Image by 'Ancient Surfaces' Product name: Antique Stone and Marble Bathroom Elements. Contacts: (212) 461-0245 Email: Sales@ancientsurfaces.com Website: www.AncientSurfaces.com Those antique stone elements used in creating the crème de la crème of award winning bathrooms could be used today in rendering your humble bathroom into a magical indoor dreamscape equivalent to having your own exotic travel destination just a few step away from bed. Allow yourself a full body and mind therapy that will let you unwind and escape from life's constraints and worries for an ephemeral period that will feel like an eternity... From our antique marble and stone sinks, specialty reclaimed shower stones, floors and counter vanities, all our stone creations are guaranteed to give your bathroom a unique composition and arcane feel. Our stone elements are considered by many high profile designers and architects a badge of honor that helps them achieve an overall creative design vision for your house.

This home rocks! Really, just look at the enormity of this home! Its more beautiful every time I see it. There is a lot going on here so let's take a stab at it. The materials used here offer a great complement to one another. The brick is just gool! I love the soldier courses around the windows, classic look. Then we have the cast stone, stucco, cedar beams, tin roofing and of course the stone. This natural building stone application complements the color and feel of the home perfectly. Building stone of course is a completely different application model than veneer stone. It averages around 6" thick and required footings and wall ties for correct installation. This home took over 4 months to complete and we layed over 10,000 sq ft over that time. The application of the stone here is a combination of stacked stone and jumpers. If I remember correctly its done on a 50/50 or 60/40 mixture to create a hand crafted look from days gone by, when they actually built with stone! While this application may not be great for remodeling your exterior there are manufactured stone equivalents that can come close to reproducing this look.

Image by 'Ancient Surfaces' Product name: Antique Stone and Marble Bathroom Elements. Contacts: (212) 461-0245 Email: Sales@ancientsurfaces.com Website: www.AncientSurfaces.com Those antique stone elements used in creating the crème de la crème of award winning bathrooms could be used today in rendering your humble bathroom into a magical indoor dreamscape equivalent to having your own exotic travel destination just a few step away from bed. Allow yourself a full body and mind therapy that will let you unwind and escape from life's constraints and worries for an ephemeral period that will feel like an eternity... From our antique marble and stone sinks, specialty reclaimed shower stones, floors and counter vanities, all our stone creations are guaranteed to give your bathroom a unique composition and arcane feel. Our stone elements are considered by many high profile designers and architects a badge of honor that helps them achieve an overall creative design vision for your house.

Dining room - large transitional dining room idea

Image by 'Ancient Surfaces' Product name: Antique Stone and Marble Bathroom Elements. Contacts: (212) 461-0245 Email: Sales@ancientsurfaces.com Website: www.AncientSurfaces.com Those antique stone elements used in creating the crème de la crème of award winning bathrooms could be used today in rendering your humble bathroom into a magical indoor dreamscape equivalent to having your own exotic travel destination just a few step away from bed. Allow yourself a full body and mind therapy that will let you unwind and escape from life's constraints and worries for an ephemeral period that will feel like an eternity... From our antique marble and stone sinks, specialty reclaimed shower stones, floors and counter vanities, all our stone creations are guaranteed to give your bathroom a unique composition and arcane feel. Our stone elements are considered by many high profile designers and architects a badge of honor that helps them achieve an overall creative design vision for your house.

1x4 CUSTOM SIZE (Custom Milled Shadow Gap 1/4 inch Reveal) CEDAR-IRC SIDING, D&BTR (BL Grade Equivalent NEAR CLEAR), KD, Stained S1S, Smooth Use. Cabot's 3000 Transparent Oil Based Stain

Globe Electric’s Kearney Collection updates any space with style. The 6-Light Foldable Track Lighting with oil rubbed bronze finish and champagne glass shades is ideal for use on ceilings in kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, living rooms, hallways, dining rooms – anywhere you want the ability to direct light exactly where needed without multiple light fixtures. Each of the six track heads are independently adjustable so you can direct and focus your light where you need it the most. The oil rubbed​ bronze finish brings a new look to a classic design. Includes all mounting hardware for quick and easy installation and six 50W equivalent GU10 halogen light bulbs.

