Mid-sized farmhouse u-shaped slate floor eat-in kitchen photo in Salt Lake City with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and multicolored countertops

Design ideas for a large traditional full sun front yard landscaping in Philadelphia.

Blending contemporary forms and lush plantings, this Garden maximizes the sensory experience of the materials and planting from inside and outside the home. The garden occupies an interior courtyard framed by four interior walls. The home, designed by Architect Cliff May was built in 1948 and the following year was featured in House Beautiful Magazine. The clients list of needs and desires was brief. They wanted a space that would complement the mid century modern home and provide visual interest from inside the home. Some form of water was also requested. They had a budget of $30,000. In order to stay within their budget the clients performed the demolition of the old garden. The designer’s intent was to create a garden that would possess a clear sculptural quality and would be as visually striking from inside the home as it would be from inside the courtyard. The strategy behind the design was to use hardscape materials characterized by simple geometric forms and a planting palette that would emphasize form over color, and then to arrange the materials to achieve an interpretation of modern aesthetic. The views from inside the homes three main living rooms present the garden as a graphic composition of space, hardscape materials and planting. Inside the courtyard the edges are defined by stone and planting. The floor is composed of rectangular slabs of Teakwood flagstone with a counterpoint of Mexican beach pebbles set within the joints and around the edges. Concrete along the edges of the Teakwood pads reduces migration of the modified stone and sand base. The contrast of the Mexican beach pebbles accentuates the pattern of the flagstone. The outside perimeter of the pebbles is contained with low profile edging. An existing catch drain was utilized for storm water runoff. A concrete block pier set on a concrete footing is covered with black stucco and provides a perch for a custom made copper bowl that circulates water into the L shaped water feature. The water features subterranean basin is constructed of pressure treated wood with a custom box liner insert. Since the Teakwood flagstone was unavailable as coping for the water feature, the designer chose Shawnee Buff stone to complement the Teakwood flagstone. The subtle sound of water spilling from the copper bowl and the reflective qualities of the water help to create an atmosphere of relaxation. The planting is composed of shades of green with white flowers in order to accentuate the graphic design. ‘Justin Brouwer’ Boxwood, ‘Sum and Substance’ Hosta, white Anemones, black bamboo and ornamental grasses contrast dramatically with the clean lines of the hardscape elements. The black bamboo is set in 30” diameter concrete containers to control the vigorous plant from spreading. The construction of the interior courtyard space challenged the building team. They set up baffles between the front door and the door to the courtyard as well as temporary protection over the floor to allow the process to move forward without too much disturbance to the client’s lives. All of the materials were shuffled through the temporary portal. The clients love the space and recently said that “the design is so well thought out and simple that they would never get tired of it.” The designs sculptural quality compliments the modern feel of the home and creates a sublime yet dramatic view from within the house or within the courtyard. The clients plan to purchase two black Bertoia Diamond chairs with red cushions which should perfectly integrate with the space.

Inspiration for a contemporary bathroom remodel in Cincinnati

This transformation started with a builder grade bathroom and was expanded into a sauna wet room. With cedar walls and ceiling and a custom cedar bench, the sauna heats the space for a relaxing dry heat experience. The goal of this space was to create a sauna in the secondary bathroom and be as efficient as possible with the space. This bathroom transformed from a standard secondary bathroom to a ergonomic spa without impacting the functionality of the bedroom. This project was super fun, we were working inside of a guest bedroom, to create a functional, yet expansive bathroom. We started with a standard bathroom layout and by building out into the large guest bedroom that was used as an office, we were able to create enough square footage in the bathroom without detracting from the bedroom aesthetics or function. We worked with the client on her specific requests and put all of the materials into a 3D design to visualize the new space. Houzz Write Up: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/bathroom-of-the-week-stylish-spa-retreat-with-a-real-sauna-stsetivw-vs~168139419 The layout of the bathroom needed to change to incorporate the larger wet room/sauna. By expanding the room slightly it gave us the needed space to relocate the toilet, the vanity and the entrance to the bathroom allowing for the wet room to have the full length of the new space. This bathroom includes a cedar sauna room that is incorporated inside of the shower, the custom cedar bench follows the curvature of the room's new layout and a window was added to allow the natural sunlight to come in from the bedroom. The aromatic properties of the cedar are delightful whether it's being used with the dry sauna heat and also when the shower is steaming the space. In the shower are matching porcelain, marble-look tiles, with architectural texture on the shower walls contrasting with the warm, smooth cedar boards. Also, by increasing the depth of the toilet wall, we were able to create useful towel storage without detracting from the room significantly. This entire project and client was a joy to work with.

