Lounging by the pool on a warm, sunny day never loses its allure. As summer nears, it's crucial to start planning the perfect setup now to ensure maximum relaxation this season. From a Tuscan-style retreat to a rustic farmhouse swimming pool, an indoor lap pool, and adjacent outdoor bars, these design-savvy pools will make you want to dive right in and float the day away. So take a mental vacation and jot down some style notes to make your dream pool a sweet reality.

An Ensuite Transformation in Richmond Hill This project showcases how we helped a wonderful retired couple in Richmond Hill transform their dated and dysfunctional master ensuite into a tranquil spa-like retreat. These lovely empty nesters, in their mid to late 70s, envisioned a space where they could truly relax and enjoy their time at home, especially when their family and grandkids came to visit. We were so honored to help them bring that vision to life. Understanding Their Needs: From our initial conversations, it was clear how much this couple valued comfort and tranquility. The existing ensuite, unfortunately, fell short of providing either. For the wife, the leaky deck-mount tub was a major disappointment, as she deeply cherished her long, hot baths. The husband, meanwhile, was eager to replace the outdated and cumbersome toilet/bidet combo with a modern, single-piece smart toilet – a desire for both convenience and a touch of modern luxury. The shower stall was cramped, dark, and plagued by mold, while the large double vanity, despite its size, lacked functional storage. It simply wasn't the relaxing oasis they deserved. Addressing Their Concerns: We understood that undertaking a renovation can be stressful, especially when you're not going to be on-site for much of the process. This couple was understandably concerned about potential delays, workmanship quality, and the possibility of unforeseen issues arising while they were away. We made it our priority to address each of these concerns with transparency, open communication, and a commitment to delivering on our promises. Our Personalized Solutions: We worked closely with the couple to develop solutions that perfectly matched their needs and desires: ● A Sanctuary for Soaking: The leaky deck-mount tub was replaced with a beautiful, freestanding oval tub – easier to access and offering a more contemporary aesthetic. The wife's vision of a small decorative table nearby for her bath essentials added a personal touch, creating a true spa-like experience. ● Modern Comfort and Convenience: The separate toilet and bidet were replaced with a sleek, high-tech smart toilet, fulfilling the husband's wish and adding a touch of modern luxury to their daily routine. ● A Bright and Inviting Shower: The cramped and moldy shower stall was completely transformed. We demolished the existing bulkhead and built a custom walk-in shower with frameless glass, a built-in bench, and a niche for toiletries. The result was a dramatically brighter and more spacious shower experience. ● Storage and Style: A semi-custom double vanity with ample cabinets and drawers was installed, finally providing each of them with dedicated storage and eliminating countertop clutter. This seemingly small change made a huge difference in their daily lives. ● A Calming Atmosphere: We carefully selected a calming spa-like color palette, incorporating muted, neutral tones and high-quality finishes to create a truly relaxing and inviting atmosphere. Navigating the Challenges Together: Renovations rarely go perfectly smoothly, and this project was no exception. We encountered delays with plumbing fixture deliveries, which threatened our timeline. However, by leveraging our established relationships with reliable suppliers, we were able to find alternative solutions and minimize the impact on the project schedule. We also faced a minor setback when the initially chosen grey vanity went out of stock. Working closely with the couple, we explored other options and ultimately selected a stunning sandstone-stained maple finish, which, as it turned out, complemented the other design elements beautifully. These moments reinforced the importance of open communication and collaboration throughout the process. The Joy of Transformation: The final result was truly remarkable. The transformed ensuite is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and meticulous execution. The space now features large-format, light-colored concrete-look porcelain tiles, creating a bright and airy feel. The sandstone-stained maple vanity, topped with a quartz countertop, serves as a beautiful focal point against the muted green walls. Matte black plumbing fixtures, hardware, and accessories add a touch of modern sophistication. The custom frameless shower glass enclosure enhances the spaciousness of the shower, while the smart toilet provides the ultimate in comfort and convenience. A Space to Cherish: The renovation has made a profound difference in this couple's daily lives. The wife can now indulge in her beloved long, hot baths in a truly tranquil setting. The husband enjoys the modern convenience of his new smart toilet. The spacious and bright walk-in shower is both beautiful and functional. And the new vanity provides ample storage, keeping the countertop clutter-free and contributing to the overall sense of peace and calm. This ensuite is no longer just a bathroom; it's a personal spa, a sanctuary within their home, where they can relax, rejuvenate, and enjoy their time together. Memorable Moments and Hiccups: ● Budget Adjustment: After finalizing the initial design, we worked closely with the clients to reselect the freestanding tub to ensure it aligned perfectly with their budget. ● Vanity Setback: The unexpected out-of-stock situation with the original vanity color required a quick and effective re-selection process, which ultimately led to an even better design outcome. This highlighted the importance of flexibility and collaboration during a renovation.

