Our mission was to create an ocean and California lifestyle-inspired space that would invite consistent clicks, bookings and five-star reviews. To make the most of the great location, we designed Project 11 for travelling singles and couples searching for a cozy and welcoming condo within walking distance to downtown San Diego. Project 11 would also be used by our clients when it was unoccupied, so it had to be practical, functional and beautiful, too. Our clients had a limited budget, so we got thrifty and sourced furnishings from Target, Ikea, Amazon and Etsy. The oversized art prints – which set the tone for our relaxing and soothing beachy theme – were hunted down and found at Etsy of California Lifestyle. We made the most of layers, colors and texture to create spaces that conjured calming ocean vibes and felt wholeheartedly welcoming. We couldn’t repaint the walls, but they gave us a neutral color palette to work with. We built on it by adding in pops of color while maintaining a minimalist approach to understated style. Then we had some fun and added in cute touches like Cali and San Diego inspired mugs, an adorable Kerig to tie in the colors of the ocean again, a swivel chair to view the sunrise and sunset and a totally pimped-out kitchen with all the cooking accessories a guest would need to feel at home in Project 11. By the time we were done, we were tempted to scoop up the first available booking for ourselves! Finally, we invested our energy in designing for effortless functionality so our client’s guests had everything they needed during their stay. Photography: Meg Marie

Transitional entryway photo in St Louis

A new courtyard house for a young family near Alford, Aberdeenshire. The form of the house is influenced by a typical form of steading in Aberdeenshire, which form a courtyard which is open at one end. This provides a sense of enclosure to the house, and a sheltered courtyard, but maintains a strong connection between the courtyard and the landscape beyond, which is embraced by the house. Every room is designed to have the option of opening out directly into the courtyard, allowing the client to open the whole house up to the garden during the summer months if desired. The house is designed to sit gently on the land, with a lightweight timber structure and timber cladding giving the house a low embodied carbon footprint, and renewables including photovoltaics and an air source heat pump providing a low operating carbon footprint and energy bills.

Building materials are one of the primary sources of indoor air contaminants that negatively affect the health of our living spaces The EcoCraft team has meticulously selected building materials that are healthy, recyclable, and free of harmful contaminants thereby improving the health of our homes. Consistent temperatures between floors, rooms, and surfaces play a critical role in how humans experience true comfort. Consider also, quiet spaces free of outside ambient noise have been proven to improve sleep, focus, and productivity. Our extra thick walls and energy star windows reduce sound transfer between the interior and exterior spaces, while our state of the art mechanical systems run quietly to provide an experience you can feel, but can barely hear. Call 1-800-274-6198 to start custom designing your dream luxury home today.

INTERIOR --- -Two-zone heating and cooling system results in higher energy efficiency and quicker warming/cooling times -Fiberglass and 3.5” spray foam insulation that exceeds industry standards -Sophisticated hardwood flooring, engineered for an elevated design aesthetic, greater sustainability, and the highest green-build rating, with a 25-year warranty -Custom cabinetry made from solid wood and plywood for sustainable, quality cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom vanities -Fisher & Paykel DCS Professional Grade home appliances offer a chef-quality cooking experience everyday -Designer's choice quartz countertops offer both a luxurious look and excellent durability -Danze plumbing fixtures throughout the home provide unparalleled quality -DXV luxury single-piece toilets with significantly higher ratings than typical builder-grade toilets -Lighting fixtures by Matteo Lighting, a premier lighting company known for its sophisticated and contemporary designs -All interior paint is designer grade by Benjamin Moore -Locally sourced and produced, custom-made interior wooden doors with glass inserts -Spa-style mater bath featuring Italian designer tile and heated flooring -Lower level flex room plumbed and wired for a secondary kitchen - au pair quarters, expanded generational family space, entertainment floor - you decide! -Electric car charging

