Product: Authentic Limestone for Exterior Living Spaces. Ancient Surfaces Contacts: (212) 461-0245 Email: Sales@ancientsurfaces.com Website: www.AncientSurfaces.com The design of external living spaces is known as the 'Al Fresco' design style as it is called in Italian. 'Al Fresco' translates into 'the open' or 'the cool/fresh exterior'. Customizing a fully functional outdoor kitchen, pizza oven, BBQ, fireplace or Jacuzzi pool spa all out of old reclaimed Mediterranean stone pieces is no easy task and shouldn’t be created out of the lowest common denominator of building materials such as concrete, Indian slates or Turkish travertine. The one thing you can bet the farmhouse on is that when the entire process unravels and when your outdoor living space materializes from the architects rendering to real life, you will be guaranteed a true Mediterranean living experience if your choice of construction material was as authentic and possible to the Southern Mediterranean regions. We believe that the coziness of your surroundings brought about by the creative usage of our antique stone elements will only amplify that authenticity. whether you are enjoying a relaxing time soaking the sun inside one of our Jacuzzi spa stone fountains or sharing unforgettable memories with family and friends while baking your own pizzas in one of our outdoor BBQ pizza ovens, our stone designs will always evoke in most a feeling of euphoria and exultation that one only gets while being on vacation is some exotic European island surrounded with the pristine beauty of indigenous nature and ancient architecture...

Some refer to this home as a Pacific Northwest Modern while others Mountain Contemporary and others consider it as modern ranch home, no matter your preference this home is tied to its surroundings, enhancing the ability to experience both home and nature together. This home is in Central Oregon where the homeowners enjoy panoramic views of the Cascade mountain range. The primary residence is under 2700 square feet, with a guest casita just over 700 square feet. As you enter the home, you cannot help but notice the mountain views, and modern-contemporary interior. Separating, the living room from the dining room is a beautiful contemporary fireplace. Entering the dining room and kitchen, you cannot help but know the homeowners have a passion for wine as you see the glassed-in elegant wine cellar. Greyed woods and metal are a feature of the stairs leading up to the bridge where you can enjoy breathtaking views. Across from the staircase is a home office. The main level also features a spacious master suite and dressing closet with pass-thru for convenient laundering. Upstairs there is another office facing the barn, where the homeowner can look in on their horses. Also upstairs there is another flexible space room and full bathroom. A guest casita is separate from the primary residence by a covered outdoor kitchen, living and entertaining space. The casita features an open kitchen with island/bar seating and living room with a bedroom and bath.

The major kitchen renovation of this old country farmhouse was a task of love, one that had been planned for many years by these Barrington seasoned homeowners. After interviewing no less than five companies, the homeowners chose the design team at Advance Design Studio to make the transformation they had long planned for. “They had an understanding of the right design for the space almost from the instant they walked in the room”, says Sharon Scott of the design team of Nicole Ryan at Todd Jurs at Advance Design Studio. “They were the only designers who laid out ideas in the first meeting at the house that we really loved”, she says. “It was obvious that they understood the house, and understood us - and from then on the decision to hire them literally made itself”. The original kitchen had a dividing “wall” of cabinetry…that made the rather large space seem very small, and cut off the kitchen from the eating area that has a beautiful garden view completely hidden from the main kitchen. Circulation was poor, leaving family members on top of one another when entertaining family and friends. The new kitchen design nearly doubles the kitchen size within the original space; opening it up completely and enjoying an expansive island containing a new Kohler Whitehaven Smart Divide farm sink, a dishwasher, and pull out double trash receptacle. The great new gathering space accommodates four pull out stools beckoning grandchildren and friends alike. Removing the range from the island and relocating it to create a dramatic “feature” wall, completely out of the way of guests; it is now crowned with a beautiful completely customized wood hood designed to ventilate much more efficiently than the original island range containing a limited downdraft system. The much more efficient use of the space after removing a pantry closet made way for a fully functional “tall wall” housing a double oven and refrigerator, out of the way of guests. Removing the restrictive cabinetry wall now allowed for an expansive floor to ceiling pantry cabinet with full extension pull out shelving, and an elegant display area complete with a beautiful furniture detailed buffet. Fitting perfectly into the farmhouse charm of the old estate, Medallion Silver Lancaster cabinetry was chosen in a soft white Maple Divinity paint finish lining the perimeter. The stunning island hints to this old home’s past with Medallion Gold’s Maple Devonshire style graced with a Carriage Black Heirloom painted finish. The rubbed off black paint finish reveals the soft wood tones beneath, mimicking furniture you’d see in your grandmother’s home that has lovingly been polished for years to reveal a soft, subtly rubbed-off sheen. Counter tops reverse contrast with perimeter tops of black “Raven” granite possessing a subtle honed finish, and a shift to Quartz Difinity Viareggio - resembling white Carrera marble on the island. A simple herringbone detail completes the decorative range wall, and subtle porcelain subway tiles grace the backsplash throughout. The design is finished off with crisp Thermador and Bosch stainless steel appliances, and bright brushed cup pull and handle combination hardware. A pull down Kohler Bellaria faucet makes cleanup a breeze, and soft under-cabinet LED lighting throughout makes every work surface shine softly, and highlights the cabinetry display area with grace. One special detail was created to make the dramatic ceiling transition to a vaulted area above the breakfast nook extra special. A tongue and groove solid wood ceiling was hung above, and a subtle greenish-grey distressed paint finish was hand developed on site by the talented crew, complementing the new kitchen with a completely unique surface that appears as if it’s been there for many, many years. It’s just one standout feature in the amazing new space that is sure to be in every conversation as newcomers enjoy the newest best hangout in this old home renewed! After 30 years of renovating homes, this now content homeowner sips a cup of tea enjoying her new garden view, and reminisces projects of past – and lastly reports their experience with Advance Design Studio culminating with their amazing new kitchen to be the most enjoyable and satisfying home experience yet. Designer: Nicole Ryan Photographer: Joe Nowak

