When a client with an attached ADU asked me to remodel the tired 1990s bathroom, I looked to her love of nature and sparkle to create what I call “The Birds and the Bees Bathroom.” She wanted the tub-shower combo removed in favor of a curbless walk-in shower so I took advantage of this change to use a focal point as an anchor for the now-barrier free shower at the end of the room. I chose a large porcelain mural reminiscent of lyrical botanical illustrations from the early 1900s, complete with birds perched on colorful flowering branches. My client fell in love with a dimensional glass tile in the shape of a honeycomb in an equally honey-colored hue—a reference to life-giving bees—which I used to frame the mural and line the shower niche. The shower walls are clad with porcelain tiles that mimic the look of Cloud Onyx without the tedious maintenance such a fragile stone requires. The easy-care porcelain tiles on the floor look like plank wood and lend an organic sense, and are complimented by the rich wood vanity. The end result is like showering in a bright, fresh garden! Photo: Bernardo Grijalva

Jeanne Schultz Design Studio is an award-winning international design atelier based in Barcelona, Spain with offices in Austin, Texas, USA and Lagos, Nigeria. The firm’s worldly presence combined with a high level of design agency, hybridization of ideas and an eye for elevating the everyday result in an empathetic, dynamic design process with exquisite results. Highly collaborative and communicative, members of the tensile team work, travel and draw inspiration from all corners of the globe. The firm specifically cultivates clients from all cultures and backgrounds and is excited by the continental examples of people, personalities and desires for how to live. JSDS cares deeply about gender, race, ethnic equality and works to uplift all people and communities through design. The firm’s design approach is to utilize elements of the past in order to elevate the present and future. Socially, culturally, politically and fiscally the firm pushes projects from the beginning to be as sustainable as possible. At the same time, a playful injection of nostalgia, memories, dreams and futuristic ideas is allowed to permeate the initial design process. The firm’s guided intent has been to tackle all scopes of projects and scales of design—whether at the scale of the cup or vessel, the scale of fashion, or the scale of architecture—even the scale of a whole community. At its core, JSDS revels in the academic, futuristic and infinite; design is a paradox so that we may see the world more clearly. The firm seeks clients who are risk-takers and visionaries—contact us today for a free consultation.

Jeanne Schultz Design Studio is an award-winning international design atelier based in Barcelona, Spain with offices in Austin, Texas, USA and Lagos, Nigeria. The firm’s worldly presence combined with a high level of design agency, hybridization of ideas and an eye for elevating the everyday result in an empathetic, dynamic design process with exquisite results. Highly collaborative and communicative, members of the tensile team work, travel and draw inspiration from all corners of the globe. The firm specifically cultivates clients from all cultures and backgrounds and is excited by the continental examples of people, personalities and desires for how to live. JSDS cares deeply about gender, race, ethnic equality and works to uplift all people and communities through design. The firm’s design approach is to utilize elements of the past in order to elevate the present and future. Socially, culturally, politically and fiscally the firm pushes projects from the beginning to be as sustainable as possible. At the same time, a playful injection of nostalgia, memories, dreams and futuristic ideas is allowed to permeate the initial design process. The firm’s guided intent has been to tackle all scopes of projects and scales of design—whether at the scale of the cup or vessel, the scale of fashion, or the scale of architecture—even the scale of a whole community. At its core, JSDS revels in the academic, futuristic and infinite; design is a paradox so that we may see the world more clearly. The firm seeks clients who are risk-takers and visionaries—contact us today for a free consultation.

This project involved the complete renovation of one of the client's bathrooms to create a luxurious, elegant and modern space. The focal point of the bathroom is the gorgeous shower area which features white wavy tiles that create a beautiful wave-like pattern on the walls. A sleek niche in the shower is accented with pebble tiles, adding a touch of texture and visual interest to the space. The linear drain and gray floor tiles give the shower an ultra-modern feel. The double sink vanity is equally impressive, with a light gray finish that complements the shower tiles perfectly. The gray and white subway tiles surrounding the vanity area create a classic and timeless look. The very sleek light floor tile used throughout the bathroom brings the whole space together, adding to the modern and sophisticated feel. The "Wave of Elegance" bathroom renovation project demonstrates our commitment to providing high-quality workmanship and outstanding design. The end result was a beautiful bathroom that exceeded the client's expectations and will be enjoyed for many years to come.

