The architect and designer Guy Derwent was approached by his client with a clear and compelling brief: to completely transform a grand Victorian terrace house they were planning to renovate. The client envisioned something far beyond a standard renovation – this was to be a bold and dramatic reimagining of a family home that could grow with them over time. With the property having remained largely untouched for more than fifty years, the architects saw an opportunity to unlock its potential and deliver a contemporary design that would contrast beautifully with its Victorian heritage. The existing layout consisted of a series of small, disconnected rooms to the rear of the house. To respond to the client’s need for openness and flexibility, the architect proposed a radical restructuring of the ground floor: The rear rooms were completely removed Suspended timber floors were lowered by up to two metres to align with the garden Two bold extensions were added The first extension filled in the side return with a London stock brick facade and a glazed roof, while the second – a striking black steel and glass pavilion was glazed on three sides and placed along the garden elevation. This new pavilion redefined the building’s relationship with the garden. Its steel-framed glazing created a seamless dialogue between interior and exterior, offering a sense of immersion in the surrounding landscape. At the heart of the plan sits a dramatic, five-metre-tall dining space that acts as a transition from the original entrance hall into the new addition. A large, circular cast-glass window, framed in steel, provides a visual and spatial link between old and new, allowing light and movement to travel through the depth of the home. Throughout the project, a series of black metal elements were introduced as sculptural interventions – each marking moments of transformation within the house. These included the bespoke steel framed circular window, a custom metal staircase, a cylindrical support column, and the striking steel and glass garden pavilion. Together, they formed a coherent architectural language that underscored the project’s bold intent. Our steel windows and doors played a vital role in delivering the project’s vision. The architects chose steel for its refined sight lines and distinctive material character, which helped bridge the gap between the historical context of the building and the bold new additions. The black steel frames provided a crisp contrast to the pale London stock brick and added definition to the glazed pavilion, reinforcing the sense of architectural precision. In particular, the fine steel profiles of the garden room allowed the extension to feel both lightweight and immersive, blurring the boundary between the house and its garden. The architect drew inspiration from the Bauhaus Movement, particularly the work of Walter Gropius, whose approach to functional beauty and industrial materials informed the design of the garden pavilion. Here, our glazing system was used not just for transparency, but as an expressive architectural element. The carefully proportioned panels help to conceal the roof thickness and reinforce the pavilion’s industrial yet abstract character – a deliberate nod to product design and modernist detailing. Sustainability was an important factor in the selection of materials. Our steel systems, made from 99% recycled content and 100% recyclable, aligned with the project’s broader environmental goals. The architects noted that this commitment to material longevity and circularity was central to their decision to use steel. The durability and recyclability of the windows and doors ensured the project met both aesthetic and ethical criteria. This London terrace house now stands as a celebration of contrast – between heritage and innovation, solidity and transparency, tradition and transformation. Our steel windows and doors were not simply components; they were essential tools in crafting a home that is as bold and expressive as it is functional. The result is a home designed for modern family life, where light, space, and materiality come together in perfect harmony.

