Who said Transitional can be boring? The Black Diamond Staging was a fun project where classic and contemporary were mixed-in creating a Transitional clean look. The color scheme throughout was very neutral allowing lines of the furniture to take center stage. A transitional look also consists of various textural elements, in this case the materials that were used the most to create that texture was wood, fabrics and rattan. The use of accessories was very limited as there was already artful details through the mix furnishings and fabrics.

This Spring Valley yard was an incredibly complicated build. With over 5 stories of elevation change in the yard from the front to the back of the property, creating a sense of consistency and integration was a challenge. The expansive yard demanded a lot of thought be put into the cohesive design elements to make one's area flow with ease from one place to the next. The lengthy water feature, multiple patios and planting areas, all were linked with a multiple allen block retaining walls and sienna stone stairs. Photo Credit: Jamen Rhodes

Thoughtful positioning of windows is paramount to a good design. Whether it is capturing the view, extending the space, bringing in morning sun or more consist northern light with the goal/task in mind we carefully consider location of each and every window we place in our drawings. In this particular case, through a large pivot door and windows, we are bringing the south-east light and manicured front garden view into this double-height foyer. By doing so we are bringing light not only to the lower foyer area but also into the upper hall area in need of natural light. Each element we introduce into our designs is multi-tasking and contributing in many ways.

This project consists of a full backyard remodel in the San Diego CA region. New outdoor living elements designed and installed by System Pavers include: Over sized pergola with built in lighting, paver sitting wall extending the entire length of backyard, paver patio and courtyard, full built in kitchen equipped with large grill, over sized bar top, double side burners, refrigerator, and outdoor sink, built in fireplace, artificial turf and a paver driveway, outdoor living room and dining area

Mediterranean gardens inspire this landscape design consisting of a series of outdoor "rooms" complementing the house. Play lawn, dining terrance, and pool area are linked by the garden's central path, which terminates at the pool's impressive vista of surrounding ranch land. The gardens provide floral displays throughout the year, contrasting the drifts of agave plants. A quiet birdbath, wall fountains, and negative-edged pool contribute to water's central and unifying role in the garden, and all elements are composed to gently guide one's gaze to the surrounding rolling hills, large oak trees, and endless sky. MGCD Photography

This Edina, MN project started when the client’s contacted me about their desire to create a family friendly entertaining space as well as a great place to entertain friends. The site amenities that were incorporated into the landscape design-build include a swimming pool, hot tub, outdoor dining space with grill/kitchen/bar combo, a mortared stone wood burning fireplace, and a pool house. The house was built in 2015 and the rear yard was left essentially as a clean slate. Existing construction consisted of a covered screen porch with screens opening out to another covered space. Both were built with the floor constructed of composite decking (low lying deck, one step off to grade). The deck also wrapped over to doorways out of the kitchenette & dining room. This open amount of deck space allowed us to reconsider the furnishings for dining and how we could incorporate the bar and outdoor kitchen. We incorporated a self-contained spa within the deck to keep it closer to the house for winter use. It is surrounded by a raised masonry seating wall for “hiding” the spa and comfort for access. The deck was dis-assembled as needed to accommodate the masonry for the spa surround, bar, outdoor kitchen & re-built for a finished look as it attached back to the masonry. The layout of the 20’x48’ swimming pool was determined in order to accommodate the custom pool house & rear/side yard setbacks. The client wanted to create ample space for chaise loungers & umbrellas as well as a nice seating space for the custom wood burning fireplace. Raised masonry walls are used to define these areas and give a sense of space. The pool house is constructed in line with the swimming pool on the deep/far end. The swimming pool was installed with a concrete subdeck to allow for a custom stone coping on the pool edge. The patio material and coping are made out of 24”x36” Ardeo Limestone. 12”x24” Ardeo Limestone is used as veneer for the masonry items. The fireplace is a main focal point, so we decided to use a different veneer than the other masonry areas so it could stand out a bit more. The clients have been enjoying all of the new additions to their dreamy coastal backyard. All of the elements flow together nicely and entertaining family and friends couldn’t be easier in this beautifully remodeled space.

Cali is an unconventional bed made up of contrasting elements. An inconspicuous bed frame draws a slim line around the bed and the headboard consists of two large, soft cushions laying on a support. The bed frame stands on slim, metal feet, giving a feeling of total lightness.

In this breakfast area just across from the kitchen we designed and installed a custom built-in coffee station with shelves to act as an extension of the kitchen. The custom solid dining table and bench match the finish of the coffee station top. The industrial elements were brought in with the dining chairs and light fixture to keep a consistent flow throughout the house. Photo Credit: Joanna Katchutas

The new backyard consists of a new stain and stamp patio, re-plastering the pool, new coping and new pool surround as well as a new cedar pergola. Each element of the project worked together like a puzzle. The final outcome resulting in three additions that flow together as one comfortable poolside outdoor living room.

