This prefabricated 1,800 square foot Certified Passive House is designed and built by The Artisans Group, located in the rugged central highlands of Shaw Island, in the San Juan Islands. It is the first Certified Passive House in the San Juans, and the fourth in Washington State. The home was built for $330 per square foot, while construction costs for residential projects in the San Juan market often exceed $600 per square foot. Passive House measures did not increase this projects’ cost of construction. The clients are retired teachers, and desired a low-maintenance, cost-effective, energy-efficient house in which they could age in place; a restful shelter from clutter, stress and over-stimulation. The circular floor plan centers on the prefabricated pod. Radiating from the pod, cabinetry and a minimum of walls defines functions, with a series of sliding and concealable doors providing flexible privacy to the peripheral spaces. The interior palette consists of wind fallen light maple floors, locally made FSC certified cabinets, stainless steel hardware and neutral tiles in black, gray and white. The exterior materials are painted concrete fiberboard lap siding, Ipe wood slats and galvanized metal. The home sits in stunning contrast to its natural environment with no formal landscaping. Photo Credit: Art Gray

This prefabricated 1,800 square foot Certified Passive House is designed and built by The Artisans Group, located in the rugged central highlands of Shaw Island, in the San Juan Islands. It is the first Certified Passive House in the San Juans, and the fourth in Washington State. The home was built for $330 per square foot, while construction costs for residential projects in the San Juan market often exceed $600 per square foot. Passive House measures did not increase this projects’ cost of construction. The clients are retired teachers, and desired a low-maintenance, cost-effective, energy-efficient house in which they could age in place; a restful shelter from clutter, stress and over-stimulation. The circular floor plan centers on the prefabricated pod. Radiating from the pod, cabinetry and a minimum of walls defines functions, with a series of sliding and concealable doors providing flexible privacy to the peripheral spaces. The interior palette consists of wind fallen light maple floors, locally made FSC certified cabinets, stainless steel hardware and neutral tiles in black, gray and white. The exterior materials are painted concrete fiberboard lap siding, Ipe wood slats and galvanized metal. The home sits in stunning contrast to its natural environment with no formal landscaping. Photo Credit: Art Gray

Trent Bell
Inspiration for a transitional bamboo floor staircase remodel in Portland Maine with blue walls

Stepping stones in a minimal gravel paved area lead past two lounge chairs to the intimate dining area. The herringbone-patterned limestone patio dissipates into a lush planting bed filled with loose swaths of shade-loving perennials and seasonal bulbs. Beech hedging, and formal clipped evergreens, surround the space and provide privacy, structure and winter interest to the garden. On axis to the main interior living space of the home, the fountain, is the focal point of the garden. A limestone water wall featuring an engraved pattern of fallen Honey Locust leaves nods to the centrally located mature Honey Locust tree that anchors the garden. Water, flowing down the wall, falls a short distance into a pool with a submerged limestone panel. The light noise of the falling water helps soften the sounds of the bustling downtown neighbourhood, creating a tranquil back drop for living and entertaining.

“Greensboro’s Grandest House” was recently selected as the 2013 ShowHouse presented by the Junior League of Greensboro and national media sponsor Traditional Home. Among the local and national design talent featured in this special fundraising event was design duo Patti Allen and Stephanie James of Furnitureland South, who transformed the estate’s patio into a classic, colorful and cozy space. Built in the early 1920s, the Adamsleigh estate is more than 15,000 square feet and covers 13.5 acres that include pools, a lake, tennis courts, a stone gazebo and a five-car garage. The 30×60 patio presented a special design challenge – the space was in disrepair and sat unevenly on a downward slope. Rising to the challenge, Patti and Stephanie partnered with Outer Space Landscapes to change the elevation of the patio in order to draw attention to the focal point and inspiration of the project: a beautiful canopy sofa by Century Furniture. The addition of 6 tons of landscaping material included Pennsylvania blue stone, pebbles, sand, cherry trees, azaleas and geraniums all blooming in the colors of the latest Sunbrella fabrics featured in the outdoor furnishings: crisp, sandy white, fuchsia and tangerine. Patti and Stephanie wanted to showcase clean and classic outdoor style with an edge of color and unexpected elements. Playful ottomans by Baker float in the space for multiple functions, adding an extra pop of color to the sophisticated setting which includes a dining table by Oscar de la Renta, organic spot tables from Phillips Collection, and daybeds and seating from Century Furniture. Combining their passion for interior spaces with signature designs, Allen and James Designs gave this outdoor space the comfort, color and style it deserved. Patti and Stephanie, co-founders of Allen and James Designs, are committed to inspire and influence unique spaces for home, work, play and relaxation. With over 25 years of experience and a dedication to client relationships, their infusion of international inspiration with style, color, texture and vision make Patti and Stephanie a creative duo capable of exceeding the expectations of any client’s design project. By forming over 400 connections with key manufactures such as Henredon, Century, Lillian August, Dovetail, Maitland Smith and Huntington House, Allen and James Designs can provide a broad range of options that virtually meet any need a client has to create their dream home.

Updating a modern classic These clients adore their home’s location, nestled within a 2-1/2 acre site largely wooded and abutting a creek and nature preserve. They contacted us with the intent of repairing some exterior and interior issues that were causing deterioration, and needed some assistance with the design and selection of new exterior materials which were in need of replacement. Our new proposed exterior includes new natural wood siding, a stone base, and corrugated metal. New entry doors and new cable rails completed this exterior renovation. Additionally, we assisted these clients resurrect an existing pool cabana structure and detached 2-car garage which had fallen into disrepair. The garage / cabana building was renovated in the same aesthetic as the main house.