Main Line Kitchen Design is a group of skilled Kitchen Designers each with many years of experience planning kitchens around the Delaware Valley. Using doorstyle and finish kitchen cabinetry samples, photo design books, and laptops to display your kitchen as it is designed, we eliminate the need for and the cost associated with a showroom business model. This makes the design process more convenient for our customers, and we pass the significant savings on to them as well. Our design process also allows us to spend more time with our customers working on their designs. This is what we enjoy most about our business – it’s what brought us together in the first place. The kitchen cabinet lines we design with and sell are Jim Bishop, Durasupreme, 6 Square, Oracle, Village, Collier, and Bremtowm Fine Custom Cabinetry.

The property is one of the original farm houses located on the main street of a small town. It has been in the family for many years and our client just inherited the property. They were trying to have balance of preserving the old while realizing modern day living has its benefits too. The house had a large addition added using mostly old style materials, but designed with function and modern day luxuries. Our goal was to carry that theme to the outside. Our first problem we had to address was how to transition between the first floor elevation changes. The lower room was the husband’s office. He stated in the future he may have clients over and it would be nice to have an area to sit outside. The wife’s main concern was to renew the four corner garden. She also felt it was very important to be able to see it from the kitchen area. Finally there was an old wishing well stuck right outside the kitchen. They both felt it would be neat to be able to incorporate this in some how. They wanted a patio area with a built in grill to accommodate there family and friends. They also wanted to keep a large play area for the kids. We were able to pull this off successfully. We addressed the first issue by having a small lower level flagstone area. This area is large enough for 1 to 2 people to sit comfortably. It also provides a transition from his office to the larger patio area. We installed a simple small gravel sitting area opposite of the main patio. This provides our client a secluded place to relax or do business. Mrs.... told me she is amazed how much her and her husband enjoys this area. It is so peaceful looking at the small creek over a glass of wine. We built a natural limestone retaining wall to create the patio terrace. The stone was chosen to extend the houses architectural elements into the landscape. Irregular broken flagstone was used to give it a more casual feel. We installed three Serviceberries into the patio terrace to replace some trees that were taken down during the remodeling. She was very concern that they would block the view of the four corner garden. We new they were crucial to nestle in the terrace, so we placed them for a couple days for her to decide. Fortunately she agreed they not only kept the view open, but helped frame the garden. The four corner garden was designed to be viewed from afar and experienced up close. We wanted the space to have some formal structure while keeping with the casual farm house feel. Another natural limestone retaining wall was created. This leveled the garden terrace and helped associate it with the rest of the property. The four corner garden is nestled into the existing woods edge. This provides three distinct experiences to entering the garden; a more formal from the driveway, an open feel from the lower lawn, and a more natural / casual experience from the wooded area. The Plymouth brown gravel was used for the center of the garden. This helped highlight the stone post that was found during construction. The gravel also brings the sense of sound into the garden space. Lamb’s ear was chosen as a fun way to get kids interest in horticulture. The balance of using the new to create the old feel is what makes this project a success. The property has already hosted a local historical society event and won an award for its preservation efforts. When Mrs.... can’t find her husband, she knows he is either reading the newspaper by the grill or resting in the hammock along the wood’s path.

Main Line Kitchen Design is a group of skilled Kitchen Designers each with many years of experience planning kitchens around the Delaware Valley. Using doorstyle and finish kitchen cabinetry samples, photo design books, and laptops to display your kitchen as it is designed, we eliminate the need for and the cost associated with a showroom business model. This makes the design process more convenient for our customers, and we pass the significant savings on to them as well. Our design process also allows us to spend more time with our customers working on their designs. This is what we enjoy most about our business – it’s what brought us together in the first place. The kitchen cabinet lines we design with and sell are Jim Bishop, Durasupreme, 6 Square, Oracle, Village, Collier, and Bremtowm Fine Custom Cabinetry.