From Attic to Awesome Many of the classic Tudor homes in Minneapolis are defined as 1 ½ stories. The ½ story is actually an attic; a space just below the roof and with a rough floor often used for storage and little more. The owners were looking to turn their attic into about 900 sq. ft. of functional living/bedroom space with a big bath, perfect for hosting overnight guests. This was a challenging project, considering the plan called for raising the roof and adding two large shed dormers. A structural engineer was consulted, and the appropriate construction measures were taken to address the support necessary from below, passing the required stringent building codes. The remodeling project took about four months and began with reframing many of the roof support elements and adding closed cell spray foam insulation throughout to make the space warm and watertight during cold Minnesota winters, as well as cool in the summer. You enter the room using a stairway enclosed with a white railing that offers a feeling of openness while providing a high degree of safety. A short hallway leading to the living area features white cabinets with shaker style flat panel doors – a design element repeated in the bath. Four pairs of South facing windows above the cabinets let in lots of South sunlight all year long. The 130 sq. ft. bath features soaking tub and open shower room with floor-to-ceiling 2-inch porcelain tiling. The custom heated floor and one wall is constructed using beautiful natural stone. The shower room floor is also the shower’s drain, giving this room an open feeling while providing the ultimate functionality. The other half of the bath consists of a toilet and pedestal sink flanked by two white shaker style cabinets with Granite countertops. A big skylight over the tub and another north facing window brightens this room and highlights the tiling with a shade of green that’s pleasing to the eye. The rest of the remodeling project is simply a large open living/bedroom space. Perhaps the most interesting feature of the room is the way the roof ties into the ceiling at many angles – a necessity because of the way the home was originally constructed. The before and after photos show how the construction method included the maximum amount of interior space, leaving the room without the “cramped” feeling too often associated with this kind of remodeling project. Another big feature of this space can be found in the use of skylights. A total of six skylights – in addition to eight South-facing windows – make this area warm and bright during the many months of winter when sunlight in Minnesota comes at a premium. The main living area offers several flexible design options, with space that can be used with bedroom and/or living room furniture with cozy areas for reading and entertainment. Recessed lighting on dimmers throughout the space balances daylight with room light for just the right atmosphere. The space is now ready for decorating with original artwork and furnishings. How would you furnish this space?

This backyard remodel in Mission Viejo, CA. This remodel consists of new outdoor elements all designed and installed by System Pavers. Elements featured in project include: natural stone paver sitting wall, dual candle wall, and fire pit, paver patio, courtyard, side yard and driveway, and energy efficient LED lighting throughout the front and back of the home

This backyard remodel in Mission Viejo, CA. This remodel consists of new outdoor elements all designed and installed by System Pavers. Elements featured in project include: natural stone paver sitting wall, dual candle wall, and fire pit, paver patio, courtyard, side yard and driveway, and energy efficient LED lighting throughout the front and back of the home

