For this project, the goals were straight forward - a low energy, low maintenance home that would allow the "60 something couple” time and money to enjoy all their interests. Accessibility was also important since this is likely their last home. In the end the style is minimalist, but the raw, natural materials add texture that give the home a warm, inviting feeling. The home has R-67.5 walls, R-90 in the attic, is extremely air tight (0.4 ACH) and is oriented to work with the sun throughout the year. As a result, operating costs of the home are minimal. The HVAC systems were chosen to work efficiently, but not to be complicated. They were designed to perform to the highest standards, but be simple enough for the owners to understand and manage. The owners spend a lot of time camping and traveling and wanted the home to capture the same feeling of freedom that the outdoors offers. The spaces are practical, easy to keep clean and designed to create a free flowing space that opens up to nature beyond the large triple glazed Passive House windows. Built-in cubbies and shelving help keep everything organized and there is no wasted space in the house - Enough space for yoga, visiting family, relaxing, sculling boats and two home offices. The most frequent comment of visitors is how relaxed they feel. This is a result of the unique connection to nature, the abundance of natural materials, great air quality, and the play of light throughout the house. The exterior of the house is simple, but a striking reflection of the local farming environment. The materials are low maintenance, as is the landscaping. The siting of the home combined with the natural landscaping gives privacy and encourages the residents to feel close to local flora and fauna. Photo Credit: Leon T. Switzer/Front Page Media Group

Great spacious bathroom with lot of amenities. Photographer: Jon Upson
Large elegant master beige tile and porcelain tile drop-in bathtub photo in San Diego with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, beige walls and a two-piece toilet

Please note: White Oak Exterior Doors are supplied unfinished (the pictures may depict a finished door) Elevate the aesthetic and security of your home or office with our Albany horizontal plank with slim vertical lite white oak door. Constructed with a solid core, this door combines timeless elegance with exceptional durability, making it a perfect choice for entryways, front doors, back doors, patio doors, garage side doors, or any other exterior application. Ideal for residential homes and commercial properties alike, this door provides a sophisticated blend of style and functionality, making it a versatile option for a range of uses. Whether you're refreshing your front entryway or upgrading the side entrance, this white oak door is designed to meet your needs with lasting performance. The white laminated glass installed in our white oak entry doors is also known as safety glass. The engineered construction of our white oak exterior doors utilizes a solid white oak core with a 3mm thick clear face veneer for superior appearance and strength. This solid white oak core door construction offers greater protection against warping, cracking, and splitting. Solid white oak core exterior door construction provides for a much quieter environment. Our unique integral panel design will not shrink or split and there is no possibility of stile and rail separation. Free Samples: Request a Free Exterior White Oak Door Corner Sample to See the ETO Quality Difference. PRO Discounts: Pro discount program trade pricing available for contractors, architects, and designers on all our Exterior White Oak doors. Lowest Prices Nationwide: At ETO Doors, we leverage our mass production to manufacture these high-quality solid core Exterior White Oak doors at the lowest prices in the country, passing significant savings directly to you. Versatile Usage: Our Exterior White Oak doors are perfect for residential and commercial settings, including new construction and remodeling projects. Our slim vertical lite Exterior White Oak doors are installed in places with high traffic volumes such as multifamily homes, office buildings, and hotels. Customization Available: We understand that every project is unique. Our white oak wood doors can be customized to fit your specific size and design requirements, ensuring a perfect fit and look for any application. Brand You Can Trust a leader in the industry for over 20 years, delivering top-quality doors nationwide and worldwide. Optional Features (at an additional cost) Low-E Glass: Dual tempered low-e glass combined with our exterior white oak doors reduces noise, air conditioning, and heating bills. Pre-hanging: Our solid core white oak Exterior White Oak doors can be pre-hung for interior or exterior applications with matching engineered white oak jambs or finger joint white primed jambs as pre-hung single doors or pre-hung double door units. Side-lites are also available. Impact Hurricane Certification: Our Exterior White Oak doors are available with a Miami Dade hurricane impact wood door approval in both in-swing and out-swing configurations. Our wood Exterior White Oak storm doors certifications are equivalent to a "Miami-Dade NOA," the highest hurricane approval standard for wood doors in the country. Each of our white oak Exterior White Oak doors can be assembled with the appropriate components to be Florida Building Code Compliant.

