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Design by Blue Heron in Partnership with Cantoni. Photos By: Stephen Morgan
For many, Las Vegas is a destination that transports you away from reality. The same can be said of the thirty-nine modern homes built in The Bluffs Community by luxury design/build firm, Blue Heron. Perched on a hillside in Southern Highlands, The Bluffs is a private gated community overlooking the Las Vegas Valley with unparalleled views of the mountains and the Las Vegas Strip. Indoor-outdoor living concepts, sustainable designs and distinctive floorplans create a modern lifestyle that makes coming home feel like a getaway.
To give potential residents a sense for what their custom home could look like at The Bluffs, Blue Heron partnered with Cantoni to furnish a model home and create interiors that would complement the Vegas Modern™ architectural style. “We were really trying to introduce something that hadn’t been seen before in our area. Our homes are so innovative, so personal and unique that it takes truly spectacular furnishings to complete their stories as well as speak to the emotions of everyone who visits our homes,” shares Kathy May, director of interior design at Blue Heron. “Cantoni has been the perfect partner in this endeavor in that, like Blue Heron, Cantoni is innovative and pushes boundaries.”
Utilizing Cantoni’s extensive portfolio, the Blue Heron Interior Design team was able to customize nearly every piece in the home to create a thoughtful and curated look for each space. “Having access to so many high-quality and diverse furnishing lines enables us to think outside the box and create unique turnkey designs for our clients with confidence,” says Kathy May, adding that the quality and one-of-a-kind feel of the pieces are unmatched.
rom the perfectly situated sectional in the downstairs family room to the unique blue velvet dining chairs, the home breathes modern elegance. “I particularly love the master bed,” says Kathy. “We had created a concept design of what we wanted it to be and worked with one of Cantoni’s longtime partners, to bring it to life. It turned out amazing and really speaks to the character of the room.”
The combination of Cantoni’s soft contemporary touch and Blue Heron’s distinctive designs are what made this project a unified experience. “The partnership really showcases Cantoni’s capabilities to manage projects like this from presentation to execution,” shares Luca Mazzolani, vice president of sales at Cantoni. “We work directly with the client to produce custom pieces like you see in this home and ensure a seamless and successful result.”
And what a stunning result it is. There was no Las Vegas luck involved in this project, just a sureness of style and service that brought together Blue Heron and Cantoni to create one well-designed home.
To learn more about Blue Heron Design Build, visit www.blueheron.com.

Glass Expanse has created a glass door system that provides accessible luxury to home owners that want to have flexibility in their enclosures. This system enables home owners to completely open (or close off) spaces, without sacrificing the view. The individual panels provide flexibility in configurations to produce partial wind block by spacing the panels out to allow some air flow. The system is compatible with bug screens or shades.

Time for an update. This clients original kitchen was in need of an update. The hardwood floors throughout the first floor were refinished and brought back to life along with installing new tile floors in the laundry area. A new Anderson 400 series sliding door was also installed; now the access to the back deck is smooth and easy. Fabuwood cabinetry in Fusion Blanc was chosen for the perimeter keeping things bright and clean. The Fabuwood island cabinets in Fusion Chestnut provide a nice contrast to the flooring and perimeter cabinetry. Juperana Persa granite countertops and new Tumbled Silver travertine tile backsplash have great color tones that tied the whole look together. Check out the new Samsung fridge with Wi-Fi Enabled Family Hub.
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The boys bedroom features a full sized bed as well as a full sized bed on the accessible loft. The stairs slide on the track, enabling the boys to move it as they wish.

Complete with chic sliding doors, this reach-in closet reveals an elegant storage solution that maximizes space.
• Lago® Adriatic Mist finish creates a fresh look.
• 5-piece Modern Miter door fronts with Fossil Leaf Ecoresin inserts add an artistic and natural accent.
• 5-piece Modern Miter drawer fronts offer a seamless look.
• Slated matte Aluminum shoe fences keep footwear in place.
• Valet rod adds easy accessibility.
• Adjustable shelves enable adaptability..
• A decorative top cap detail finishes off the built-in design.
• Matte Aluminum decorative hardware adds polish.