The Stressless Metropolitan has a traditional yet modern and trendy look. The flat seat cushions not only have a stylish look - they are also great for a comfy nap on the sofa. The legs make a big difference to the style you want. Steel legs give a modern look, while solid wood legs look more traditional. The innovative BalanceAdapt™ system, is a newly developed function that provides an added dimension to the comfort experience. The chair's back and seat automatically adjust the seated position according to the movements of the body. The BalanceAdapt™ system is integrated in the Stressless View chair's signature frame and you will definitely enjoy the added comfort. The BalanceAdapt™-system is also integrated into the two new sofas, the Stressless Panorama and Stressless Metropolitan, as the seat and back are automatically adjusted to your seated position. The Stressless Metropolitan is a perfect match for the Stressless Metro and Stressless Skyline.

This client's home backs up to a beautiful native Beech and Tulip woodland with an intermittent stream running through the middle of the site. After mistakenly over-clearing the natural forest saplings, the once lush woods was now bare. Called in to help re-vegetate the woodland, we designed and created a new path network through the woodland so that the client could enjoy and experience their new garden. Planted with large masses of native perennials, shade grasses and spring bulbs this back yard is now lush once again. Design and Construction: Till Gardens (www.tillgardens.com - 201.767.5858) Photography: John Knowlton/Till Gardens

Hidden Technology at It’s Best As you walk into this modern living space, you are greeted by the amble sunlight from the skylights and large window that extends from the ground to the ceiling. A pleasing space to enjoy a book next to the fireplace but it much more than that. With a press of a button, shades lower covering every window, blocking all sunlight. A screen descend from above the fireplace and a projector lowers from the ceiling. The Meridian speakers that were artfully accenting the room begin to play. This modern living space seamlessly is transitioned to a high performing theater room. Spire Integrated Systems Inc. specializes in the design and installation of award-winning theater systems that meet the lifestyle, decor and budget of the homeowner. In the comforts of your own home enjoy the dynamics of a full-screen viewing arena, complete with spectacular surround sound system, custom acoustical treatments, ambiance lighting, simple automated touch panel control and luxurious theater seating. Whether watching the latest high-definition cinematic astonishment, hearing every note of a composition, or partaking in a larger-than-life game experience, a home theater will enhance your home. When you are ready to enjoy the convenience and rewards of a home theater system, contact Spire Integrated Systems. Spire’s expertise in conscious design, ever-changing technology and priority service, will make you a captive audience. Please schedule a private tour of our showroom in Troy, MI to learn how we can take your home to a new level.

K&P builder's presents their lovely Federal floor plan which is available to be built in their Charles County, MD, community of Kingsview! This photo only shows a very small part of the glamorous master suite, in the Federal floor plan. You can only see a peep of the beautiful sitting area, but if is large and inviting. Apart from this area, there is a magnificent walk-in closet with custom shelving, and an office or dressing room, whatever your fancy. The Master Bath is a dream! This room is beautifully decorated with simple, yet elegant window treatments, light furnishings, and thick, plush carpet. Come visit Kingsview and experience, first hand, our wonderful active community! Our residents enjoy the pool, tennis courts, walking trails, playgound and out soccer field! They also enjoy the convenience of the area, being outside of the traffic and noise, yet convenient to shopping, restaurants and employment in Washington DC and Virginia.

This basement was built to entertain and impress. Every inch of this space was thoughtfully crafted to create an experience. Whether you are sitting at the bar watching the game, selecting your favorite wine, or getting cozy in a theater seat, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

These homeowners loved their outdoor space, complete with a pool and deck, but wanted to better utilize the space for entertaining with the full kitchen experience and amenities. This update was designed keeping the Tuscan architecture of their home in mind. We built a cabana with an Italian design, complete with a kegerator, icemaker, fridge, grill with custom hood and tile backsplash and full overlay custom cabinetry. A sink for meal prep and clean up enhanced the full kitchen function. A cathedral ceiling with stained bead board and ceiling fans make this space comfortable. Additionally, we built a screened in porch with stained bead board ceiling, ceiling fans, and custom trim including custom columns tying the exterior architecture to the interior. Limestone columns with brick pedestals, limestone pavers and a screened in porch with pergola and a pool bath finish the experience, with a new exterior space that is not only reminiscent of the original home but allows for modern amenities for this family to enjoy for years to come.