Recently, Mandy Renfrew collaborated with Gemstone Developments to stage their beautiful newly built modern custom home. Gemstone built this home with an incredible attention to detail. From floor plan to finishes, they demanded perfection each step along the way. Polanco Home Decor’s staging experts continued this high level of thought and consideration into the furniture and decor selection to prepare this house for sale. “894 Colonel By Dr. was designed to complement urban, sophisticated living in one of the city’s most sought-after locations. This brand new, custom home includes endless high end features such as a flawlessly crafted master suite, gourmet Irpinia kitchen facing a spacious raised patio, and expansive entertaining spaces all made accessible with a private elevator. ” Josh Zaret, Gemstone Developments http://gemstonecorp.com/portfolio/894-colonel-by-drive/ “While the building is a masterpiece on its own, it also boasts breath-taking views of the scenic Rideau Canal and manicured green space. By spring, enjoy the sights of the Canadian Tulip Festival and in winter participate in the capital’s renowned Winterlude celebrations by taking steps to the world’s largest skating rink, the Rideau canal.” Josh Zaret, Gemstone Developments http://gemstonecorp.com/portfolio/894-colonel-by-drive/ Furniture Store Ottawa - Ottawa StagingThis modern open concept home, designed by Barry Hobin, included 10 foot ceilings with gorgeous floor to ceiling windows. It was important to create an inviting atmosphere with the furnishings we chose, creating a space that anyone who enters could envision themselves living in. We wanted to create a distinction between the living and dining room, as the home featured a very open concept space. Polanco’s designers wanted to create the look of a home meant for entertaining, in which you could enjoy a dining experience as well as socialize in the living room area. The breathtaking view of the Rideau Canal seen from all seating areas in the living space accentuated the spacious feeling of the home. A custom sized Martha sectional from Marcantonio Designs was the perfect choice for this grand open living room. Upholstered in a soft off-white leather, this style with metal legs complements the contemporary style of this home. We paired the sectional with a square fully tufted ottoman in a similar creamy-white leather to complete the seating area. The solid maple Verona sideboard from Handstone Furniture in a vintage silver stain gives buyers a sense of where to position their media centre. Above this piece, in lieu of a TV, we opted to bring some colour into the space with a piece from Celadon Art. To tie the artwork to the rest of the area, beautiful toss cushions in varying tones of blue were placed on the furniture pieces. Two matching Cassandra chairs upholstered in a simple grey linen fabric were selected to complement the neutral tones of the other furniture pieces. White accessories from Torre & Tagus placed on the ottoman are the final element of decor to this gorgeous open concept living space. We wanted to continue with a light and airy look, and chose to place a custom Albany console from Artage on the wall opposite to the Verona sideboard. We decorated the console with white accessories from Torre & Tagus and a Bangkok mirror from Renwil. This mirror is a Polanco favourite due to its size and versatility – it matches both classic and modern designs. The round shape of the mirror adds softness and complements the wall sconces. Furniture Store Ottawa - Ottawa Home StagingMoving into the dining room, we selected the Cordova dining table from Handstone Furniture. The functionality of a pedestal table allowed for more seating so buyers could envision how many guests they could seat in this large open space dining room. We chose the same vintage silver stain on the dining room table as well as on the living room sideboard to create consistency from room to room. To contrast with the darker stain of the table, we paired it with white leather Linda chairs from Elite Living. At the head of the table, the Albany bar cart from Artage in a bright chrome finish completes the room with a unique entertaining piece. Furniture Store Ottawa - Ottawa Home StagingMatching Linda white leather counter stools were used in the kitchen to create continuity from one room to another. In the family area off of the kitchen, we placed the Melynda swivel chair from Marcantonio Designs in a complementary white leather. The swivel feature on the chair allows buyers to envision how the space would function – if you were sitting in this area you could easily swivel your chair to talk to people in the kitchen as well as enjoying the contemporary fireplace. Opposite this chair is the Melrose love seat upholstered in a light grey linen fabric. It was chosen for its low profile look, as it does not obstruct the view of the beautiful terrace at the back of the house. In the centre of both pieces is the Orion coffee table also in a bright chrome finish. The Orion coffee table, light in design, was a strategic choice, making the room appear larger. Patterned toss cushions complement the geometric texture of the tiled fireplace while bringing the design elements of the space and furniture together. Furniture Store Ottawa - Ottawa Home StagingIn the master bedroom, we selected the stunning Layla king size bed upholstered in a light grey linen fabric. The soft curve of its headboard complements the curved Capricorn chairs placed in the seating area near the window of this room. Crisp, white linens from Cuddle Down Products were chosen to dress the bed, accentuated by Polanco’s own decorative toss cushions in fabrics from Robert Allen Design. On each side of the bed we chose custom wide Brooklyn nightstands painted in Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace and accentuated with decorative glass knobs. Silver accents are continued throughout the room, as shown with the nailheads on the upholstered bed and occasional chairs, cabinet knobs, lamps, and accessories. The spare bedroom was designed specifically to allow future home buyers to envision their own furniture in the space. We chose the Linea queen bed in a neutral grey fabric for its simple and elegant design and paired it with crisp white linens from Cuddle Down Products. A silver end table from Torre & Tagus and a silver table lamp from Arteriors Home finish the space. The entranceway was decorated with a large simple 48” round mirror with a decorative upholstered Thomas bench in a contemporary grey velvet fabric. We accented the design of the entrance bench with toss cushions to create an inviting feel upon entering this exquisite home. Furniture Store Ottawa - Ottawa Home StagingOpen to the entranceway, the large den has magnificent floor to ceiling windows showcasing the view of the gardens along the Rideau Canal. We chose to show this space as a home office, featuring a live edge solid cherry desk from Harden Furniture. We positioned a Wilson chair in blue fabric at the desk, facing towards the breathtaking views of the canal. To complete this office look, a Timeout chair and ottoman were placed in the corner of the room paired with the Funco side table. Artwork was chosen to create interest and add colour, complementing the contemporary wing back desk chair. It was a pleasure working with Gemstone Developments on this stunning modern home designed by Barry Hobin Architecture. Our goal was to furnish and decorate the home in such a way that potential buyers could envision themselves living in the space, while also accentuating the existing interior design. We are pleased to announce 894 Colonel By Drive was sold just three months after the staging project was completed.

