This kitchen was 24 years old with the cabinets and appliances not functioning well, the flooring was cracked and in bad shape and the kitchen needed a facelift. Audrey & Karl Schmitt chose Cabinet-S-Top because we are one-stop shop and could remodel everything from floor to ceiling. This white kitchen is a timeless beauty with a style that endures and has many design features to highlight; but the customer loves the way we separated the refrigerator and freezer with a beautiful pantry to give it a more furniture feel. Audrey and Karl praised their designer, Betty Nairn and said she is beyond awesome and is professional, creative, and easy to talk to!

This elegant dining room captures the essence of traditional design, where comfort, symmetry, and timeless sophistication come together. The space feels open yet intimate, seamlessly connected to the surrounding living areas while maintaining its own sense of purpose and grace. A stunning glass dining table serves as the centerpiece, surrounded by beautifully crafted wooden chairs that introduce warmth and classic character. The natural wood flooring enhances the inviting ambiance, adding texture and continuity throughout the home. Overhead, statement light fixtures provide a soft, balanced glow, while the dark exposed ceiling beams add architectural depth and a sense of heritage. Decorative wall panels contribute artistry and refinement, reinforcing the traditional aesthetic with subtle visual drama. Designed for both everyday gatherings and special occasions, this traditional dining room offers a harmonious blend of elegance, functionality, and enduring style.

The owners hail from Europe and were looking for a home built of materials that would last. The steel frame, cementitious siding, concrete and glass making up the structure will endure for many years, making the house more sustainable. Built over a basement, the two story home uses two large glass lanterns, or light tunnels, to bring in daylight to all levels. One functions as the stairwell and both exhaust heat through operable skylights at the top. The basement is also daylit by a large exterior light well that creates a small walk-out patio. The bedrooms open onto a roof deck. Downstairs the secondary bedroom suite is used as a full-time office. The open plan living space and kitchen open to the rear yard to bring in light and view. The front of the house is shaded by an ancient oak tree that was carefully preserved throughout construction. Klopf Architecture Project Team: Geoff Campen, John Klopf, AIA, Angela Todorova, Ethan Taylor, Fernanda Bernardes, Sherry Tan
Structural Engineer: Holmes Structures
Heating and Plumbing Engineer: Monterey Energy Group
Ventilation Engineer: Pxt Consulting
Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed
Year Completed: 2022 Location: Palo Alto, CA

Modern Montana in Afton Minnesota by James McNeal & Angela Liesmaki-DeCoux, Architects and Designers at JMAD - James McNeal Architecture & Design. Detailed, creative architecture firm specializing in enduring artistry & high-end luxury commercial & residential design. Architectural photography, architect portfolio. Dream house inspiration, custom homes, mansion, luxurious lifestyle. Rustic lodge vibe, sustainable. Front exterior entrance, reclaimed wood, metal roofs & siding. Connection with the outdoors, biophilic, natural materials.Outdoor living spaces, outdoor dining area, grilling area, outdoor kitchen, backyard pool, trout pond, fishing pond, dream backyard, patio, deck, indoor-outdoor living.

Leveraging on the understated sophistication of both the simple elegant lines of the Vogue 5ft Round Table and the subtle seductive allure of 6 Apollo chairs with its refined, well-tailored appearance, the marriage of the Apollo Vogue is almost inevitable. While made to endure the robust and unforgiving changing climes of the outdoors, both chair and table have been designed to gracefully reside beautifully indoors as well. The Apollo Vogue Teak Dining Set consist of 1 Vogue 5FT Teak Round Table complemented with 6 Taupe Apollo Armchairs.

While working with the Exteriors By Mosby team, the homeowners revealed they would like their home to reflect a Craftsman style, and this was the key to an inspired re-design of their homes exterior. The exterior transformation begins by changing the 2nd story roof line from flat to gabled and installing CertainTeed Landmark 30-year architectural roof shingles. The old vinyl siding is replaced with a combination of CertainTeed insulated cedar board siding, cedar shake shingles in the 2nd story and garage gables, and vertical board and batten inside the front porch. The existing front door is retained and repainted to match the new overhead garage door. All the brick on the front façade was removed and replaced with cultured ledgestone. And the original front porch is demolished for a new concrete pour that is 12” deeper, with a new sidewalk, and 3 tapered columns with stone bases for a true Craftsman feel. The stone carries through to a new chimney, and in the backyard for 4 new columns supporting the covered patio overlooking the pool. Existing concrete decking was resurfaced or replaced. The homeowners are absolutely delighted with their exterior makeover, and feel secure about the enduring quality because the project is covered by a 10-year workmanship warranty.