This HouseHome renovation was a full down-to-the-studs transformation that brought a dated 1970s home into modern luxury living. We raised ceilings, restructured layouts, and redesigned every space with a fresh, contemporary perspective. The kitchen was completely reinvented—elevated from its original condition to a sleek, sophisticated space with improved flow, modern finishes, and a bright, open feel ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. The bathroom received an equally dramatic redesign, anchored by a bold Monstera feature wall that adds artistic depth. To balance the small footprint, we paired white walls, black penny tile flooring, and warm brass accents, creating a fresh yet timeless, ultra-contemporary look that feels both airy and dramatic. Throughout the dining areas, we enhanced natural light and architectural volume, introducing refined textures, modern furnishings, and a cohesive palette that ties the entire home together. The result is a fully reimagined residence—stylish, expressive, and effortlessly modern—showcasing HouseHome’s signature approach to luxury renovation and contemporary interior design.

This modern green home offers both a vacation destination on Cape Cod near local family members and an opportunity for rental income. FAMILY ROOTS. A West Coast couple living in the San Francisco Bay Area sought a permanent East Coast vacation home near family members living on Cape Cod. As academic professionals focused on sustainability, they sought a green, energy efficient home that was well-aligned with their values. With no green homes available for sale on Cape Cod, they decided to purchase land near their family and build their own. SLOPED SITE. Comprised of a 3/4 acre lot nestled in the pines, the steeply sloping terrain called for a plan that embraced and took advantage of the slope. Of equal priority was optimizing solar exposure, preserving privacy from abutters, and creating outdoor living space. The design accomplished these goals with a simple, rectilinear form, offering living space on the both entry and lower/basement levels. The stepped foundation allows for a walk-out basement level with light-filled living space on the down-hill side of the home. The traditional basement on the eastern, up-hill side houses mechanical equipment and a home gym. The house welcomes natural light throughout, captures views of the forest, and delivers entertainment space that connects indoor living space to outdoor deck and dining patio. MODERN VISION. The clean building form and uncomplicated finishes pay homage to the modern architectural legacy on the outer Cape. Durable and economical fiber cement panels, fixed with aluminum channels, clad the primary form. Cedar clapboards provide a visual accent at the south-facing living room, which extends a single roof plane to cover the entry porch. SMART USE OF SPACE. On the entry level, the “L”-shaped living, dining, and kitchen space connects to the exterior living, dining, and grilling spaces to effectively double the home’s summertime entertainment area. Placed at the western end of the entry level (where it can retain privacy but still claim expansive downhill views) is the master suite with a built-in study. The lower level has two guest bedrooms, a second full bathroom, and laundry. The flexibility of the space—crucial in a house with a modest footprint—emerges in one of the guest bedrooms, which doubles as home office by opening the barn-style double doors to connect it to the bright, airy open stair leading up to the entry level. Thoughtful design, generous ceiling heights and large windows transform the modest 1,100 sf* footprint into a well-lit, spacious home. *(total finished space is 1800 sf) RENTAL INCOME. The property works for its owners by netting rental income when the owners are home in San Francisco. The house especially caters to vacationers bound for nearby Mayo Beach and includes an outdoor shower adjacent to the lower level entry door. In contrast to the bare bones cottages that are typically available on the Cape, this home offers prospective tenants a modern aesthetic, paired with luxurious and green features. Durable finishes inside and out will ensure longevity with the heavier use that comes with a rental property. COMFORT YEAR-ROUND. The home is super-insulated and air-tight, with mechanical ventilation to provide continuous fresh air from the outside. High performance triple-paned windows complement the building enclosure and maximize passive solar gain while ensuring a warm, draft-free winter, even when sitting close to the glass. A properly sized air source heat pump offers efficient heating & cooling, and includes a carefully designed the duct distribution system to provide even comfort throughout the house. The super-insulated envelope allows us to significantly reduce the equipment capacity, duct size, and airflow quantities, while maintaining unparalleled thermal comfort. ENERGY EFFICIENT. The building’s shell and mechanical systems play instrumental roles in the home’s exceptional performance. The building enclosure reduces the most significant energy glutton: heating. Continuous super-insulation, thorough air sealing, triple-pane windows, and passive solar gain work together to yield a miniscule heating load. All active energy consumers are extremely efficient: an air source heat pump for heating and cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation (ERV), and high efficiency appliances. The result is a home that uses 70% less energy than a similar new home built to code requirements. OVERALL. The home embodies the owners’ goals and values while comprehensively enabling thermal comfort, energy efficiency, a vacation respite, and supplementary income. PROJECT TEAM ZeroEnergy Design - Architect & Mechanical Designer A.F. Hultin & Co. - Contractor Pamet Valley Landscape Design - Landscape & Masonry Lisa Finch - Original Artwork European Architectural Supply - Windows Eric Roth Photography - Photography