In this primary bathroom, the lighting scheme was key to achieve the client’s goals and create a space where the client would enjoy being. The bathroom felt cramped, dark, visually heavy. The client was also claustrophobic, making the use of the space uncomfortable. The goal was to transform this space into a relaxed modern spa-like atmosphere, rethink and simplify the floorplan avoiding visual clutter, access natural light, add efficient lighting, and create more visual space. The lighting plan was crucial to increase visual space. My first thought was to add a skylight to access natural light that is so effective in enlarging the feel of a space. After looking at the attic and roof lines it became clear that this was not an option. After some research I found the perfect solution: a smart light fixture that mimics a window. It is installed between studs or ceiling joists. The fixture replicates the light of the sun during the day. It goes from soft morning light - to bright noon - to soft dawn light. By recessing the fixture into the ceiling, the skylight-look and extra height was achieved. The benefits of this light go beyond beautiful design. The fixture is sustainable, energy efficient, and made to last for decades. It regulates the body’s circadian rhythm, helping against sleeping problems and seasonal affective disorder. It also integrates biophilic design, creating connections to nature and benefiting people that spend hours indoors. The use of mood lighting was also key, creating a cozy, welcoming feel to this home-spa. All the lights are dimmable, and plenty of indirect light sources, like the gorgeous vanity pendants and LED mirrors, create the perfect setting. Not forgetting to mention the soft curves of the bathtub chandelier. This is the perfect place to relax in the bubbly bathtub!

INTERIOR --- -Two-zone heating and cooling system results in higher energy efficiency and quicker warming/cooling times -Fiberglass and 3.5” spray foam insulation that exceeds industry standards -Sophisticated hardwood flooring, engineered for an elevated design aesthetic, greater sustainability, and the highest green-build rating, with a 25-year warranty -Custom cabinetry made from solid wood and plywood for sustainable, quality cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom vanities -Fisher & Paykel DCS Professional Grade home appliances offer a chef-quality cooking experience everyday -Designer's choice quartz countertops offer both a luxurious look and excellent durability -Danze plumbing fixtures throughout the home provide unparalleled quality -DXV luxury single-piece toilets with significantly higher ratings than typical builder-grade toilets -Lighting fixtures by Matteo Lighting, a premier lighting company known for its sophisticated and contemporary designs -All interior paint is designer grade by Benjamin Moore -Locally sourced and produced, custom-made interior wooden doors with glass inserts -Spa-style mater bath featuring Italian designer tile and heated flooring -Lower level flex room plumbed and wired for a secondary kitchen - au pair quarters, expanded generational family space, entertainment floor - you decide! -Electric car charging

Achieve a dark and peaceful haven for restful sleep in this mid-century modern bedroom with large-cell blackout cellular blinds for picture windows. These shades effectively block out external light sources and provide enhanced sound insulation, ensuring a deeper, uninterrupted sleep. The large cell structure offers superior R-value insulation, keeping your bedroom comfortable and reducing energy bills. The sleek, modern traditional design and subtle white color blend effortlessly with calm decor, contributing to a tranquil and inviting atmosphere for relaxation. The color-coordinated, fabric-wrapped hardware offers a seamless, bespoke look that elevates the room's elegant aesthetic.