Please note: Doors are unfinished (the pictures may depict a finished door) Request a Free Corner Sample to See the ETO Quality Difference Elevate the aesthetic and security of your home or office with our Leon Exterior White Oak Flush Door with Vertical Grain. Crafted with a solid core, this door offers a perfect balance of modern sophistication and exceptional durability, making it ideal for entryways, front doors, back doors, patio doors, garage side doors, and other exterior applications. Designed for both residential and commercial use, this oak door enhances any space with its refined style and long-lasting performance. Whether upgrading your front entry or refreshing a side entrance, this exterior white oak flush door delivers superior quality and design. The engineered construction of our white oak exterior doors features a solid core with a 3mm thick clear face veneer, ensuring both durability and a premium finish. This solid-core design enhances protection against warping, cracking, and splitting, providing a quieter indoor environment. With an innovative integral panel structure, our white oak doors resist shrinking and eliminate the risk of stile and rail separation, ensuring long-term reliability and beauty. Free Samples: Request a Free White Oak Exterior Flush Door Corner Sample to See the ETO Quality Difference. PRO Discounts: Pro discount program trade pricing available for contractors, architects, and designers on all our exterior white oak doors. Lowest Prices Nationwide: At ETO Doors, we leverage our mass production to manufacture these high-quality exterior white oak doors at the lowest prices in the country, passing significant savings directly to you. Versatile Usage: Our white oak doors are perfect for residential and commercial settings, including new construction and remodeling projects. Our flush interior doors are installed in places with high traffic volumes such as multifamily homes, office buildings, and hotels. Customization Available: We understand that every project is unique. Our wood flush doors can be customized to fit your specific size and design requirements, ensuring a perfect fit and look for any application. Optional Features (at an additional cost) 20-Minute Fire Rating for Wood Doors Available: Exterior flush white oak doors fire rated to withstand fire for 20 minutes, certified by UL or Warnock Hersey. Exterior Pre-hanging: Our solid core white oak exterior doors can be pre-hung with matching engineered white oak jambs or exterior white primed jambs as pre-hung single doors or pre-hung double doors units. Impact Hurricane Certification: Our Exterior White Oak doors are available with a Miami Dade hurricane impact wood door approval in both in-swing and out-swing configurations. Our wood Exterior White Oak storm doors certifications are equivalent to a "Miami-Dade NOA" which has the highest hurricane approval standard for wood doors in the country. Each of our flush white oak exterior doors can be assembled with the appropriate components to be Florida Building Code Compliant.

Tucked away in the backwoods of Torch Lake, this home marries “rustic” with the sleek elegance of modern. The combination of wood, stone and metal textures embrace the charm of a classic farmhouse. Although this is not your average farmhouse. The home is outfitted with a high performing system that seamlessly works with the design and architecture. The tall ceilings and windows allow ample natural light into the main room. Spire Integrated Systems installed Lutron QS Wireless motorized shades paired with Hartmann & Forbes windowcovers to offer privacy and block harsh light. The custom 18′ windowcover’s woven natural fabric complements the organic esthetics of the room. The shades are artfully concealed in the millwork when not in use. Spire installed B&W in-ceiling speakers and Sonance invisible in-wall speakers to deliver ambient music that emanates throughout the space with no visual footprint. Spire also installed a Sonance Landscape Audio System so the homeowner can enjoy music outside. Each system is easily controlled using Savant. Spire personalized the settings to the homeowner’s preference making controlling the home efficient and convenient.

Downers Grove Pond With Stream
This is an example of a traditional backyard pond in Chicago.

Peter Clarke
Staircase - small contemporary metal straight metal railing staircase idea in Melbourne with metal risers

Sandprints Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard deck remodel in San Luis Obispo with a fire pit and no cover

Reverse Shed Eichler This project is part tear-down, part remodel. The original L-shaped plan allowed the living/ dining/ kitchen wing to be completely re-built while retaining the shell of the bedroom wing virtually intact. The rebuilt entertainment wing was enlarged 50% and covered with a low-slope reverse-shed roof sloping from eleven to thirteen feet. The shed roof floats on a continuous glass clerestory with eight foot transom. Cantilevered steel frames support wood roof beams with eaves of up to ten feet. An interior glass clerestory separates the kitchen and livingroom for sound control. A wall-to-wall skylight illuminates the north wall of the kitchen/family room. New additions at the back of the house add several “sliding” wall planes, where interior walls continue past full-height windows to the exterior, complimenting the typical Eichler indoor-outdoor ceiling and floor planes. The existing bedroom wing has been re-configured on the interior, changing three small bedrooms into two larger ones, and adding a guest suite in part of the original garage. A previous den addition provided the perfect spot for a large master ensuite bath and walk-in closet. Natural materials predominate, with fir ceilings, limestone veneer fireplace walls, anigre veneer cabinets, fir sliding windows and interior doors, bamboo floors, and concrete patios and walks. Landscape design by Bernard Trainor: www.bernardtrainor.com (see “Concrete Jungle” in April 2014 edition of Dwell magazine). Microsoft Media Center installation of the Year, 2008: www.cybermanor.com/ultimate_install.html (automated shades, radiant heating system, and lights, as well as security & sound).