This client's home backs up to a beautiful native Beech and Tulip woodland with an intermittent stream running through the middle of the site. After mistakenly over-clearing the natural forest saplings, the once lush woods was now bare. Called in to help re-vegetate the woodland, we designed and created a new path network through the woodland so that the client could enjoy and experience their new garden. Planted with large masses of native perennials, shade grasses and spring bulbs this back yard is now lush once again. Design and Construction: Till Gardens (www.tillgardens.com - 201.767.5858) Photography: John Knowlton/Till Gardens

Situated along Eagle River, looking across to the mouth of the Ipswich Harbor, this was clearly a little cape house that was married to the sea. The owners were inquiring about adding a simple shed dormer to provide additional exposure to the stunning water view, but they were also interested in what Mathew would design if this beach cottage were his. Inspired by the waves that came ashore mere feet from the little house, Mathew took up a fat marker and sketched a sweeping, S-shape dormer on the waterside of the building. He then described how the dormer would be designed in the shape of an ocean wave. “This way,” he explained, “you will not only be able to see the ocean from your new master bedroom, you’ll also be able to experience that view from a space that actually reflects the spirit of the waves.” Mathew and his team designed the master suite and study using a subtle combination of contemporary and traditional, beach-house elements. The result was a completely unique and one-of-a-kind space inside and out. Transparencies are built into the design via features like gently curved glass that reflects the water and the arched interior window separating the bedroom and bath. On the exterior, the curved dormer on the street side echoes these rounded shapes and lines to create continuity throughout. The sense of movement is accentuated by the continuous, V-groove boarded ceiling that runs from one ocean-shaped dormer through to the opposite side of the house. The bedroom features a cozy sitting area with built in storage and a porthole window to look out onto the rowboats in the harbor. A bathroom and closet were combined into a single room in a modern design that doesn't sacrifice any style or space and provides highly efficient functionality. A striking barn door made of glass with industrial hardware divides the two zones of the master suite. The custom, built-in maple cabinetry of the closets provides a textural counterpoint to the unique glass shower that incorporates sea stones and an ocean wave motif accent tile. With this spectacular design vision, the owners are now able to enjoy their stunning view from a bright and spacious interior that brings the natural elements of the beach into the home. Photo by Eric Roth

Photo: Aaron Glassman
Inspiration for a mid-sized scandinavian gender-neutral painted wood floor playroom remodel in Las Vegas with white walls

Bedroom - bedroom idea in Los Angeles

Hidden Technology at It’s Best As you walk into this modern living space, you are greeted by the amble sunlight from the skylights and large window that extends from the ground to the ceiling. A pleasing space to enjoy a book next to the fireplace but it much more than that. With a press of a button, shades lower covering every window, blocking all sunlight. A screen descend from above the fireplace and a projector lowers from the ceiling. The Meridian speakers that were artfully accenting the room begin to play. This modern living space seamlessly is transitioned to a high performing theater room. Spire Integrated Systems Inc. specializes in the design and installation of award-winning theater systems that meet the lifestyle, decor and budget of the homeowner. In the comforts of your own home enjoy the dynamics of a full-screen viewing arena, complete with spectacular surround sound system, custom acoustical treatments, ambiance lighting, simple automated touch panel control and luxurious theater seating. Whether watching the latest high-definition cinematic astonishment, hearing every note of a composition, or partaking in a larger-than-life game experience, a home theater will enhance your home. When you are ready to enjoy the convenience and rewards of a home theater system, contact Spire Integrated Systems. Spire’s expertise in conscious design, ever-changing technology and priority service, will make you a captive audience. Please schedule a private tour of our showroom in Troy, MI to learn how we can take your home to a new level.

Our entertainment solutions create the ultimate video experience–no matter the size of your home. Home theater and video systems are one of the most requested from our clients. We believe it’s because of the outstanding return on investment and the amount of family enjoyment our high quality home theater systems offer. Often it’s best to arrange for one of our design concierge team members to take a look at your space. From there we will discuss what you would like to accomplish and what’s important to you and your family. With this information we will personalize a system that meets your needs and provide you with a project proposal. Once you approve the project we can get started on your dream room!

One of the most important things for those of us who like enjoying a hot bath, is the water temperature. As time passes, the water temperature in your bathtub drops down and requires you to constantly be adding hot water to maintain the temperature, which in turn requires large capacity water boilers, wasting water and electricity. Made of state-of-the-art AquateX™ solid surface material, the Aquatica True Ofuro Japanese style bathtub with Tranquility bath heating system is fitted with a recirculation system (just like the traditional Japanese oidaki) and ozone disinfection system. The Tranquility bathtub heating system was designed to eliminate the hot water adding hassle and maintain the water temperature at a constant 104F /40C (41-45C in Europe and other markets). The built-in Tranquility heating system is utilizing a low flow/high-efficiency ultra-quiet pump. Equipped with minimalist control panel, a standard 1.5kW inline water heater (US) or 2kW (Europe and other markets) with ozone disinfection, Bluetooth audio system, and underwater LED сhromotherapy system, the Tranquility system provides the ultimate luxury bathing experience.