Like most of our projects, we can't gush about this reno—a new kitchen and mudroom, ensuite closet and pantry—without gushing about the people who live there. The best projects, we always say, are the ones in which client, contractor and design team are all present throughout, conception to completion, each bringing their particular expertise to the table and forming a cohesive, trustworthy team that is mutually invested in a smooth and successful process. They listen to each other, give the benefit of the doubt to each other, do what they say they'll do. This project exemplified that kind of team, and it shows in the results. Most obvious is the opening up of the kitchen to the dining room, decompartmentalizing somewhat a century-old bungalow that was originally quite purposefully compartmentalized. As a result, the kitchen had to become a place one wanted to see clear through from the front door. Inset cabinets and carefully selected details make the functional heart of the house equal in elegance to the more "public" gathering spaces, with their craftsman depth and detail. An old back porch was converted to interior space, creating a mudroom and a much-needed ensuite walk-in closet. A new, larger deck went on: Phase One of an extensive design for outdoor living, that we all hope will be realized over the next few years. Finally, a duplicative back stairwell was repurposed into a walk-in pantry. Modernizing often means opening spaces up for more casual living and entertaining, and/or making better use of dead space. In this re-conceptualized old house, we did all of that, creating a back-of-the-house that is now bright and cheerful and new, while carefully incorporating meaningful vintage and personal elements. The best result of all: the clients are thrilled. And everyone who went in to the project came out of it friends. Contractor: Stumpner Building Services Cabinetry: Stoll’s Woodworking Photographer: Gina Rogers

Opera Prima Cubicle, Mirror, Wall Lamps. Lightness of line for aesthetic incisiveness, classic but contemporary. A recurrent theme, the irregular octagon, is the conceptual protagonist in this composition comprising a cubicle, mirror, and wall lamps. Octagons can be found in the shape of the side surface, the mirror frame, in the refined details of the signature seals. It is also original in the exclusive use of a single material, forged brass in different shapes, tubular and flat, the results of the highest Italian craft skills. A refined style striking for the effect of tension between a classical confidence of line and the futuristic allusions of the metal. Every item is made in compliance with the strictest sanitary standards and so guaranteed lead free. It is available in four surface finishes: chrome, nickel, gold, and bronze in combination with an equal number of marble varieties for the side surface, Carrara white, Marquinia black, Paonazzo, and Portoro. Visit our showroom at 1180 Coney Island Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11230 or call us at 718-434-2111 for more details.