Five stars isn’t enough! Our project was to reconfigure and update the main floor of a house we recently purchased that was built in 1961. We wanted to maintain some of the unique feeling it originally had but bring it up-to-date and eliminate the closed-in rooms and downright weird layout that was the result of multiple, partial remodeling projects. We began with a long wishlist of changes which also required replacement of very antiquated plumbing, electrical wiring and HVAC. We even found a fireplace that had been walled in and needed major re-construction. Many other aspects and details on this incredible list we made included an all new kitchen layout, converting a bedroom into a master closet, adding new half-bath, completely rebuilding the master bath, and adding stone, tile and custom built cabinetry. Our design plans included many fixtures and details that we specified and required professional installation and careful handling. Innovative helped us make reasonable decisions. Their skilled staff took us through a design process that made sense. There were many questions and all were answered with sincere conversation and positive – innovation – on how we could achieve our goals. Innovative provided us with professional consultants, who listened and were courteous and creative, with solid knowledge and informative judgement. When they didn’t have an answer, they did the research. They developed a comprehensive project plan that exceeded our expectations. Every item on our long list was checked-off. All agreed on work was fulfilled and they completed all this in just under four months. Innovative took care of putting together a team of skilled professional specialists who were all dedicated to make everything right. Engineering, construction, supervision, and I cannot even begin to describe how much thanks we have for the demolition crew! Our multiple, detailed project designs from Raul and professional design advice from Mindy and the connections she recommended are all of the best quality. Diego Jr., Trevor and his team kept everything on track and neat and tidy every single day and Diego Sr., Mark, Ismael, Albert, Santiago and team are true craftsmen who follow-up and make the most minuscule woodworking details perfect. The cabinets by Tim and electrical work and installation of fixtures by Kemchan Harrilal-BB and Navindra Doolratram, and Augustine and his crew on tile and stone work – all perfection. Aisling and the office crew were always responsive to our calls and requests. And of course Clark and Eric who oversaw everything and gave us the best of the best! Apologies if we didn’t get everyone on this list – you’re all great! Thank you for your hard work and dedication. We can’t thank you enough Innovative Construction – we kind of want to do it again! Dave Hallman & Matt DeGraffenreid

After - Blending contemporary forms and lush plantings, this Garden maximizes the sensory experience of the materials and planting from inside and outside the home. The garden occupies an interior courtyard framed by four interior walls. The home, designed by Architect Cliff May was built in 1948 and the following year was featured in House Beautiful Magazine. The clients list of needs and desires was brief. They wanted a space that would complement the mid century modern home and provide visual interest from inside the home. Some form of water was also requested. They had a budget of $30,000. In order to stay within their budget the clients performed the demolition of the old garden. The designer’s intent was to create a garden that would possess a clear sculptural quality and would be as visually striking from inside the home as it would be from inside the courtyard. The strategy behind the design was to use hardscape materials characterized by simple geometric forms and a planting palette that would emphasize form over color, and then to arrange the materials to achieve an interpretation of modern aesthetic. The views from inside the homes three main living rooms present the garden as a graphic composition of space, hardscape materials and planting. Inside the courtyard the edges are defined by stone and planting. The floor is composed of rectangular slabs of Teakwood flagstone with a counterpoint of Mexican beach pebbles set within the joints and around the edges. Concrete along the edges of the Teakwood pads reduces migration of the modified stone and sand base. The contrast of the Mexican beach pebbles accentuates the pattern of the flagstone. The outside perimeter of the pebbles is contained with low profile edging. An existing catch drain was utilized for storm water runoff. A concrete block pier set on a concrete footing is covered with black stucco and provides a perch for a custom made copper bowl that circulates water into the L shaped water feature. The water features subterranean basin is constructed of pressure treated wood with a custom box liner insert. Since the Teakwood flagstone was unavailable as coping for the water feature, the designer chose Shawnee Buff stone to complement the Teakwood flagstone. The subtle sound of water spilling from the copper bowl and the reflective qualities of the water help to create an atmosphere of relaxation. The planting is composed of shades of green with white flowers in order to accentuate the graphic design. ‘Justin Brouwer’ Boxwood, ‘Sum and Substance’ Hosta, white Anemones, black bamboo and ornamental grasses contrast dramatically with the clean lines of the hardscape elements. The black bamboo is set in 30” diameter concrete containers to control the vigorous plant from spreading. The construction of the interior courtyard space challenged the building team. They set up baffles between the front door and the door to the courtyard as well as temporary protection over the floor to allow the process to move forward without too much disturbance to the client’s lives. All of the materials were shuffled through the temporary portal. The clients love the space and recently said that “the design is so well thought out and simple that they would never get tired of it.” The designs sculptural quality compliments the modern feel of the home and creates a sublime yet dramatic view from within the house or within the courtyard. The clients plan to purchase two black Bertoia Diamond chairs with red cushions which should perfectly integrate with the space.

