Design by: Bill Tweten, CKD, CBD This craftsman style kitchen has been accomplished with Crystal ¼ sawn white oak cabinets finished in a natural flat sheen. The use of the inset frame design is complimented by the Regent door style and accented with weathered nickel door pulls and drawer cup pulls. A sink bump out helped to expand the space in the kitchen and an addition of china cabinets, featuring the same Regent inset style cabinetry, were added to create a beautiful display and add extra storage between the kitchen and the dining. Mixing silestone and laminate countertops adds to the overall charm of this newly designed kitchen and provides plenty of countertop space.

For a small apartment in NYC, extra seating is a must! This Sunbrella window seat cushion in Spectrum Sand fits the bill - and ties in with the warm, modern vibe of the interior. Photo credit: Annie Diamond

Updated Spec Home: Foyer and Great Room In our last post, we introduced you to my mom and sister’s Updated Spec Home; the Foyer and Great Room will be featured in this post. Foyer As you enter their home, to the right is a hall closet and a french door which leads to the Basement. To the left is a long wall which was perfect for an extra long console table in a rustic finish that served as a sofa table in their previous home. I love repositioning furniture, and by using this table in the entry, it makes it feel new. Additionally, we placed a vibrant piece of art previously used in my sister’s Bedroom above the table. This piece not only sets the tone for our color palette, it also makes the kind of statement you want in your Foyer – Wow! We added accessories and an unique lamp to complete the space. Great Room In the Great Room which is open to the Foyer, we installed our inspiration artwork in the place of honor over the mantel. Since the piece was vertical, it did not take up enough space. I do not like a “fussy” mantel with lots of accessories so we found these two vases in a silver leaf finish. They were perfect because they were large enough, but not too deep. Accessorizing mantels can be tricky because the majority of them are not deep. We went to Jan’s Floral Design to add vibrant color and interesting textures to the vases. The original mantel was too small and uninspired. Therefore, we had our contractor Brad Anderson built a new one based on a photo of a mantel we liked. The new mantel has lots of great detail and is the appropriate proportion for the fireplace. We replaced beige 12×12 ceramic tiles with gorgeous large pieces of smoked carrara marble for a striking fireplace surround. Check out this other mantel that we updated. For furniture, we purchased a shorter sofa in a gray tweed fabric. Typically, two throw pillows come with a sofa.We added a fun fringe to the pillows that came with the sofa. I recommend ordering pillows that match your sofa fabric and layering with custom pillows that support your color palette. We added a patterned custom pillow and a striped throw. Next, we got a small scale recliner in a yummy gray leather for my mom and a chair and ottoman in a small scale mint and gray geometric pattern for my sister. We added an accent chair in a fun small scale stripe to fill a corner and add additional seating – which is always a good thing. Remember that this was a Spec Home so there were no built-ins. As a result, we needed a media cabinet for the television and some bookcases to display my mom’s decorative box collection and my sister’s collection of blown colored glass. This set from Ballard Designs fit the bill perfectly. The back is open and airy with nice detail. The wood finish also adds a richness to the space. My mom needed a space for her computer, and this small writing desk fit the space perfectly. Finally, for finishing touches, we added a patterned rug, cornice boards in a mint leaf fabric, and great lamps for ambient lighting. These two rooms are stunning, vibrant and livable. Can’t wait to show you more in our next post! Enjoy!

Crisp, white walls and trim keep this side entry clean and modern. IKEA barstools with orange molded seats and polished chrome bases tuck neatly beneath the antique oak table. This space serves as a landing place for keys as well as a spot to accomplish tasks, such as bill-paying and other paperwork. Full overlay cabinetry in crisp white provides extra storage above. Photography by FishEye Studios

