Located in the Glen Park neighborhood of San Francisco, this ground-up residence harnesses natural light throughout the day, captures views of a wind-swept park, and makes a strong visual connection to the split-level road at the front of the property. At the main living level, a continuous wall of rift-sawn oak veneer cabinetry runs the full length of the building tying the living area, kitchen, and dining area into one cohesive space. Floor-to-ceiling glass at the master suite and dining area opens the interior spaces to a dramatic view of downtown San Francisco. ​ Photo by Cesar Rubio

This designer’s ideal is homeowners with a clear vision, set priorities, and values that align seamlessly with ours. These clients, an accomplished artist and the owner of a generational hops growing farm, were collaborative and trusting from the start. They conscientiously selected a team of Architect (Green Hammer), General Contractor (Cellar Ridge) and ATIID for furnishings and finishing touches. Each firm was able to meticulously manage their leg of the project, while collaborating wholistically with each other and the homeowners. The family farmhouse, lovingly named “Westwood,” was showing the wear one expects after serving a growing family for decades. The owner’s dream was to revive, open up, and breathe modern life into each space, while respecting the home’s heritage. One of our first collaborations was the light fixture that would grace the main two-story entry hall. HiiH Lights in Astoria, Oregon, was commissioned to bring “the function of light, the craft of paper, and the art of sculpture” to the home. Visiting the maker’s space – a massive barn on his coastal property – was such an inspiring adventure! Original work by the resident artist sets an ethereal tone in the space, and an antique bench handsomely blends the old with the new. A wall that divided the home’s living room and kitchen was removed, and the breezy and bright gathering room was born. Light walls, warm wood tones, cozy upholstery, clean lines and heritage elements create a welcoming atmosphere and invite lounging and conversation. The sun-drenched nook is the home’s main indoor dining area, with an extension table and sculpted chairs that are just right for family gatherings or morning rituals with the Sunday paper. The kitchen is a chef’s dream with every modern amenity, but its casual attitude is “let’s make a mess and eat!” The owner’s artwork graces the mantel over the new fireplace that was carved from a tree felled on the property, illustrating the thoughtful consideration of each element. The muted wool area rugs in the entryways and great room are hard-wearing for farm life, and the furniture’s classic lines, bold contrasting colors, deep seating and soft textures encourage cozy conversations or large group gatherings. The library is undoubtedly our favorite space in this home. Tucked in “speakeasy style” behind a hidden (wallpapered!) door in the moody wet bar, and drenched in deep green, the room offers a quiet retreat that hugs you in an embrace of books and family photos. The cozy settee nestled between the bookcases sits opposite a custom pair of modern cognac leather wing chairs. The area rug continues the storied look without the antique price tag with a piece from Loloi’s “Heritage Collection.” A little va-va-voom was requested for the powder bath and boy did we deliver! Custom wallpaper plays over original wainscotting and ceilings wrapped in more glorious green. The space evokes joy every time you open the door! A primary suite that would “transport us to another world” and be “classic yet modern, peaceful, collected and uncluttered” was a tall order. Our new furniture layout takes full advantage of the view of wine country hills and the Willamette River, welcomes fireside lounging, and serves as a calm respite for the lovely owners. Westwood Farmhouse truly was inspired by family, genuine love for home and graciousness for all who enter. Finishing the job was emotional for all involved because we were truly made to feel like part of the family. Photography by George Barberis

“The River District Cottage”, a neglected and run down 1930s home. Despite its unique challenges, our team created a beautifully renewed home and preserved its historic River District charm. As we studied the design of the cottage, we realized the need to start from the street inward, updating all of the utilities and mechanical systems in addition to preserving the original personality of this home. The interior traffic flow was considered, resulting in the decision to create additional square footage, as well as reorganize the existing space. Once the floor plan was set, the design details had to be worked through. A lot of attention was given to the exterior as well as the interior. We did not want to simply discard the old, but restore and complement it wherever possible. The home had a hint of the classic Florida Art Deco feel and we continued that theme, from custom baseboard and casing, clean line Italian cabinetry, and the strategic use of glass tile. In order to match the existing wood floors, heart pine flooring was brought in from Georgia, resulting in a richness flowing throughout the home. Energy efficient Kitchen Aid and Bosch appliances in the kitchen were set off by the stylish granite tops. Careful attention was given to delivering efficient air quality throughout this renovated home. In keeping consistent with the original design, plenty of energy efficient windows and doors were used to allow the blending of indoor and outside space, making the home light and airy feeling. We believe the unique challenges of giving new life to this classic home have been met, including “art walls” to encourage a new set of memories for the owner of this beautifully restored home.