We designed this beautiful cedar shake home with a metal roof and oyster shell embedded tabby fireplace. The pool is the heart of this home! The glass roll up garage door brings the outside in, and allows for entertaining to flow freely. Lots of outdoor space for lounging and soaking up the sun. An extra living space above the 3 car garage, including a kitchen area, enables guests to visit while providing access to some of the creature comforts of home. The crowning touch is the cupolas that allows for a 360 degree view, including spectacular views of the ocean.

This waterfront recording cottage is a remarkable feat of engineering and design, built in just nine months, despite the challenges posed by its location on an island with limited vehicular access. Our team worked closely with an Architect, Landscape Architect, Studio Designer & Audio Visual team to create a space that is truly one of a kind.
The cottage features a sound isolated live room and an isolation booth that are fully equipped with top-of-the-line recording equipment. The recording space is fully integrated with multi-room control, enabling the user to monitor the recording process from any room in the cottage. In addition, it is equipped with two kitchenettes, one and a half baths and a state-of-the-art Lutron lighting system, adding ambiance to the space, and setting the right mood for the musicians. The result of this custom build is a recording studio that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, providing the perfect space for creativity.

Sponsored
Sunbury, OH
J.Holderby - Renovations
Franklin County's Leading General Contractors - 2X Best of Houzz!

The site is located on the Mitchell House preparatory school campus in Polokwane. The client's brief
called for an early childhood development centre which would accommodate 122 learners and
requested that the building be evident of it's young and playful users.
Curiosity, wonder and intrigue would become defining criteria in an attempt to create a conducive
learning environment for young learners to grow, a building where children would be encouraged to
interact with their environment. The construction methodology of the building would remain apparent,
allowing its users to analyse the assembly of components.
Due to the age group of the users, the building would need to function semi-autonomously from the
rest of the school, while allowing for controlled interaction and inclusivity as is the norm for Mitchell
House. A linear plan which coincides with the developmental progress of the learners was identified
as the appropriate building typology. The spatial constraints of the site required this plan to be
moulded into the available space between the existing infrastructure, however the linear process was
maintained.
From the access-controlled reception and administration area one would move past the creative arts
and exhibition space towards the Northern wing where the youngest learners are taught. These would
share connected ablutions and storerooms between classes to enable fluid movement and
assistance throughout the teaching and service spaces. The East wing of the centre would house the
elder learners who would be in the process of being integrated with the fabric of the main school
campus. These classrooms include storage areas, however, have separate ablution facilities. The two
wings of the building surround a courtyard where play and interaction are in abundance.

We designed this beautiful cedar shake home with a metal roof and oyster shell embedded tabby fireplace. The pool is the heart of this home! The glass roll up garage door brings the outside in, and allows for entertaining to flow freely. Lots of outdoor space for lounging and soaking up the sun. An extra living space above the 3 car garage, including a kitchen area, enables guests to visit while providing access to some of the creature comforts of home. The crowning touch is the cupolas that allows for a 360 degree view, including spectacular views of the ocean.