2x8 QTR LOG NO REVEAL (1/2 LAP, NO REVEAL) PINE-LODGE SIDING, #2 (BL Grade Equivalent MILL SELECT), KD (Kiln Dried), StainEXT (Stained Exterior), Stained 2 Coat Cabot's Translucent "Pine Cone" HEWN, Smooth Use.

Beacon Pendant By Tech Lighting Transparent cylinder shade. Black, satin nickel, and white finish options highlighted with three satin nickel cylinder details and clear cable; antique bronze finish highlighted with three antique bronze cylinder details and brown cable. Includes 120 volt, 30 watt or equivalent medium base T9 Classic Edison Style lamp or 120 volt, 9 watt medium base self-ballasted compact fluorescent Baby Plumen lamp. Fixture is provided with six feet of field-cuttable cable. Incandescent version dimmable with standard incandescent dimmer.

Nestled in the hills of Orinda, California, this 1951 residence is one of only seven extant homes, now known as “The Magnificent Seven”, designed by architect Olof Dahlstrand, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright. With its low-slung rooflines, natural materials, and deep integration with the sloping landscape, the home is a pristine example of mid-century modern design inspired by Wright’s organic principles. Over the years, prior homeowners have emphasized preservation, ensuring that the house remained relatively untouched. Each owner has respected the original architecture and stayed true to Dahlstrand’s intent. When a family of five—two college-aged sons and a middle school-aged daughter—acquired the property, they were captivated by its history, legacy of care, and architectural significance. While they appreciated Dahlstrand’s original vision, they also recognized the need to adapt the home for contemporary living while preserving its design integrity. The remodel was conceived as a thoughtful response to the past—an effort to bring the house into the 21st century without compromising its soul. The primary mandate was to maintain architectural continuity while improving the functionality, comfort, and livability for a modern family. The design team—architects and contractor alike—worked with a shared reverence for the original architecture, allowing that mindset to guide even the most technical or pragmatic decisions. A key objective was to increase natural light in the kitchen—a departure from Wrightian principles of enclosed, intimate cooking spaces—while maintaining the home’s architectural language. The kitchen was reconfigured to foster a stronger connection to adjacent living spaces while retaining the underlying concept of spatial separation. One of the most transformative architectural changes was the removal of a ridge beam that was originally planned to remain visible through the kitchen. During construction, the team collaborated on a better solution: a wide-flanged steel beam concealed within the roof envelope. This subtle move preserved the clean lines and ceiling continuity, a modern update carried out with utmost respect for the existing framework. The home’s original powder room, previously accessible only through the kitchen, was relocated for better flow and privacy. A new powder room was carved out of former kitchen cabinetry—a narrow, interior space that could have felt dark and enclosed. To avoid this, the design extended the line of original transom windows into the new powder room and added a skylight above the vanity. The result is a bright and airy space that feels consistent with the rest of the home. Other updates included the installation of new solid-core interior doors with veneers carefully matched to the original mahogany, enhancing the continuity of the interiors. Even smaller decisions, such as placing the door knobs at 42 inches high, mirrored the original proportions. Every choice reflected a shared belief between the architect, contractor, and client: that new work should serve the integrity of the old. The home’s extensive interior redwood millwork and paneling was meticulously restored. Where new materials were introduced—such as the replacement redwood soffit paneling—the contractor took pains to find finish nails that matched the original, rather than using modern equivalents. This level of craftsmanship and collaboration defined the project. It extended even to the detailing of a blind door to the new powder room, which had to disappear into the existing redwood board-and-batten wall. It was a team effort: the owner found a suitable handle, the architects devised the custom in-swing mechanism, and the contractor executed it so the door aligned precisely with the battens. Throughout, the homeowners were deeply engaged in the design process. One, a meticulous design enthusiast, focused on aesthetic integrity and historic detail. The other brought a practical and function-driven perspective, ensuring that new fixtures and materials would be durable and require minimal maintenance. While the home’s location posed no major site challenges, sustainability was a key concern. The team upgraded the roof insulation, installed solar panels with battery storage, and added ductless mini-split cooling systems. Lighting was another area where modern technology was woven into a historic framework: new square LED fixtures echo the original custom perimeter soffit lights, maintaining the design language while offering advanced performance. A planned expansion of a bedroom into suite with a bathroom had to be shelved due to budget constraints and the high cost of below-grade foundation work. Still, the team focused their efforts on making the most of the existing footprint, resolving constraints through design ingenuity rather than adding square footage. This renovation represents a collaborative achievement in preserving and evolving a historically significant home. Every decision was shaped by a shared ethos among clients, architects, and contractor: to maintain the home’s architectural soul while updating it for contemporary life. The result is a timeless modernist residence that continues Olof Dahlstrand’s legacy, remaining grounded in nature, craftsmanship, and human-scale design. Klopf Architecture Team: John Klopf, AIA, Klara Kevane, Fernanda Bernardes
Interior Architectural Design: Klopf Architecture
Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao
Contractor: Don Larwood, Larwood Construction Photography: Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2022

