the bioclimatic pergola allows you to instantly adjust to sunlight fluctuations and create ventilation in hot temperatures. It also provides protection from cold, rain, snow and wind, and it is also adaptable to any kind of architectural configuration.

An Arts & Crafts Bungalow is one of my favorite styles of homes. We have quite a few of them in our Stockton Mid-Town area. And when C&L called us to help them remodel their 1923 American Bungalow, I was beyond thrilled. As per usual, when we get a new inquiry, we quickly Google the project location while we are talking to you on the phone. My excitement escalated when I saw the Google Earth Image of the sweet Sage Green bungalow in Mid-Town Stockton. "Yes, we would be interested in working with you," I said trying to keep my cool. But what made it even better was meeting C&L and touring their home, because they are the nicest young couple, eager to make their home period perfect. Unfortunately, it had been slightly molested by some bad house-flippers, and we needed to bring the bathroom back to it "roots." We knew we had to banish the hideous brown tile and cheap vanity quickly. But C&L complained about the condensation problems and the constant fight with mold. This immediately told me that improper remodeling had occurred and we needed to remedy that right away. The Before: Frustrations with a Botched Remodel The bathroom needed to be brought back to period appropriate design with all the functionality of a modern bathroom. We thought of things like marble countertop, white mosaic floor tiles, white subway tile, board and batten molding, and of course a fabulous wallpaper. This small (and only) bathroom on a tight budget required a little bit of design sleuthing to figure out how we could get the proper look and feel. Our goal was to determine where to splurge and where to economize and how to complete the remodel as quickly as possible because C&L would have to move out while construction was going on. The Process: Hard Work to Remedy Design and Function During our initial design study, (which included 2 hours in the owners’ home), we noticed framed images of William Morris Arts and Crafts textile patterns and knew this would be our design inspiration. We presented C&L with three options and they quickly selected the Pimpernel Design Concept. We had originally selected the Black and Olive colors with a black vanity, mirror, and black and white floor tile. C&L liked it but weren’t quite sure about the black, We went back to the drawing board and decided the William & Co Pimpernel Wallpaper in Bayleaf and Manilla color with a softer gray painted vanity and mirror and white floor tile was more to their liking. After the Design Concept was approved, we went to work securing the building permit, procuring all the elements, and scheduling our trusted tradesmen to perform the work. We did uncover some shoddy work by the flippers such as live electrical wires hidden behind the wall, plumbing venting cut-off and buried in the walls (hence the constant dampness), the tub barely balancing on two fence boards across the floor joist, and no insulation on the exterior wall. All of the previous blunders were fixed and the bathroom put back to its previous glory. We could feel the house thanking us for making it pretty again. The After Reveal: Cohesive Design Decisions We selected a simple white subway tile for the tub/shower. This is always classic and in keeping with the style of the house. We selected a pre-fab vanity and mirror, but they look rich with the quartz countertop. There is much more storage in this small vanity than you would think. The Transformation: A Period Perfect Refresh We began the remodel just as the pandemic reared and stay-in-place orders went into effect. As C&L were already moved out and living with relatives, we got the go-ahead from city officials to get the work done (after all, how can you shelter in place without a bathroom?). All our tradesmen were scheduled to work so that only one crew was on the job site at a time. We stayed on the original schedule with only a one week delay. The end result is the sweetest little bathroom I've ever seen (and I can't wait to start work on C&L's kitchen next). Thank you for joining me in this project transformation. I hope this inspired you to think about being creative with your design projects, determining what works best in keeping with the architecture of your space, and carefully assessing how you can have the best life in your home.

Inspiration for a mid-sized industrial two-story and backyard vinyl and concrete blue patio remodel in Indianapolis with a fire pit and a pergola

Close up look of the beautiful back splash placed over the entire kitchen wall!
Inspiration for a transitional home design remodel in Miami

Modern Azek deck with cable railing and Ipe handrails, low-voltage lighting, built-in seating and gas fire pit. Photos by Joslyn Amato
Mid-sized minimalist backyard deck photo in San Luis Obispo

