The residence overlooks a nature reserve, making the backyard a private oasis that is fully embraced with three covered porches and 50 linear feet of glass, which is about 65% of the back of the home, mostly expressed as stacking sliding doors. All three backyard lanais have painted white, vaulted, nickel joint ceilings. The lanai next to the kitchen was made for entertaining and features a lounge with a linear gas fireplace and a television, a dining area, summer kitchen, pool bath and an outdoor shower. Integrated, remote-controlled bug screens were added to the lanais for a pleasant indoor/outdoor experience.

Inspiration for a mediterranean brown two-story gable roof remodel in San Diego

The fully furnished, maintenance-free Benita embraces inspired villa living in the lakefront Portofino neighborhood at Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club. Overlooking a picturesque lake, the model home is shown with three bedrooms plus a den, or optional fourth bedroom. The Benita’s open floor plan includes a formal dining room; a kitchen with upgraded appliances and cabinetry, and a café and great room with oversized sliding glass doors that open to an outdoor living area with outdoor kitchen. Flanked by an arbor and sculptured trellis tails, the pool and spa are both of an ornate sculptured curved design, and include a water feature that cascades gentle water into a circular pool shelf complete with decorative up-lighting. Interior design, furnishings and selections completed by the award-winning Romanza Interior Design. Image ©Advanced Photography Specialists

A fresh take on traditional style, this sprawling suburban home draws its occupants together in beautifully, comfortably designed spaces that gather family members for companionship, conversation, and conviviality. At the same time, it adroitly accommodates a crowd, and facilitates large-scale entertaining with ease. This balance of private intimacy and public welcome is the result of Soucie Horner’s deft remodeling of the original floor plan and creation of an all-new wing comprising functional spaces including a mudroom, powder room, laundry room, and home office, along with an exciting, three-room teen suite above. A quietly orchestrated symphony of grayed blues unites this home, from Soucie Horner Collections custom furniture and rugs, to objects, accessories, and decorative exclamationpoints that punctuate the carefully synthesized interiors. A discerning demonstration of family-friendly living at its finest.

Example of a large transitional white two-story house exterior design in Austin

When integrating technology into this Northern Michigan home in Torch Lake, Spire embraced the ‘Up North’ design and made sure the technology did not compromise the aesthetic of the home. The homeowners enjoy the complete control of their home using the Savant Control System via multiple devices including an iPad, Savant touchscreen remotes and multiple in-wall digital keypads. Photos by Jessie Zevalkink.

When integrating technology into this Northern Michigan home in Torch Lake, Spire embraced the ‘Up North’ design and made sure the technology did not compromise the aesthetic of the home. The homeowners enjoy the complete control of their home using the Savant Control System via multiple devices including an iPad, Savant touchscreen remotes and multiple in-wall digital keypads. Photos by Jessie Zevalkink.

In this unique interior design endeavor, we breathed new life into an old woodland cabin, transforming it into a luxurious Airbnb retreat that embraces the rustic charm of the surroundings. We opted for a warm and inviting color palette. Neutral tones, black metals, and rich brown leather accents were carefully chosen to seamlessly blend with the cabin's natural surroundings. This color scheme evokes a sense of cozy elegance that harmonizes with the cabin's rustic vibe. The project involved the renovation of the kitchen and bathrooms. We modernized these spaces while ensuring they maintained the cabin's character. We meticulously curated a shopping list that aligned with the client's budget, ensuring that every element chosen for the project was of high quality and met their specific requirements. This entire project was executed remotely, showcasing the power of long-distance creativity. The result is an enchanting Airbnb cabin that offers guests a one-of-a-kind luxury experience amidst the tranquil beauty of the woods.

When integrating technology into this Northern Michigan home in Torch Lake, Spire embraced the ‘Up North’ design and made sure the technology did not compromise the aesthetic of the home. The homeowners enjoy the complete control of their home using the Savant Control System via multiple devices including an iPad, Savant touchscreen remotes and multiple in-wall digital keypads. Photos by Jessie Zevalkink.

This tween was ready to move on from her little girl room and embrace nature with this fun, woodsy, outdoor-themed room. The loft bed gives her a cozy hang out space below to spread out and is a favorite spot for remote learning. We purchased a large wall hanging mountain mural which covered almost all of her wall. The rest we framed with curtains on either side giving the effect of a large floor to ceiling window.

This tween was ready to move on from her little girl room and embrace nature with this fun, woodsy, outdoor-themed room. The loft bed gives her a cozy hang out space below to spread out and is a favorite spot for remote learning. We purchased a large wall hanging mountain mural which covered almost all of her wall. The rest we framed with curtains on either side giving the effect of a large floor to ceiling window.

Photo Credit: Rolfe Hokanson Photography
Example of a large trendy dark wood floor living room design in Chicago with gray walls, a two-sided fireplace, a tile fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

When integrating technology into this Northern Michigan home in Torch Lake, Spire embraced the ‘Up North’ design and made sure the technology did not compromise the aesthetic of the home. The homeowners enjoy the complete control of their home using the Savant Control System via multiple devices including an iPad, Savant touchscreen remotes and multiple in-wall digital keypads. Photos by Jessie Zevalkink.

