Before and After photos of a concrete fireplace surround we recently installed in a residence in Old Greenwich, CT. This remodel involved the replacing of the traditional brick facade with a more contemporary concrete fireplace surround to match the new gray washed cabinetry and shelves. Instead of a single slab of concrete, the surround is made up of multiple panels of various size to give it a modern, deco look. Designed with John Johnstone of Modern Classics.

Additional space at the top of an adjacent closet provided an opportunity to create a home for the family puppy. This arched opening is consistent with the rest of the home and provides a wonderful spot for the dog to survey both floors of the home. John Wilbanks Photography

Example of an eclectic living room design

Floating wood and smooth stucco entry wall with stainless mounted address numbers. Decorative gravel in custom modular concrete pads. Contemporary wood bench. Dry stream bed with natural river rock boulders offsets the tight geometry of the entry. Xeriscape drought tolerant landscape plants with succulents, native grasses and shrubs. Plants include Kangaroo Paw, Agave Attenuata, Coleonema 'Sunset', Agave 'Blue Glow', Pennisetum 'Fireworks', Cercidium 'Desert Museum', Salvia Gregii, Escallonia Fradesii, Festuca Glauca, and several varieties of Echeveria. Photos by Dominic Masiello. Plants sourced from budgetplants.com.

Inspiration for a large timeless backyard concrete paver and custom-shaped pool fountain remodel in Boston

Example of a beach style dining room design in Tampa

Example of an urban open concept concrete floor living room design in Other with a ribbon fireplace, a metal fireplace and a media wall

Dean J. Birinyi, ASMP Please contact the designer for questions regarding product and materials: Sabrina Alfin of Sabrina Alfin Interiors.
Living room - coastal living room idea in San Luis Obispo

Some vintage Midcentury pieces here along with a custom made Swarovski crystal sputnik chandelier similar to the much larger one in the NYC Metropolitan Opera House! To know more about this makeover, please read the "Houzz Tour" feature article here: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/32975037/list/houzz-tour-midcentury-meets-mediterranean-in-california Bernard Andre Photography

Trendy living room photo in Seattle

This development, nicknamed "Trivaca", is situated on a unique triangular shaped property within the historic Lavaca neighborhood of San Antonio. It consists of four, two-story modern townhouses, designed by four individual architects that work within the Southtown neighborhood. The designs, although modern, make use of a variety of materials found throughout the area such as steel, wood, and stucco, while also maintaining a unique individual look across all four properties. Fisher Heck's design for this home is a contemporary reflection of many of the surrounding historic homes, specifically with regards to materiality and building proportion. The main level consists of the main living areas as well as a home office/guest bedroom with full bath. The living spaces all open out to a lush, private xeriscaped courtyard and modular driveway. The two upstairs bedrooms both face north with perfect views of Tower of Americas and downtown fireworks.

Trendy white floor kitchen/dining room combo photo in Miami with white walls

This stunning contemporary home located at 378 Margarita Dr San Rafael CA is gracefully integrated on 2 acres and surrounded by protected open space affording complete privacy, and commanding spectacular views of Marin including iconic Mt. Tamalpais. The spacious open floor plan includes 2 family rooms, a large open-concept kitchen, 4 large bedrooms and 3.5 baths. Inviting decks off the common rooms and all the bedrooms give this home a serene indoor-outdoor feel. Perfect for entertaining. There is also a level outdoor patio area surrounded by beautiful California oaks. Just up the hill off the gated private drive is adjacent land trust property with a level plateau and panoramic views of the bay, 2 bridges, Oakland, San Francisco, Mt. Tamalpais and much of Marin. While not part of the property, due to its close proximity and limited public access the current owners of 378 Margarita often use this plateau for yoga, fireworks viewing and informal parties. Just one of the many perks of being surrounded by pristine open space. This one-of-a-kind property is conveniently located near shops, restaurants, marinas and parks with easy access to Highway 101, San Francisco and the Wine Country.

This rustic style home on Hartwell Lake was designed and built for the owners to enjoy with family and friends during their active weekend lifestyle. The home was built on a narrow, deep lot that was semi-level on the roadside and steep on the lakeside. The back half of the lot heavily wooded with mature oak and poplar trees reducing the harsh sun’s heat gain on the home. The exterior utilizes fiber cement cedar shake and lap siding complimented by deep brown colors for the windows, soffit, trim and the large square columns. A nice balance of natural earth toned stacked stone rounds out the exterior materials completing the rustic casual lake living. The home 5400 SF is designed and built on thee levels each having a primary focus. The main level creates primary daily living for the owners. This level features an open plan with an entry, stair, dining, kitchen and living areas leading to a large lakeside screened porch. A master suite is privately tucked off its own hallway and allowing it to enjoy the lakeside as well with its own private deck. On the opposite side are two bedrooms, a study and a shared bathroom for each to utilize. An open carport for two vehicles was created with the motor court and connects to the mudroom/utility room giving the owners direct entry into their home. The upper level is for the grand children with an oversized bedroom, bathroom and loft area for play. The lower level is the considered the party level. Its primary feature is an elevated stage for the owner’s band opened to a large seating area, dining and kitchen for viewing and listening with direct access to another screened porch. Flanking each side is a theater and two additional bedrooms and bathrooms. Energy Efficient features include: • The majority of the lower level sunk into the site below grade • 6” thick walls utilizing advanced framing techniques • Foil covered roof sheathing • Extensive use of blown in cellulous • All windows & doors are double paned low E argon filed glass • Tank-less water heaters • Three separate high efficiency HVAC units with programmable thermostats and a fresh air ERV. Lastly the owner requested we make every effort to sound proof the home. Many materials and techniques gave a duel purpose and added to the energy efficiency. These items include: • 2x6 walls with staggered studs • Extensive use if rock wool acoustic batting • Tempered glass in all exterior doors and windows • ¼ thick Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) was installed on the top and bottom of the floor trusses and on all lower level walls. The combination of the design and detailing utilizing these specific materials enabled us to achieve a 5 Star Plus Energy Star Certification with a HERS Index Score of 50. This home received a the 2015 Pinnacle Award from the SC Home Builders Association for the “Best Achievement in Energy Efficiency” sponsored by the SC Department Commerce.

Example of a transitional bedroom design in Los Angeles

Mid-sized elegant family room photo in Baltimore with beige walls, a ribbon fireplace and a stone fireplace

A built-in banquette was designed to allow for views of the bi-weekly lakefront fireworks while also providing ample seating for the dining area within a fairly compact footprint.

The purple Liatris flowers burst like fireworks in front of the soft textures of the Deschampsia grasses.
Photo of a landscaping in Philadelphia.