This HouseHome renovation was a full down-to-the-studs transformation that brought a dated 1970s home into modern luxury living. We raised ceilings, restructured layouts, and redesigned every space with a fresh, contemporary perspective. The kitchen was completely reinvented—elevated from its original condition to a sleek, sophisticated space with improved flow, modern finishes, and a bright, open feel ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. The bathroom received an equally dramatic redesign, anchored by a bold Monstera feature wall that adds artistic depth. To balance the small footprint, we paired white walls, black penny tile flooring, and warm brass accents, creating a fresh yet timeless, ultra-contemporary look that feels both airy and dramatic. Throughout the dining areas, we enhanced natural light and architectural volume, introducing refined textures, modern furnishings, and a cohesive palette that ties the entire home together. The result is a fully reimagined residence—stylish, expressive, and effortlessly modern—showcasing HouseHome’s signature approach to luxury renovation and contemporary interior design.

Learn seed starting basics and get a jump start on growing the flower garden of your dreams. In this striking guide you will find everything you need to grow, harvest, and arrange stunning seasonal blooms. With equal parts instruction and inspiration, Floret Farm’s Cut Flower Garden welcomes you into Erin Benzakein’s abundant, bloom-filled world, and is a feast for every flower lover’s eyes and soul. Floret Farm's Cut Flower Garden. Written by Erin Benzakein with Julie Chai. Photos by Michèle M. Waite. Published by Chronicle Books.

This renovated basement is a moody, elevated entertaining space designed for gathering, unwinding, and lingering a little longer. A rich black paneled wall sets a dramatic backdrop, balanced by light wood floors, warm neutral upholstery, and sculptural brass accents that add a subtle glow. The mix of tailored furnishings and organic elements creates a refined yet relaxed atmosphere—equally suited for bourbon tastings, game nights, or shooting pool in the billiards room. Thoughtful lighting and bold artwork bring depth and personality, while the open layout allows the space to flow effortlessly from bar to game table to lounge. The result is a sophisticated retreat that feels intimate, inviting, and unmistakably cool.

Designing what is arguably the most important room in the home to better meet the needs of a very busy young family of seven means leaving nothing to chance. Equal parts aesthetics and functionality, this nearly nine hundred square foot, full-amenity kitchen resulted from meticulous space planning and exquisite craftsmanship. Comprised of three main areas, the kitchen has long perimeter walls that house the major appliances and main sink. A massive hardworking island dedicated to food preparation and casual seating incorporates a second sink and dishwasher as well as ample organization and storage systems. Photography: Phillip Ennis

Like most of our projects, we can't gush about this reno—a new kitchen and mudroom, ensuite closet and pantry—without gushing about the people who live there. The best projects, we always say, are the ones in which client, contractor and design team are all present throughout, conception to completion, each bringing their particular expertise to the table and forming a cohesive, trustworthy team that is mutually invested in a smooth and successful process. They listen to each other, give the benefit of the doubt to each other, do what they say they'll do. This project exemplified that kind of team, and it shows in the results. Most obvious is the opening up of the kitchen to the dining room, decompartmentalizing somewhat a century-old bungalow that was originally quite purposefully compartmentalized. As a result, the kitchen had to become a place one wanted to see clear through from the front door. Inset cabinets and carefully selected details make the functional heart of the house equal in elegance to the more "public" gathering spaces, with their craftsman depth and detail. An old back porch was converted to interior space, creating a mudroom and a much-needed ensuite walk-in closet. A new, larger deck went on: Phase One of an extensive design for outdoor living, that we all hope will be realized over the next few years. Finally, a duplicative back stairwell was repurposed into a walk-in pantry. Modernizing often means opening spaces up for more casual living and entertaining, and/or making better use of dead space. In this re-conceptualized old house, we did all of that, creating a back-of-the-house that is now bright and cheerful and new, while carefully incorporating meaningful vintage and personal elements. The best result of all: the clients are thrilled. And everyone who went in to the project came out of it friends. Contractor: Stumpner Building Services Cabinetry: Stoll’s Woodworking Photographer: Gina Rogers

This renovated basement is a moody, elevated entertaining space designed for gathering, unwinding, and lingering a little longer. A rich black paneled wall sets a dramatic backdrop, balanced by light wood floors, warm neutral upholstery, and sculptural brass accents that add a subtle glow. The mix of tailored furnishings and organic elements creates a refined yet relaxed atmosphere—equally suited for bourbon tastings, game nights, or shooting pool in the billiards room. Thoughtful lighting and bold artwork bring depth and personality, while the open layout allows the space to flow effortlessly from bar to game table to lounge. The result is a sophisticated retreat that feels intimate, inviting, and unmistakably cool.