Babcock Custom Pools: Transforming Backyards into Oases with Palms If you seek a swimming pool that boasts an interplay of aesthetics, elegance, and proficiency, then Babcock Custom Pools is the solution you have been searching for. Our pool-crafting experts boast an extensive portfolio of pool designs that have consistently surpassed our clients’ anticipations. A hallmark of our designs is the seamless integration of palms – an element we passionately incorporate into our custom creations. At Babcock Custom Pools, we take great pride in our unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and quality. Our process, from the initial consultation to the final construction, is a testament to our pursuit of excellence. Our team of experts consists of seasoned professionals who possess a passion for creating pools that not only serve their practical purpose but are also visually stunning. Palms are a ubiquitous choice for pool landscaping, and for good reason. They add a tropical vibe to your outdoor space, and their presence imbues the area with a lush, serene atmosphere. Furthermore, palms provide the much-needed shade on a hot summer day. At Babcock Custom Pools, we wholeheartedly embrace the use of palms in our designs, and our clients rave about the results. We appreciate the fact that each of our clients is unique, and their pool designs should be a reflection of their individuality. As such, we work closely with our clients to craft customized designs that align with their specific needs and preferences. Whether you envision a sleek, minimalist design or a more traditional aesthetic, our team will collaborate with you to create a pool that perfectly embodies your style. When it comes to constructing pools, we use only the finest materials and the most advanced technologies. Our pools are designed to be durable, energy-efficient, and low-maintenance, ensuring that you can spend more time relishing in the pool and less time maintaining it. In conclusion, if you desire a custom pool design that is both beautiful and functional, Babcock Custom Pools is the answer. Our team of experts will work hand-in-hand with you to create a pool that exceeds your expectations. And, of course, we will not forget to incorporate an ample amount of palms – because we love palms and are confident that you will too. Contact us today to learn more about our services!

Babcock Custom Pools: Transforming Backyards into Oases with Palms If you seek a swimming pool that boasts an interplay of aesthetics, elegance, and proficiency, then Babcock Custom Pools is the solution you have been searching for. Our pool-crafting experts boast an extensive portfolio of pool designs that have consistently surpassed our clients’ anticipations. A hallmark of our designs is the seamless integration of palms – an element we passionately incorporate into our custom creations. At Babcock Custom Pools, we take great pride in our unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and quality. Our process, from the initial consultation to the final construction, is a testament to our pursuit of excellence. Our team of experts consists of seasoned professionals who possess a passion for creating pools that not only serve their practical purpose but are also visually stunning. Palms are a ubiquitous choice for pool landscaping, and for good reason. They add a tropical vibe to your outdoor space, and their presence imbues the area with a lush, serene atmosphere. Furthermore, palms provide the much-needed shade on a hot summer day. At Babcock Custom Pools, we wholeheartedly embrace the use of palms in our designs, and our clients rave about the results. We appreciate the fact that each of our clients is unique, and their pool designs should be a reflection of their individuality. As such, we work closely with our clients to craft customized designs that align with their specific needs and preferences. Whether you envision a sleek, minimalist design or a more traditional aesthetic, our team will collaborate with you to create a pool that perfectly embodies your style. When it comes to constructing pools, we use only the finest materials and the most advanced technologies. Our pools are designed to be durable, energy-efficient, and low-maintenance, ensuring that you can spend more time relishing in the pool and less time maintaining it. In conclusion, if you desire a custom pool design that is both beautiful and functional, Babcock Custom Pools is the answer. Our team of experts will work hand-in-hand with you to create a pool that exceeds your expectations. And, of course, we will not forget to incorporate an ample amount of palms – because we love palms and are confident that you will too. Contact us today to learn more about our services!