Summit Ridge is a custom residence on Paris Mountain that reinterprets classic Southern architecture through a modern lens. Designed to harmonize with its wooded mountain setting, the home combines clean lines, refined materials, and enduring craftsmanship. This Paris Mountain custom home embraces its Greenville landscape, offering a sense of retreat, privacy, and balance between the natural and built environments. The exterior features a refined mix of fieldstone, smooth siding, and vertical cedar accents, layered to achieve both warmth and contrast. A standing-seam metal roof, deep overhangs, and cypress porch ceilings emphasize the home’s strong horizontal lines while improving energy efficiency and protection from the elements. Custom aluminum-clad windows and doors bring in natural light and open the interior to expansive mountain views. Exposed steel brackets and precision detailing reveal the craftsmanship that defines Greenville-based CarsonSpeer Builders’ work, where structure and artistry coexist beautifully.

The homeowner of this solarium found that it was just too hot to endure when the sun was out, but we were able to apply a film which reduced the heat by at least half, and made it much more enjoyable for her.

This kitchen remodeling project in Spring, is part of a whole house remodel Kitchen and Bath Shop did recently. In this kitchen, we used quartz countertops, a farmhouse sink, open shelves, and white, long-endurance cabinets made in the U.S.A. by WellKraft Cabinetry.

Builder: Weeks & Mitchell Remodeling Inspired by the timeless beauty of traditional craftsmanship, Lead & Laurel was designed to feel both rooted in history and tailored for modern living. The focal point of the space is a custom leaded-glass window, casting soft natural light across warm stone surfaces and creating a sense of quiet elegance throughout the room. Rich wood cabinetry introduces depth and character, while earthy tile selections and clean architectural lines provide a balanced foundation. A sculptural soaking tub positioned beneath the handcrafted window invites moments of pause, while the adjoining shower seamlessly blends functionality with refined detailing. Matte black fixtures add contrast and definition, offering a contemporary layer to an otherwise classic palette. The result is a bathroom that feels collected, enduring, and deeply personal—a retreat where old-world inspiration and modern comfort coexist in perfect harmony.

This main floor renovation provided a transitional flair in the design seamlessly blends traditional and contemporary elements, resulting in timeless and elegant spaces. This approach combines the warmth and classic charm of traditional design with the clean lines and simplicity of contemporary style, creating a harmonious balance between comfort and sophistication. Our clients couldn't be happier with the blend of traditional and contemporary design elements that have come together to form a sophisticated, welcoming, and enduring living space.

Retractable Screens, also known as Roll-up Screens and Vertical Rolling Screens are completely customized to meet the needs of the space. Easy to see through and completely retractable, exterior Retractable Screens create a cool, comfortable, insect-free environment without sacrificing your view. Designed to provide superior solar protection, they mitigate UV damage, optimize comfort and provide daytime privacy even in windy settings. Extra sun control can be achieved by increasing thread counts and weave density. Retractable Solar Shades provide energy-efficient sun shading, shelter against bugs and mosquitoes, climate control and rain/wind reduction while allowing outward visibility. Depending on screen fabric selection, our solar shade fabric selections are capable of blocking up to 95% of ultra-violet (UV) rays–saving up to 50% of the energy used to heat and cool homes. Motorize Retractable Screens provide control at the touch of a button. Somfy Motors allow activation by wall mounted toggle switch or several different types of remote control options. These Retractable Screens will stop at upper and lower limits and are able to stop any where along the travel path on command. Optional Manual Override features allow for operation in case of power outage for motorized units. Manual Operations are available on most models. Motorized Retractable Screens equipped with Somfy RTS motors may be upgraded for use in Smart Homes and operated via Smartphone or other Mobile Devices. Retractable Screens should be retracted when not in use. The screens are raised and housed inside the aluminum housing. All major components of the system are powder coated aluminum for durability, ease of operations, and longevity. All Retractable Screens from Shade & Shutter Systems come with a 5 year Warranty, to include the Somfy Motor. Retractable Screens offer wind and rain abatement for breezy days. Many of our clients enjoy outdoor patio settings along coastal areas and beach front properties. Those areas also endure regular breezes that can be knocked down with retractable Screens for a more enjoyable experience. Although these screens are not designed for storm protection, winds to 40 mph are easily abated. If you would like more information about Retractable Screens, our Product Specialists can be reached at 800-522-1599.

This carefully guided renovation brought cohesion and clarity, blending timeless detail with modern functionality for a home that feels refreshed, intentional, and enduring. A jewel-box powder room with a deep blue vanity, brass fixtures, and indigo wallpaper patterned with birds and berries, layered with a bronze mirror and globe sconces for timeless charm.