One of the most popular hardwood floor finishing which offers Tom & Peter Flooring is provided by WOCA. If you’ve decided that you want a natural looking wooden floor that is lacquer-free, then the likelihood is that you’ve chosen oil as your way of protecting your wood and making your floor look great at the same time. WOCA for wood flooring comes in various forms and is a great way of making sure that your wood is protected, but at the same time looks natural. A highly popular as well as effective way of treating wood floors, oils effectively penetrate into the wood and in some cases harden into the surface of the floor to stop damage and to maintain the wood in its optimum condition. WOCA Oil finish hardwood flooring has taken the United States market by in 2014 and shows no signs of slowing down in 2016 and now. Here are some of the most common questions we have regarding this type of finish which we will I’m to answer in today’s my blog: Is oil finish as durable as traditional factory urethane finishes with aluminum oxide? When it comes to durability, oil finish flooring tackles the issue with a completely different method. The penetrating oil serves as protection from moisture and wear while allowing the user to feel the wood grains in their bare feet. If compared directly to factory finished aluminum oxide finish, the oil finish flooring will not perform as well to abrasion and impact. However, the beauty of this finish is the fact that it will camouflage any scratches which will inevitably accumulate over time. Will this finish evaporate over time and will this be harmful for indoor air quality? Another concern for oil finished floors its effect on indoor air quality. For on-site applications, some varieties suggest several coats which typically require the residents to be out of the home due to mild odors. However, there are factory finished UV-cured or single coat applications which lessen the downtime. Despite the odors produced during the drying process, oil finish floors rank amongst the lowest for VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions. Certain brands even boast true zero VOC. This fact alone makes oil finished floors one of the best options for green building solutions. “WOCA products are certified by independent laboratories, the German Institute for Biological Building Materials, and are in accordance with DIN–Norm 53–160. WOCA WoodCare Denmark products meet or exceed the most stringent U.S. standards for volatile organic compounds.” –WOCA Oil Finish Manufacture Does this type of finish require additional maintenance which I am not familiar with? For weekly cleaning, oiled floors use a special cleaner which contains an oil and soap mixture. After a period of 12-18 months some oil may evaporate causing the wood grains to appear dry. An additional layer of oil can be reapplied to keep the floor looking fresh. Although oil finished floors require more involvement in periodic maintenance in high traffic areas, this maintenance can be done much easier than the equivalent of an onsite sand and refinish. WOCA Master Color Oil contains pigment, which provides a single-step hardwood floor staining process. Laying down the stain and the finish in one step. This product comes 14 different colors, from Black to Extra White, and you can mix them freely to create various color palettes that will meet the demands of any job. Below are some pictures of the finished job…