When this client wanted to update her Kitchen, we knew that we did not have the space to change the footprint. The homeowners’ decided to bring their hardwood floors from the Great Room into the Kitchen. It is always a good idea to keep your flooring as consistent as possible. We kept their existing cabinetry but painted the perimeter Benjamin Moore’s White Dove with a charcoal glaze wiped way back. We added color in the island with Sherwin Williams’ Keystone Gray. To give cabinetry a more finished look, we often add paneling to the ends and island. For this island, we did an X pattern to mimic the barn door in the Great Room. We opened up the space from the backdoor into the Kitchen by removing a built-in desk area. Our wonderful contractor solved the loss of storage issue by adding a hidden cabinet next to the refrigerator. This client loves copper so we added some of those elements with the farmhouse sink and the lighting. We pulled the color for the subway tile backsplash from the “marble” like quartz countertops. We softened the space with a relaxed roman shade over the sink and added texture with woven shades in the Breakfast Area. To see how far this transformation has come, check out the Before photo below. A white Kitchen is a classic, but can be made fresh by adding elements such as copper or a painted island. This Kitchen feels brand new, and we didn’t move a thing! Enjoy!

Wolf 30" E Series Contemporary Convection Steam Oven Black | CSO30CM Available at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center | uakc.com Easy-access water tank: The oven’s large water tank provides 90 minutes of continuous steam cooking. Thoughtfully designed, it can be refilled when needed without opening the oven door and interrupting the cooking process. Largest interior capacity: More than 25 percent larger than similar units, large enough to roast a 15-pound turkey, Wolf’s steam oven lets you prepare larger items and even multiple dishes at once. Design flexibility: Install the unit flush with cabinetry to seamlessly integrate it into your kitchen design. And since the unit isn’t plumbed, it can be installed anywhere without requiring special water lines. 10 cooking modes: Precisely control heat, steam and airflow for the best results with any dish with 10 cooking modes: Steam, Reheat, Auto Steam Bake, Convection, Convection Humid, Convection Steam, Gourmet, Slow Roast, Recipes, and Keep Warm. Steam mode: Steam mode heats with steam and hot air, achieving a temperature range from 85°F-210°F. From vegetables, poultry and fish to grains, beans, pasta and egg dishes, gentle steam heat is ideal for capturing nutrition, color and flavor. Reheat mode: Reheat mode uses steam and hot air to rehydrate food gently. Using convection and the right amount of moisture, Reheat mode warms one to four pans of food evenly and without drying with a temperature range from 210°F to 300°F. Auto Steam Bake mode: By heating with steam first, then using convection heat to finish, bagels, breads, buns, rolls and pastries acquire a tender interior and a natural shine without the need for brushing with an egg wash. Auto Steam Bake mode temperatures range from 210°F to 445°F. Convection mode: A fan circulates hot air from a heating element at the back of the oven to distribute heat evenly around food for consistent results and browning. Convection mode temperatures range from 85°F to 445°F. Convection Humid mode: In Convection Humid mode, a heating element at the back of the oven produces heat and oven ventilation is sealed so that moisture produced during cooking remains in the oven. Convection Humid temperatures range from 85°F to 445°F. Convection Steam mode: Use Convection Steam for any foods you want to be tender inside and roasted or crisped outside. Convection steam mode temperatures range from 85°F to 445°F. Gourmet mode: Gourmet mode uses a climate sensor to adjust time, temperature and humidity for ideal results with no guesswork. Slow Roast mode: Slow Roast mode is an ultimate convenience. Insert the probe into your prepared meat, select a slow roast setting for the dish you're preparing, tell the oven what time you want it done, and come home to a perfectly cooked meal. Recipes mode: Use Recipes mode and the collection of built-in recipes to harness the power of the oven's many different cooking modes to easily cook entire meals from appetizers and entrees to desserts. Keep Warm mode: The combination of convection and steam heat preserves food’s taste, texture, looks and quality so every bite is as delicious as if it were fresh from the oven. Keep multiple dinner plates warm at once, making staggered meal times more convenient. Temperature probe: The temperature probe alerts you when your dish has reached the desired temperature, eliminating guesswork when preparing roasts and other meats. Multiple pans and rack positions: Two included pans can be placed in any of four rack positions. Both pans are stainles steel – one solid, and the other with a perforated bottom that is particularly well-suited for dishes prepared in Steam mode. Delayed start: What time would you like your dish to be ready? Simply program in a time. The oven turns on at the right moment and adjusts the cooking process so the food is ready to serve precisely when you want it. Technical Features: Shipping Weight (lbs): 80 Electrical Requirements: 220/240V, 60Hz, 20 amp dedicated circuit Dimensions: 29 7/8"W x 17 7/8"H x 21 1/2"D Star-K Kosher certified as Sabbath and holiday-compliant