The new-construction house in Bethesda, Maryland, had lovely millwork, including coffered ceilings, wainscoting, crown moldings and tall baseboards. But it lacked our clients' personality and style that reflected their Southern roots and love of coastal settings. We incorporated elements like wallpaper, paint and furnishings and without having to remodel, which made a huge transformation for this home and family of six. There is a varying but also consistent blue and white theme throughout the home from navy to slate, interspersed with cheerful patterns through the throw pillows and accent fabrics, as well as bold colors in the drapery and custom sitting room built-ins. There are also coastal vibes make an appearance through several paintings, woven grass shade, jute area rugs, and driftwood finishes, to create a light and breezy organic feel.

Even deep in winter, the Matloff's exit the front door to a garden filled with blooms, texture, and vivacious color. The Indian Mallow to the left blooms with stunning sprays of yellow flowers most of the year.

This a big swing set that would look great in just about any backyard. One of the favorite features of the High Wire is the twisting curves of the spiral slide. The heavy duty spiral slide will provide a safe adrenaline rush that will make your children go up and down continuously all day long. Kids will often race each other on the two wave slides. Next on the play list is the trapeze bar with gymnastic rings which will encourage children to twist and turn as they show off to their friends. It also will help improve their overall strength and agility while they grow.

Carex sprengelii / Long-Beaked Sedge Photo: Matt Lavin, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic

A close-up photo of a fragrant inflorescence of Lo & Behold® 'Blue Chip' Butterfly Bush.
Photo of an eclectic full sun landscaping in Grand Rapids for summer.

The owners are restaurateurs with a special passion for preparing and serving meals to their patrons. This love carried over into their new outdoor living/cooking area addition. The project required taking an existing detached covered pool pavilion and expanding it into an outdoor living and kitchen destination for themselves and their guests. To start, the existing pavilion is turned into an enclosed air-conditioned kitchen space with accordion French door units on three sides to allow it to be used comfortably year round and to encourage easy circulation through it from each side. The newly expanded spaces on each side include a fireplace with a covered sitting area to the right and a covered BBQ area to the left, which ties the new structure to an existing garage storage room. This storage room is converted into another prep kitchen to help with support for larger functions. The vaulted roof structure is maintained in the renovated center space which has an existing slate roof. The two new additions on each side have a flat ceiling clad in antique tongue and groove wood with a lower pitched standing seam copper roof which helps define their function and gives dominance to the original structure in the center. With their love of entertaining through preparing and serving food, this transformed outdoor space will continue to be a gathering place enjoyed by family and friends in every possible setting.

The Home Nestled in Jackson Ranch, Thurston House welcomes you to experience the solace and comfort of this warm and peaceful home. As you step past the barnwood accented exterior, you enter a refined rustic interior with a barnwood wall and century-old beams gracing the great room. Durable, luxury, vinyl, tile flooring leads you further in, past a front office with ample sunlight. Relax as you gaze upon the Front Range, through the pines, from the great room - while a wood-burning fire crackles nearby. Continue into the spacious kitchen, complete with custom cabinets and more amazing views. An expansive walk-in pantry gives way to an oversized garage, a builder and hobbyist’s dream space. Steps away from the kitchen, the master bedroom envelops you, providing those awe-inspiring views, while balancing privacy in the pines. Whether you seek to entertain or to escape, the downstairs of Thurston House delivers. The stairs open to a lounge, complete with a wood-burning fireplace and abundant screen space, while a wet bar is tucked away for close conversation. Additional bedrooms offer comfort and privacy for overnight guests. A home gym leads to the privacy of your backyard among the pines, with mountain views to motivate you. The Builder Custom Design Builders (CDB) provides a relational partnership aimed at building the home that exists in your mind. Founder and president, Ben Woody, draws on the practical creativity of his nearly 30 years of construction experience, along with the safety consciousness he acquired as a firefighter. Ben is skillful at building according to your desires, incorporating a thoughtful design that balances safety and functionality in a dynamic process. CDB relies on the expertise acquired from years of building partnerships with the most reliable tradesmen in the area. Our team of partners consistently delivers the highest quality products and services, which has helped drive our exponential growth via word-of-mouth referrals. As a family-owned and operated business, CDB understands relationships. Engaging in a partnership with CDB is to take on an active role in designing and defining your project, while relying on the comfort and security that can only come from decades of experience. The Interior Design Thurston House brings a feeling of warmth, comfort and hospitality. Modern accents elevate your living experience by highlighting the character of century-old, hand-hewn beams and barnwood. A luxurious freestanding bathtub and Euro-style shower in the master bathroom encourage you to relax and recharge in your own spa-like retreat. Energy efficient HVAC and water systems, appliances and windows minimize your footprint. Durable flooring offers stability and longevity, and hand trowel-finished drywall with reclaimed wood accents provide a warm background for your life. The open floor plan lends itself to entertaining, and the views of the Front Range through the pines are enticing. These same spaces also feel private and individual. Whether training in the home gym for your next marathon, building your dream canoe in the garage, or relaxing while you listen to the crackle of a fire in your fireplace accented by those hand-hewn beams, Thurston House is a stunning place to call home.