This 3,600 sq ft home is an invitation to experience the beauty of a provincial European homestead in the Texas Hill Country French manner. The deep front porch invites you to sit, with its stucco arches, stone details, and shutter dressed windows. Under the vaulted and timber beamed ceilings, and amidst the arched entries cut into thickened walls, a very private home welcomes this family. The Master Suite location ensures that privacy along with some peace and quiet. The Kitchen and Great Room create open entertaining areas for this family, with fieldstone floors and French-inspired cabinetry. Upstairs, the kids rule, with their own entertaining and well thought-out details like the Study Nook and Library.

The renovation of an extensive linear residence and site facing Port Orchard waterway embraces water, greenspace and forested hillside. The home, completed this fall, serves as an artist’s studio, galleries, family space, game room, outdoor living areas and peaceful retreat. New interiors and exterior spaces and finishes, cabinetry, lighting, paving, landscape and courtyards become settings for the owner’s art + collections, three-generations of family and the wonderful colors and textures of the land + water. Inside, a monumental central stair and tapered two-story tall red cedar and steel column was designed as the residence’s entry focal point and internal landmarks, guiding the visitor’s eye to the main atrium…. and upward. Heavy wide-flange steel moment frames support the house and enable whole walls of glass. Rough, mill-finished steel contrasts refined cabinetry, stone, wood structure and defining dropped ceilings, reflecting the opener’s love of the tension between highly polished and detailed + rough, found art. Outside, A new southern “dining room” was designed for warm summer evening gatherings under a heavy-timber trellis. The focus, opposite water and island views, is a metal perforated screen. The final screen is composed of the lyrics from a Joe Cocker song of great meaning to the owners, cut from ½” marine bronze, set into dark-fired brick. “Oh My Darling, Be Home Soon….” Natural daylight and high-efficiency lighting are central players as in any gallery. From a high clerestory and extensive southern and eastern window-walls to carefully selected up-lighting, pendants, and accent fixtures, Rhodes Architecture + Light worked closely with the owner to ensure that their dark existing house would become one filled with light…. night and day. The owners, Ken and Jane, allowed us to interview them about their experience working with Rhodes Architecture + Light, and how they are feeling about living with the architecture today. What was your experience like, working with Rhodes Architecture + Light? “They worked with us because it was a remodel, an existing thing, and we had to try to make it work for all of our interests and how our family operated. They listened, and we listened, and it was a great communication back and forth.”–Jane How has the renovation changed the way you live and enjoy your home? “I remember saying to them that I want the whole floor heated because it gets so chilly down here. And we had the wood burning stove, but it was over there and now we just turn the floor heat on and we can come down. It’s cozy and nice. So we’re looking forward to winter now.”–Ken “We have 5 kids together and now a bunch of grandchildren. I wanted a marble countertop, but there’s just no way. I didn’t want it to be a place where I had to say, ‘No, no, no. Wipe up your drink, do this, do that.’ I wanted it to be a place where everybody can come with all the kids, and we make a big mess, and I can clean it up. And we can enjoy ourselves here, because that room upstairs, we almost never went in. And now we’re in there eating pizza and watching the game.” –Jane As an artist, Jane enjoyed the collaborative process. “I can’t believe it was as positive as it was. I went into it thinking it would be a great, creative, fun, collaborative thing, and I have to say, with our architects, it was. I like that creative process. I always say when I am doing a painting, it’s a series of problem solving so it wasn’t unusual for me. I am completely blown away by them and had fun with that part of it.” –Jane Architect: Tim James Rhodes RA AIA, Rhodes Architecture + Light Builder: Fairbank Construction Company Structural: Swensen Say Faget