This backyard remodel in Mission Viejo, CA. This remodel consists of new outdoor elements all designed and installed by System Pavers. Elements featured in project include: natural stone paver sitting wall, dual candle wall, and fire pit, paver patio, courtyard, side yard and driveway, and energy efficient LED lighting throughout the front and back of the home

The project consists of a two-story private residence and involves the use of four deliberately not new containers, two for each floor, perpendicular to each other to form a Latin cross. My interest in houses built with shipping containers began around 2015, when the use of containers as building materials became increasingly popular thanks to their resistance, wide availability, low cost and eco-friendliness. Always passionate about eco-friendly and sustainable architecture, in 2016 I decided to design my own house using shipping containers with the hope of one day being able to realize my dream: building a residence designed by myself and which reflects what I am passionate about and in which I believe from an architectural point of view. Since at the time I created the project I did not yet have land on which to build, the design was designed to be totally flexible, since the two floors can be reversed according to the needs of the land, without compromising the design and/or the livability of the house. In 2019 I bought the land where the house was built, a 1,500 m² property with a 360 degree view of the sea and hills without, however, a flat area. The containers were perfect for this type of terrain: being very light structures, they do not require large foundations and, consequently, the preparation of the ground is much quicker and much less invasive. Considering the exposure and shape of the land, as well as the 360 ​​degree view of the same, I decided to locate the two bedrooms on the first floor, with a complete bathroom and the walk-in closet for the master bedroom, while on the second floor we find an open space with kitchen, dining area and living room, a complete bathroom with laundry and two terraces. Outside, the house is surrounded by concrete slabs over artificial grass, and there is also an infinity pool that overlooks the sea view. The external appearance of the containers was deliberately left "raw", without covering them or eliminating traces of time and their journey, such as dents. The interior, however, contrasts with the attention to detail and the use of designer materials, lamps, furniture and other elements. The floor was covered with an epoxy resin and different techniques were used on the walls to create accents, such as marmorino, Venetian plaster, wallpaper, murals and rough stucco. The entrance and corridor on the first floor also serve as an art gallery, with works by local artists, to support the local economy. Both bathrooms are covered in porcelain tiles from the Mirage line, the taps are Graff brand and the bathroom furniture is by Lago Design, with Depth sinks in transparent glass, made from a carved trunk of century-old Wildwood oak. The heat treatment applied to the wood allows for total impermeability to water and very high resistance. A floating iron staircase passes above the office area with Punt furniture and leads to the second floor, where the Lube brand kitchen with Dekton worktops, Smeg appliances and sink are located. The dining table is P&J by Lago Design, the Lodes lamp with Diesel and the living room furniture are from the Spanish brand Fama. Finally, the outdoor furniture is designed by Roda, Tecninova and DKL. Construction, which began at the end of 2021, was completed in November 2022.

This homeowner was ready for a calm, classic, and spa-like feel for their new master bath. This transitional style seamlessly brings a traditional and contemporary style simultaneously. The light shades of white, gray, and blue bring a sense of relaxation. The focus centerpiece of this bath is the dual custom vanity with under-mount sinks, a makeup bar, and sleek brushed nickel faucets. A significant design element is a freestanding soaker tub accented by a mosaic weave wall. The floors consist of a 17x35 large format tile. an elongated glass hexagon mosaic strip within the stand-up shower will also catch your eye. This bathroom is filled with elements that create a stunning visual and brings serenity into the room.

A Scottish crest badge is a heraldic badge worn to show allegiance to an individual or membership in a specific Scottish clan. Crest badges are commonly worn by members of Scottish clans. Crest badges consist of a crest and a motto/slogan. These badges usually consist of elements from the clan chief’s coat of arms. For example, the Wallace clan crest is an image of a dexter arm in armor with sword in hand and has a motto translating to “for liberty”.