The Whistle Hill Residence anchors a ten home modern development and introduces a refined contemporary language to the region. Clean lines, controlled massing, and expansive glazing allow the home to sit confidently within its wooded site while maintaining sensitivity to the natural landscape. Strategic elevation changes and selective steel framing create open spans and cantilevered forms without sacrificing envelope performance.
Below grade, the design integrates a full wellness program—including a massage room, sauna, and locker area—supported by multi-zone mechanical controls, advanced vapor management, and acoustically isolated assemblies. The level also features a recreation area with a mini bar, poker lounge, and substantial built-in storage, all finished to create a warm, spa-like environment.
On the main level, the open kitchen and living area transition seamlessly to a protected patio with retractable screens and high-performance sliders, enabling year-round indoor–outdoor living. A private master wing includes dual closets, an electric fireplace, an oversized walk-in shower, and a secluded patio. Supporting spaces such as the office with custom millwork, walk-in pantry, and mudroom with laundry are integrated along a clear circulation spine.
The upper floors continue the home’s emphasis on clarity and light. Two third-floor bedrooms with walk-in closets share a spacious bath, while the rooftop level offers more than 1,500 square feet of engineered outdoor living space with sweeping woodland views and direct access to a greenhouse.
With its performance-driven detailing, thoughtful spatial organization, and modern architectural expression, the Whistle Hill Residence establishes a new benchmark for contemporary residential design in the area.
The project is a partnership with DHB Homes.

2013 NARI CAPITAL COTY, MERIT AWARD WINNER, RESIDENTIAL KITCHEN UNDER $40,000
A young family expecting a child just bought their first home, a 1964 colonial in Annandale, Virginia. There were many areas they wanted to renovate, but with the woman of the house being a professional chef, the kitchen was first and foremost.
The existing kitchen was dark and dated. Upon entering the room, all of the appliances were aligned on the far wall, near the doorway to the adjacent dining room. While the original kitchen had a lot of open floor space, it had disconnected workspaces, limited counter space to prepare foods, and was generally dysfunctional.
The new owners wished to create a kitchen that would not only serve as a space to efficiently prepare meals, but also as a mini office area where the chef could have access to cookbooks and a desk for recipe writing. Additionally, it needed to be a welcoming, central part of the home where the family could expect to have many informal meals over the years. The chef desired to have more cabinet space while also adding newer, larger and additional appliances to the footprint, such as a second oven.
The addition of a large (approximately 4 feet by 7 feet) center island increased both the form and function of the room. The turned-legs and glass-faced curio cabinets that greet visitors offer a strong statement. The island maximized efficiency and was equipped with cabinetry and accessories on every side (e.g., spice cabinet, microwave cabinet, double trash can holder) and would even include an overhang on the side by the windows to serve as a breakfast bar. The large island is covered with a white macauba granite, creating a beautiful and expansive prep space.
On the far wall, an airy garden window replaced the flat metal-framed sink window. Below the window sits a large white farm-style sink. The dishwasher and double oven were installed to the right. To the left, a large 29 cubic foot French-door, bottom freezer refrigerator.
The selected maple cabinetry is frost white with pewter glazing. Coupled with the island’s espresso black finish, it creates a great yin-yang contrast and balance to the room. The bright cabinetry, garden window, added recess lights, under cabinet lights, embedded lights under the mantle hearth, and inside cabinet lights with dimmer switches enable this room to be as bright as desired.
The Zen flare to this classic French Country kitchen is complete with the addition of the Sumatran black standing pebble backsplash. These easy to clean stones add great texture and stunning contrast.
The homeowners are extremely satisfied with this new kitchen and are now looking forward to getting the rest of the house renovated.

Our team implemented exceptional custom design, smart space planning, and masterful carpentry to transform these spaces into rooms that are colorful, unique, open and functional. We removed the wall between the kitchen and lounge and replaced it with steel I-beams and a handsome buffet, opening the area with style and charm. Along the wall, we moved the location of the sink to the island and added an 8-foot wood-vinyl Pella sliding door. This enabled us to enlarge the space and provide access to the back patio. The centerpiece of the kitchen is a custom cantilever island with a flat sawn walnut table top. Additional key features include rich cabinetry by Dura Supreme, an under mount farmhouse sink, quartz countertops by Caesarstone, and a built-in refrigerator by Sub Zero with a French door and custom handles.