AK4002: "The Pour" Skinny Rain DESCRIPTION: The light installation is a teardrop-shaped chandelier with deliciously unique lights that celebrate the fascinating nature of raindrops, where no drop is the same as the next. Each drop is hand-blown by artisans and intricately engineered to house the lighting strategy for the chandelier. When you see a light sculpture designed to increase the visual appeal of a room and define its luminous character, you stop on your way to admire it. It’s the case of the Raindrop chandelier known as “The Pour”, a modern light sculpture meant to illuminate and beautify its chosen location to create an architectural relationship with space. The drop itself is constructed of two parts: the brass screw cap, which houses the light, and the hand-blown crystal reflecting the light to create puddles on the floor below. To replicate the nature of raindrops, no two drops are blown identical. The name “The Pour” derives from the distinctive shape that the chandelier forms: an exaggeration of the dramatic motion of water pouring out of a carafe. Designed by forming a grid mimicking how puddles ripple outward in concentric circles, each teardrop is hung to brass pipes of varying lengths. Placed strategically on the grid, the teardrops lock into the mirrored base that fits seamlessly between the two existing columns. The mirrored base reflects the teardrops endlessly into the sky above and when lit. The chandelier echoes rain frozen in time with ephemeral puddles overlaid on the floor below. SPECIFICATIONS: Collection: Organic Size: 58” Long x 13” Width x 72” Height (112 Lights) Shape: Rectangular Frame Finish: Patina Dark Bronze Materials: Metal, Glass Extension: 12' feet adjustable wiring available in black or silver Glass: Hand-blown glass Bulbs: 112 Bulbs 110V USA/220V Europe 40 W candelabra bulbs (included) Weight: 135 lbs. (for the 58" L) Assembly: Some Assembly Dimmer Switch Compatible: Optional Rush Order: 4-6 Weeks; 15% added to the total Regular Lead Time: 8-12 Weeks Warranty: 5 Years Full Coverage (includes parts replacement) SIZE OPTIONS: Size: Price: 30” Long x 13” Width x 66” Height (69 Lights) $3,360.00 36” Long x 13” Width x 66” Height (79 Lights) $4,660.00 42” Long x 13” Width x 66” Height (89 Lights) $6,470.00 58” Long x 16” Width x 72” Height (112 Lights) $7,670.00 71” Long x 20" Width x 82” Height (242 Lights) $9,820.00 Custom Sizes, Finishes, Colors Available Upon Request Additional Info- Handblown Glass: 2" Width x 4" Height

9 Grape LED Sonneman staircase light
Minimalist home design photo in Dallas

Hat rack by Zeckos. This hat hook gets repurposed for scarves. The deep hooks and angle of the bars allows for the scarves to hang well and display well.

Wall: Treasures Bronze Empera

LUXE wedgewire is an architectural grade welded triangular cross section, framed, longitudinal grate, unmatched in design, hydraulic function, strength, and aesthetic appeal. Limitless custom applications.

Hunter Douglas | Duette® Duette® The original single- and double-honeycomb Duette® shades come in multiple cell sizes, a horizontal or Vertiglide™ vertical orientation, and a range of light-control options from sheer to opaque. Energy Efficiency COOL IN THE SUMMER, WARM IN THE WINTER Did you know that up to 50% of a home’s heating and cooling energy can be lost through its windows? That’s why we designed this unique cellular shade that traps air in distinct pockets to help keep your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter. And while the honeycomb design is praised for its efficiency, its shape and overall aesthetic are nothing short of beautiful. Double Honeycomb EVEN GREATER EFFICIENCIES Our double-honeycomb construction traps air even more efficiently than our single honeycomb by sandwiching two honeycomb cells between your room and the window. Absorb Sound REDUCE OUTSIDE NOISE Improve your room’s acoustics while reducing the intensity of outside sound. It starts at the windows. The degree of sound control will depend on the fabric you choose, so if this is an important feature to you, be sure to discuss it with your sales expert. Top-Down/Bottom-Up PRIVACY WITH A VIEW The Top-Down/Bottom-Up feature offers a more versatile approach to light control. Open from the top, from the bottom, or find somewhere in-between–for the perfect balance of privacy and light. Energy Efficiency COOL IN THE SUMMER, WARM IN THE WINTER Did you know that up to 50% of a home’s heating and cooling energy can be lost through its windows? That’s why we designed this unique cellular shade that traps air in distinct pockets to help keep your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter. And while the honeycomb design is praised for its efficiency, its shape and overall aesthetic are nothing short of beautiful. Double Honeycomb EVEN GREATER EFFICIENCIES Our double-honeycomb construction traps air even more efficiently than our single honeycomb by sandwiching two honeycomb cells between your room and the window. Absorb Sound REDUCE OUTSIDE NOISE Improve your room’s acoustics while reducing the intensity of outside sound. It starts at the windows. The degree of sound control will depend on the fabric you choose, so if this is an important feature to you, be sure to discuss it with your sales expert. Vertiglide™ FOR LARGE WINDOWS AND SLIDING DOORS Vertiglide™ offers an exceptional, energy-efficient vertical solution for large expanses of windows and sliding glass doors. Top-Down/Bottom-Up PRIVACY WITH A VIEW The Top-Down/Bottom-Up feature offers a more versatile approach to light control. Open from the top, from the bottom, or find somewhere in-between–for the perfect balance of privacy and light. UV protection SUNSCREEN FOR YOUR VALUABLES Protect your furniture, flooring and artwork from fading with at least 75% protection from harmful UV rays

Inspiration for a small modern backyard deck remodel in San Francisco with no cover

Mid-sized beach style master beige tile vinyl floor bathroom photo in New York with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, green walls, an undermount sink and granite countertops

Deck - mid-sized tropical deck idea in Miami

SieMatic's PURE design
Minimalist kitchen photo in DC Metro

Bathroom in Fairway Drive | Key Feature: Black hexagon tile wraps the shower wall around a built-in niche shelf styled with matching amenity bottles.

Snap Chic Photography
Large farmhouse attached three-car garage workshop photo in Austin

BenjaminDavidPhotography.com
Example of a trendy bathroom design in Detroit