A CABIN IN THE WOODS: that's what the addition looks like from the back yard. BLEACHERS WERE THE INSPIRATION for full-width steps off the back stoop, where spectators can sit to watch activities on the large expanse of lawn. THE RED DOOR MATCHES OTHERS in the house, except that it has glass panels to bring in the light and view from the more open side of the little addition.

This home is located on a one acre parcel of land near the banks of the Milwaukee River in the older established subdivision of Sleepy Hollow Estates in Mequon, Wisconsin. The inspiration for this Glen Cove Residence was to bring the desired by many, contemporary and modern lifestyle of a down town loft and establish it in a neighborhood in the suburbs amongst traditional style homes. Sleepy Hollow Estates like many older established neighborhoods throughout the North shore and Westside communities of Milwaukee had great local architects such as John Randall McDonald and Russell Barr Williamson, who built contemporary master pieces amongst very traditional style homes. This created diversity in the style of homes in these neighborhoods which for the people living in them and the people just passing by, an experience of harmony and cultural lifestyle. Unfortunately today, many new neighborhood developments lack harmony and cultural lifestyle and don’t allow for homes such as this Glen Cove Residence to be built. And for that matter many of the homes built by John Randall McDonald and Russell Barr Williamson back in the 1950’s. When driving through these new developments, one would experience beautiful traditional style homes, but all the homes tend to look the same. There is no diversity in the styles of homes thus these neighborhoods lack the harmony and a cultural life style for the people who live there or what people are looking for when buying a home that reflects their lifestyle. This Glen Cove Residence is an example that a contemporary home which offers a modern lifestyle that many desires can be established amongst traditional homes while blending in with the neighborhood. Don’t be fooled by the flat roof of this home, building technology has come a long way since Frank Lloyd Wright! The roof system on this home is more energy efficient than most roof systems builders are putting on traditional homes today and it doesn’t leak! This Glen Cove Residence was built using all traditional building materials that you would see in homes being built in new developments today. There is a misconception out there that modern homes are expensive to build. That is not true! This Glen Cove Residence was built for roughly $130 per square foot which is the same price one would pay for a similar builder’s model traditional style home with the same upgrades. This Glen Cove Residence consists of three bedrooms and three and one half baths. All bedrooms are located on second floor with laundry, guest bath and a master suite. Located between the first and second floors off of the landing is an office/den space. The first floor is open concept with the kitchen, dining and living areas located at the rear of the home with expansive windows allowing a great connection to back yard area and outdoors. On the back of the home is a covered deck area allowing for outdoor entertaining without the worry of the elements. The first floor also offers a powder room, mudroom and walk-in pantry off the kitchen area. From the mudroom there is access to an attached four car tandem garage. From the first floor to the finished basement is an open stair allowing the basement area to feel as part of the house and not just a basement? The basement consists of a main living area, game area with wet bar, exercise room, kids play room with 14’ ceilings, full bathroom and mechanical room with storage closets throughout.

Bursting with craft to enhance true Muskoka living, the vision for this Lake Muskoka custom build was to bring family to the forefront of every day living. Classic, timeless, modern and clean, with a touch of rustic elements throughout. Our client envisioned a streamlined, elegant home that maximized the impact of the glorious views and showcased their love of natural materials. ABOVE & BEYOND provided full planning and design services and executed a re-zoning and site plan agreement for the property in order to accomplish the client’s vision for their cottage. This open-concept space framed with floor-to-celing windows, is defined by a custom stone fireplace, complete with reclaimed barn beam for the feature mantle. A cool, fresh palette and simple lines bring focus to the fine details and rustic finishes that distinguish this exceptional home. Standout features include custom cabinetry and built-ins, a massive island draped with white granite, and brushed steel hardware. Bursting with craft and fine woodwork, including a graceful, fine-lined staircase, maximize the light that makes this family home so magnificent.

This five bedroom home features generous walk-in closets, skylights and elegant ceilings. Columns and a tray ceiling define the dining room, while a massive serving bar brings the entire living space together by the kitchen. With its cooktop island, nearby pantry, and large front-facing window, the kitchen has an exceptionally open feel. The master suite offers a sitting room with porch access.