Along South Boulder Creek near Eldorado Springs, Basecamp is more than a home—it’s the launching point for a couple’s next great adventure in retirement. This 3,500 square foot sanctuary reflects the homeowners’ love of art, wildlife, and quiet beauty. Working with Rodwin Architecture, they envisioned a home that honors the site, celebrates natural light, and supports aging in place—while creating daily moments of connection to the outdoors. The home is a spatially rich design with an open yet composed rhythm, where carefully framed views bring both privacy and panorama. The owners infused it with inspirations from Europe, including its traditional beam-work, a unique tearoom solarium, and an exquisite old-world kitchen. Inside, natural materials and layered finishes create a warm, inviting palette. Creamy Texas limestone wraps the fireplace hearth, while bold art, custom furnishings, and handcrafted details bring joyful character throughout. The great room anchors the home with vaulted ceilings, exposed timber beams, and expansive windows that capture views of the mountains and the creek. Window seats create intimate moments for reading, reflection, and wildlife watching. The home’s L-shaped plan places the great room on a 45-degree angle between wings to capture a perfect view across the meadow to the Flatirons – and carefully nestled between a pair of beloved hundred-year-old Cottonwoods. This gesture opens to a sweeping patio that cascades into the landscape, connecting every main living space to the outdoors. The site terraces down to restored creek banks, supporting safe passage for elk, deer, coyotes, and more through renewed wildlife corridors. Basecamp is also a model of ecological stewardship. After deconstructing the previous home, 89% of materials were diverted from the landfill through Perks Deconstruction. The new home achieved a HERS rating of 22 and includes a 9.6 kW rooftop solar array, a 20 SEER air-source heat pump, ERV, LED lighting, and low-flow fixtures. In partnership with a local biologist and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the team integrated subtle screening to protect the threatened Preble’s meadow jumping mouse by shielding night lighting. The result is a retreat that forms a partnership with its site —rooted in place, open to the wild—and true to its name: a Basecamp you reach after miles on the trail, where the light softens, wildflowers line the meadow, and you feel both held by the landscape and free within it. Built by Skycastle Construction.

Enhance the Beauty and Functionality of Your Modern Farmhouse with a Custom Pool from Babcock Are you searching for an exceptional and unique pool design to complete your modern farmhouse aesthetic? Look no further than Babcock Custom Pools, your trusted source for contemporary and rustic pool designs. Our state-of-the-art modern farmhouse pools seamlessly blend sophistication and natural charm, making them the perfect addition to any outdoor living space. Our expert pool builders craft each design with precision and attention to detail, utilizing only the finest materials for long-lasting durability. From clean lines and minimalistic aesthetics to top-notch weather-resistant construction, you can trust that your Babcock pool will be the epitome of beauty and longevity. But our commitment to excellence doesn’t end there. Babcock Custom Pools also integrates advanced features to elevate your swimming experience. Energy-efficient pumps, filters, and lighting systems are just some of the cutting-edge features you can expect in your custom pool design. Don’t settle for just any pool, bring your dream modern farmhouse oasis to life with Babcock Custom Pools. Whether you prefer a simple, elegant design or a more elaborate outdoor haven, our team has the expertise and experience to bring your vision to reality. Get in touch with us today to start planning your stunning modern farmhouse pool!