Designed as a tranquil retreat, this home offers the perfect blend of comfort, privacy, and natural beauty. The unique layout places the kitchen, living area, and master suite on the upper floor, creating a serene, elevated space that maximizes both views and relaxation. Below, two additional bedrooms, each with its own full bath, ensure a restful and peaceful stay. A striking tall stone fireplace adds a touch of warmth to the interior, making it the perfect spot for quiet, cozy moments. Step outside to experience the home’s stunning outdoor spaces: a large, double-decker deck that enhances your connection to nature. The first-floor deck features a relaxing hot tub, ideal for unwinding while enjoying the surrounding views. The second-floor deck offers a similarly expansive space for soaking in the sights and sounds of the wilderness.

A lovely peaceful space for friends and family to gather. The flat screen TV is mounted above the fireplace and beside it is a built- in bookcase. The Fireplace Hearth's white painted surface is custom designed and built in a transitional style that works beautifully with this lovely light and airy home. Photos by Alicia's Art, LLC RUDLOFF Custom Builders, is a residential construction company that connects with clients early in the design phase to ensure every detail of your project is captured just as you imagined. RUDLOFF Custom Builders will create the project of your dreams that is executed by on-site project managers and skilled craftsman, while creating lifetime client relationships that are build on trust and integrity. We are a full service, certified remodeling company that covers all of the Philadelphia suburban area including West Chester, Gladwynne, Malvern, Wayne, Haverford and more. As a 6 time Best of Houzz winner, we look forward to working with you on your next project.

Babcock Custom Pools: Transforming Your Thee Island Retreat into an Unforgettable Oasis Are you in search of an escape to a world of luxury and tranquility? Look no further than Thee Island and Babcock Custom Pools. Our team of experienced designers and skilled builders are dedicated to transforming your backyard into the ultimate retreat for you and your loved ones to indulge in. At Babcock Custom Pools, we take pride in delivering excellence in every aspect of our services. Our meticulous attention to detail and innovative design concepts ensure that your custom pool project will not only meet, but surpass all of your expectations. The captivating beauty of Thee Island creates the perfect backdrop for your personal escape. Allow Babcock Custom Pools to bring you closer to nature and craft a backyard paradise that offers serenity and peace. To take your relaxation experience to new heights, Babcock Custom Pools offers a range of exclusive and lavish features, such as an outdoor bathroom and a grotto. These luxurious touches are expertly designed to provide comfort and add a touch of elegance to your backyard oasis, making it a true haven for rest and rejuvenation. So, why wait any longer? Bring your Thee Island getaway dream to life with Babcock Custom Pools. Our unwavering commitment to excellence and cutting-edge design ideas guarantee that your custom pool project will be nothing short of extraordinary.