A Heartfelt Kitchen
A modern kitchen is more than a cooking space—it’s the welcoming core of your home. In 2025, kitchen designs marry functionality with warmth, natural beauty, and personal expression.
1. Warm Natural Materials
- Earthy woods like walnut, oak, and bamboo enrich the visual texture and add warmth to cabinetry, islands, and shelving.
- Stone surfaces—marble, quartz, soapstone—deliver durability and timeless appeal in counters and backsplashes.
- Eco-conscious finishes and reclaimed elements bring character and long-lasting quality.
- Move beyond white and gray: contemporary kitchens favor deep greens, navy blues, terracottas, and soft taupes.
- Two-tone cabinet schemes—mixing moodier lower cabinets with light upper ones—add drama and balance.
- Consider bold cabinetry or painted islands paired with neutral walls to anchor the palette.
- Expect built-in cabinetry solutions: pull-out pantries, toe-kick drawers, corner organizers, integrated sinks, and appliance garages.
- Conceal dishwashers and refrigerators behind matching panels for a clean, polished look.
- These smart features make kitchens more functional and visually serene.
- Luxury homes increasingly include a secondary “dirty” kitchen, or scullery, to handle prep and mess out of sight.
- This keeps the main space pristine for entertaining while blending function and elegance seamlessly.
- Islands serve multiple roles: prep stations, dining surfaces, coffee bars, or beverage centers.
- Floating or furniture-inspired cook’s tables fit lighter spaces while still offering storage and usability.
- Material mixes—wood, terrazzo, stone—make islands focal and functional.
- Cabinets and islands with rounded corners or fluted panels soften visual lines and add sculptural interest.
- Curved work islands and edges elevate a kitchen from purely practical to artful and inviting.
- Combine textures—ribbed wood panels, carved stone counters, matte cabinetry—to build visual richness and tactility.
- Full‑height stone backsplashes (sometimes called “countersplash”) create a unified, clean aesthetic.
- Layered materials support a timeless yet expressive design.
- Oversized pendants, sleek LED strips, metallic chandeliers, or sculptural fixtures double as decor.
- Layer light sources—ambient overhead lighting, focused under-cabinet lamps, and accent fixtures—to set mood and function.
- Natural light through windows and skylights remains key to ambiance and energy efficiency.
- Eco‑friendly materials—reclaimed wood, recycled stone, or bamboo—support conscious living.
- Smart appliances conserve water and energy while offering connectivity (voice control, smart fridges, app‑enabled cooktops).
- Low‑VOC paints, compost zones, and recycling solutions support both style and wellness.
- Kitchens built around the classic work triangle (sink, stove, fridge) optimize workflow and reduce unnecessary movement.
- Open or zoned layouts support multitasking and social cooking.
- Universal design features—adjustable counters, soft-close drawers—ensure comfort and long-lasting usability.
- Material harmony: balance tactile woods, stone surfaces, and subtle metals.
- Color with intention: jewel tones or soft earth hues create focal interest.
- Opt for hidden storage: it keeps spaces uncluttered without sacrificing accessibility.
- Design islands for dual roles: they are both workspaces and social centers.
- Light with layers and style: combine task, ambient, and accent lighting.
- Incorporate greenery: herb racks or plants deliver freshness and natural life.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Free consultation for landscape design!
Peabody Landscape Group
Columbus' Reliable Landscape Design & Contracting

A ground up design and build of a modern seven bedroom primary residence incorporating sustainable design principles built for an international family of four. The concept revolved around the need for environmental sustainability while having plentiful communal spaces to create ease for a vibrant family and their guests. Equally important was that the private spaces functioned as a retreat.
Natural light creates shifting patterns on the opposing wall of the glass paned hallway leading from the main house past the guest bedrooms and to the master suite. Subtle color palette and interior design use contrasting tactile elements to create an environment of luxury and accessibility. The views of the pool and garden through the large and continuous windows enable an ever-present connection to nature.