This project consists of a full backyard remodel. New outdoor living elements installed by System Pavers include: full built-in kitchen with oven and dual bbq grills, outdoor dishwasher, energy efficient led lighting, custom paver patio and pillars, full pergola with electrical hookups, oversized bar top, built in outdoor fireplace, water feature and fire pit

This room is a modern and sophisticated living space with the following features: Stone Fireplace Wall: The focal point is a beautifully crafted stone wall with a built-in fireplace at the center. The light-colored stone contrasts with the sleek black framing around the fireplace. Built-In Storage: There are symmetrical wood storage compartments on both sides of the fireplace, enhancing functionality while adding a natural, rustic touch. Contemporary Furniture: The room is furnished with minimalist furniture, including a light gray sectional sofa, modern wooden accent chairs with white cushions, and a black marble coffee table with clean, sharp lines. Decor Elements: Decor is kept simple and modern, including vases, books, and candles placed on the mantel and coffee table. A vase with fresh flowers adds a touch of greenery. Lighting: Recessed ceiling lights and subtle LED lighting highlight the architectural details. The fireplace also contributes to the warm ambiance. Natural Light: Large sliding glass doors to the left bring in ample natural light and offer a view of greenery outside, creating an airy and inviting feel. Color Palette: The neutral color scheme consists of soft grays, whites, black accents, and natural wood tones, creating a harmonious and timeless look. Flooring and Rug: The flooring is light wood, paired with a soft, neutral area rug that anchors the seating area. This room combines modern elegance with comfort, perfect for relaxation or entertaining guests.

The idea for Scandinavian Hardwoods came after years of countless conversations with homeowners, designers, architects, and builders. The consistent theme: they wanted more than just a beautiful floor. They wanted insight into manufacturing locations (not just the seller or importer) and what materials are used and why. They wanted to understand the product’s environmental impact and it’s effect on indoor air quality and human health. They wanted a compelling story to tell guests about the beautiful floor they’ve chosen. At Scandinavian Hardwoods, we bring all of these elements together while making luxury more accessible.

This project consisted of stone masonry decorative walls at the front of the estate leading to the gated entry, where we also installed a decorative stone elements.

This project consisted of a re-design for an unkempt and poorly-functioning entry garden of a home in Belmont. The primary programmatic elements we incorporated into the new design were an enlarged and better defined parking area, a useable lawn space, a heightened sense of arrival for the main entrance and a seamless circulatory progression from the rear garden to the entry and front lawn. Scott Carman

This stunning project, a combination hardscape, deck, pergola and fire pit project in the Ballantrae subdivision of Dublin, Ohio, is a work of art. We built the two pergolas with cedar and stained them to match the decking. The pergolas are more decorative than functional. You can see the top of each pergola consists of two long beams topped with a series of shorter rafters. A pergola designed to cast maximum shade would have a third element on top, a series of thinner slats running across the rafters. Here, the larger pergola serves to define the primary dining area, and the smaller one enforces the boundary at the edge of the patio.

The idea for Scandinavian Hardwoods came after years of countless conversations with homeowners, designers, architects, and builders. The consistent theme: they wanted more than just a beautiful floor. They wanted insight into manufacturing locations (not just the seller or importer) and what materials are used and why. They wanted to understand the product’s environmental impact and it’s effect on indoor air quality and human health. They wanted a compelling story to tell guests about the beautiful floor they’ve chosen. At Scandinavian Hardwoods, we bring all of these elements together while making luxury more accessible.

Room to breathe! Here, with remodeling & design, we created effortless movement & flow from entry to dining to living space. Our floor-to-ceiling cabinetry solutions maximizes storage & frees up valuable floor space while consistent elements connect each zone seamlessly. The minimalist dining nook/craft center proves that sometimes all you need is one bold color to do just that! The vibrant mustard chairs create a stunning contrast against the clean lines of our marble tulip table and textured walls. We love how the organic curves of these statement pieces soften the modern aesthetic, while the geometric accent pillow and beautifully selected artwork ties everything together. Even the delicate branches in the handcrafted vase add natural movement to balance the sleek surfaces. With the bold yet subtle color palette, we started with a neutral foundation: whites, blacks, grays and introduced just one standout hue. Let that color appear in strategic touches throughout the space for a cohesive look that doesn’t overwhelm.

Awarded by the Classical institute of art and architecture , the linnean house has a restrained and simple elevation of doors and windows. Nestled in the Forest Hills neighborhood of Washington, D.C., the Linnean House is classical in both plan and elevation throughout its award-winning house plans. The main mass, comprising of the most formal and public spaces, is a spatial triptych along a symmetrical main axis. Inside the luxury home, the limestone façade, simple but well-proportioned with classical elements, extends itself into both the entry portico and main foyer with consistent proportions and materiality. This introduction allows the flanking living and dining rooms to be perceived as separate pavilions, each equipped with eight equal-proportioned French doors symmetrical of the main axis. Beyond the classical spaces are two wings which lead to the master suite and a kitchen/family space, respectively. Both of which are situated to queue from the French door axis, a focal feature in the repeatedly published home design. At the entry foyer, the stark stone luxury architecture is warmed by two symmetrical wood armoire-like freestanding sculptural objects, a persistent theme throughout the luxury house. In the kitchen, for instance, stand four similar wood armoire objects at opposite corners that act as columns and help give this space a sense of boundary and enclosure. The master bath vanity, in similar fashion, is introduced as a central free-standing form anchoring itself as a notable presence in the space. Lastly, the wine room is designed as a series of free-standing heavy wood cavity walls spanned only by a hint of glass.

This Denver Area Littleton home was in desperate need of new siding. The composite wood siding was swelling and soft in many areas, with consistent edge-checking on nearly every lap. We replaced the siding, trim, soffits and fascia using James Hardie fiber cement and we installed Hardie's beaded porch panel on the porch ceiling for a timeless finished look. The homeowners had always dreamed of having a classic yellow house, so that's what we painted it! We used Sherwin-Williams Duration exterior paint for superior longevity in the Colorado elements.