The Mid-Levels of Hong Kong Island is one of the most prominent luxury residential areas. This project - Estoril Court in Mid-Levels Central is one of the rare heritage mansions in Hong Kong with a "thousand-year lease," comprising a total of 240 units. The young couple, with their two daughters, have settled here. For the wide experience husband, the most important aspect of a home is that it carries the "depth of love." His wife's preferences and the children's interests were frequently mentioned during this project. "I hope the design can break through conventions and avoid falling into the trap of popular but clichéd styles. Kyle and I resonate deeply on this point; we both pursue a 'more personal expression.' Family life should be relaxing, natural, and bringing joy to my family members." This residence features a square layout and excellent natural lighting, with a practicality rate of nearly 90%. However, its over 40-year-old structure poses numerous constraints on renovations. Adhering to the existing structure and the wisdom of geomancy, Karv One Design has re-examined the relationship among the landscape, windows, and functional flow within the home. They have integrated practicality, beauty, and self-expression into every corner, enhancing the happiness of living. Once stepping into the living room, you are greeted by Hong Kong's most spectacular vistas. The ever-changing scenery of Victoria Harbour, both day and night, the immense skyscrapers of different banks and commercial buildings and the panoramic views of the Peak are all within sight. The expansive dimensions of the living room are a response to the surrounding environment, providing ample space for family bonding and companionship, while also allowing the breathtaking skyline views to seamlessly integrate into daily life. Unlike traditional whole-house decoration, the design of Hong Kong homes emphasizes collage and customization. The minimalist aesthetic of the space corresponds to the luxurious craftsmanship and time costs involved. Elements such as natural stone, artistic paint, parquet flooring, wood veneer, and leather have all been meticulously coordinated in terms of color and proportion, while a significant amount of storage space has been cleverly concealed within the walls. The study room is deliberately positioned to one side of the living room, embracing the gentle stretch of sunlight. The arched iron partition, exuding a vintage flavor and traces of time, not only serves as a natural divider of space but also becomes a highlight of the interior decoration with its unique artistic form, creating a serene yet stylish atmosphere. It ensures privacy without compromising on openness, allowing the home owner to work in the study room while still keeping an eye on the children playing in the living room. Custom-made artisanal furniture offers a whole new expression of comfort and practicality to the space. The Giorgetti HUG armchair combines a sculptural sense of form with a flowing sense of shape. When natural light filters in, a rich artistic atmosphere permeates and grows within, making the home a place of tranquility and peace of mind. The original open-plan layout of the master bedroom has been reconfigured and divided. The ultimate goal of the enclosed space is to provide comfort and ease of sleep. The pale green color is also carefully coordinated, focusing on creating a serene and pleasant atmosphere. The combination of "green," "wood," and "metal elements" is based on Feng Shui considerations, serving to stabilize and concentrate the energy flow. The children's room is simple yet cozy, where sunlight awakens the space and transparent glass windows bring in the ocean view. The palette of pale blue and white adds warmth and vitality to the space, inspiring children's boundless imagination about the unknown world and giving them the courage to see mountains, seas, and the world beyond. The moment when the door is open, the magic of lighting begins. What greets the eye is an elegant and tastefully designed artistic foyer. The pace of work in Hong Kong is fast and efficient, often causing people to overlook family time. Therefore, the entrance is adorned with a large area of gentle ivory white, featuring sculptural-like display stands and flowers and vignettes that can be arranged according to the owner's mood. As night falls, the panoramic view of the Victoria Harbour's night scene comes into view, elevating the enjoyment to the utmost. The lighting system in the space brings more enjoyable experiences to "living as you desire." The smart system caters to various states of living scenarios at different times, as well as to the subtle needs of ambient temperature, brightness, and tactile atmosphere. Whether it's solo time or family moments, day or night, everyone has a comfortable place to be. The "Estoril Court" project is a full-service case that last for 12 months. We had hundreds of communications and exchanges with the home owner, and continuously coordinated and collaborated with the property management, on-site construction and installation workers, manufacturers, and various suppliers, striving for perfection in craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail in execution. Finally, seeing the satisfied expressions of the home owner and their family, we felt that it was an ideal conveyance.

RGL Decors is a comprehensive, end-to-end interior solutions company with over 7 years of extensive experience. Our services encompass a wide spectrum of offerings, including core specialties such as modular interior furniture, basic civil works, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing), painting, landscaping, wallpaper installation, lighting solutions, flooring options including tile flooring and wall treatments, as well as the incorporation of artifacts and wall art. Additionally, we provide over 50 home-based services tailored to meet the needs of our clients, all offered at competitive B2B costs without compromising on superior quality or timely delivery. Furthermore, we stand behind our workmanship with warranties of up to 25 years, ensuring lasting satisfaction and peace of mind for our valued customers."