Ryan Day Thompson
Inspiration for a contemporary wooden u-shaped staircase remodel with wooden risers

Wavy mother of pearl porcelain tile, wavy white tile for bathroom shower or backsplash. Perfect for fireplace or accent wall
Example of a trendy bathroom design in Los Angeles

Stone Mosaic Tile floors, marble countertops and backsplash and white painted raised panel cabinets in this luxurious master bathroom with freestanding soaking tub in Greenwood Village Colorado.

Koti Resorts (Hotel Project) Constructed commenced 1991 Location : Baldeyan, Himachal Pradesh GENESIS OF A HOTEL PROJECT - KOTI RESORTS, NALDHERA, SHIMLA How does a Newbie make an entry into the HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY.......??? Or, to be specific – HOW DOES ONE MAKE A HOTEL...... GET INTO THE HOTEL BUSINESS...??? Agreed, the business of teaching/learning of getting into this mammoth Industry is also BIG BUSINESS. Considering that almost each and every city in the country has several institutes/colleges/ and even University departments have jumped onto the band wagon of this reasonably popular academic course. So when a long time friend from the neighbourhood wanted to start a new business/career on a family held plot in the hills – it smelled like a good opportunity. As a student of the University, he was also accidentally pushed into the “business” of running the University Cafeteria – which was on contract to some people. The student leaders (he was part of the Association) were dared to take over the Cafeteria and run it themselves if they had a problem with the then management. Obviously, EGOS got hurt, and one doesn’t DARE a bunch of University leaders of the Student body running the roost. So initial experience taught them supply chain management, financial acumen, human resource management, and of course – all about food. All components of running a ‘dicey operation’ such as a Student cafeteria in a volatile environment were experienced and the nut and bolts of the business learnt the hard way. So it was full confidence and a positive gut feeling that this friend took that momentous decision. And the idea germinated. Remember when we (almost the entire extended family from here in the plains + the rest from the hills) took off to Shimla to case the joint – to put mildly. Would’ve been summertime then – is all that I can remember. Caught up with the ‘hill party’ at Shimla for further going towards the Naldhera Golf Course, where we were booked for lunch. The site was en route – a few strokes short, as ad people would put it, of the Golf Course... On a hilltop called Baldeyan. Anyway, after the family divisions of the land parcel ownership was settled, we (my friend and yours truly) spent some time at the site to figure out the way ahead. Ideas flew back and forth, including some number crunching – and just like that we zeroed in onto making a Resort Hotel. In the middle of a wild nowhere – with great views all around. Shimla town visible at 7 o’clock (S/SW), and the snow capped peaks of the Upper Himalayas ranging from the North to the ESE (say 4 o’clock) the radio mast tower dead North, and the Craignano peak due South (that’s where Shimla’s water supply tanks are located}. The location was a gift from heaven. And the matter was settled – we all agreed that it was so......!!!! So the next step – what kind of hotel do we plan for??? What kind of target customer, tariff, rooms, program...........and a thousand other questions befuddled us. I suggested going to a Hotel Consultant. No ego! So the both of us drove down to Delhi after zeroing in to the offices of Mr. AN Haksar (the recently retd Chairman of the ITC) – who had only recently set up this office. It hurt when we agreed to pay 1/2 a lakh as consultancy fees – in spite of me being the designated Architect for the job. But then.........cie la vie..........!!!! Such is life!!! We got into a quick learning curve of hotel industry terms, and practices. Of things like Occupancy rates, the ARR, peak season rates, and various depts. like F&B, Housekeeping, etc. But what the heck – we both were in our thirties.......!!! And lapped up the learning without any fuss. And joyfully agreed when they said they’d do the hand holding for a while after the hotel started business. Of course we’d agree – after all AN Haksar was the Chairman Emeritus of the ITC group – that super successful upstart in the Hotel Industry. With the Hotel Mughal Agra, the ITC Chola, the ITC Maurya, and the ITC Grand Kakatiya, amongst other successful Iconic properties under their belt. I had already made up my mind on NOT DESTROYING THE ENVIRONMENT with a multi-floor frame structure that was standard pattern in the desecration of the hills. So a low rise low floor concept was a given. And that’s what we did – to achieve what we’d like to think of as the pioneer of hill resort hotel design character......... We were already in competition with another resort being planned some distance away near Chail – another great resort hotel, and the game was on. After getting sanctions and a starter loan from the HP SIDC, we borrowed money from family and friends, and – in a small Maruti 800 – took off for the site one summer morning. Also in the car back seat was my old mistri (now appointed thekedar) and his ‘brother mistri’......from their village in UP. Stopped for a quick lunch immediately after crossing the Dhalli Tunnel, and the on to the site. Now after throwing all tenets of site planning and architecture down the hill, one walked around to locate the point where we would start CONSTRUCTION OF THE RESORT HOTEL. Took a few minutes (remember we were freshers in our thirties) and within the hour had laid out the foundation plan for the 1 st Block. Another added advantage – there were no site boundaries and no benchmarks to go by – excepting an old stone water tank used by the village below. And a few pipes going down from there. Meanwhile left the contractor there in the wilderness for him to locate his construction huts, approach roads, material dump spaces, etc. No idea how he managed. Within a month we were well into the making of the first ‘residential hut’ that one had envisaged. A block of four rooms – with outer rooms a bit larger with a separate dining space. And a vestibule as one entered. The toilets were located between the dining & bedroom spaces – and well ventilated. There was also an open lobby between the four rooms – giving safe access to all. And interesting approaches planned as per site conditions. With built in housekeeping stores, etc under the staircase landings. And space for 2-3 kilo-liters of water tanks for the 8 rooms/suites per block. One also planned for a central heating system – with insulated pipes servicing each block. A/C s were not even in our minds – but we were forced to install them later because of global warming and climate change. Neither were the ubiquitous ceiling fans - which are nowadays a must have in the towns of Shimla and Solan. Among other hill stations.....!!! In fact one got insulated cavity walls made under duress...........a fact appreciated much later in life. Incidentally, I think the cost of petrol was around Re. 8/50 or something those days, and it was easier on the pocket to drive up to the site beyond Shimla than stay over night in a hotel. And the Mandal Commission agitation had made us night birds on the highways to Shimla. VP Singh was the PM, and globalisation of the economy had yet to take birth...........!!!! The hotel had a soft opening in 1991, I think. And the first customer stayed for a week. And then came back after a sort while to stay for a month. We felt vindicated. And the Hotel has never looked back ever since. designed by www.MetamorphosisDesign.org Struggling to bring clarity to your vision before starting your dream project? Let us help you refine your ideas and align them seamlessly with your budget. Schedule your design consultation today - call - 9316511166