Transforming the homeowners 1950's bathroom to become handicapped accessible was a challenge we accepted with joy. Through innovative design, we were able to transform a linen closet into a walk-in shower, enabling this aging homeowner to remain in his home in a cost-effective way.

This rustic style home on Hartwell Lake was designed and built for the owners to enjoy with family and friends during their active weekend lifestyle. The home was built on a narrow, deep lot that was semi-level on the roadside and steep on the lakeside. The back half of the lot heavily wooded with mature oak and poplar trees reducing the harsh sun’s heat gain on the home.
The exterior utilizes fiber cement cedar shake and lap siding complimented by deep brown colors for the windows, soffit, trim and the large square columns. A nice balance of natural earth toned stacked stone rounds out the exterior materials completing the rustic casual lake living.
The home 5400 SF is designed and built on thee levels each having a primary focus. The main level creates primary daily living for the owners. This level features an open plan with an entry, stair, dining, kitchen and living areas leading to a large lakeside screened porch. A master suite is privately tucked off its own hallway and allowing it to enjoy the lakeside as well with its own private deck. On the opposite side are two bedrooms, a study and a shared bathroom for each to utilize. An open carport for two vehicles was created with the motor court and connects to the mudroom/utility room giving the owners direct entry into their home.
The upper level is for the grand children with an oversized bedroom, bathroom and loft area for play.
The lower level is the considered the party level. Its primary feature is an elevated stage for the owner’s band opened to a large seating area, dining and kitchen for viewing and listening with direct access to another screened porch. Flanking each side is a theater and two additional bedrooms and bathrooms.
Energy Efficient features include:
• The majority of the lower level sunk into the site below grade
• 6” thick walls utilizing advanced framing techniques
• Foil covered roof sheathing
• Extensive use of blown in cellulous
• All windows & doors are double paned low E argon filed glass
• Tank-less water heaters
• Three separate high efficiency HVAC units with programmable thermostats and a fresh air ERV.
Lastly the owner requested we make every effort to sound proof the home. Many materials and techniques gave a duel purpose and added to the energy efficiency.
These items include:
• 2x6 walls with staggered studs
• Extensive use if rock wool acoustic batting
• Tempered glass in all exterior doors and windows
• ¼ thick Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) was installed on the top and bottom of the floor trusses and on all lower level walls.
The combination of the design and detailing utilizing these specific materials enabled us to achieve a 5 Star Plus Energy Star Certification with a HERS Index Score of 50. This home received a the 2015 Pinnacle Award from the SC Home Builders Association for the “Best Achievement in Energy Efficiency” sponsored by the SC Department Commerce.

Time for an update. This clients original kitchen was in need of an update. The hardwood floors throughout the first floor were refinished and brought back to life along with installing new tile floors in the laundry area. A new Anderson 400 series sliding door was also installed; now the access to the back deck is smooth and easy. Fabuwood cabinetry in Fusion Blanc was chosen for the perimeter keeping things bright and clean. The Fabuwood island cabinets in Fusion Chestnut provide a nice contrast to the flooring and perimeter cabinetry. Juperana Persa granite countertops and new Tumbled Silver travertine tile backsplash have great color tones that tied the whole look together. Check out the new Samsung fridge with Wi-Fi Enabled Family Hub.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Free consultation for landscape design!
Peabody Landscape Group
Columbus' Reliable Landscape Design & Contracting