Kitchen backsplash featuring Encore Ceramics 2x6" Truffle and Grace Plaque in Silk.
Arts and crafts kitchen photo in Seattle

The design of the Contour bed is quite remarkable: a beautiful bed has been fashioned around several basic design elements that we hear customers request over and over again: first, every sharp corner has been replaced with space efficient and visually appealing contours from which the bed takes its name. Second, so that there will be no more toe-stubbing, and to stay in keeping with the contour motif from the headboard and mattress base, the bed legs have been recessed deep inside the frame as solid contoured wood beams following the shape of basic bed legs downward but have been unified horizontally. Thirdly, the mattress sets inside the bed base 4" so that it's still easy to change the sheets while visually the mattress will not block the beautiful solid wood beveled headboard. And lastly, this bed truly is current in its design proportions: it is neither too low to the floor like too many modern styled beds nor is it too high like the very traditional style beds. Visit us in San Francisco to see this bed yourself or order online. We ship to most areas across the continental U. S. A.

Jan Fogel, an architect based in Brooklyn, specified reSAWN’s shou sugi ban CHARRED exterior siding for this private residence in Park Slope. reSAWN worked closely with the homeowners and the architect to select MURASAKI, a custom CHARRED product offered upon request.

Our client requested a very traditional entryway, with leaded textured and beveled glass to offer a well-lighted space, and still provide privacy. The glass used for the hand-beveled pieces, as seen in the detail photo, is 1/2" thick, rather than the standard 1/4". This thicker glass allows a steeper bevel, which in turn throws more prismatic colors when the sun strikes it. Photo: Mark Levy Studio

This clean cut kitchen stemmed from the design challenge to place a contemporary kitchen in a traditional Tudor style house in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago. Our client was a self-described city person living in the country - who wanted an urban contemporary feeling incorporated into her home. She says she waited many years to find the right design team who understood her vision! Not wanting to ignore the beautiful 50 year old oaks outside her window, Advance Design transformed her traditional kitchen into an urban kitchen utopia with the use of texture and earthy finishes keeping with the feel of the existing home. Dura Supreme Bria frameless cabinets with a soft pillowed door works to incorporate a woodsy feel in shades of grey textured foil appropriately called “Twig”. Aluminum framed opaque glass doors are hinged with a lift up Aventos hinge for a contemporary twist and a super-functional opening. Brushed nickel hardware in various sizes keeps with the clean line feel. To keep the design organic and “fit it in” with the rest of the house, we covered the floor with a natural looking travertine porcelain laid on a 45 degree angle simulating a more traditional feel in a neutral tone of silvery-brown. The backsplash is clean and crisp with large Carrera marble tiles in a brick pattern, and a splash of energy from a vertical marble and glass mosaic accent. We then finished off the look with clean Cambria Torquay countertops portraying minimal patterning to keep the work surfaces feeling uncluttered and open. Other areas of the home were addressed to “blend” the style in with lightly distressed grey tone hardwood floors and a “matching” renovated powder room displaying contemporary features to compliment the nearby kitchen’s style. Photo Credits- Joe Nowak