THE SETUP Sam’s client had lived in her downtown townhome home for less than a year when she decided to remodel the spacious second level. This open area consisted of three sections: a TV and fireplace zone, a sparsely furnished dining area, and a dominant central kitchen. The kitchen featured a long back wall with three segmented sections and a massive island housing the cooktop. She found the kitchen’s functionality lacking and its presence overwhelming – it dominated the entire floor, regardless of where you stood. Design objectives: - Reconfigure key kitchen elements (sink, cooktop, oven) while minimizing the kitchen’s visual impact - Optimize the kitchen’s back wall, eliminating existing dead space - Create a purposeful, well-defined dining area - Establish a distinct, comfortable living area - Reuse existing appliances and flooring - Maintain an overall modern design aesthetic THE REMODEL Design challenges to be solved: - Redesign the island to reduce its overwhelming presence - Create a comfortable, dedicated living room within the available space - Establish a distinct, inviting dining area within spatial constraints - Enhance kitchen functionality and style without dominating the entire floor THE RENEWED SPACE Design solutions: - Sam created raised end caps for the island. This separated the kitchen from adjacent living and dining areas while focusing the kitchen’s functionality. The new sink location offers ample workspace, allowing the cook to interact with guests seated at the island. The redesigned island also provides additional storage. - For the living area, Sam opted for a functional-yet-minimalist approach. Large-format tile creates a natural stone look for the fireplace and TV wall. The recessed TV and extended fireplace shelf maintain a sleek profile. - Artistic wallpaper adds depth and texture, while the intentional lack of extensive shelving keeps the space open and distinct. - Sam transformed the dining area’s blank wall into a feature, adding a unique dry bar with counter space, open shelves, cabinet storage and a beverage fridge. - - - Wallpaper behind and above the bar contributes to the area’s personality. A mirror adds depth while pendant lights add style and visual interest. Relocating the cooktop to the back wall facilitates hidden ventilation, reducing visual clutter. Sam balanced transitional and modern elements for a contemporary yet comfortable feel. The digital control panel on the convection cooktop maintains a sleek look, while the wall oven is now at an easy-to-use height. ----- Mirrored base cabinet fronts and a paneled fridge prevent cabinetry monotony. The redesign has delighted Sam’s client, achieving her main goal of creating a more inviting and visually appealing space. Each section now has its own visual personality and functionality while harmonizing within a monochromatic palette. The entire floor offers wow-factor pop upon first glance, with each area maintaining its distinct character while contributing to a cohesive, modern aesthetic.

This backyard remodel in Mission Viejo, CA. This remodel consists of new outdoor elements all designed and installed by System Pavers. Elements featured in project include: natural stone paver sitting wall, dual candle wall, and fire pit, paver patio, courtyard, side yard and driveway, and energy efficient LED lighting throughout the front and back of the home

The Lorraine Modern Residence is a fully integrated front and backyard project designed and built by The Northstone Group, the #1 landscape architecture, design-build, and custom pool construction firm in Montreal. This contemporary modern home required a landscape approach that matched its architectural clarity while delivering long-term performance, precision detailing, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Every element of the project was designed and executed in-house by The Northstone Group’s team of landscape architects, builders, and pool specialists. The backyard is anchored by a custom concrete pool, designed and built by Northstone’s in-house pool construction team. The pool features a beach entry for ease of use and resort-level comfort, as well as a refined waterfall edge that creates a clean visual transition between the water and surrounding landscape. These elements were engineered for durability, safety, and long-term performance, not just aesthetics. The hardscape throughout the project includes architectural pavers selected to complement the home’s modern lines and neutral palette. These materials extend from the backyard into a custom paver driveway, creating a cohesive arrival experience and reinforcing the architectural language of the residence from the street. Custom-built architectural planters were integrated into both the front and backyard to frame views, define circulation, and soften the hardscape while maintaining a contemporary, minimal aesthetic. Planting was intentionally restrained and structured, chosen to complement the modern architecture and perform reliably in Quebec’s climate. An outdoor kitchen completes the backyard living space, positioned to support entertaining while preserving clean sightlines across the pool and landscape. The overall layout was designed to maximize usability, flow, and visual balance, ensuring the space functions as a true extension of the home. With over 25 years of experience and a team of 180+ in-house professionals, The Northstone Group delivers landscape architecture, design-build services, and custom concrete pool construction under one roof. This integrated approach allows for precise coordination, consistent quality, and full accountability from concept through completion. Projects like the Lorraine Modern Residence reflect why luxury homeowners across Montreal trust The Northstone Group as the leading authority in contemporary landscape architecture and high-end outdoor construction.