This HouseHome renovation was a full down-to-the-studs transformation that brought a dated 1970s home into modern luxury living. We raised ceilings, restructured layouts, and redesigned every space with a fresh, contemporary perspective. The kitchen was completely reinvented—elevated from its original condition to a sleek, sophisticated space with improved flow, modern finishes, and a bright, open feel ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. The bathroom received an equally dramatic redesign, anchored by a bold Monstera feature wall that adds artistic depth. To balance the small footprint, we paired white walls, black penny tile flooring, and warm brass accents, creating a fresh yet timeless, ultra-contemporary look that feels both airy and dramatic. Throughout the dining areas, we enhanced natural light and architectural volume, introducing refined textures, modern furnishings, and a cohesive palette that ties the entire home together. The result is a fully reimagined residence—stylish, expressive, and effortlessly modern—showcasing HouseHome’s signature approach to luxury renovation and contemporary interior design.

This renovated basement is a moody, elevated entertaining space designed for gathering, unwinding, and lingering a little longer. A rich black paneled wall sets a dramatic backdrop, balanced by light wood floors, warm neutral upholstery, and sculptural brass accents that add a subtle glow. The mix of tailored furnishings and organic elements creates a refined yet relaxed atmosphere—equally suited for bourbon tastings, game nights, or shooting pool in the billiards room. Thoughtful lighting and bold artwork bring depth and personality, while the open layout allows the space to flow effortlessly from bar to game table to lounge. The result is a sophisticated retreat that feels intimate, inviting, and unmistakably cool.

Valley Garden Landscapes Our clients in Alfords Point engaged Valley garden Landscapes to undertake a full landscape overhaul including new pergola, decking, pool and garden design. Working through the entire process from the design phase, council approval to construction and ultimate completion was a truly satisfying and enjoyable experience. The results provide a stunning and highly functional landscape that ticks every box from the design brief. The pergola includes heat strips and fans to extend the use of the deck and extensive lighting allows the garden to be equally enjoyed at night. Under the deck is a large store room chiselled out of bed rock that contains the pool equipment and ample space besides. The clients are delighted with the garden and are looking forward to throwing many more pool parties and barbecues in the future. Look for a new pool and garden design for your family? Let us help you create a dream escape in your backyard.

This renovated basement is a moody, elevated entertaining space designed for gathering, unwinding, and lingering a little longer. A rich black paneled wall sets a dramatic backdrop, balanced by light wood floors, warm neutral upholstery, and sculptural brass accents that add a subtle glow. The mix of tailored furnishings and organic elements creates a refined yet relaxed atmosphere—equally suited for bourbon tastings, game nights, or shooting pool in the billiards room. Thoughtful lighting and bold artwork bring depth and personality, while the open layout allows the space to flow effortlessly from bar to game table to lounge. The result is a sophisticated retreat that feels intimate, inviting, and unmistakably cool.

This renovated basement is a moody, elevated entertaining space designed for gathering, unwinding, and lingering a little longer. A rich black paneled wall sets a dramatic backdrop, balanced by light wood floors, warm neutral upholstery, and sculptural brass accents that add a subtle glow. The mix of tailored furnishings and organic elements creates a refined yet relaxed atmosphere—equally suited for bourbon tastings, game nights, or shooting pool in the billiards room. Thoughtful lighting and bold artwork bring depth and personality, while the open layout allows the space to flow effortlessly from bar to game table to lounge. The result is a sophisticated retreat that feels intimate, inviting, and unmistakably cool.