Traditional and contemporary exterior house design completed by a full package landscaping set. Ideal for the busy, modern family lifestyle, this residence brings forth the innovative and exceptional creative talent from Gialluisi Custom Homes. The wooden materials induce a sense of comfort while the resistant, modern appliances ensure the family’s safety and well-being. Discover more at www.gialluisihomes.com or call 908-206-4659 for details.

Imagine Backyard Living brings together the top brands in spas and hot tubs, patio furniture, landscaping, accessories and maintenance under one roof to create unique and exceptional environments.

Transitional freestanding desk dark wood floor study room photo in New York

Bursting with craft to enhance true Muskoka living, the vision for this Lake Muskoka custom build was to bring family to the forefront of every day living. Classic, timeless, modern and clean, with a touch of rustic elements throughout. Our client envisioned a streamlined, elegant home that maximized the impact of the glorious views and showcased their love of natural materials. ABOVE & BEYOND provided full planning and design services and executed a re-zoning and site plan agreement for the property in order to accomplish the client’s vision for their cottage. This open-concept space framed with floor-to-celing windows, is defined by a custom stone fireplace, complete with reclaimed barn beam for the feature mantle. A cool, fresh palette and simple lines bring focus to the fine details and rustic finishes that distinguish this exceptional home. Standout features include custom cabinetry and built-ins, a massive island draped with white granite, and brushed steel hardware. Bursting with craft and fine woodwork, including a graceful, fine-lined staircase, maximize the light that makes this family home so magnificent.

Bursting with craft to enhance true Muskoka living, the vision for this Lake Muskoka custom build was to bring family to the forefront of every day living. Classic, timeless, modern and clean, with a touch of rustic elements throughout. Our client envisioned a streamlined, elegant home that maximized the impact of the glorious views and showcased their love of natural materials. ABOVE & BEYOND provided full planning and design services and executed a re-zoning and site plan agreement for the property in order to accomplish the client’s vision for their cottage. This open-concept space framed with floor-to-celing windows, is defined by a custom stone fireplace, complete with reclaimed barn beam for the feature mantle. A cool, fresh palette and simple lines bring focus to the fine details and rustic finishes that distinguish this exceptional home. Standout features include custom cabinetry and built-ins, a massive island draped with white granite, and brushed steel hardware. Bursting with craft and fine woodwork, including a graceful, fine-lined staircase, maximize the light that makes this family home so magnificent.

I started by redesigning their fireplace with a stacked stone surround, travertine herringbone hearth and I had my handyman make me a rustic wood mantel. Above, we mounted the TV, but it was quite unsightly, so we hung a mirrored cabinet over it to hide it. Next up were the rustic wood clad walls. I wanted to bring some warmth and texture to the space by adding a wood element. I had the same handyman install this labor of love. A new chandelier replaced the old ceiling fan, new custom drapes were installed, the chest of drawers was repainted and all furnishings and decor are new with the exception of the coffee table and a side table. The result is another simple, rustic and cozy space to relax with family and friends.

I started by redesigning their fireplace with a stacked stone surround, travertine herringbone hearth and I had my handyman make me a rustic wood mantel. Above, we mounted the TV, but it was quite unsightly, so we hung a mirrored cabinet over it to hide it. Next up were the rustic wood clad walls. I wanted to bring some warmth and texture to the space by adding a wood element. I had the same handyman install this labor of love. A new chandelier replaced the old ceiling fan, new custom drapes were installed, the chest of drawers was repainted and all furnishings and decor are new with the exception of the coffee table and a side table. The result is another simple, rustic and cozy space to relax with family and friends.

This five bedroom home features generous walk-in closets, skylights and elegant ceilings. Columns and a tray ceiling define the dining room, while a massive serving bar brings the entire living space together by the kitchen. With its cooktop island, nearby pantry, and large front-facing window, the kitchen has an exceptionally open feel. The master suite offers a sitting room with porch access.

