Photos by Project Focus Photography
Example of a huge beach style beige three-story stucco exterior home design in Tampa with a tile roof

Not evident from the street, the parti for this new home is a sweeping arc of glass which forms an expansive panorama of a wooded river valley beyond in the rear. The lot is located in an established and planned neighborhood, which is adjacent to a heavily forested metropark. The house is comprised of two levels; the primary living areas are located on the main level including the master bedroom suite. Additional living and entertaining areas are located below with access to the lower level outdoor living spaces. The large floor-to-ceiling curtain of glass and open floor plan allow all main living spaces access to views and light while affording privacy where required, primarily along the sides of the property. Kitchen and eating areas include a large floating island which allows for meal preparation while entertaining, and the many large retracting glass doors allow for easy flow to the outdoor spaces. The exterior materials were chosen for durability and minimal maintenance, including ultra- compact porcelain, stone, synthetic stucco, cement siding, stained fir roof underhangs and exterior ceilings. Lighting is downplayed with special fixtures where important areas are highlighted. The fireplace wall has a hidden door to the master suite veneered in concrete panels. The kitchen is sleek with hidden appliances behind full-height (responsibly harvested) rosewood veneer panels. Interiors include a soft muted palette with minimalist fixtures and details. Careful attention was given to the variable ceiling heights throughout, for example in the foyer and dining room. The foyer area is raised and expressed as the large porcelain clad element of the entrance, and becomes a defining part of the composition of the façade from the street.

Refined dining space with a warm palette and statement lighting, designed for both everyday meals and entertaining
Dining room - transitional dining room idea in Baltimore

This oceanside residence in coastal Rhode Island blends relaxed Southern California ease with classic New England charm. A full renovation removed interior walls and introduced expansive sliding doors that open to the patio, creating an indoor outdoor living experience. The outdoor area features a tiered swimming pool, a spacious lounge and sweeping ocean views. The modern kitchen includes a two tiered island, woven metal inserts, slab stone backsplash, contemporary lighting and a pass-through window that connects to the outdoor kitchen. The primary bathroom offers unobstructed ocean views from the shower and bathtub, along with a dual vanity and stone wrapped walls that reinforce a sense of luxury. Throughout the home, a cream and neutral materials palette brings comfort and personality.

This coastal garden is located 4 hours north of Sydney. This garden has been an ongoing project for Secret Gardens over the last decade. The original brief was for a ‘mini botanic garden’ which proved a challenge on a site with little tree or vegetation cover and limited top soil. The plantings are 95% native, from the establishing rainforest where over 25 varieties of trees have been used to the drier areas where Callistemon, Kangaroo Paw and ornamental grasses have been used in large swathes.The result now is an established garden that will continue to evolve and provide great enjoyment for our clients.

Located in Taneatua, south of Whakatane, the Tuhoe building has been designed by Jasmax and built by Arrow International for the local iwi, Tuhoe, as part of a Living Building Challenge. Their iconic new headquarters is now one of New Zealand’s most advanced sustainable buildings – built to have virtually no environmental impact.

Inspiration for a timeless sunroom remodel in Other

On this project, a bright and modern apartment on central park west, we were fortunate enough to have already established a strong working relationship with the architect. having collaborated on a number of projects in the past, we were already acquainted with working as a team, which allowed us to hit the ground running.

This coastal garden is located 4 hours north of Sydney. This garden has been an ongoing project for Secret Gardens over the last decade. The original brief was for a ‘mini botanic garden’ which proved a challenge on a site with little tree or vegetation cover and limited top soil. The plantings are 95% native, from the establishing rainforest where over 25 varieties of trees have been used to the drier areas where Callistemon, Kangaroo Paw and ornamental grasses have been used in large swathes.The result now is an established garden that will continue to evolve and provide great enjoyment for our clients.