Imagine a home nestled in Colorado’s mountains that feels as enduring as the landscape itself. East Watch is that place – efficient, tough, and thoughtfully designed to make mountain living effortless and enjoyable. It’s where modern ideas meet nature’s demands, creating a space that’s both beautiful and practical. Our clients wanted a mountain retreat that saved energy, stood strong against the elements, and stayed functional as life changes. High up at 8,200 feet, efficiency was key to cut heating costs, while durability meant handling winds up to 100mph and heavy snow. They also planned for the future with easy access – no stairs, wide doors, and spots for handrails if needed. Mountain homes can rack up bills and wear down fast from weather and fires. We solved that with smart solar heating that covers most warmth needs naturally, using big windows and heavy walls to store heat. For strength, steel framing and fire-safe materials keep everything secure. And for everyday ease, the layout follows “form follows function,” making spaces like the kitchen intuitive and the whole home barrier-free. The core idea? Work with the sun and the site. Windows face southeast for passive heat gain, with overhangs to block summer sun and shed snow. Inside, sloped ceilings let hot air escape, and thermal masses like the concrete floor hold warmth overnight. It’s a design that flows naturally, promoting comfort without extra effort. Built on steel posts and beams for unshakeable support, the exterior uses corten steel, stone, and glass – all local, low-maintenance, and fire-resistant. The roof is top-rated for fires, and the deck withstands the elements year after year. Efficient floor heating kicks in only when necessary, keeping things cozy and costs low. Simple and serene, with soft colors and clean shapes that let the views shine. Wide hallways and no steps make navigation easy, with thoughtful prep for any future needs. It’s a home that feels open, peaceful, and perfectly in tune with the outdoors. Since 2019, East Watch has been a haven of sustainability and strength. It reduces energy use, withstands the mountains’ challenges, and adapts to life’s stages – all while offering stunning views and daily comfort. A true example of design that enhances how you live, built for lasting joy and resilience.

The Everett plan has ideal spaces for working and relaxing! Just down from the entry hall with a handy bench and coat hooks to stow your things, the Everett plan welcomes you into the open and inviting great room, kitchen and dining room. Whip up casual meals in the chef’s kitchen to enjoy at the oversize island with a 4-person eating bar, or savor more formal meals in the dining room. Access the covered patio for al fresco dining all year, then gather with friends and loved ones in the great room with a stylish tray ceiling for a cozy fire in the fireplace or settle in to read a book on one of the two window seats. Just across from the kitchen is the private office, a perfect space for managing the household, working from home, or a private area for studying. Retreat and relax in the luxury master suite with tile shower and a window between the vanity sinks to catch the light, or head outside for coffee on the covered patio via your private door. Off the main hallway are two bedrooms with walk-in closets and a full bath with linen storage…everything the other members of your family needs or perfect for occasional guests and the owners getaway rooms. After running errands, park in one of the two individual garage bays and enter through the utility room fully built out with a drop-counter for packages and folding clothes, cabinets, a utility sink, hanging bar, and hookups for your washer and dryer. Built to exceed Energy Star Certification means your utility bills will be low, and Solar Ready gives you the option to be energy independent in the future. Photos are from a previous build. Pricing will be finalized just prior to completion.

Expansive Tuxedo Kitchen with Feature Gold and Black Hood boasts ample storage throughout, stunning tile and slab materials, lighting design over island and stunning barstools to finish off the look. Walk in pantry provides extra space and storage. Kitchen flows seamlessly into the great room, perfect for this growing family and for entertaining guests. The Galley workstation with double taps in Brushed Gold simplifies meal prep. Details: * Rutt Handcrafted Cabinetry - Rift Cut White Oak. Wirebrushed with BM Nightfall Sky Paint 10 sheen, w/ Sand-Through/No Sand-Through Technique * Feature Wall Tile: IMPERIAL PERLA, Marble Mosaic - Anthology Tile with All Natural Stone * Backsplash Slab and Counters, and Fireplace: Porcelain, Bedrosians - Magnifica Encore Arabescato Grey Slab - Polished * Pantry Hardware - Rutt Cabinetry: Exeter Hardware, Satin Brass * Sink: Galley Ideal Workstation 5S - Graphite Wood Composite / Brushed Gold Taps

Applause® honeycomb shades create insulation that can help lower your energy consumption and energy bills. In this dining that needs extra insulation, the Vertiglide™ operating system is the ideal option.