Bursting with craft to enhance true Muskoka living, the vision for this Lake Muskoka custom build was to bring family to the forefront of every day living. Classic, timeless, modern and clean, with a touch of rustic elements throughout. Our client envisioned a streamlined, elegant home that maximized the impact of the glorious views and showcased their love of natural materials. ABOVE & BEYOND provided full planning and design services and executed a re-zoning and site plan agreement for the property in order to accomplish the client’s vision for their cottage. This open-concept space framed with floor-to-celing windows, is defined by a custom stone fireplace, complete with reclaimed barn beam for the feature mantle. A cool, fresh palette and simple lines bring focus to the fine details and rustic finishes that distinguish this exceptional home. Standout features include custom cabinetry and built-ins, a massive island draped with white granite, and brushed steel hardware. Bursting with craft and fine woodwork, including a graceful, fine-lined staircase, maximize the light that makes this family home so magnificent.

Example of an eclectic home design design in Calgary

Inspiration for a contemporary master dark wood floor freestanding bathtub remodel in Salt Lake City with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets and beige walls

Overflowing with curb appeal and thoughtful details, this exceptional home plan is designed for easy living. The foyer opens immediately into the great room, where a clerestory window brings in plenty of light. A seating counter brings conversation to the island kitchen, with the dining room nearby leading to the screen porch with fireplace and summer kitchen. Each bedroom in this home plan features a walk-in closet, and two share a Jack-and-Jill bathroom. Practical spaces in this home plan include a huge walk-in pantry, e-space, mud room with built-in shelving, spacious utility room, and a three-car garage.

A polished black floor tile provides an inky backdrop for this exceptional bathroom. White walls balance the dark floor and make the space feel light and bright. The large walk in shower is tiled in an elegant marble tile that unifies the black and white finishes. The white slipper tub seems to float on the black floor. One wall of the bathroom is dedicated to a warm walnut vanity which extends the width of the room and adds a warmth and softness to the design. The other fixtures fade into the background allowing the vanity to be the star of the space. Double sinks, lots of drawers, and a makeup area provide ample storage and functionality to the space. The marble countertop connects the vanity to the shower while the wall to wall mirror enhances the design by reflecting the room back on itself. The careful combination of dark and light, cool and warm, brings drama and luxury to this bathroom making it the perfect retreat after a long day.

This project, an extensive remodel and addition to an existing modern residence high above Silicon Valley, was inspired by dominant images and textures from the site: boulders, bark, and leaves. We created a two-story addition clad in traditional Japanese Shou Sugi Ban burnt wood siding that anchors home and site. Natural textures also prevail in the cosmetic remodeling of all the living spaces. The new volume adjacent to an expanded kitchen contains a family room and staircase to an upper guest suite. The original home was a joint venture between Min | Day as Design Architect and Burks Toma Architects as Architect of Record and was substantially completed in 1999. In 2005, Min | Day added the swimming pool and related outdoor spaces. Schwartz and Architecture (SaA) began work on the addition and substantial remodel of the interior in 2009, completed in 2015. Photo by Matthew Millman

Bursting with craft to enhance true Muskoka living, the vision for this Lake Muskoka custom build was to bring family to the forefront of every day living. Classic, timeless, modern and clean, with a touch of rustic elements throughout. Our client envisioned a streamlined, elegant home that maximized the impact of the glorious views and showcased their love of natural materials. ABOVE & BEYOND provided full planning and design services and executed a re-zoning and site plan agreement for the property in order to accomplish the client’s vision for their cottage. This open-concept space framed with floor-to-celing windows, is defined by a custom stone fireplace, complete with reclaimed barn beam for the feature mantle. A cool, fresh palette and simple lines bring focus to the fine details and rustic finishes that distinguish this exceptional home. Standout features include custom cabinetry and built-ins, a massive island draped with white granite, and brushed steel hardware. Bursting with craft and fine woodwork, including a graceful, fine-lined staircase, maximize the light that makes this family home so magnificent.