Northeast Portland is full of great old neighborhoods and houses bursting with character. The owners of this particular home had enjoyed their pink and blue bathroom’s quirky charm for years, but had finally outgrown its awkward layout and lack of functionality. The Goal: Create a fresh, bright look for this bathroom that is both functional and fits the style of the home. Step one was to establish the color scheme and style for our clients’ new bathroom. Bright whites and classic elements like marble, subway tile and penny-rounds helped establish a transitional style that didn’t feel “too modern” for the home. When it comes to creating a more functional space, storage is key. The original bathroom featured a pedestal sink with no practical storage options. We designed a custom-built vanity with plenty of storage and useable counter space. And by opting for a durable, low-maintenance quartz countertop, we were able to create a beautiful marble-look without the hefty price-tag. Next, we got rid of the old tub (and awkward shower outlet), and moved the entire shower-area to the back wall. This created a far more practical layout for this bathroom, providing more space for the large new vanity and the open, walk-in shower our clients were looking for.

The exterior features black metal fascias wrapping exposed wood at the upper soffits. Select structural beams are exposed at key points to add warmth to the design.

The owners of this home came to us with a plan to build a new high-performance home that physically and aesthetically fit on an infill lot in an old well-established neighborhood in Bellingham. The Craftsman exterior detailing, Scandinavian exterior color palette, and timber details help it blend into the older neighborhood. At the same time the clean modern interior allowed their artistic details and displayed artwork take center stage. We started working with the owners and the design team in the later stages of design, sharing our expertise with high-performance building strategies, custom timber details, and construction cost planning. Our team then seamlessly rolled into the construction phase of the project, working with the owners and Michelle, the interior designer until the home was complete. The owners can hardly believe the way it all came together to create a bright, comfortable, and friendly space that highlights their applied details and favorite pieces of art. Photography by Radley Muller Photography​ Design by Deborah Todd Building Design Services Interior Design by Spiral Studios​

On this project, a bright and modern apartment on central park west, we were fortunate enough to have already established a strong working relationship with the architect. having collaborated on a number of projects in the past, we were already acquainted with working as a team, which allowed us to hit the ground running.

Full service residential and light commercial building, remodeling and design contractor MJH Construction is committed to providing our customers with exceptional customer service, sound design, extreme craftsmanship, and the highest quality products to complete their projects and exceed expectations. Owner and Founder, Michael J. Harkowa is a graduate of New York Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Architecture. He has over 25 years of experience in the construction industry and has been a licensed contractor since 1989. He established MJH Construction in 1993 in Brentwood, NY, providing customers with remodeling and design services. In 1997, Mike moved to Maryland to pursue new opportunities in the remodeling and new construction markets as a founding member of Needwood Construction, LLC. He held the position of Senior Member/Partner of Needwood Construction, LLC for 15 years, as well as Vice President and later, President of Needwood Homes, Inc. for 9 years. In 2012, Mike re-established MJH Construction, LLC; providing building, remodeling & design services.

This modern farmhouse landscape project in Cheney, Washington was designed to create a cohesive, durable outdoor environment that complements the architecture while responding to Inland Northwest climate conditions. Phase One included full site grading, irrigation installation, topsoil placement, and hydroseed to establish a healthy, resilient lawn. Planting areas were thoughtfully designed to provide structure, seasonal interest, and long-term performance while maintaining defensible space principles for improved wildfire resilience. Existing Ponderosa pines were preserved to retain the character and scale of the property, and hardscape materials were selected for durability and low maintenance. Concrete curbing defines clean transitions between lawn and planting beds, while strategically placed landscape boulders anchor the design within the site’s natural context. Low voltage landscape lighting was integrated to enhance safety, highlight architectural elements, and extend usability into the evening hours. This project was intentionally designed with future phases in mind, including a detached shop, expanded driveway improvements, additional deciduous tree plantings along the drive, and expanded planting areas. By establishing a strong foundational layout in Phase One, the property can evolve over time while maintaining design cohesion. The result is a refined farmhouse landscape that feels intentional, regionally appropriate, and built to perform through wind, snow, summer heat, and seasonal change.