The Legendary Rockstar Pool Build — A Backyard Concert Venue and Custom Swimming Pool The Rockstar Pool is one of the most ambitious, imaginative, and large-scale residential pool builds ever completed by Legendary Escapes. Designed and built by Al Curtis, this project was created for a homeowner whose entire life revolves around performance, music, and living boldly. This is far more than a swimming pool. It is a backyard concert venue, a sculpted grotto, a hot tub, a swim-up bar, a VIP lounge, a performance platform, and a fully engineered artistic environment built as a single cohesive experience. A Client With a True Rockstar Life The homeowner’s request was simple in spirit but extraordinary in scale: create a pool environment that matched a life centered on creativity and performance. His background includes jousting at the Michigan Renaissance Festival, on-stage theatrical work, a home rebuilt around music and entertainment, and longstanding connections within the rock world. With a 16-acre horse farm and a passion for bold design, he needed a pool that reflected his personality. His project requirements included a grotto, waterfall, hot tub, swim-up bar, performance area, and multiple lounging zones. Every feature had to feel original, dramatic, and purposeful. The Design Vision Designer and builder Al Curtis immediately recognized that this build needed to be expansive, theatrical, and seamlessly integrated into the landscape. The pool needed to make a statement without obstructing panoramic views of the surrounding farm and open sky. The spark for the design came from an unexpected source: steel grates salvaged from an old carnival tilt-a-whirl ride. This inspired the concept of a floating performance stage built over the pool. What began as a small idea quickly grew into a large-scale platform complete with a concrete stage, integrated lighting, waterfalls, backstage areas, and custom metalwork. As the stage expanded, so did the pool, the patio, and the entire environment—ultimately transforming the backyard into a private amphitheater. Repurposed Materials Used as Art Legendary Escapes is known for incorporating reclaimed materials into artistic, sculptural pool environments. This project includes an extraordinary collection of repurposed components: Tilt-a-whirl steel used as the main stage structure Carnival flooring panels transformed into large fire-feature guitars Trumpet and trombone bells refitted as lighting fixtures Reclaimed street lamps custom-painted for poolside lighting 3D-printed album covers used as illuminated wall panels Concrete replicas of Marshall speakers integrated under the stage Every material was selected to bring character, history, and energy to the space. Artistic Features and Highlights The Rockstar Pool includes numerous custom artistic elements, such as: A ten-foot mosaic “album cover” inset into the pool floor Eight-foot sculpted guitars along the fence line Guitar-shaped fire features Backlit album panels positioned just above the water A “Rockstar” sign paired with sculpted concrete amplifier towers A VIP seating area built from restored tilt-a-whirl ride cars Every corner of the environment contains layered artistic details. Engineering Challenges and Solutions Creating a fully functional concert stage over the deep end of the pool required extensive planning and engineering. Key complexities included: Designing a safe, weight-bearing steel and concrete stage structure Adjusting stage elevation mid-build to achieve optimal height Installing three complete filtration systems concealed beneath the stage Applying ecoFinish throughout the pool, spa, and grotto Rebuilding existing decking and integrating a three-story observation tower Ensuring the massive pool structure preserved the property’s sightlines The technical demands of this project were matched only by the creative vision behind it. The Legendary Team This build was completed by a multi-generational team of craftsmen and artists, including: Al Curtis – Designer and builder Jesse Curtis – Project manager and construction artist Mark Curtis – Filtration systems and plumbing Annie Curtis – Stonework and water features Karen Olson – Tile, stonework, and patio murals Frank DiPiazza – Structural construction and decking Brendan Schafer – On-site support and maintenance dbaker designs – Custom mosaic creation Daren Baker – Custom metal guitars and lighting elements Each contributor played a critical role in shaping the final environment. A Client Who Trusted the Process As with many Legendary Escapes projects, this build evolved organically. The homeowner provided inspiration and trust, allowing the team to respond to the evolving environment. Several features—including the guitar fence, fire elements, and VIP seating area—were conceived and built during the process as the design revealed new opportunities. The Final Result The Rockstar Pool is now a fully functional concert venue, swimming pool, artistic installation, and outdoor living space. It is dramatic, expressive, engineered with care, and truly one-of-a-kind. This project reflects the homeowner’s personality and passion, and stands as one of the most ambitious designs ever produced by Legendary Escapes.

Building materials are one of the primary sources of indoor air contaminants that negatively affect the health of our living spaces The EcoCraft team has meticulously selected building materials that are healthy, recyclable, and free of harmful contaminants thereby improving the health of our homes. Consider also that consistent temperatures between floors, rooms, and surfaces plays a critical role in how humans experience true comfort. Our advanced airtight continuously insulated building envelopes eliminate drafts and cold surface to ensure consistent air and surface temperatures. Individually zoned floors and spaces provide occupant control for added flexibility and individualized temperature settings. Our extra thick walls and energy star windows reduce sound transfer between the interior and exterior spaces, while our state of the art mechanical systems run quietly to provide an experience you can feel, but can barely hear.