Nestled in the hills of Orinda, California, this 1951 residence is one of only seven extant homes, now known as “The Magnificent Seven”, designed by architect Olof Dahlstrand, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright. With its low-slung rooflines, natural materials, and deep integration with the sloping landscape, the home is a pristine example of mid-century modern design inspired by Wright’s organic principles. Over the years, prior homeowners have emphasized preservation, ensuring that the house remained relatively untouched. Each owner has respected the original architecture and stayed true to Dahlstrand’s intent. When a family of five—two college-aged sons and a middle school-aged daughter—acquired the property, they were captivated by its history, legacy of care, and architectural significance. While they appreciated Dahlstrand’s original vision, they also recognized the need to adapt the home for contemporary living while preserving its design integrity. The remodel was conceived as a thoughtful response to the past—an effort to bring the house into the 21st century without compromising its soul. The primary mandate was to maintain architectural continuity while improving the functionality, comfort, and livability for a modern family. The design team—architects and contractor alike—worked with a shared reverence for the original architecture, allowing that mindset to guide even the most technical or pragmatic decisions. A key objective was to increase natural light in the kitchen—a departure from Wrightian principles of enclosed, intimate cooking spaces—while maintaining the home’s architectural language. The kitchen was reconfigured to foster a stronger connection to adjacent living spaces while retaining the underlying concept of spatial separation. One of the most transformative architectural changes was the removal of a ridge beam that was originally planned to remain visible through the kitchen. During construction, the team collaborated on a better solution: a wide-flanged steel beam concealed within the roof envelope. This subtle move preserved the clean lines and ceiling continuity, a modern update carried out with utmost respect for the existing framework. The home’s original powder room, previously accessible only through the kitchen, was relocated for better flow and privacy. A new powder room was carved out of former kitchen cabinetry—a narrow, interior space that could have felt dark and enclosed. To avoid this, the design extended the line of original transom windows into the new powder room and added a skylight above the vanity. The result is a bright and airy space that feels consistent with the rest of the home. Other updates included the installation of new solid-core interior doors with veneers carefully matched to the original mahogany, enhancing the continuity of the interiors. Even smaller decisions, such as placing the door knobs at 42 inches high, mirrored the original proportions. Every choice reflected a shared belief between the architect, contractor, and client: that new work should serve the integrity of the old. The home’s extensive interior redwood millwork and paneling was meticulously restored. Where new materials were introduced—such as the replacement redwood soffit paneling—the contractor took pains to find finish nails that matched the original, rather than using modern equivalents. This level of craftsmanship and collaboration defined the project. It extended even to the detailing of a blind door to the new powder room, which had to disappear into the existing redwood board-and-batten wall. It was a team effort: the owner found a suitable handle, the architects devised the custom in-swing mechanism, and the contractor executed it so the door aligned precisely with the battens. Throughout, the homeowners were deeply engaged in the design process. One, a meticulous design enthusiast, focused on aesthetic integrity and historic detail. The other brought a practical and function-driven perspective, ensuring that new fixtures and materials would be durable and require minimal maintenance. While the home’s location posed no major site challenges, sustainability was a key concern. The team upgraded the roof insulation, installed solar panels with battery storage, and added ductless mini-split cooling systems. Lighting was another area where modern technology was woven into a historic framework: new square LED fixtures echo the original custom perimeter soffit lights, maintaining the design language while offering advanced performance. A planned expansion of a bedroom into suite with a bathroom had to be shelved due to budget constraints and the high cost of below-grade foundation work. Still, the team focused their efforts on making the most of the existing footprint, resolving constraints through design ingenuity rather than adding square footage. This renovation represents a collaborative achievement in preserving and evolving a historically significant home. Every decision was shaped by a shared ethos among clients, architects, and contractor: to maintain the home’s architectural soul while updating it for contemporary life. The result is a timeless modernist residence that continues Olof Dahlstrand’s legacy, remaining grounded in nature, craftsmanship, and human-scale design. Klopf Architecture Team: John Klopf, AIA, Klara Kevane, Fernanda Bernardes
Interior Architectural Design: Klopf Architecture
Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao
Contractor: Don Larwood, Larwood Construction Photography: Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2022