The architect and designer Guy Derwent was approached by his client with a clear and compelling brief: to completely transform a grand Victorian terrace house they were planning to renovate. The client envisioned something far beyond a standard renovation – this was to be a bold and dramatic reimagining of a family home that could grow with them over time. With the property having remained largely untouched for more than fifty years, the architects saw an opportunity to unlock its potential and deliver a contemporary design that would contrast beautifully with its Victorian heritage. The existing layout consisted of a series of small, disconnected rooms to the rear of the house. To respond to the client’s need for openness and flexibility, the architect proposed a radical restructuring of the ground floor: The rear rooms were completely removed Suspended timber floors were lowered by up to two metres to align with the garden Two bold extensions were added The first extension filled in the side return with a London stock brick facade and a glazed roof, while the second – a striking black steel and glass pavilion was glazed on three sides and placed along the garden elevation. This new pavilion redefined the building’s relationship with the garden. Its steel-framed glazing created a seamless dialogue between interior and exterior, offering a sense of immersion in the surrounding landscape. At the heart of the plan sits a dramatic, five-metre-tall dining space that acts as a transition from the original entrance hall into the new addition. A large, circular cast-glass window, framed in steel, provides a visual and spatial link between old and new, allowing light and movement to travel through the depth of the home. Throughout the project, a series of black metal elements were introduced as sculptural interventions – each marking moments of transformation within the house. These included the bespoke steel framed circular window, a custom metal staircase, a cylindrical support column, and the striking steel and glass garden pavilion. Together, they formed a coherent architectural language that underscored the project’s bold intent. Our steel windows and doors played a vital role in delivering the project’s vision. The architects chose steel for its refined sight lines and distinctive material character, which helped bridge the gap between the historical context of the building and the bold new additions. The black steel frames provided a crisp contrast to the pale London stock brick and added definition to the glazed pavilion, reinforcing the sense of architectural precision. In particular, the fine steel profiles of the garden room allowed the extension to feel both lightweight and immersive, blurring the boundary between the house and its garden. The architect drew inspiration from the Bauhaus Movement, particularly the work of Walter Gropius, whose approach to functional beauty and industrial materials informed the design of the garden pavilion. Here, our glazing system was used not just for transparency, but as an expressive architectural element. The carefully proportioned panels help to conceal the roof thickness and reinforce the pavilion’s industrial yet abstract character – a deliberate nod to product design and modernist detailing. Sustainability was an important factor in the selection of materials. Our steel systems, made from 99% recycled content and 100% recyclable, aligned with the project’s broader environmental goals. The architects noted that this commitment to material longevity and circularity was central to their decision to use steel. The durability and recyclability of the windows and doors ensured the project met both aesthetic and ethical criteria. This London terrace house now stands as a celebration of contrast – between heritage and innovation, solidity and transparency, tradition and transformation. Our steel windows and doors were not simply components; they were essential tools in crafting a home that is as bold and expressive as it is functional. The result is a home designed for modern family life, where light, space, and materiality come together in perfect harmony.

This was a closet we did in Wilmington, NC in a new construction home with 10 ft ceilings off Greenville Loop Rd. It's done in solid and veneer cherry with design elements specified by the owner. Included are his and hers drawers (guess which are his), hanging storage to the ceiling (necessitating the use of pull down rods), and storage for luggage on the upper shelves of some pieces. The layout of the space consisted of 8 walls in a sort of reverse Z configuration. Some elements are visible in other pictures. A last minute addition to this closet was a small linen and medicine cabinet. The owner discovered just before completion of his 9,000 sq ft. that neither the architect nor builder thought to provide space to store sheets, towels, blankets, and toiletries in proximity to the master bedroom and bath.