Renovisions received a request from these homeowners to remodel their existing master bath with the design goal: a spa-like environment featuring a large curb-less shower with multiple showerheads and a linear drain. Accessibility features include a hand-held showerhead mounted on a sliding bar with separate volume controls, a large bench seat in Blue Pearl granite and a decorative safety bar in a chrome finish. Multiple showerheads accommodated our clients ranging heights and requests for options including a more rigorous spray of water to a soft flow from a ceiling mounted rain showerhead. The various sprays provide a full luxury shower experience.
The curb-less Schluter shower system incorporates a fully waterproof and vapor tight environment to ensure a beautiful, durable and functional tiled shower. In this particular shower, Renovisions furnished and installed an elegant low-profile linear floor drain with a sloped floor design to enable the use of the attractive large-format (17” x 17”) Carrera-look porcelain tiles. Coordinating Carrera-look porcelain tiles with a band of color and shower cubby in Blue Pearl granite tie in with the color of the tile seat and ledge. A custom frameless glass shower enclosure with sleek glass door handles showcases the beautiful tile design.
Replacing the existing Corian acrylic countertops and integrated sinks with granite countertops in Blue Pearl and rectangular under mount porcelain sinks created a gorgeous, striking contrast to the white vanity cabinetry. The widespread faucets featuring crystal handles in a chrome finish, sconce lighting with crystal embellishments and crystal knobs were perfect choices to enhance the elegant look for the desired space.
After a busy day at work, our clients come home and enjoy a renewed, more open sanctuary/spa-like master bath and relax in style.

Design by Blue Heron in Partnership with Cantoni. Photos By: Stephen Morgan
For many, Las Vegas is a destination that transports you away from reality. The same can be said of the thirty-nine modern homes built in The Bluffs Community by luxury design/build firm, Blue Heron. Perched on a hillside in Southern Highlands, The Bluffs is a private gated community overlooking the Las Vegas Valley with unparalleled views of the mountains and the Las Vegas Strip. Indoor-outdoor living concepts, sustainable designs and distinctive floorplans create a modern lifestyle that makes coming home feel like a getaway.
To give potential residents a sense for what their custom home could look like at The Bluffs, Blue Heron partnered with Cantoni to furnish a model home and create interiors that would complement the Vegas Modern™ architectural style. “We were really trying to introduce something that hadn’t been seen before in our area. Our homes are so innovative, so personal and unique that it takes truly spectacular furnishings to complete their stories as well as speak to the emotions of everyone who visits our homes,” shares Kathy May, director of interior design at Blue Heron. “Cantoni has been the perfect partner in this endeavor in that, like Blue Heron, Cantoni is innovative and pushes boundaries.”
Utilizing Cantoni’s extensive portfolio, the Blue Heron Interior Design team was able to customize nearly every piece in the home to create a thoughtful and curated look for each space. “Having access to so many high-quality and diverse furnishing lines enables us to think outside the box and create unique turnkey designs for our clients with confidence,” says Kathy May, adding that the quality and one-of-a-kind feel of the pieces are unmatched.
rom the perfectly situated sectional in the downstairs family room to the unique blue velvet dining chairs, the home breathes modern elegance. “I particularly love the master bed,” says Kathy. “We had created a concept design of what we wanted it to be and worked with one of Cantoni’s longtime partners, to bring it to life. It turned out amazing and really speaks to the character of the room.”
The combination of Cantoni’s soft contemporary touch and Blue Heron’s distinctive designs are what made this project a unified experience. “The partnership really showcases Cantoni’s capabilities to manage projects like this from presentation to execution,” shares Luca Mazzolani, vice president of sales at Cantoni. “We work directly with the client to produce custom pieces like you see in this home and ensure a seamless and successful result.”
And what a stunning result it is. There was no Las Vegas luck involved in this project, just a sureness of style and service that brought together Blue Heron and Cantoni to create one well-designed home.
To learn more about Blue Heron Design Build, visit www.blueheron.com.

While these homeowners' 1966 Asian-inspired rancher was built for entertaining, the backyard wasn't living up to its potential. A combination of crumbling composite and wood decks wasn't functional and had become an eyesore, so they were replaced with an expanded single-level PVC deck. A new paver patio features a sunken fire pit and inset bench rocks, providing further space for entertaining. Additionally, a paver path wraps around the existing retaining wall and ramps up to the deck, providing a barrier-free entry to the house that will enable the homeowners to age in place.
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