Yellow Firecracker Fern, Firecracker Plant, Coral Fountain Plant Russelia equisetiformis lutea, R. juncea lutea Scrophulariaceae Yellow Firecracker Fern, Firecracker Plant, Coral Fountain Plant Yellow Firecracker Fern, Firecracker Plant, Coral Fountain Plant Yellow Firecracker Fern, Firecracker Plant, Coral Fountain Plant The Yellow Firecracker Fern produces loads of 1" creamy yellow tubular flowers that are born in large loose clusters throughout the warmer months of the year or nearly year round where winters are mild. Excellent for Hummingbirds! Plant it with the red for a colorful show. This is a durable and long-lived, clump forming perennial that requires little additional care once well-established. The Firecracker Fern has excellent heat and sun tolerance as well as moderate drought resistance once well-established. It is even listed as being suitable for xeriscaping. Firecracker Fern is listed as a Texas A&M Outstanding Coastal Plant (see the "More info from Universities..." link below) as it has excellent resistance to soil and wind born salts, though it could use some protection from harsh, drying winds.

Refined Continuity: Bridging Classical Architecture and Modern Living This comprehensive remodel of a grand Cow Hollow residence reimagines a historically expressive envelope through a lens of contemporary livability, precision detailing, and material restraint. The design approach carefully balances the home’s classical proportions and ornamental heritage with a refined, modern sensibility—evident in the disciplined palette of warm neutrals, soft plasters, pale oak flooring, and tailored millwork. Circulation has been clarified and subtly expanded to enhance spatial flow, while openings are leveraged to capture light, garden outlooks, and distant water views. Throughout, architectural interventions are executed with a high level of craft, ensuring that new insertions—whether cabinetry, railings, or apertures—read as seamless continuations of the original structure rather than applied elements. The kitchen serves as the operational and visual anchor of the home, conceived as a sculptural yet highly functional environment. Custom rift-cut cabinetry, softened through a desaturated finish, is paired with honed stone surfaces and integrated brass hardware to create a quiet, tactile richness. A monolithic island establishes a central gathering point, while perimeter work zones are carefully layered with concealed storage, integrated appliances, and open, backlit shelving that elevates everyday objects into curated displays. The adjacent bar and entertaining areas extend this language, reinforcing a cohesive hospitality-driven program. In parallel, the primary bathroom is designed as a serene, spa-like retreat, where bookmatched stone, frameless glass enclosures, and finely detailed metalwork converge. The composition prioritizes symmetry, clarity, and light—balancing generous volumes with intimate moments through integrated lighting, custom vanities, and a restrained material hierarchy. The library and ancillary living spaces introduce a more intimate scale, anchored by bespoke built-ins that combine closed storage with illuminated display niches, creating depth and rhythm along the walls. Here, material transitions and furniture integration are handled with particular nuance, allowing the architecture to support both quiet retreat and social gathering. A continuous language of custom railings—executed in refined metal profiles—threads through the interior and extends outward, where the exterior gate and garden elements have been reinterpreted to align with the home’s renewed identity. The entry sequence is now defined by a calibrated interplay of solidity and transparency, with sculptural metalwork and landscape integration establishing a sense of arrival that is both secure and elegant. Collectively, the project reflects a holistic transformation—one that elevates performance, livability, and aesthetic clarity while preserving the inherent dignity of the original architecture.