Built by Schumacher Homes, America's Largest Custom Home Builder, this stunning Beverly II Carolina showcase home highlights the very best of custom home building in Columbia, South Carolina. The main residence features a thoughtfully designed 2,428-square-foot floor plan offering 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. As a larger, expanded version of our extremely popular Beverly design, this version provides more than enough room to comfortably accommodate life's everyday needs, making it a highly sought-after layout for modern families looking to build on their lot in the Columbia area. The heart and central hub of the home is the deluxe, open-concept eat-in kitchen. Equipped with a large kitchen island, this open layout flows seamlessly into the main great room and dining room, making it the absolute perfect space for cooking, entertaining family and friends, or managing weeknight homework. The home also features a bright morning room that beautifully captures the day’s first natural light, ensuring that relaxing and unwinding are always right at your doorstep. For ultimate flexibility, a dedicated main-floor flex room is open to your interpretation, serving perfectly as a quiet home office or formal den. The private quarters of the home are designed with true luxury in mind, led by a massive owner's retreat that offers a peaceful escape from the daily grind. The master bedroom features an elegant vaulted tray ceiling, adding a striking architectural detail that creates an elevated sense of volume and luxury. The attached primary bathroom includes the ever-popular dual vanities and dual walk-in closets for maximum storage efficiency. On the second level, a versatile bonus room provides the perfect spot for a children's playroom, a private home workout room, or an active game room. Blending timeless Carolina charm with modern functionality, this Beverly II design is an exceptional example of premium quality craftsmanship.

The expansive windows on the exterior of the addition are a striking feature, ensuring the rooms are bathed in light while offering a clear view of the landscape outside. This thoughtful design integrates the natural surroundings with the home’s interior, enhancing the overall sense of peace and tranquility.

Lounging by the pool on a warm, sunny day never loses its allure. As summer nears, it's crucial to start planning the perfect setup now to ensure maximum relaxation this season. From a Tuscan-style retreat to a rustic farmhouse swimming pool, an indoor lap pool, and adjacent outdoor bars, these design-savvy pools will make you want to dive right in and float the day away. So take a mental vacation and jot down some style notes to make your dream pool a sweet reality.

The result is a space where architecture and engineering align—large operable walls open effortlessly to extend the living area to the ocean, while precision seals and acoustically tested performance (up to STC 34) ensure tranquility when closed. The design celebrates transparency, transforming each room into a gallery of light, ocean, and air. NanaWall’s SL45 system achieves this balance with energy efficiency, durability, and quiet operation, allowing this modern retreat to remain peaceful even as waves crash below.

Designed as a tranquil retreat, this home offers the perfect blend of comfort, privacy, and natural beauty. The unique layout places the kitchen, living area, and master suite on the upper floor, creating a serene, elevated space that maximizes both views and relaxation. Below, two additional bedrooms, each with its own full bath, ensure a restful and peaceful stay. A striking tall stone fireplace adds a touch of warmth to the interior, making it the perfect spot for quiet, cozy moments. Step outside to experience the home’s stunning outdoor spaces: a large, double-decker deck that enhances your connection to nature. The first-floor deck features a relaxing hot tub, ideal for unwinding while enjoying the surrounding views. The second-floor deck offers a similarly expansive space for soaking in the sights and sounds of the wilderness.

