A low retaining wall turns a sloping site into level garden spaces that are easier to plant and maintain. A beautifully built wall is also an enduring piece of garden art.

Sea glass colored tile, cool marbles, and brushed nickel create a classic and enduring design in this upscale remodel. The walk-in shower is outfitted with the Artifacts collection in brushed nickel by Kohler. Photography by Erin Little.

Builder: J. Peterson Homes Interior Designer: Francesca Owens Photographers: Ashley Avila Photography, Bill Hebert, & FulView Capped by a picturesque double chimney and distinguished by its distinctive roof lines and patterned brick, stone and siding, Rookwood draws inspiration from Tudor and Shingle styles, two of the world’s most enduring architectural forms. Popular from about 1890 through 1940, Tudor is characterized by steeply pitched roofs, massive chimneys, tall narrow casement windows and decorative half-timbering. Shingle’s hallmarks include shingled walls, an asymmetrical façade, intersecting cross gables and extensive porches. A masterpiece of wood and stone, there is nothing ordinary about Rookwood, which combines the best of both worlds. Once inside the foyer, the 3,500-square foot main level opens with a 27-foot central living room with natural fireplace. Nearby is a large kitchen featuring an extended island, hearth room and butler’s pantry with an adjacent formal dining space near the front of the house. Also featured is a sun room and spacious study, both perfect for relaxing, as well as two nearby garages that add up to almost 1,500 square foot of space. A large master suite with bath and walk-in closet which dominates the 2,700-square foot second level which also includes three additional family bedrooms, a convenient laundry and a flexible 580-square-foot bonus space. Downstairs, the lower level boasts approximately 1,000 more square feet of finished space, including a recreation room, guest suite and additional storage.

A Scullery or not? A separate baking area is positioned on the rear wall, partly partitioned off by frosted cavity sliding doors. This original wall line was retained to minimise structural changes and accommodate either an open and connected relationship with the 'home baker' chef OR discreetly hide when entertaining is underway! [See video for the magic in behind these doors and drawers!]

Michael Matisse
Example of a trendy kitchen design in Seattle with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets and stainless steel appliances

The clean, calm, restful interiors of this heart-of-the-city home are an antidote to urban living, and busy professional lives. As well, they’re an ode to enduring style that will accommodate the changing needs of the young family who lives here. Photos by June Suthigoseeya

Gorgeous master bath with dramatic retro "wave" tile. Peak Photography
Example of a 1950s bathroom design in Los Angeles

Deck - contemporary deck idea in Philadelphia

Example of a bedroom trendy girl kids' bedroom design in Los Angeles with blue walls

Wrap your home in James Hardie siding, the perfect blend of enduring strength and chic design for a standout winter haven.

Wrap your home in James Hardie siding, the perfect blend of enduring strength and chic design for a standout winter haven.

James Hardie siding: Boost your home's appeal with enduring beauty and unmatched resilience. A wise investment for every season.

Example of a trendy deck design in Philadelphia

Builder: Mike Schaap Builders Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography Both chic and sleek, this streamlined Art Modern-influenced home is the equivalent of a work of contemporary sculpture and includes many of the features of this cutting-edge style, including a smooth wall surface, horizontal lines, a flat roof and an enduring asymmetrical appeal. Updated amenities include large windows on both stories with expansive views that make it perfect for lakefront lots, with stone accents, floor plan and overall design that are anything but traditional. Inside, the floor plan is spacious and airy. The 2,200-square foot first level features an open plan kitchen and dining area, a large living room with two story windows, a convenient laundry room and powder room and an inviting screened in porch that measures almost 400 square feet perfect for reading or relaxing. The three-car garage is also oversized, with almost 1,000 square feet of storage space. The other levels are equally roomy, with almost 2,000 square feet of living space in the lower level, where a family room with 10-foot ceilings, guest bedroom and bath, game room with shuffleboard and billiards are perfect for entertaining. Upstairs, the second level has more than 2,100 square feet and includes a large master bedroom suite complete with a spa-like bath with double vanity, a playroom and two additional family bedrooms with baths.

Example of a trendy deck design in Philadelphia

Inspiration for a contemporary deck remodel in Philadelphia

Inspiration for a contemporary deck remodel in Philadelphia

ProVia Endure Windows, James Hardie Siding in Arctic White, James Hardie Shingle Siding in Arctic White

Inspiration for a contemporary deck remodel in Philadelphia