This kitchen was 24 years old with the cabinets and appliances not functioning well, the flooring was cracked and in bad shape and the kitchen needed a facelift. Audrey & Karl Schmitt chose Cabinet-S-Top because we are one-stop shop and could remodel everything from floor to ceiling. This white kitchen is a timeless beauty with a style that endures and has many design features to highlight; but the customer loves the way we separated the refrigerator and freezer with a beautiful pantry to give it a more furniture feel. Audrey and Karl praised their designer, Betty Nairn and said she is beyond awesome and is professional, creative, and easy to talk to!

Originally constructed in the 1700s, this historic building once served as a barn, enduring the test of time for centuries. Today, it has been rejuvenated into an artist's studio, thoughtfully designed by architect Anthony Miksitz, preserving its rich heritage while accommodating a new purpose. The studio boasts exposed support beams and soaring ceilings, paying homage to the structure's original function. A generous storefront window and door maintain the spacious ambiance of a barn, allowing an abundance of natural light and glimpses of the surrounding greenery to flood in. To ensure consistent lighting throughout, skylights have been thoughtfully incorporated into both the studio and bathroom. In the spirit of creating a versatile space that meets every need without disrupting the creative process, we have equipped the barn with modern plumbing, electrical systems, and HVAC. Additionally, a well-appointed kitchen alcove and a comfortable sleeping loft have been seamlessly integrated, ideal for extended and uninterrupted creative sessions.

Malibu Glass Box House by Klopf Architecture Following the devastating Woolsey Fire of 2018, the site in Malibu offered a unique opportunity to rebuild not just a home, but a new architectural composition that highlighted the property’s potential while navigating strict fire-rebuild codes in the area. Designed by Klopf Architecture, this project embraced a set of limitations and translated them into an architectural asset. The city’s fire-rebuild process required the new structure to remain close to the original footprint, size and bulk, a constraint that ultimately clarified the architectural direction. Perched near the front of a long, narrow lot, the new home frames and overlooks a private, park-like rear expanse, an uncommon luxury especially in this part of Malibu . Without a fixed program, the design process allowed for a different kind of creative focus allowing Klopf Architecture the opportunity to explore how a modernist home could best respond to this site. The team approached the project not with a list of requirements, but with a question: How might a modernist live here? What spatial qualities would inspire calm, connection, and a sense of wonder in this setting? The process became less about problem-solving and more about architectural storytelling—letting the site, the light, and the principles of modern design guide the form and flow of the home. The response emerged in the form of a glass-box pavilion, an open, Mid-Century Modern inspired living, dining, and kitchen space that floats at the edge of the property’s natural descent. Connected to the more enclosed, private areas of the home by a glass-walled hallway, the living pavilion becomes a distinct centerpiece of the design. It opens on all four sides to the landscape with decks and patios on the flanks, an internal garden and water feature to the north, and a dramatic unguarded view of the expansive backyard and ocean horizon to the south. Because of the mandated footprint, careful planning was required to ensure every space could still engage with light, landscape, or both. Strategic voids in the form of atriums and courtyards allow daylight to filter deep into the home’s core, while offering moments of surprise and retreat. These design gestures allow natural light to filter deep into the interior, creating a sense of brightness and openness throughout the day. At the same time, they expand the perceptual boundaries between inside and out, making the home feel more expansive while anchoring its connection to the surrounding landscape. The siting of the house is what gives it its unique character. Rather than receding into the backyard like the neighboring homes, the house holds a slight prominence. From the central living pavilion, stepping down into the landscape feels more like entering a secluded park where a separate existing accessory structure, trail, and recreational areas await. The home’s modest street presence gives way to this unfolding drama of space, view, and nature. Fire-resilient materials and assemblies are integrated seamlessly throughout including triple-pane glazing, under-slab and roof insulation, and locally sourced fire-rated cladding ensure the house not only meets Calfornia’s rigorous wildland-urban interface (WUI) standards, but feels effortlessly aligned with them. While technical decisions like fire-hardening and mechanical systems presented some construction challenges, particularly around the cantilevered glass box, the team found a functional compromise that preserved the integrity of the design. Inside, a restrained palette and exposed post and beam design celebrate the ethos of mid-century modernism. A central circulation spine extends from the entry to the rear glass wall, offering a continuous visual link from street to ocean. Spaces such as the library and office, though more intimate in scale, are never cut off from nature as each opens to its own unique courtyard or garden view. Though born out of a strict regulatory framework and developed without a specific client, the rebuild design unfolded with remarkable clarity. Grounded in site logic, refined by limitations and an emphasis on timeless spatial relationships – light, proportion, and a strong connection to nature, the resulting design feels both effortless and uplifting. The home lives lightly on the land, opens generously to its surroundings, and strikes a careful balance between privacy, openness, and calm. For Klopf Architecture, it stands as a compelling case study in how site, code, and circumstantial constraints can inspire enduring, modernist architecture. With years of experience reimagining mid-century modern design for how people live today, the firm took the project’s limitations as an opportunity. The result is a home shaped by open, flowing spaces, strong indoor-outdoor connections, and a calm, clear sense of structure. It’s a good reminder that even with strict constraints, there’s still room for architecture to breathe—and for modernism to keep moving forward. Klopf Architecture project team: Geoff Campen, John Klopf, AIA, and Sherry Tan Structural Engineer: ZFA Contractor: Maison D’Artiste Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2023