In this primary bathroom, the lighting scheme was key to achieve the client’s goals and create a space where the client would enjoy being. The bathroom felt cramped, dark, visually heavy. The client was also claustrophobic, making the use of the space uncomfortable. The goal was to transform this space into a relaxed modern spa-like atmosphere, rethink and simplify the floorplan avoiding visual clutter, access natural light, add efficient lighting, and create more visual space. The lighting plan was crucial to increase visual space. My first thought was to add a skylight to access natural light that is so effective in enlarging the feel of a space. After looking at the attic and roof lines it became clear that this was not an option. After some research I found the perfect solution: a smart light fixture that mimics a window. It is installed between studs or ceiling joists. The fixture replicates the light of the sun during the day. It goes from soft morning light - to bright noon - to soft dawn light. By recessing the fixture into the ceiling, the skylight-look and extra height was achieved. The benefits of this light go beyond beautiful design. The fixture is sustainable, energy efficient, and made to last for decades. It regulates the body’s circadian rhythm, helping against sleeping problems and seasonal affective disorder. It also integrates biophilic design, creating connections to nature and benefiting people that spend hours indoors. The use of mood lighting was also key, creating a cozy, welcoming feel to this home-spa. All the lights are dimmable, and plenty of indirect light sources, like the gorgeous vanity pendants and LED mirrors, create the perfect setting. Not forgetting to mention the soft curves of the bathtub chandelier. This is the perfect place to relax in the bubbly bathtub!

This home, set at the end of a long, private driveway, is far more than meets the eye. Built in three sections and connected by two breezeways, the home’s setting takes full advantage of the clean ocean air. Set back from the water on an open plot, its lush lawn is bordered by fieldstone walls that lead to an ocean cove. The hideaway calms the mind and spirit, not only by its privacy from the noise of daily life, but through well-chosen elements, clean lines, and a bright, cheerful feel throughout. The interior is show-stopping, covered almost entirely in clear, vertical-grain fir—most of which was source from the same place. From the flooring to the walls, columns, staircases and ceiling beams, this special, tight-grain wood brightens every room in the home. At just over 3,000 feet of living area, storage and smart use of space was a huge consideration in the creation of this home. For example, the mudroom and living room were both built with expansive window seating with storage beneath. Built-in drawers and cabinets can also be found throughout, yet never interfere with the distinctly uncluttered feel of the rooms. The homeowners wanted the home to fit in as naturally as possible with the Cape Cod landscape, and also desired a feeling of virtual seamlessness between the indoors and out, resulting in an abundance of windows and doors throughout. This home has high performance windows, which are rated to withstand hurricane-force winds and impact rated against wind-borne debris. The 24-foot skylight, which was installed by crane, consists of six independently mechanized shades operating in unison. The open kitchen blends in with the home’s great room, and includes a Sub Zero refrigerator and a Wolf stove. Eco-friendly features in the home include low-flow faucets, dual-flush toilets in the bathrooms, and an energy recovery ventilation system, which conditions and improves indoor air quality. Other natural materials incorporated for the home included a variety of stone, including bluestone and boulders. Hand-made ceramic tiles were used for the bathroom showers, and the kitchen counters are covered in granite – eye-catching and long-lasting.

A dated, low-ceiling white sunroom addition was completely reimagined into a bright, modern, year-round living space with clean lines and bold contemporary styling. Key upgrades include: Raised and revised gables for greater ceiling height and improved proportions Taller sliding windows with upgraded gray privacy tint CONSERVAGLASS SELECT™ high-performance insulated glass BetterVue® ultra-fine insect screens Single vertical wall design on all windows and transoms for a sleek, uninterrupted glass look Fully insulated walls finished with drywall interior Rich blue aluminum-clad exterior New locally sourced entry door The result is a light-filled, energy-efficient Four Seasons sunroom that feels spacious, quiet, and perfectly suited for all-season enjoyment. Ideal for contemporary homes seeking maximum natural light without sacrificing comfort or style. Style: Contemporary Room Type: Sunroom / Four Seasons Room Features: All-Season Sunroom, Gray Tint Windows, Insulated Walls, Drywall Interior, Large Sliding Windows, Blue Exterior Brands: Four Seasons Sunrooms & Windows, CONSERVAGLASS SELECT™, BetterVue® Screens Location: Washington, DC

This elegant kitchen renovation represents the best trends in efficiency, sustainability and functionality. A redesign of the space puts new appliances in a more functional working triangle. The large island, with space for barstools, is friendly to social interaction. Overall, neutral colors and styles, along with custom woodworking, make the space timeless. It’s also sustainable and forward-thinking: No particle board was used in these cabinets, so there are no VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions. Wood materials were sourced in North America and made locally in Melbourne, Florida. Energy-saving technology includes dimmable LED light panels, which make the translucent, recycled-glass backsplashes glow under wall cabinets. LED under-cabinet lights are controlled separately, and there is motion-sensor-activated LED toe-kick lighting around the cabinets' base. A pop-up electrical outlet serves the desk. The desk has a security box that opens only with the owner’s fingerprint. There’s ample storage, and materials are easy to clean and maintain. From the family dining area, where children can do their homework, to the kitchen’s universal, accessible design, this space is comfortable and practical for all ages - a place to grow and live well.