The renovation of an extensive linear residence and site facing Port Orchard waterway embraces water, greenspace and forested hillside. The home, completed this fall, serves as an artist’s studio, galleries, family space, game room, outdoor living areas and peaceful retreat. New interiors and exterior spaces and finishes, cabinetry, lighting, paving, landscape and courtyards become settings for the owner’s art + collections, three-generations of family and the wonderful colors and textures of the land + water. Inside, a monumental central stair and tapered two-story tall red cedar and steel column was designed as the residence’s entry focal point and internal landmarks, guiding the visitor’s eye to the main atrium…. and upward. Heavy wide-flange steel moment frames support the house and enable whole walls of glass. Rough, mill-finished steel contrasts refined cabinetry, stone, wood structure and defining dropped ceilings, reflecting the opener’s love of the tension between highly polished and detailed + rough, found art. Outside, A new southern “dining room” was designed for warm summer evening gatherings under a heavy-timber trellis. The focus, opposite water and island views, is a metal perforated screen. The final screen is composed of the lyrics from a Joe Cocker song of great meaning to the owners, cut from ½” marine bronze, set into dark-fired brick. “Oh My Darling, Be Home Soon….” Natural daylight and high-efficiency lighting are central players as in any gallery. From a high clerestory and extensive southern and eastern window-walls to carefully selected up-lighting, pendants, and accent fixtures, Rhodes Architecture + Light worked closely with the owner to ensure that their dark existing house would become one filled with light…. night and day. The owners, Ken and Jane, allowed us to interview them about their experience working with Rhodes Architecture + Light, and how they are feeling about living with the architecture today. What was your experience like, working with Rhodes Architecture + Light? “They worked with us because it was a remodel, an existing thing, and we had to try to make it work for all of our interests and how our family operated. They listened, and we listened, and it was a great communication back and forth.”–Jane How has the renovation changed the way you live and enjoy your home? “I remember saying to them that I want the whole floor heated because it gets so chilly down here. And we had the wood burning stove, but it was over there and now we just turn the floor heat on and we can come down. It’s cozy and nice. So we’re looking forward to winter now.”–Ken “We have 5 kids together and now a bunch of grandchildren. I wanted a marble countertop, but there’s just no way. I didn’t want it to be a place where I had to say, ‘No, no, no. Wipe up your drink, do this, do that.’ I wanted it to be a place where everybody can come with all the kids, and we make a big mess, and I can clean it up. And we can enjoy ourselves here, because that room upstairs, we almost never went in. And now we’re in there eating pizza and watching the game.” –Jane As an artist, Jane enjoyed the collaborative process. “I can’t believe it was as positive as it was. I went into it thinking it would be a great, creative, fun, collaborative thing, and I have to say, with our architects, it was. I like that creative process. I always say when I am doing a painting, it’s a series of problem solving so it wasn’t unusual for me. I am completely blown away by them and had fun with that part of it.” –Jane Architect: Tim James Rhodes RA AIA, Rhodes Architecture + Light Builder: Fairbank Construction Company Structural: Swensen Say Faget

Built by Schumacher Homes, America's Largest Custom Home Builder, this stunning Beverly II Carolina showcase home highlights the very best of custom home building in Columbia, South Carolina. The main residence features a thoughtfully designed 2,428-square-foot floor plan offering 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. As a larger, expanded version of our extremely popular Beverly design, this version provides more than enough room to comfortably accommodate life's everyday needs, making it a highly sought-after layout for modern families looking to build on their lot in the Columbia area. The heart and central hub of the home is the deluxe, open-concept eat-in kitchen. Equipped with a large kitchen island, this open layout flows seamlessly into the main great room and dining room, making it the absolute perfect space for cooking, entertaining family and friends, or managing weeknight homework. The home also features a bright morning room that beautifully captures the day’s first natural light, ensuring that relaxing and unwinding are always right at your doorstep. For ultimate flexibility, a dedicated main-floor flex room is open to your interpretation, serving perfectly as a quiet home office or formal den. The private quarters of the home are designed with true luxury in mind, led by a massive owner's retreat that offers a peaceful escape from the daily grind. The master bedroom features an elegant vaulted tray ceiling, adding a striking architectural detail that creates an elevated sense of volume and luxury. The attached primary bathroom includes the ever-popular dual vanities and dual walk-in closets for maximum storage efficiency. On the second level, a versatile bonus room provides the perfect spot for a children's playroom, a private home workout room, or an active game room. Blending timeless Carolina charm with modern functionality, this Beverly II design is an exceptional example of premium quality craftsmanship.

