An expansive traditional master bath featuring cararra marble, a vintage soaking tub, a 7' walk in shower, polished nickel fixtures, pental quartz, and a custom walk in closet

This property was transformed from an 1870s YMCA summer camp into an eclectic family home, built to last for generations. Space was made for a growing family by excavating the slope beneath and raising the ceilings above. Every new detail was made to look vintage, retaining the core essence of the site, while state of the art whole house systems ensure that it functions like 21st century home. This home was featured on the cover of ELLE Décor Magazine in April 2016. G.P. Schafer, Architect Rita Konig, Interior Designer Chambers & Chambers, Local Architect Frederika Moller, Landscape Architect Eric Piasecki, Photographer

beside this expansive backyard pool is the impressive outdoor kitchen! it features a 10' long granite top island sheathed in natural slate rock. its complete with high end outdoor appliances including a 60" bbq, a pizza oven, a refrigerator and a sink and ice maker

This home, set at the end of a long, private driveway, is far more than meets the eye. Built in three sections and connected by two breezeways, the home’s setting takes full advantage of the clean ocean air. Set back from the water on an open plot, its lush lawn is bordered by fieldstone walls that lead to an ocean cove. The hideaway calms the mind and spirit, not only by its privacy from the noise of daily life, but through well-chosen elements, clean lines, and a bright, cheerful feel throughout. The interior is show-stopping, covered almost entirely in clear, vertical-grain fir—most of which was source from the same place. From the flooring to the walls, columns, staircases and ceiling beams, this special, tight-grain wood brightens every room in the home. At just over 3,000 feet of living area, storage and smart use of space was a huge consideration in the creation of this home. For example, the mudroom and living room were both built with expansive window seating with storage beneath. Built-in drawers and cabinets can also be found throughout, yet never interfere with the distinctly uncluttered feel of the rooms. The homeowners wanted the home to fit in as naturally as possible with the Cape Cod landscape, and also desired a feeling of virtual seamlessness between the indoors and out, resulting in an abundance of windows and doors throughout. This home has high performance windows, which are rated to withstand hurricane-force winds and impact rated against wind-borne debris. The 24-foot skylight, which was installed by crane, consists of six independently mechanized shades operating in unison. The open kitchen blends in with the home’s great room, and includes a Sub Zero refrigerator and a Wolf stove. Eco-friendly features in the home include low-flow faucets, dual-flush toilets in the bathrooms, and an energy recovery ventilation system, which conditions and improves indoor air quality. Other natural materials incorporated for the home included a variety of stone, including bluestone and boulders. Hand-made ceramic tiles were used for the bathroom showers, and the kitchen counters are covered in granite – eye-catching and long-lasting.

Precise matching of each exterior Tudor detail – after additions in three separate directions - from stonework to slate to stucco. Photographer: Michael Robinson Architect: GTH Architects

This expansive pool and hot tub area complete with full bar, fireplace and waterfall feature are the definition of luxury in the mountains. Only in Aspen, Colorado can you find a space this decadent with such a timeless understated design.

Huge elegant backyard outdoor kitchen deck photo in Kansas City with no cover

Multiple levels of luxury outdoor living have been created by Ryan Hughes in this 10,000 square foot wonderland of rushing water, blazing light and artistry of tile. The 3,000 square feet of water moves from level to level adding interest and spectacular views along the way. Photos by Joe Traina

This expansive traditional kitchen by senior designer, Randy O'Kane and Architect, Clark Neuringer, features Bilotta Collection cabinet in a custom color. Randy says, the best part about working with this client was that she loves design – and not just interior but she also loves holiday decorating and she has a beautiful sense of aesthetic (and does everything to the nines). For her kitchen she wanted a barn-like feel and it absolutely had to be functional because she both bakes and cooks for her family and neighbors every day. And as the mother of four teenage girls she has a lot of people coming in and out of her home all the time. She wanted her kitchen to be comfortable – not untouchable and not too “done”. When she first met with Bilotta senior designer Randy O’Kane, her #1 comment was: “I’m experiencing white kitchen fatigue”. So right from the start finding the perfect color was the prime focus. The challenge was infusing a center hall colonial with a sense of warmth, comfort and that barn aesthetic without being too rustic which is why they went with a straight greenish grey paint vs. something distressed. The flooring, by Artisan Wood floors, looks reclaimed with its wider long planks and fumed finish. The barn door separating the laundry room and the kitchen was made from hand selected barn wood, made custom according to the client’s detailed specifications, and hung with sliding hardware. The kitchen hardware was really a window sash pull from Rocky Mountain that was repurposed as handles in a living bronze finish mounted horizontally. Glazed brick tile, by Ann Sacks, really helped to embrace the overall concept. Since a lot of parties are hosted out of that space, the kitchen, and butler’s pantry off to the side, needed a good flow as well as areas to bake and stage the creations. Double ovens were a must as well as a 48” Wolf Range and a Rangecraft hood – four ovens are going all the time. Beverage drawers were added to allow others to flow through the kitchen without disturbing the cook. Lots of storage was added for a well-stocked kitchen. A unique detail is double door wall cabinets, some with wire mesh to allow to see their dishes for easy access. In the butler’s pantry, instead of mesh they opted for antique mirror glass fronts. Countertops are a natural quartzite for care free use and a solid wood table, by Brooks Custom, extends of the island, removable for flexibility, making the kitchen and dining area very functional. One of the client’s antique pieces (a hutch) was incorporated into the kitchen to give it a more authentic look as well as another surface to decorate and provide storage. The lighting over the island and breakfast table has exposed Edison bulbs which hearkens to that “barn” lighting. For the sinks, they used a fireclay Herbeau farmhouse on the perimeter and an undermount Rohl sink on the island. Faucets are by Waterworks. Standing back and taking it all in it’s a wonderful collaboration of carefully designed working space and a warm gathering space for family and guests. Bilotta Designer: Randy O’Kane, Architect: Clark Neuringer Architects, posthumously. Photo Credit: Peter Krupenye