Everfall is set within a pristine 20,000-square-foot property in one of Coral Gables’ oldest and most storied neighborhoods. Here, mature canopy trees, towering palms, and historic architecture define a sense of place often referred to as the “real Miami.” While the residence showcases exquisitely modernized architecture and unobstructed views of Biscayne Bay, the pre-existing garden fell short of its potential. Our design challenge is twofold: to reimagine vehicular and pedestrian circulation in harmony with the site’s topography, and to create a garden that respects and reinforces the character of its historic setting. Circulation was addressed first. The driveway was redesigned to ease steep slopes and form a welcoming motor court that blends hardscape and planting. Pedestrian access was reoriented to highlight the east–west axis, and the former unsightly pedestrian ramp was replaced with platform steps, expansive landings, and lush planting; establishing a tranquil and clearly defined entry sequence. The planting design emphasizes native species along the perimeter and public right-of-way, aligning with the evolving character of surrounding gardens. Within the property, sculptural specimen trees, epiphytes, and lithophytes evoke the feeling of a long-established landscape. A palette of Mediterranean textures and cliff-dwelling Date Palm species were integrated as elegant accents. Color plays a vital role in the sensory experience, introduced through climbing vines and profusely flowering shrubs and groundcovers in shades of pink, purple, and white. Above all, the garden is designed as a reflection of our clients—their personalities, passions, and way of life. It is a living extension of their home, offering beauty, comfort, and an immersive connection to the natural world. We are honored to shape the vision for the Everfall. This landscape is essential to the experience of the property, and our design seeks to honor its rich context, architectural sophistication, and breathtaking views of the Miami skyline. Scale 0.47 ACRES Scope HARDSCAPE + PLANTING DESIGN Year 2025 Photography Studio PYG Architecture Renovation Bravo Architecture Interior Design Miriam Moore Design Studio Landscape Architecture LandFluent General Contractor Artisan Custom Homes of South Florida Landscape Contractor Signature Trees & Palms Lighting Design / Contractor PCL Lighting

With Pinterest, Houzz and HGTV, homeowners have more sources for inspiration than ever before. You may have found, however, that replicating what you see online or on TV isn’t always that simple. Mastering proportion and scale can be especially challenging. Let’s say you fall in love with an oversized vase which looks like it will fit with the colors and textures in your living room. But once it’s there, the vase doesn’t look the way you expected and you don’t know now to make it work. Fortunately, designers are experienced not only in dealing with proportion and scale, but in handling multiple elements at once. In the meantime, here are a few tips to help you understand some of the considerations regarding size. Proportion Tips 1. Less is more In the home shown here, the rooms are on the smaller side, where it would seem counterintuitive to use oversized pieces. But using smaller pieces can look busy—and can actually make the rooms feel smaller, especially when you add personal belongings to the space. 2. Keep it simple Several oversized pieces can create clean, simple lines. We put this principle to work using oversized items as anchors on both sides of the fireplace in the living room. On one side, we have two oversized blown-glass vases with amber, silver and purple tones. The irregular shapes in these beautiful pieces create interest and contrast; you can see through them and you can see the room reflected in them. On the other side of the fireplace sit two oversized brass lanterns filled with driftwood and greenery; the contents can be switched out seasonally, as well. The vases on one side and lanterns on the other side establish pattern (two of each, in descending order), balance and simplicity. 3. Embrace the unexpected On the mantle above the fireplace rests another oversized piece—a painting of a barn. Its neutral colors pick up the tones in the stone behind it and again, it works to bring simplicity to the space, rather than overly fussy detail. Nearby, just up the stairs, is an unusually spacious landing. A bench and pillows transform it into a special reading or conversation spot. The pair of hammered nickel vases on the window sill repeats the pattern established on either side of the fireplace. Using oversized vases in lieu of a window treatment is unexpected—as is incorporating sleek, modern-shaped vases like these in a farmhouse-style home. Yet because of the other oversized objects nearby, the vases feel distinctive and delightful. 4. Coordinate pattern and rhythm Another oversized item is the table lamp in the living room. It’s a powerful light; aside from the overhead can lights, it’s the room’s only light source. The ridges on its ceramic base echo the pieces of wicker in the stunning basket behind the sofa. This oversized wicker basket, which we’re a bit in love with, features a very large weave along with elegant leather straps. It’s ideal for storing throws, cushions, board games or anything else you want out of sight. 5. Proximity matters This home’s dining room is just to the right of the entry. An immense floor mirror—double-framed in weathered wood—is placed opposite the front windows. Measuring seven feet high, it’s a bold piece. And it works perfectly in this space to reflect light and make the room feel larger. An oversized ceramic vase, with a porous, matte-stone finish, sits atop a table next to the mirror. Other regular-sized items share the small table, including a bottle of wine and a glass vase. But because of the enormous mirror, it was important to have one oversized item on that table, for balance.