The owners are restaurateurs with a special passion for preparing and serving meals to their patrons. This love carried over into their new outdoor living/cooking area addition. The project required taking an existing detached covered pool pavilion and expanding it into an outdoor living and kitchen destination for themselves and their guests. To start, the existing pavilion is turned into an enclosed air-conditioned kitchen space with accordion French door units on three sides to allow it to be used comfortably year round and to encourage easy circulation through it from each side. The newly expanded spaces on each side include a fireplace with a covered sitting area to the right and a covered BBQ area to the left, which ties the new structure to an existing garage storage room. This storage room is converted into another prep kitchen to help with support for larger functions. The vaulted roof structure is maintained in the renovated center space which has an existing slate roof. The two new additions on each side have a flat ceiling clad in antique tongue and groove wood with a lower pitched standing seam copper roof which helps define their function and gives dominance to the original structure in the center. With their love of entertaining through preparing and serving food, this transformed outdoor space will continue to be a gathering place enjoyed by family and friends in every possible setting.

Photo: Joshua Mayer, via Flickr, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic

board and batten siding from local forests
Transitional exterior home idea in Albuquerque

This warm, comfortable, and inviting space in Oakland's Dimond district meets the owners’ desire to spend active outdoor time with their dog. They are often outside caring for their garden and harvesting chard, arugula, tomatoes, scarlet runner beans, and more delicious edibles. Our first steps to creating rooms within this sloping space were adding new fencing and a deck, and expertly pruning the existing trees. Random Arizona flagstone patios at two levels and stairways provide comfortable access and space for grilling and outdoor eating. Apple, Fig, and Lemon trees thrive in the sunny microclimate.

Originally built in 1938, this bungalow cottage had enduring character, but its traditional closed kitchen layout – typical of the era – didn’t align with the way the homeowners envisioned living in the space. Inspired by their travels through England’s Cotswolds, the French countryside, and Carmel’s whimsical Storybook Cottages by the Sea, the homeowners dreamed of a home that captured the romance of cottages and one that would seamlessly connect with their stunning English-style garden. After years of attempting to reimagine the kitchen in its original location the homeowners realized it would never truly suit the way they lived & wanted to entertain. The original kitchen was historical & was built when the kitchen was the last room you wanted guests to see. It was tucked into the front corner of the home off a hallway leading to the main level bedrooms and bath. To reach the dining room, you passed through a servery swing door, then continued into the living room. While the original door had charm, it disrupted the flow and connection between the kitchen and the main living areas. To bring the homeowners’ vision to life, the design called for a bold move—relocating the kitchen entirely. We designed a 560-square-foot addition off the living room – placing the kitchen at the heart of the home and connecting it to the gardens. The new space includes a sunlit breakfast nook, a charming butler’s pantry, a garden vestibule with its own entry porch, and a wraparound porch that encourages indoor-outdoor living. The main level remodel also redefined existing spaces: the old dining room was transformed into a cozy study library, while a former bedroom became an elegant dining room just off the new kitchen. Every design decision honored the home’s original 1938 architecture and character. Matching the home’s original 1.5-story proportions, the new kitchen wing was designed with intersecting gables that echo the scale and pitch of the existing roofline. A stone-wrapped chimney topped with a handcrafted copper cap is straight from the pages of a storybook. Decorative corbels, intricate window trim, and cedar shake in the gable ends further connect the new architecture to the home’s historic detailing. Finishes and fixtures were thoughtfully chosen to marry the home’s moodier, character-rich original rooms with the brighter, lighter new spaces. The result is a timeless transformation that feels as though it has always been part of the home – an enchanting blend of storybook charm, functional design, and garden-centered living. At the ground level, a Pennsylvania bluestone porch and stone skirting ground the addition in traditional materials. Inside, a tongue-and-groove ceiling with hand-hewn beams gives purpose and intimacy to the heightened kitchen ceiling. The home’s signature arched openings were meticulously replicated in the new kitchen, breakfast nook, and dining room, ensuring a seamless transition between old and new. Every element – inside and out – was chosen to honor the original home while enhancing the charm, character, and connection to the garden. Photos by MK Photography

This home had such great potential, but its original floor plan did not encourage a natural flow. The bathroom was hard for guests to find and the kitchen and living room were separated by two large fireplaces. We added structural beams, relocated the HVAC system, and replaced the water heater with an on-demand system, creating a larger continuous space that is comfortable for entertaining or family nights at home.