Example of a beach style laundry room design in Portland Maine

Beautiful expansive kitchen remodel with custom cast stone range hood, porcelain floors, peninsula island, gothic style pendant lights, bar area, and cozy seating room at the far end. Neals Design Remodel Robin Victor Goetz

This brick and limestone, 6,000-square-foot residence exemplifies understated elegance. Located in the award-wining Blaine School District and within close proximity to the Southport Corridor, this is city living at its finest! The foyer, with herringbone wood floors, leads to a dramatic, hand-milled oval staircase; an architectural element that allows sunlight to cascade down from skylights and to filter throughout the house. The floor plan has stately-proportioned rooms and includes formal Living and Dining Rooms; an expansive, eat-in, gourmet Kitchen/Great Room; four bedrooms on the second level with three additional bedrooms and a Family Room on the lower level; a Penthouse Playroom leading to a roof-top deck and green roof; and an attached, heated 3-car garage. Additional features include hardwood flooring throughout the main level and upper two floors; sophisticated architectural detailing throughout the house including coffered ceiling details, barrel and groin vaulted ceilings; painted, glazed and wood paneling; laundry rooms on the bedroom level and on the lower level; five fireplaces, including one outdoors; and HD Video, Audio and Surround Sound pre-wire distribution through the house and grounds. The home also features extensively landscaped exterior spaces, designed by Prassas Landscape Studio. This home went under contract within 90 days during the Great Recession. Featured in Chicago Magazine: http://goo.gl/Gl8lRm Jim Yochum

The ceiling of this expansive great room highlights the European antiques that are found throughout the space. Photo by Fisheye Studios, Hiawatha, Iowa

This brick and limestone, 6,000-square-foot residence exemplifies understated elegance. Located in the award-wining Blaine School District and within close proximity to the Southport Corridor, this is city living at its finest! The foyer, with herringbone wood floors, leads to a dramatic, hand-milled oval staircase; an architectural element that allows sunlight to cascade down from skylights and to filter throughout the house. The floor plan has stately-proportioned rooms and includes formal Living and Dining Rooms; an expansive, eat-in, gourmet Kitchen/Great Room; four bedrooms on the second level with three additional bedrooms and a Family Room on the lower level; a Penthouse Playroom leading to a roof-top deck and green roof; and an attached, heated 3-car garage. Additional features include hardwood flooring throughout the main level and upper two floors; sophisticated architectural detailing throughout the house including coffered ceiling details, barrel and groin vaulted ceilings; painted, glazed and wood paneling; laundry rooms on the bedroom level and on the lower level; five fireplaces, including one outdoors; and HD Video, Audio and Surround Sound pre-wire distribution through the house and grounds. The home also features extensively landscaped exterior spaces, designed by Prassas Landscape Studio. This home went under contract within 90 days during the Great Recession. Featured in Chicago Magazine: http://goo.gl/Gl8lRm Jim Yochum

Copyright © 2012 James F. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.
Huge minimalist porcelain tile sunroom photo in Dallas with a standard fireplace and a skylight

This brick and limestone, 6,000-square-foot residence exemplifies understated elegance. Located in the award-wining Blaine School District and within close proximity to the Southport Corridor, this is city living at its finest! The foyer, with herringbone wood floors, leads to a dramatic, hand-milled oval staircase; an architectural element that allows sunlight to cascade down from skylights and to filter throughout the house. The floor plan has stately-proportioned rooms and includes formal Living and Dining Rooms; an expansive, eat-in, gourmet Kitchen/Great Room; four bedrooms on the second level with three additional bedrooms and a Family Room on the lower level; a Penthouse Playroom leading to a roof-top deck and green roof; and an attached, heated 3-car garage. Additional features include hardwood flooring throughout the main level and upper two floors; sophisticated architectural detailing throughout the house including coffered ceiling details, barrel and groin vaulted ceilings; painted, glazed and wood paneling; laundry rooms on the bedroom level and on the lower level; five fireplaces, including one outdoors; and HD Video, Audio and Surround Sound pre-wire distribution through the house and grounds. The home also features extensively landscaped exterior spaces, designed by Prassas Landscape Studio. This home went under contract within 90 days during the Great Recession. Featured in Chicago Magazine: http://goo.gl/Gl8lRm Jim Yochum

Lowell Custom Homes, Lake Geneva, WI. Lake house in Fontana, Wi. Garage interior is customized for a car enthusiast extensive collection with showroom details including glass garage doors, specialty lighting and a porcelain floor for high reflective value. Doors by Russ glass garage doors.

An amazing glow occurs throughout the entire home’s outdoor space from landscape spots to onyx fire torches and pool-lining LED lighting. The combination provides a truly magical appeal and the perfect ambiance for entertainment and enjoyment by all. Photos by Joe Traina

Tom Allen, AIA
Example of a huge ornate gray two-story stone exterior home design in San Francisco with a gambrel roof