Granite stream with driftwood waterfall.
This is an example of a mid-sized tropical partial sun backyard gravel water fountain landscape in Kansas City for summer.

Renovating a bathroom is one of the most rewarding home improvement projects you can undertake. It adds immediate value to your property and elevates your daily routine. However, designing the perfect space requires balancing aesthetics with practical utility. At the heart of this balance is the vanity — it is the functional hub where you get ready each morning, a vital storage unit, and the visual centerpiece of the room. To ensure you make the right investment, here is an in-depth look at choosing a bathroom vanity that blends style, longevity, and everyday functionality.
1. Assessing the Layout and Space Constraints
Before you fall in love with a specific design or finish, you must determine what your bathroom can physically handle. Scale is everything. A vanity that is too large disrupts traffic flow, while one that is too small gets lost visually and lacks adequate storage.

• Take Precise Measurements: measure the available width, depth, and height. Remember to account for surrounding fixtures.
• Check Clearance Zones: ensure there is enough clearance for the bathroom door to swing open, for shower glass doors to clear the vanity, and for drawers and cabinet doors to extend fully without hitting the toilet or walls.
• Locate Existing Plumbing: moving pipes can significantly increase renovation costs. If you want a seamless installation, look for a vanity configuration that aligns easily with your current plumbing setup.
  