Upper Valley Estate Curb Appeal – El Paso, Texas This curb appeal transformation was conceived as a deliberate sequence—an arrival experience where architecture, landscape, and lighting work together as one. Every element was designed to honor the home’s stone construction, turreted forms, and Old World character while responding precisely to the Upper Valley climate and lifestyle. By day, the experience is grounded and composed. Brick-edged concrete drives establish order and permanence, guiding movement through the property with clarity and intention. Natural stone walls and columns anchor the architecture, while layered gravel beds, drought-tolerant plantings, and manicured turf soften transitions and connect the home to its desert setting. Mature trees were preserved and carefully integrated, providing scale, shade, and a sense of continuity. As afternoon shifts toward sunset, the materials begin to speak differently. Stone warms, textures deepen, and sightlines subtly draw the eye toward the front entry. The landscape narrows the focus, creating a moment of pause before arrival—calm, quiet, and refined. At night, the design reveals its final layer. Low-voltage lighting is integrated with precision, washing stone surfaces, tracing architectural curves, and uplighting specimen trees to create depth without glare. The drive, walkways, and entry feel safe, legible, and inviting, while the home itself glows with a restrained elegance. Coming home after dark feels intentional—protected, welcoming, and unmistakably yours. What was created is more than curb appeal. It is a cohesive design-build solution where nothing is ornamental without purpose and nothing is built without intention. A daily experience of arrival that reflects craftsmanship, care, and the enduring character of the Upper Valley.

Discover the enduring elegance of an Edwardian front door, adorned with intricate stained glass panels and finished in F&B Railings. This majestic entryway features a raised panel and three stained glass panels, displaying a refined geometric pattern characteristic of classic London front doors. The rich Railings finish complements the traditional tiles of the property, while the polished chrome hardware adds a touch of sophistication to the overall design. Embrace the timeless beauty of this exquisite period front door.

"About this Home: Upon entering, the grandeur of the home is immediately apparent, with 15' vaulted ceilings gracing the main living areas and a barrer ceiling in the foyer, creating an atmosphere of openness and airiness. The living space, adorned with cedar beams and a gas fireplace, flows effortlessly into the dining area, which opens to a covered back deck overlooking a large private yard—an ideal canvas for creating an outdoor oasis, perhaps with a pool and pool house. The heart of this home is undoubtedly the meticulously designed kitchen. A culinary haven, it boasts Jenn Air appliances, custom cabinetry, quartz countertops, and a striking custom hood. Every detail was considered to provide both functionality and aesthetic pleasure. The site-finished hardwood floors underfoot enhance the overall sense of refinement. The master suite, located on the main level, is a sanctuary of indulgence. The oversized bedroom leads to a spa-like master bathroom featuring a freestanding tub, an oversized shower with dual shower heads, and opulent finishes throughout. Ascending to the second level, you'll find a large en-suite bedroom and two additional bedrooms sharing a Jack & Jill bathroom, ensuring privacy and comfort for all residents. Beyond the impeccable interior, the home is framed by a generous lot size of 0.7 acres, offering the potential to create a private retreat within the city. The vision for this home was not just to provide shelter but to curate a lifestyle—a life filled with refined comfort, entertaining possibilities, and an enduring sense of home. As the builder, we are proud to present a residence where every detail has been thoughtfully considered, resulting in a timeless masterpiece that will be cherished for generations to come. MMD Construction is a member of the Certified Luxury Builders Network. Certified Luxury Builders is a network of leading custom home builders and luxury home and condo remodelers who create 5-Star experiences for luxury home and condo owners from New York to Los Angeles and Boston to Naples. As a Certified Luxury Builder, MMD is proud to feature photos of select projects from our members around the country to inspire you with design ideas. Please feel free to contact the specific Certified Luxury Builder with any questions or inquiries you may have about their projects. Please visit www.CLBNetwork.com for a directory of CLB members featured on Houzz and their contact information."