Five stars isn’t enough! Our project was to reconfigure and update the main floor of a house we recently purchased that was built in 1961. We wanted to maintain some of the unique feeling it originally had but bring it up-to-date and eliminate the closed-in rooms and downright weird layout that was the result of multiple, partial remodeling projects. We began with a long wishlist of changes which also required replacement of very antiquated plumbing, electrical wiring and HVAC. We even found a fireplace that had been walled in and needed major re-construction. Many other aspects and details on this incredible list we made included an all new kitchen layout, converting a bedroom into a master closet, adding new half-bath, completely rebuilding the master bath, and adding stone, tile and custom built cabinetry. Our design plans included many fixtures and details that we specified and required professional installation and careful handling. Innovative helped us make reasonable decisions. Their skilled staff took us through a design process that made sense. There were many questions and all were answered with sincere conversation and positive – innovation – on how we could achieve our goals. Innovative provided us with professional consultants, who listened and were courteous and creative, with solid knowledge and informative judgement. When they didn’t have an answer, they did the research. They developed a comprehensive project plan that exceeded our expectations. Every item on our long list was checked-off. All agreed on work was fulfilled and they completed all this in just under four months. Innovative took care of putting together a team of skilled professional specialists who were all dedicated to make everything right. Engineering, construction, supervision, and I cannot even begin to describe how much thanks we have for the demolition crew! Our multiple, detailed project designs from Raul and professional design advice from Mindy and the connections she recommended are all of the best quality. Diego Jr., Trevor and his team kept everything on track and neat and tidy every single day and Diego Sr., Mark, Ismael, Albert, Santiago and team are true craftsmen who follow-up and make the most minuscule woodworking details perfect. The cabinets by Tim and electrical work and installation of fixtures by Kemchan Harrilal-BB and Navindra Doolratram, and Augustine and his crew on tile and stone work – all perfection. Aisling and the office crew were always responsive to our calls and requests. And of course Clark and Eric who oversaw everything and gave us the best of the best! Apologies if we didn’t get everyone on this list – you’re all great! Thank you for your hard work and dedication. We can’t thank you enough Innovative Construction – we kind of want to do it again! Dave Hallman & Matt DeGraffenreid

This transformation started with a builder grade bathroom and was expanded into a sauna wet room. With cedar walls and ceiling and a custom cedar bench, the sauna heats the space for a relaxing dry heat experience. The goal of this space was to create a sauna in the secondary bathroom and be as efficient as possible with the space. This bathroom transformed from a standard secondary bathroom to a ergonomic spa without impacting the functionality of the bedroom. This project was super fun, we were working inside of a guest bedroom, to create a functional, yet expansive bathroom. We started with a standard bathroom layout and by building out into the large guest bedroom that was used as an office, we were able to create enough square footage in the bathroom without detracting from the bedroom aesthetics or function. We worked with the client on her specific requests and put all of the materials into a 3D design to visualize the new space. Houzz Write Up: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/bathroom-of-the-week-stylish-spa-retreat-with-a-real-sauna-stsetivw-vs~168139419 The layout of the bathroom needed to change to incorporate the larger wet room/sauna. By expanding the room slightly it gave us the needed space to relocate the toilet, the vanity and the entrance to the bathroom allowing for the wet room to have the full length of the new space. This bathroom includes a cedar sauna room that is incorporated inside of the shower, the custom cedar bench follows the curvature of the room's new layout and a window was added to allow the natural sunlight to come in from the bedroom. The aromatic properties of the cedar are delightful whether it's being used with the dry sauna heat and also when the shower is steaming the space. In the shower are matching porcelain, marble-look tiles, with architectural texture on the shower walls contrasting with the warm, smooth cedar boards. Also, by increasing the depth of the toilet wall, we were able to create useful towel storage without detracting from the room significantly. This entire project and client was a joy to work with.

The clients requested a unique hotel-like design that would offer color, as well as, a sleek modern feel. I started with a classic ceramic tile that has the look of Carrera marble. This brought the Lux feel, and durability, while it is still a kids' bathroom. An aqua glass tile stripe starts at the entry of this walk-in shower in order to lead the eye into this beautiful shower space. The floor was the perfect place to show off this fun multi-stone 1x1 mosaic tile. The modern chrome plumbing fixtures follow that Lux hotel concept while also giving the clients many functional options. The Kohler ceiling-mount rain head features a bluetooth speaker, ready to add ambience to every shower experience.

Large elegant backyard stone and kidney-shaped lap hot tub photo in Atlanta

Patio - mid-sized tropical backyard tile patio idea in Orange County with a roof extension

Example of a large transitional medium tone wood floor entryway design in Cleveland with gray walls and a medium wood front door

Kitchen - traditional kitchen idea in Boston