Twilight exterior front elevation. This home has Hardi-shingle siding painted gray with white trim. The roof is a dark gray concrete tile. The driveway is a dark gray tinted concrete, while the sidewalk leading to the front door is paved with bluestone. The stone on the house and retaining wall is a limestone called Cottonwood. Photo by Paul Bonnichsen.

A sophisticated Asian-style backyard retreat. A functional and peaceful design which provides privacy and a new life to the home owners backyard. This project was designed and installed by Patkin Landscaping Inc. of Wynnewood, PA

The client purchased this property with grand plans of renovating the entire place; from top to bottom, and from inside to outside. And while the inside canvas was very generous and even somewhat forgiving, the outside space would be anything but. We wanted to squeeze in as much seating space as possible in their limited courtyard area, without encroaching on the already compact-sized pool. The first and most obvious solution was to get rid of the trees and shrubs that separated this house from its zero-lot-line neighbor. With the addition of Lueder limestone slabs, this alone would free up nearly 120 additional square feet, which happened to be the perfect amount of space for a mobile gas fire pit and sectional sofa. And all of this would make for the perfect place to enjoy the afternoon sunset with the implementation of a custom-built metal pergola standing above it all. The next problem we saw was that around the patio area, there were too many levels of steps and stairs, which meant that it would have been difficult to have any sort of traditional furniture arrangement. Randy knew that it only made sense to bring in a wood deck that could be mated to the highest level of the patio, thus creating gaining the most continuous amount of flat space that the client was wanting. But even so, that flat space would be limited to a tight "L-shape" around the pool. And knowing this, the client decided that the larger space would be more valuable to them than the spa, so they opted to have a portion of the deck built over it in order to allow for a more generous amount of patio space. And with the edge of the patio/deck dropping off almost 2 feet to the waterline, it now created the perfect opportunity to have a visually compelling raised wall that could be adorned with different hues of plank-shaped tiles. From inside the pool, the varying shades of brown were a great accent to the wood deck that sat just above. However, the true visual crowning jewel of this project would end up being the raised back wall along the fence, fully encased in a large format, 24x24 slate grey tile, complete with a custom stainless steel, square-tube scupper bank, installed at just the right height to create the perfect amount of water noise. But Randy wasn't done just yet. With two entirely new entertaining areas opened up at opposite ends of the pool, the only thing left to do now was to connect them. Knowing that he nor the client wanted to eliminate any more water space, he decided to bring a new traffic pattern right into the pool by way of two "floating", Lueder limestone stepper pads. It would be a visually perfect union of both pool and walking spaces. The existing steps and walkways were then cut away and replaced with matching Lueder limestone caps and steppers. All remaining gaps were then filled with Mexican beach pebble, which helped to promote a very "zen-like" feel in this outdoor space. The interior of the pool was coated with Wet Edge Primerastone "Blue Pacific Coast" plaster, and lit up with Pentair GloBrite LED pool lights. In the end, the client ended up gaining the additional entertaining and seating space that they needed, and the updated, modern feel that they loved.

Transitional kitchen photo in Toronto

Quartz counter tops, with a silver frame mirror highlight this small guest bathroom. I specifically designed the cabinets with the sink to one side, this allows two people in the bathroom at one time. One can use the sink without encroaching too far into the person using the counter space on the left. I prefer more functional counter space versus trying to squeeze in two sinks, which reduces functional space.

Sutter Photographers 2014 CotY Award - Entire House Under $250,000 -The original kitchen door to the left of the range was replaced with a new Marvin corner window. We kept the original header and incorporated the style of nearby windows. It looks original to the home. -The 100 yr old home needed some structural repair, which encroached upon the initial budget. To keep the look, we had the hood faux painted to look like Zinc. This decision saved thousands without compromising the aesthetic. -3x6 travertine tile and a glass + stone mosaic tile were used to enhance the cabinets and stove area.