Example of a mid-sized minimalist home design design in New York

Located at the top of Flagstaff Rd., this new 4,700sf. mountain modern home embodies all there is to enjoy about Colorado. The owners love animals – and their bustling foothills ranch includes horses, dogs, cats and a couple of two footed little ones. Staying connected to nature was paramount to the owners. The home sits on a magnificent, private 35 acre property adjacent to Open Space, and covered in Doug Fir, beautiful rock outcroppings and open pastures. The house gracefully steps down the challenging terrain, stitching it into the hillside. This passive solar home is oriented to the epic views to the south. The soaring Great room, dining room and kitchen open out onto a giant covered porch for the ultimate in indoor/outdoor living. The open floor plan allows sunlight and views from every direction. The gourmet kitchen can accommodate the whole family and is filled with custom details. Making life a little easier and more organized for the owners, they enter from the garage through a hard-working mud room/laundry with dog wash. The family dogs are a central part of their lives and the owner asked that we design bespoke kennels built-into the live-edge, Doug Fir slab casework in the dining room, so that the dogs could be with the family during meals, without giant plastic crates dominating the room. The home is filled with custom details like built-in art niches in the Great Room, a unique front entry porch, and cozy window seats in the kid’s bedrooms. Below a unique Aspen leaf chandelier, follow the stone walled stairwell down to the walk-out basement. The lower level includes a guest room, exercise room, a rec room/media room with wet-bar, and opens to a hot tub and a mountain lion-safe outdoor dog run. The house is divided into three parts: the detached garage, the main social spaces + guest & kids bedrooms, and the Primary bedroom suite. From the Great Room, the owners cross a dramatic glass bridge to reach the primary suite, giving a sense of privacy to this special retreat. The primary bedroom has a window seat, magical views, vaulted ceilings, its own private covered patio, and a barn door to the bathroom. The primary bathroom has a striking slot window between the floating vanities, again connecting the owners to nature at every turn. The sculptural soaking tub sits on an elevated plinth in a recessed nook – ideal for watching the deer, elk, moose, coyotes, raptors, turkeys, foxes, bears and mountain lions walk by. The property also boasts a detached horse barn and hay barn, and an outdoor riding ring. The near-Net-Zero (HERS 10) home’s green features include a ground source heat pump, 10KwH of solar photovoltaics, an ERV, foam insulation, and Energy Star windows. The native landscaping conserves water and minimized disruption to the idyllic site.

Blades of Spring by Jon Allen - Energy is depicted and a sense of motion and movement is truly conveyed in 'Blades of Spring'. Green is woven throughout this mostly silver five panel piece of original hand-etched metal artwork. This abstract metal wall art measuring 64" x 24" x 2" (162.56 cm x 60.96 cm x 5.08 cm) overall including suggested 1" spacing between panels. My unique, abstract metal wall sculpture is the perfect metal accent to add excitement and intrigue to your decor. This handmade piece of original artwork features beautiful silver and green tones and will be that modern touch you've been searching for. My signature-defined hand textured intricacies and carvings into the metal capture and reflect surrounding light sources creating enhanced interaction with dramatic illusions of depth and 3D movement as viewed from different angles. Hang it in your living room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, office, or outdoors. This abstract metal art will wow and impress your guests. Display under natural lighting or make this original artwork the show stopping centerpiece of any room with track lighting or gallery spot lights for dramatic effect. Lighting and other environmental factors interact with metal artwork in a unique, organic way.