In this unique interior design endeavor, we breathed new life into an old woodland cabin, transforming it into a luxurious Airbnb retreat that embraces the rustic charm of the surroundings. We opted for a warm and inviting color palette. Neutral tones, black metals, and rich brown leather accents were carefully chosen to seamlessly blend with the cabin's natural surroundings. This color scheme evokes a sense of cozy elegance that harmonizes with the cabin's rustic vibe. The project involved the renovation of the kitchen and bathrooms. We modernized these spaces while ensuring they maintained the cabin's character. We meticulously curated a shopping list that aligned with the client's budget, ensuring that every element chosen for the project was of high quality and met their specific requirements. This entire project was executed remotely, showcasing the power of long-distance creativity. The result is an enchanting Airbnb cabin that offers guests a one-of-a-kind luxury experience amidst the tranquil beauty of the woods.

When integrating technology into this Northern Michigan home in Torch Lake, Spire embraced the ‘Up North’ design and made sure the technology did not compromise the aesthetic of the home. The homeowners enjoy the complete control of their home using the Savant Control System via multiple devices including an iPad, Savant touchscreen remotes and multiple in-wall digital keypads. Photos by Jessie Zevalkink.

When integrating technology into this Northern Michigan home in Torch Lake, Spire embraced the ‘Up North’ design and made sure the technology did not compromise the aesthetic of the home. The homeowners enjoy the complete control of their home using the Savant Control System via multiple devices including an iPad, Savant touchscreen remotes and multiple in-wall digital keypads. Photos by Jessie Zevalkink.

In this unique interior design endeavor, we breathed new life into an old woodland cabin, transforming it into a luxurious Airbnb retreat that embraces the rustic charm of the surroundings. We opted for a warm and inviting color palette. Neutral tones, black metals, and rich brown leather accents were carefully chosen to seamlessly blend with the cabin's natural surroundings. This color scheme evokes a sense of cozy elegance that harmonizes with the cabin's rustic vibe. The project involved the renovation of the kitchen and bathrooms. We modernized these spaces while ensuring they maintained the cabin's character. We meticulously curated a shopping list that aligned with the client's budget, ensuring that every element chosen for the project was of high quality and met their specific requirements. This entire project was executed remotely, showcasing the power of long-distance creativity. The result is an enchanting Airbnb cabin that offers guests a one-of-a-kind luxury experience amidst the tranquil beauty of the woods.

When integrating technology into this Northern Michigan home in Torch Lake, Spire embraced the ‘Up North’ design and made sure the technology did not compromise the aesthetic of the home. The homeowners enjoy the complete control of their home using the Savant Control System by using multiple devices including an iPad, Savant touchscreen remotes and multiple in-wall digital keypads. Photos by Jessie Zevalkink.

Named for the original homestead, the Aspen Leaf Ranch blends early ranch history with modern sensibility. The owner, an outdoorsman and native plant enthusiast, and former project manager of notable Seattle buildings (including the Olympic Sculpture Park and the Bullitt Center), tasked Best Practice Architecture with designing a modest yet comfortable home reflective of valley cabins and farmsteads. He desired a small home that was ‘light on the land’, yet flexible enough to accommodate visiting friends and family. Located in a quiet river valley 10 miles from the nearest town, the result is a humble compound firmly rooted in the rural vernacular. The Methow Valley was familiar to the owner from childhood ski and camping trips and he now has family who live in the area. The Valley is hot and dry in the summer and on average receives over 70 inches of snow each winter. Set in a narrow river valley below high mountain peaks, the owner wanted the new home to have a strong visual and physical connection to the surrounding landscape. For many years, the homestead was operated as a horse packing guide service, and an old agricultural barn remains that will eventually be repurposed into a ski waxing room, shop, and sauna. Two new structures make up the residential retreat: a one-bedroom main house and a carport with an adjoining guest suite, small office, and storage for outdoor equipment. Best Practice’s design prioritizes natural light and optimizes dramatic views of the surrounding meadow, forest, hills, and mountains “I wanted both the design and scale of the new buildings to reflect traditional ranch homes and cabins in the remote river valley with all the creature comforts of modern living,” said the homeowner. “Ensuring a strong connection to the outside throughout the seasons was a primary goal. Windows on all sides and three exterior doors allow me to track the many species of birds and wildlife that move through the property and access the ever-changing light and weather.” Best Practice carefully positioned the new structures to frame important vistas while minimizing disturbance to the native forest and meadow. The exterior finishes and details are consistent with historic cabins and barns in the area but stylized to acknowledge the new structure’s place in time. Metal roofing, siding, and a gravel skirt were chosen to reduce wildfire risk, and native plantings attract and support local birds and wildlife. Best Practice simplified the interior detailing with a nod towards a rural cabin aesthetic, incorporating painted beadboard, extensive built-in cabinetry, warm woods, a sizeable kitchen, and an open nook for daytime lounging and overnight guests. The design also took into account the owner’s collection of art, family heirlooms, and furniture gathered over many years. Best Practice designed this Methow Valley home to respect the history and beauty of the historic Aspen Leaf Ranch while embracing modern comforts. The design successfully meets a well-considered program for 4-season use and serves as a full-time rural retreat for the owner as well as a gathering place for friends and family.