Primary Bedroom remodel with an adjoining Primary Bath addition. A space-saving track door separates the elegantly minimalist bedroom, where a Samsung Frame TV offers modern entertainment without encroaching on the room’s aesthetic. The en suite bath features a thermostatic brass rain shower and handheld spray, complemented by a toiletry ledge designed to accommodate items of any size. The deep, wide soaking tub, framed with a wooden apron, offers a serene view of the outdoors, creating a sense of closeness to nature. A freestanding white oak double vanity with a Carrara marble top, wall-mounted faucets, and mirrored medicine cabinets maintain a sleek, minimalist look while keeping essentials within easy reach. The adjoining walk-in closet is outfitted with custom shelving that not only meets all storage needs but also enhances the room’s overall appeal.

Primary Bedroom remodel with an adjoining Primary Bath addition. A space-saving track door separates the elegantly minimalist bedroom, where a Samsung Frame TV offers modern entertainment without encroaching on the room’s aesthetic. The en suite bath features a thermostatic brass rain shower and handheld spray, complemented by a toiletry ledge designed to accommodate items of any size. The deep, wide soaking tub, framed with a wooden apron, offers a serene view of the outdoors, creating a sense of closeness to nature. A freestanding white oak double vanity with a Carrara marble top, wall-mounted faucets, and mirrored medicine cabinets maintain a sleek, minimalist look while keeping essentials within easy reach. The adjoining walk-in closet is outfitted with custom shelving that not only meets all storage needs but also enhances the room’s overall appeal.

Primary Bedroom remodel with an adjoining Primary Bath addition. A space-saving track door separates the elegantly minimalist bedroom, where a Samsung Frame TV offers modern entertainment without encroaching on the room’s aesthetic. The en suite bath features a thermostatic brass rain shower and handheld spray, complemented by a toiletry ledge designed to accommodate items of any size. The deep, wide soaking tub, framed with a wooden apron, offers a serene view of the outdoors, creating a sense of closeness to nature. A freestanding white oak double vanity with a Carrara marble top, wall-mounted faucets, and mirrored medicine cabinets maintain a sleek, minimalist look while keeping essentials within easy reach. The adjoining walk-in closet is outfitted with custom shelving that not only meets all storage needs but also enhances the room’s overall appeal.

Boardman Construction
Inspiration for a small timeless formal and open concept light wood floor living room remodel in Detroit with yellow walls, a standard fireplace, a wood fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv

Primary Bedroom remodel with an adjoining Primary Bath addition. A space-saving track door separates the elegantly minimalist bedroom, where a Samsung Frame TV offers modern entertainment without encroaching on the room’s aesthetic. The en suite bath features a thermostatic brass rain shower and handheld spray, complemented by a toiletry ledge designed to accommodate items of any size. The deep, wide soaking tub, framed with a wooden apron, offers a serene view of the outdoors, creating a sense of closeness to nature. A freestanding white oak double vanity with a Carrara marble top, wall-mounted faucets, and mirrored medicine cabinets maintain a sleek, minimalist look while keeping essentials within easy reach. The adjoining walk-in closet is outfitted with custom shelving that not only meets all storage needs but also enhances the room’s overall appeal.

A view from the kitchen towards the living room featuring a modern fireplace
Large minimalist open concept light wood floor living room photo in San Diego with white walls, a ribbon fireplace, a concrete fireplace and no tv

This modern bathroom remodel features a simplistic design with huge impact. The Touch Summer SBN tile wainscotting doubles as the shower surround. The wall mounted vanity displays a beautiful contrast between the white countertop and wood finish cabinetry. The white bathtub and chrome fixtures complete this clean, modern look.

The land parcel that our client purchased for his home is unique in numerous ways. Located in the desert country of Southwest Colorado in the historically and archaeologically significant McElmo Canyon, it encompasses 20 acres of seasonally irrigated ranch land along the banks of McElmo Creek. The richly colored sandstone canyon walls that rise on the other side of the creek are included in the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. Mantell-Hecathorn Builders oriented the house on the property with great care. The goals included: Maximizing solar exposure for photovoltaic panels and passive solar benefits Retaining the irrigated acreage for continued agricultural hay production Avoiding encroachment into the natural riparian zone located along McElmo Creek, which has year around water flow (rare in the desert ecosystem) Locating and designing the home to stay above a potential floodplain level (more as a precaution due to lack of historical evidence flooding) Focusing on the beautiful views to the north of the sandstone canyon walls and Sleeping Ute Mountain to the south, while maintaining the privacy and seclusion of the setting This home won the Department of Energy's Housing Innovation Award in 2016 for its efficiency, comfort, and design making this Net Zero home truly in a league of its own.