This solar panel installation was designed to be flush with the mission clay S tile roof. The existing tiles were removed and the panels were mounted close to the new composition roof. The extra tiles were used to fill in and frame the array. The unfinished area at the bottom of the roof is a concealed gutter. From the street level of this two story home in Palos Verdes Estates the panel array is hidden from view. The 16 panels and microinverters combined with Southern California Edison’s “Time of use and Electric Vehicle rate plan will allow the homeowner to charge their Tesla EV at night for $.09 cents per kWh and the net metering credit for excess energy generated during the day at the retail rate will result in a close to zero electric bill. All Design and Installation Performed by Howe Custom Home Builders.

We recently worked with a designer [who also happens to be a great friend] on this project where we provided the blinds throughout the home and installed drapery side panels in many of the rooms. Without draperies these walls would have been lacking a little. Often times, we have clients that simply want a functional window covering that gets the job done on a budget. That's where our Fauxwood window blinds fit the bill. In this home, they wanted a little something extra. It's nice to finish a project and step back to look at the way the colors and the patterns in the draperies finish the room and help to bring the whole project together.

Envision a spacious family home nestled against Boulder’s Flatirons, where modern tech meets playful fun. Level One is a 7,100 SF haven for a family of five, blending green building with light and views to create a space that's efficient, joyful, and perfectly tied to the land. Our clients dreamed of a bright, open home like an Apple Store, with big glass walls to soak in the scenery. They wanted mass-timber for a natural look, exposed systems to show the home's smart inner workings, and room for guests, fitness, and relaxation. A sloped site can complicate building and efficiency, but we used insulated foundations and smart insulation to keep energy use low and the structure solid. Exposed elements saved on finishes while adding a unique, honest charm. The concept mixes strength and whimsy – timber panels for walls and floors that double as decor, with a sloped ceiling framing epic views. Playful additions like a slide and climbing walls turn everyday spaces into adventures for the whole family. Mass-timber builds a sturdy core, with charred wood siding for weather and fire protection. Triple windows, extra insulation, and solar panels make it energy-smart, cutting bills and boosting sustainability in Boulder's climate. Warm and functional, with custom wood storage that flows naturally. Open main areas connect living with views, while bedrooms offer cozy lofts. A pool, steam room, and gym bring wellness home in a fun, engaging way. Since early 2023, Level One has been a lively family retreat that saves energy and sparks joy. It honors Boulder's beauty with thoughtful design, creating a home full of light, connection, and lasting comfort for generations.

LIVING ROOM This week’s post features our Lake Forest Freshen Up: Living Room + Dining Room for the homeowners who relocated from California. The first thing we did was remove a large built-in along the longest wall and re-orient the television to a shorter wall. This allowed us to place the sofa which is the largest piece of furniture along the long wall and made the traffic flow from the Foyer to the Kitchen much easier. Now the beautiful stone fireplace is the focal point and the seating arrangement is cozy. We painted the walls Sherwin Williams’ Tony Taupe (SW7039). The mantle was originally white so we warmed it up with Sherwin Williams’ Gauntlet Gray (SW7019). We kept the upholstery neutral with warm gray tones and added pops of turquoise and silver. We tackled the large angled wall with an oversized print in vivid blues and greens. The extra tall contemporary lamps balance out the artwork. I love the end tables with the mixture of metal and wood, but my favorite piece is the leather ottoman with slide tray – it’s gorgeous and functional! The homeowner’s curio cabinet was the perfect scale for this wall and her art glass collection bring more color into the space. The large octagonal mirror was perfect for above the mantle. The homeowner wanted something unique to accessorize the mantle, and these “oil cans” fit the bill. A geometric fireplace screen completes the look. The hand hooked rug with its subtle pattern and touches of gray and turquoise ground the seating area and brings lots of warmth to the room. DINING ROOM There are only 2 walls in this Dining Room so we wanted to add a strong color with Sherwin Williams’ Cadet (SW9143). Utilizing the homeowners’ existing furniture, we added artwork that pops off the wall, a modern rug which adds interest and softness, and this stunning chandelier which adds a focal point and lots of bling! The Lake Forest Freshen Up: Living Room + Dining Room really reflects the homeowners’ transitional style, and the color palette is sophisticated and inviting. Enjoy!