  

2. Sizing Up Layouts: how to choose a bathroom sink and vanity
The next major step is determining the scale of your plumbing fixtures. Understanding how to choose a bathroom sink and vanity setup comes down to a simple choice: single or double sinks. Your choice will depend on who uses the bathroom and the overall footprint of the space.
Single Sink Vanities
Typically ranging from 20 to 48 inches (50–120 cm) in width, single vanities are the ideal choice for powder rooms, guest bathrooms, or small master suites. For very compact spaces, you can find narrower options starting around 16 inches (40 cm). The major advantage of a single-sink layout is that it provides more usable countertop space for cosmetics, toiletries, and decorative items. If you want to skip the guesswork and invest in a premium, beautifully handcrafted fixture, explore the luxury collections at Willow Bath and Vanity. From elegant single vanities to spacious double setups, their masterfully built furniture combines solid wood construction with elite styling to transform any bathroom into a spa-like retreat.
Double Sink Vanities
Usually starting at 48 inches (120 cm) and extending up to 72 inches (180 cm) or more, double vanities are a lifesaver for shared master bathrooms. They allow two people to get ready simultaneously without fighting for sink space. Keep in mind that a double vanity naturally reduces both cabinet storage space and countertop real estate since a second sink basin and plumbing lines take up substantial interior room.
Sink Types to Consider

• Undermount: installed beneath the counter for a smooth, seamless surface that is incredibly easy to wipe down.
• Vessel: sits atop the counter like a decorative bowl. It makes a bold style statement but raises the overall height of the counter surface.
• Drop-In: features a lip that rests on the counter cutout. It is easier to install, but its edges can catch dirt.
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3. Surface Selection: how to choose a bathroom vanity top
The countertop is the workhorse of the bathroom. It regularly comes into contact with running water, toothpaste, soapy residue, and high-heat styling tools. Knowing how to choose a bathroom vanity top requires evaluating how much maintenance you are willing to perform against the look you want to achieve. Material Pros Cons Maintenance Level Quartz Highly durable, non-porous, stain and scratch-resistant. Offers the look of stone without the hassle. Premium pricing; can show seams on very large custom layouts. Low (No sealing required) Marble Timeless, elegant, and luxurious. Every slab features a completely unique veining pattern. Porous; prone to scratching, etching from acids, and water stains. Requires careful daily use. High (Requires regular sealing) Granite Naturally strong, heat-resistant, and chemically stable. Unique earthy patterns. Porous; can chip if subjected to heavy impacts. Medium (Requires occasional sealing) When coordinating your countertop, ensure it complements your bathroom’s floor tiles, shower surround, and plumbing hardware to maintain visual harmony.
4. Selecting the Core Vanity Style and Finish
Once the functional components are locked in, you can focus on the architectural style of the vanity base. The base dictates the design theme of the entire room.

• Freestanding vanities: sit directly on the floor, supported by legs or a solid kickboard base. This is a traditional, stable configuration that offers the maximum hidden cabinet and drawer storage space.
• Wall-Mounted (Floating) vanities: anchored directly onto the wall studs, leaving the floor underneath completely clear. Floating vanities are staples of modern, minimalist design. They create an illusion of space, making small rooms look larger, and make cleaning the bathroom floor incredibly easy.
• Console vanities: feature an open shelving design supported by a metal or wood frame. It offers a light, airy look reminiscent of a boutique hotel, though it sacrifices hidden storage.

Don’t forget to look at the construction materials. Because bathrooms are high-humidity environments, look for vanities crafted from solid wood or high-grade plywood rather than cheap particleboard, which can swell and warp when exposed to moisture.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect vanity is a step-by-step process that combines precise measurements with your personal design taste. By taking careful measurements, choosing between a single- or double-sink setup, and picking a durable counter material like quartz or granite, you can transform your bathroom into a beautiful, organized retreat. Prioritize high-quality materials and smart craftsmanship, and your new vanity will look spectacular and serve your household reliably for years to come.

Small path leading to bench against house to view pond. Photo by Ketti Kupper
Photo of a small contemporary full sun courtyard garden path in Los Angeles.

Example of a mid-sized minimalist master gray tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile, white floor and double-sink doorless shower design in Sacramento with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, white countertops, a niche and a floating vanity

This is an example of a craftsman drought-tolerant, rock and full sun front yard river rock landscaping in San Diego.

This interlocking concrete permeable paver driveway is set in an ashlar pattern to create a decorative but versatile look. This driveway allows stormwater to infiltrate into the ground - instead of running off the landscape into streams and rivers where is can cause flooding and pollution.