Trendy deck photo in Boston

When we first met with our client, she told us she wanted a warm and comfortable kitchen – a space that felt welcoming, functional, and connected with the rest of her newly purchased home. She had fallen in love with the idea of a statement finish in Evergreen paint for the kitchen island, which she would coordinate with her décor to create a sense of cohesion throughout her living spaces. It was a far cry from the existing stark white kitchen, and we were excited to help her realize her vision!

Another key detail that the family wanted kept in tact was the amazing stair railing, but the old one had fallen into disrepair and could not be salvaged so the remodeler had a replica made utilizing custom welded rail and accents are polished bronze with stainless steel spindles which is a source of joy and pride for the female homeowner. The original rail was repurposed as a foot rest on the new downstairs bar area.

Inspiration for a timeless eat-in kitchen remodel in New York with a farmhouse sink, glass-front cabinets and medium tone wood cabinets

When we first met with our client, she told us she wanted a warm and comfortable kitchen – a space that felt welcoming, functional, and connected with the rest of her newly purchased home. She had fallen in love with the idea of a statement finish in Evergreen paint for the kitchen island, which she would coordinate with her décor to create a sense of cohesion throughout her living spaces. It was a far cry from the existing stark white kitchen, and we were excited to help her realize her vision!

When we first met with our client, she told us she wanted a warm and comfortable kitchen – a space that felt welcoming, functional, and connected with the rest of her newly purchased home. She had fallen in love with the idea of a statement finish in Evergreen paint for the kitchen island, which she would coordinate with her décor to create a sense of cohesion throughout her living spaces. It was a far cry from the existing stark white kitchen, and we were excited to help her realize her vision!

When we first met with our client, she told us she wanted a warm and comfortable kitchen – a space that felt welcoming, functional, and connected with the rest of her newly purchased home. She had fallen in love with the idea of a statement finish in Evergreen paint for the kitchen island, which she would coordinate with her décor to create a sense of cohesion throughout her living spaces. It was a far cry from the existing stark white kitchen, and we were excited to help her realize her vision!

“Have nothing in your houses which you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” We won the Parade Of Homes award for ‘Best Decorated’ in our Victoria model at 163 Oaken Way, Myerstown, PA in the Fallen Oak Estates neighborhood!

This home, which was originally built in 1960, is a classic example of Mid-Century Modern Design. Over the years, the home had fallen into disrepair. The clients, who had recently purchased the home, approached Pelletier+Schaar because they wanted to upgrade and modernize the bathroom, master and laundry as well as add an expanded deck with a covered portion while simultaneously maintaining the aesthetics characteristic of mid-century modern design.

Stepping stones in a minimal gravel paved area lead past two lounge chairs to the intimate dining area. The herringbone-patterned limestone patio dissipates into a lush planting bed filled with loose swaths of shade-loving perennials and seasonal bulbs. Beech hedging, and formal clipped evergreens, surround the space and provide privacy, structure and winter interest to the garden. On axis to the main interior living space of the home, the fountain, is the focal point of the garden. A limestone water wall featuring an engraved pattern of fallen Honey Locust leaves nods to the centrally located mature Honey Locust tree that anchors the garden. Water, flowing down the wall, falls a short distance into a pool with a submerged limestone panel. The light noise of the falling water helps soften the sounds of the bustling downtown neighbourhood, creating a tranquil back drop for living and entertaining.

Exterior materials were selected to stand up to elements year-round, with minimal upkeep required from the Stewards who maintain the Foundation's buildings and grounds.

OVERVIEW Set into a mature Boston area neighborhood, this sophisticated 2900SF home offers efficient use of space, expression through form, and myriad of green features. MULTI-GENERATIONAL LIVING Designed to accommodate three family generations, paired living spaces on the first and second levels are architecturally expressed on the facade by window systems that wrap the front corners of the house. Included are two kitchens, two living areas, an office for two, and two master suites. CURB APPEAL The home includes both modern form and materials, using durable cedar and through-colored fiber cement siding, permeable parking with an electric charging station, and an acrylic overhang to shelter foot traffic from rain. FEATURE STAIR An open stair with resin treads and glass rails winds from the basement to the third floor, channeling natural light through all the home’s levels. LEVEL ONE The first floor kitchen opens to the living and dining space, offering a grand piano and wall of south facing glass. A master suite and private ‘home office for two’ complete the level. LEVEL TWO The second floor includes another open concept living, dining, and kitchen space, with kitchen sink views over the green roof. A full bath, bedroom and reading nook are perfect for the children. LEVEL THREE The third floor provides the second master suite, with separate sink and wardrobe area, plus a private roofdeck. ENERGY The super insulated home features air-tight construction, continuous exterior insulation, and triple-glazed windows. The walls and basement feature foam-free cavity & exterior insulation. On the rooftop, a solar electric system helps offset energy consumption. WATER Cisterns capture stormwater and connect to a drip irrigation system. Inside the home, consumption is limited with high efficiency fixtures and appliances. TEAM Architecture & Mechanical Design – ZeroEnergy Design Contractor – Aedi Construction Photos – Eric Roth Photography

Wall paint: Simply White, Benjamin Moore; hardwood floor: Southern Pecan Natural, Home Depot; lamps: Morten Table Lamp, West Elm; sofa: Hamilton Leath Sofa, West Elm; sofa pillows: Susan Connor; chairs, mirror, and pole lamp: Craigslist; coffee table: Switch Coffee Table, Crate & Barrel; side tables: Mason Side Table, Crate & Barrel; rug: West Elm (no longer sold) Design: Annabode + Co Photo: Allie Crafton © 2016 Houzz