One of the most popular hardwood floor finishing which offers Tom & Peter Flooring is provided by WOCA. If you’ve decided that you want a natural looking wooden floor that is lacquer-free, then the likelihood is that you’ve chosen oil as your way of protecting your wood and making your floor look great at the same time. WOCA for wood flooring comes in various forms and is a great way of making sure that your wood is protected, but at the same time looks natural. A highly popular as well as effective way of treating wood floors, oils effectively penetrate into the wood and in some cases harden into the surface of the floor to stop damage and to maintain the wood in its optimum condition. WOCA Oil finish hardwood flooring has taken the United States market by in 2014 and shows no signs of slowing down in 2016 and now. Here are some of the most common questions we have regarding this type of finish which we will I’m to answer in today’s my blog: Is oil finish as durable as traditional factory urethane finishes with aluminum oxide? When it comes to durability, oil finish flooring tackles the issue with a completely different method. The penetrating oil serves as protection from moisture and wear while allowing the user to feel the wood grains in their bare feet. If compared directly to factory finished aluminum oxide finish, the oil finish flooring will not perform as well to abrasion and impact. However, the beauty of this finish is the fact that it will camouflage any scratches which will inevitably accumulate over time. Will this finish evaporate over time and will this be harmful for indoor air quality? Another concern for oil finished floors its effect on indoor air quality. For on-site applications, some varieties suggest several coats which typically require the residents to be out of the home due to mild odors. However, there are factory finished UV-cured or single coat applications which lessen the downtime. Despite the odors produced during the drying process, oil finish floors rank amongst the lowest for VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions. Certain brands even boast true zero VOC. This fact alone makes oil finished floors one of the best options for green building solutions. “WOCA products are certified by independent laboratories, the German Institute for Biological Building Materials, and are in accordance with DIN–Norm 53–160. WOCA WoodCare Denmark products meet or exceed the most stringent U.S. standards for volatile organic compounds.” –WOCA Oil Finish Manufacture Does this type of finish require additional maintenance which I am not familiar with? For weekly cleaning, oiled floors use a special cleaner which contains an oil and soap mixture. After a period of 12-18 months some oil may evaporate causing the wood grains to appear dry. An additional layer of oil can be reapplied to keep the floor looking fresh. Although oil finished floors require more involvement in periodic maintenance in high traffic areas, this maintenance can be done much easier than the equivalent of an onsite sand and refinish. WOCA Master Color Oil contains pigment, which provides a single-step hardwood floor staining process. Laying down the stain and the finish in one step. This product comes 14 different colors, from Black to Extra White, and you can mix them freely to create various color palettes that will meet the demands of any job. Below are some pictures of the finished job…

1x4 CUSTOM SIZE (Custom Milled Shadow Gap 1/4 inch Reveal) CEDAR-IRC SIDING, D&BTR (BL Grade Equivalent NEAR CLEAR), KD, Stained S1S, Smooth Use. Cabot's 3000 Transparent Oil Based Stain

1x4 CUSTOM SIZE (Custom Milled Shadow Gap 1/4 inch Reveal) CEDAR-IRC SIDING, D&BTR (BL Grade Equivalent NEAR CLEAR), KD, Stained S1S, Smooth Use. Cabot's 3000 Transparent Oil Based Stain

2x8 QTR LOG NO REVEAL (1/2 LAP, NO REVEAL) PINE-LODGE SIDING, #2 (BL Grade Equivalent MILL SELECT), KD (Kiln Dried), StainEXT (Stained Exterior), Stained 2 Coat Cabot's Translucent "Pine Cone" HEWN, Smooth Use.

This project was commissioned by one of our regular tradesmen - a huge vote of confidence when our builders want these houses for themselves! One of the least expensive houses we’ve built to date, proving that near-passive house efficiency can be coupled with construction costs equivalent to code-built custom costs. This project was designed to eventually be net-zero, and the solar array necessary to provide all energy to this house was priced under $20,000 installed.

short and wide LaurieB
Hallway - contemporary hallway idea in Vancouver

Photo: Ocean West Media Wallpaper: Omexco – Name: Graphite Pattern: GRA3505 Accent Wall: Arte– Name: Intrigue Pattern: Rosace Paint: Benjamin Moore or equivalent Color: 2126-20 – raccoon fur grey Finish: eggshell Carpet: Compass East Cape 57 Whangara 100% New Zealand Wool Fabrics: Vintage Velvet Pinch Pleat Ready Made Drape Color: Port