The Home Nestled in Jackson Ranch, Thurston House welcomes you to experience the solace and comfort of this warm and peaceful home. As you step past the barnwood accented exterior, you enter a refined rustic interior with a barnwood wall and century-old beams gracing the great room. Durable, luxury, vinyl, tile flooring leads you further in, past a front office with ample sunlight. Relax as you gaze upon the Front Range, through the pines, from the great room - while a wood-burning fire crackles nearby. Continue into the spacious kitchen, complete with custom cabinets and more amazing views. An expansive walk-in pantry gives way to an oversized garage, a builder and hobbyist’s dream space. Steps away from the kitchen, the master bedroom envelops you, providing those awe-inspiring views, while balancing privacy in the pines. Whether you seek to entertain or to escape, the downstairs of Thurston House delivers. The stairs open to a lounge, complete with a wood-burning fireplace and abundant screen space, while a wet bar is tucked away for close conversation. Additional bedrooms offer comfort and privacy for overnight guests. A home gym leads to the privacy of your backyard among the pines, with mountain views to motivate you. The Builder Custom Design Builders (CDB) provides a relational partnership aimed at building the home that exists in your mind. Founder and president, Ben Woody, draws on the practical creativity of his nearly 30 years of construction experience, along with the safety consciousness he acquired as a firefighter. Ben is skillful at building according to your desires, incorporating a thoughtful design that balances safety and functionality in a dynamic process. CDB relies on the expertise acquired from years of building partnerships with the most reliable tradesmen in the area. Our team of partners consistently delivers the highest quality products and services, which has helped drive our exponential growth via word-of-mouth referrals. As a family-owned and operated business, CDB understands relationships. Engaging in a partnership with CDB is to take on an active role in designing and defining your project, while relying on the comfort and security that can only come from decades of experience. The Interior Design Thurston House brings a feeling of warmth, comfort and hospitality. Modern accents elevate your living experience by highlighting the character of century-old, hand-hewn beams and barnwood. A luxurious freestanding bathtub and Euro-style shower in the master bathroom encourage you to relax and recharge in your own spa-like retreat. Energy efficient HVAC and water systems, appliances and windows minimize your footprint. Durable flooring offers stability and longevity, and hand trowel-finished drywall with reclaimed wood accents provide a warm background for your life. The open floor plan lends itself to entertaining, and the views of the Front Range through the pines are enticing. These same spaces also feel private and individual. Whether training in the home gym for your next marathon, building your dream canoe in the garage, or relaxing while you listen to the crackle of a fire in your fireplace accented by those hand-hewn beams, Thurston House is a stunning place to call home.

Layered in warm, natural tones, this newly furnished home in Bend’s Caldera Springs neighborhood is a welcome retreat for our clients, their family and friends. In the great room, we laid a delightful foundation with a grassy green area rug and added rich leather and upholstery to the seating arrangement. The custom designed nesting coffee tables, a collaboration with Portland’s Garage Goods, allow for flexibility in playing a game, serving up snacks or kicking your feet up. Our texture story continues with woven leather counter stools, a sculpted entryway console and stone lamp, wabi-sabi artwork, and luxurious layers of bedding in unique palettes in each bedroom. A custom sectional and ottoman invite you to stay a while in the loft-style bonus room, and the rich pop of green in the den secretary desk makes sitting down to work feel more like play. The beautiful custom sofa is a hide-a-bed, welcoming even more guests with an additional private sleeping space. Outside, we encourage year-round gathering with inviting, low maintenance lounge and dining furniture that looks beautiful through floor to ceiling windows, inside and out, in any of our stunning Central Oregon seasons. Photos by Kayla McKenzie Photography

Step into your luxurious private retreat, designed to provide you with the utmost in comfort and opulence. The centerpiece of this space is an indulgent freestanding tub, perfectly positioned beneath a coffered ceiling, a stunning chandelier, and a large, elegant window that allows soothing natural light to fill the room. The tub itself is a masterpiece, with smooth curves and a pristine white finish. Underfoot, heated tiles offer a welcoming touch, ensuring warmth greets every step, especially on those chilly mornings. The pampering continues as you step out of the tub or shower, with the heated floor caressing your senses. A spacious double vanity enhances the room, adorned with high-end fixtures and ample storage. The countertop is a stunning piece of stone, accentuating the room's elegance. Large, well-lit mirrors above each sink make preparing for the day a breeze. Luxury abounds in this ensuite, from the gleaming polished nickel fixtures to the exquisite cabinetry adorned with beautiful hardware. The soft, neutral color palette on the walls creates a tranquil ambiance that encourages relaxation. As you enter this personal sanctuary, a sliding barn door sets the tone, infusing a hint of rustic charm that beautifully complements the overall contemporary design. The door slides effortlessly, revealing your own haven. This ensuite embodies the perfect blend of comfort, aesthetics, and functionality. It's a space where you can pamper yourself and unwind in the lap of luxury. Every detail has been carefully curated to create a soothing and sophisticated atmosphere just for you. Experience the difference and make this your personal oasis today.