The renovation of an extensive linear residence and site facing Port Orchard waterway embraces water, greenspace and forested hillside. The home, completed this fall, serves as an artist’s studio, galleries, family space, game room, outdoor living areas and peaceful retreat. New interiors and exterior spaces and finishes, cabinetry, lighting, paving, landscape and courtyards become settings for the owner’s art + collections, three-generations of family and the wonderful colors and textures of the land + water. Inside, a monumental central stair and tapered two-story tall red cedar and steel column was designed as the residence’s entry focal point and internal landmarks, guiding the visitor’s eye to the main atrium…. and upward. Heavy wide-flange steel moment frames support the house and enable whole walls of glass. Rough, mill-finished steel contrasts refined cabinetry, stone, wood structure and defining dropped ceilings, reflecting the opener’s love of the tension between highly polished and detailed + rough, found art. Outside, A new southern “dining room” was designed for warm summer evening gatherings under a heavy-timber trellis. The focus, opposite water and island views, is a metal perforated screen. The final screen is composed of the lyrics from a Joe Cocker song of great meaning to the owners, cut from ½” marine bronze, set into dark-fired brick. “Oh My Darling, Be Home Soon….” Natural daylight and high-efficiency lighting are central players as in any gallery. From a high clerestory and extensive southern and eastern window-walls to carefully selected up-lighting, pendants, and accent fixtures, Rhodes Architecture + Light worked closely with the owner to ensure that their dark existing house would become one filled with light…. night and day. The owners, Ken and Jane, allowed us to interview them about their experience working with Rhodes Architecture + Light, and how they are feeling about living with the architecture today. What was your experience like, working with Rhodes Architecture + Light? “They worked with us because it was a remodel, an existing thing, and we had to try to make it work for all of our interests and how our family operated. They listened, and we listened, and it was a great communication back and forth.”–Jane How has the renovation changed the way you live and enjoy your home? “I remember saying to them that I want the whole floor heated because it gets so chilly down here. And we had the wood burning stove, but it was over there and now we just turn the floor heat on and we can come down. It’s cozy and nice. So we’re looking forward to winter now.”–Ken “We have 5 kids together and now a bunch of grandchildren. I wanted a marble countertop, but there’s just no way. I didn’t want it to be a place where I had to say, ‘No, no, no. Wipe up your drink, do this, do that.’ I wanted it to be a place where everybody can come with all the kids, and we make a big mess, and I can clean it up. And we can enjoy ourselves here, because that room upstairs, we almost never went in. And now we’re in there eating pizza and watching the game.” –Jane As an artist, Jane enjoyed the collaborative process. “I can’t believe it was as positive as it was. I went into it thinking it would be a great, creative, fun, collaborative thing, and I have to say, with our architects, it was. I like that creative process. I always say when I am doing a painting, it’s a series of problem solving so it wasn’t unusual for me. I am completely blown away by them and had fun with that part of it.” –Jane Architect: Tim James Rhodes RA AIA, Rhodes Architecture + Light Builder: Fairbank Construction Company Structural: Swensen Say Faget

This inviting garden captures the enchanting essence of a cottage-style retreat. A gently curving stone pathway is framed by neatly clipped boxwood hedges, guiding the eye through a delightful blend of perennial flowers and ground covers. Vibrant pops of pinks, purples, and oranges intermingle with soft greens, creating a dynamic tapestry of color and texture. The backdrop of mature trees and climbing vines over the home’s rustic stucco façade enhances the feeling of a peaceful hideaway. This design marries structured formal elements with the wild charm of a cottage garden, creating a harmonious space that feels both curated and natural. Every detail reflects Trace’s thoughtful approach to combining beauty and functionality, ensuring the garden blooms seasonally while serving as an inviting sanctuary.

The Sweedish Country style is subtle, plain and spacious yet presents beauty to the eye, care in detail, craftsmanship and enduring quality. Jaeger & Ernst craftsmanship and dedication ensure the requirements of this subtle style are exceeded. 434-973-7018 for custom design and craftsmanship.