Sutter Photographers 2014 CotY Award - Entire House Under $250,000 -The original kitchen door to the left of the range was replaced with a new Marvin corner window. We kept the original header and incorporated the style of nearby windows. It looks original to the home. -The 100 yr old home needed some structural repair, which encroached upon the initial budget. To keep the look, we had the hood faux painted to look like Zinc. This decision saved thousands without compromising the aesthetic. -3x6 travertine tile and a glass + stone mosaic tile were used to enhance the cabinets and stove area. -Display cabinets above the peninsula carries light between rooms while displaying items. -A simple yet effective light detail adds a finished look to the kitchen.

Primary Bedroom remodel with an adjoining Primary Bath addition. A space-saving track door separates the elegantly minimalist bedroom, where a Samsung Frame TV offers modern entertainment without encroaching on the room’s aesthetic. The en suite bath features a thermostatic brass rain shower and handheld spray, complemented by a toiletry ledge designed to accommodate items of any size. The deep, wide soaking tub, framed with a wooden apron, offers a serene view of the outdoors, creating a sense of closeness to nature. A freestanding white oak double vanity with a Carrara marble top, wall-mounted faucets, and mirrored medicine cabinets maintain a sleek, minimalist look while keeping essentials within easy reach. The adjoining walk-in closet is outfitted with custom shelving that not only meets all storage needs but also enhances the room’s overall appeal.

Primary Bedroom remodel with an adjoining Primary Bath addition. A space-saving track door separates the elegantly minimalist bedroom, where a Samsung Frame TV offers modern entertainment without encroaching on the room’s aesthetic. The en suite bath features a thermostatic brass rain shower and handheld spray, complemented by a toiletry ledge designed to accommodate items of any size. The deep, wide soaking tub, framed with a wooden apron, offers a serene view of the outdoors, creating a sense of closeness to nature. A freestanding white oak double vanity with a Carrara marble top, wall-mounted faucets, and mirrored medicine cabinets maintain a sleek, minimalist look while keeping essentials within easy reach. The adjoining walk-in closet is outfitted with custom shelving that not only meets all storage needs but also enhances the room’s overall appeal.

Primary Bedroom remodel with an adjoining Primary Bath addition. A space-saving track door separates the elegantly minimalist bedroom, where a Samsung Frame TV offers modern entertainment without encroaching on the room’s aesthetic. The en suite bath features a thermostatic brass rain shower and handheld spray, complemented by a toiletry ledge designed to accommodate items of any size. The deep, wide soaking tub, framed with a wooden apron, offers a serene view of the outdoors, creating a sense of closeness to nature. A freestanding white oak double vanity with a Carrara marble top, wall-mounted faucets, and mirrored medicine cabinets maintain a sleek, minimalist look while keeping essentials within easy reach. The adjoining walk-in closet is outfitted with custom shelving that not only meets all storage needs but also enhances the room’s overall appeal.

Primary Bedroom remodel with an adjoining Primary Bath addition. A space-saving track door separates the elegantly minimalist bedroom, where a Samsung Frame TV offers modern entertainment without encroaching on the room’s aesthetic. The en suite bath features a thermostatic brass rain shower and handheld spray, complemented by a toiletry ledge designed to accommodate items of any size. The deep, wide soaking tub, framed with a wooden apron, offers a serene view of the outdoors, creating a sense of closeness to nature. A freestanding white oak double vanity with a Carrara marble top, wall-mounted faucets, and mirrored medicine cabinets maintain a sleek, minimalist look while keeping essentials within easy reach. The adjoining walk-in closet is outfitted with custom shelving that not only meets all storage needs but also enhances the room’s overall appeal.