LIVING ROOM This week’s post features our Lake Forest Freshen Up: Living Room + Dining Room for the homeowners who relocated from California. The first thing we did was remove a large built-in along the longest wall and re-orient the television to a shorter wall. This allowed us to place the sofa which is the largest piece of furniture along the long wall and made the traffic flow from the Foyer to the Kitchen much easier. Now the beautiful stone fireplace is the focal point and the seating arrangement is cozy. We painted the walls Sherwin Williams’ Tony Taupe (SW7039). The mantle was originally white so we warmed it up with Sherwin Williams’ Gauntlet Gray (SW7019). We kept the upholstery neutral with warm gray tones and added pops of turquoise and silver. We tackled the large angled wall with an oversized print in vivid blues and greens. The extra tall contemporary lamps balance out the artwork. I love the end tables with the mixture of metal and wood, but my favorite piece is the leather ottoman with slide tray – it’s gorgeous and functional! The homeowner’s curio cabinet was the perfect scale for this wall and her art glass collection bring more color into the space. The large octagonal mirror was perfect for above the mantle. The homeowner wanted something unique to accessorize the mantle, and these “oil cans” fit the bill. A geometric fireplace screen completes the look. The hand hooked rug with its subtle pattern and touches of gray and turquoise ground the seating area and brings lots of warmth to the room. DINING ROOM There are only 2 walls in this Dining Room so we wanted to add a strong color with Sherwin Williams’ Cadet (SW9143). Utilizing the homeowners’ existing furniture, we added artwork that pops off the wall, a modern rug which adds interest and softness, and this stunning chandelier which adds a focal point and lots of bling! The Lake Forest Freshen Up: Living Room + Dining Room really reflects the homeowners’ transitional style, and the color palette is sophisticated and inviting. Enjoy!

LIVING ROOM This week’s post features our Lake Forest Freshen Up: Living Room + Dining Room for the homeowners who relocated from California. The first thing we did was remove a large built-in along the longest wall and re-orient the television to a shorter wall. This allowed us to place the sofa which is the largest piece of furniture along the long wall and made the traffic flow from the Foyer to the Kitchen much easier. Now the beautiful stone fireplace is the focal point and the seating arrangement is cozy. We painted the walls Sherwin Williams’ Tony Taupe (SW7039). The mantle was originally white so we warmed it up with Sherwin Williams’ Gauntlet Gray (SW7019). We kept the upholstery neutral with warm gray tones and added pops of turquoise and silver. We tackled the large angled wall with an oversized print in vivid blues and greens. The extra tall contemporary lamps balance out the artwork. I love the end tables with the mixture of metal and wood, but my favorite piece is the leather ottoman with slide tray – it’s gorgeous and functional! The homeowner’s curio cabinet was the perfect scale for this wall and her art glass collection bring more color into the space. The large octagonal mirror was perfect for above the mantle. The homeowner wanted something unique to accessorize the mantle, and these “oil cans” fit the bill. A geometric fireplace screen completes the look. The hand hooked rug with its subtle pattern and touches of gray and turquoise ground the seating area and brings lots of warmth to the room. DINING ROOM There are only 2 walls in this Dining Room so we wanted to add a strong color with Sherwin Williams’ Cadet (SW9143). Utilizing the homeowners’ existing furniture, we added artwork that pops off the wall, a modern rug which adds interest and softness, and this stunning chandelier which adds a focal point and lots of bling! The Lake Forest Freshen Up: Living Room + Dining Room really reflects the homeowners’ transitional style, and the color palette is sophisticated and inviting. Enjoy!

In this bathroom renovation installed were: Medallion Cabinetry in the Silverline door style: Caldwell. Painted Maple Divinity Classic with Burnt Sienna Highlights. 18” deep vanity sink with 2 drawers with matching recessed medicine cabinet and 2 doors with mirror inserts. The vanity countertop is Marron Desert granite with eased edge and white oval undermount sink. A Kichler 3-light oil rubbed bronze. Moen oil rubbed bronze high arc wide spread faucet, shower head with separate hand held shower on slide bar with matching towel bars, grab bar, robe hook and toilet paper holder. A Vikrell 70 gallon Kohler tub and Gerber toilet. The shower is 10x14” ceramic wall tile with glass stone mix border. On the floor 7”x20” wood plank ceramic tile.