September, Date and Time TBD | Saratoga Blackwell Hillside Garden by Rebecca Dye and Hank Helbush of Design Focus International Each detail of this spectacular Saratoga landscape was considered with its hillside site in mind, from the size of the pool to the choice of antique stone masonry. Working closely with the owner, the landscape architects created a series of intimate garden spaces on three terraces. At the top of the site, entertainment is the name of the game where a bocce ball court and a fire pit take advantage of the site’s commanding views of the Santa Clara Valley. Below the house, a jewel-like pool captures the eye, with its intricate glass-tile and bronze water jets. At its end, a seating area and fireplace are shaded by an arbor covered with climbing roses, adding both fragrance and hue. Visitors descend a series of terraced stone stairs set into the hillside, punctuated by raised beds of strawberries, lavender, artichokes, and citrus. A formal parterre flower garden on the terrace is replanted periodically with colorful blooms in acknowledgment of the changing seasons. Photo by Lauren Devon

The Lakota Residence occupies a spectacular 10-acre site in the hills above northwest Portland, Oregon. The residence consists of a main house of nearly 10,000 sf and a caretakers cottage/guest house of 1,200 sf over a shop/garage. Both have been sited to capture the four mountain Cascade panorama plus views to the city and the Columbia River gorge while maintaining an internal privacy. The buildings are set in a highly manicured and refined immediate site set within a largely forested environment complete with a variety of wildlife. Successful business people, the owners desired an elegant but "edgey" retreat that would accommodate an active social life while still functional as "mission control" for their construction materials business. There are days at a time when business is conducted from Lakota. The three-level main house has been benched into an edge of the site. Entry to the middle or main floor occurs from the south with the entry framing distant views to Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Rainier. Conceived as a ruin upon which a modernist house has been built, the radiused and largely opaque stone wall anchors a transparent steel and glass north elevation that consumes the view. Recreational spaces and garage occupy the lower floor while the upper houses sleeping areas at the west end and office functions to the east. Obsessive with their concern for detail, the owners were involved daily on site during the construction process. Much of the interiors were sketched on site and mocked up at full scale to test formal concepts. Eight years from site selection to move in, the Lakota Residence is a project of the old school process.

The South Sea Rattan Pacifica indoor sofa captures the beauty of hand woven natural rattan and wicker with a stunning antique Walnut finish with natural peel and leather wrapping. Constructed of rattan pole which is one of nature's strongest organic materials and is both eco-friendly and highly renewable, this furniture is extremely durable and aesthetically stunning. The Pacifica collection's refined craftsmanship and versatility transitions effortlessly from formal entertaining to lounging with your feet up. Choose from various indoor wicker seating and dining options. We also offer a wide selection of premium indoor cushion fabrics to compliment any home décor.

Constructed in two phases, this renovation, with a few small additions, touched nearly every room in this late ‘50’s ranch house. The owners raised their family within the original walls and love the house’s location, which is not far from town and also borders conservation land. But they didn’t love how chopped up the house was and the lack of exposure to natural daylight and views of the lush rear woods. Plus, they were ready to de-clutter for a more stream-lined look. As a result, KHS collaborated with them to create a quiet, clean design to support the lifestyle they aspire to in retirement. To transform the original ranch house, KHS proposed several significant changes that would make way for a number of related improvements. Proposed changes included the removal of the attached enclosed breezeway (which had included a stair to the basement living space) and the two-car garage it partially wrapped, which had blocked vital eastern daylight from accessing the interior. Together the breezeway and garage had also contributed to a long, flush front façade. In its stead, KHS proposed a new two-car carport, attached storage shed, and exterior basement stair in a new location. The carport is bumped closer to the street to relieve the flush front facade and to allow access behind it to eastern daylight in a relocated rear kitchen. KHS also proposed a new, single, more prominent front entry, closer to the driveway to replace the former secondary entrance into the dark breezeway and a more formal main entrance that had been located much farther down the facade and curiously bordered the bedroom wing. Inside, low ceilings and soffits in the primary family common areas were removed to create a cathedral ceiling (with rod ties) over a reconfigured semi-open living, dining, and kitchen space. A new gas fireplace serving the relocated dining area -- defined by a new built-in banquette in a new bay window -- was designed to back up on the existing wood-burning fireplace that continues to serve the living area. A shared full bath, serving two guest bedrooms on the main level, was reconfigured, and additional square footage was captured for a reconfigured master bathroom off the existing master bedroom. A new whole-house color palette, including new finishes and new cabinetry, complete the transformation. Today, the owners enjoy a fresh and airy re-imagining of their familiar ranch house. Photos by Katie Hutchison

September, Date and Time TBD | Saratoga Blackwell Hillside Garden by Rebecca Dye and Hank Helbush of Design Focus International Each detail of this spectacular Saratoga landscape was considered with its hillside site in mind, from the size of the pool to the choice of antique stone masonry. Working closely with the owner, the landscape architects created a series of intimate garden spaces on three terraces. At the top of the site, entertainment is the name of the game where a bocce ball court and a fire pit take advantage of the site’s commanding views of the Santa Clara Valley. Below the house, a jewel-like pool captures the eye, with its intricate glass-tile and bronze water jets. At its end, a seating area and fireplace are shaded by an arbor covered with climbing roses, adding both fragrance and hue. Visitors descend a series of terraced stone stairs set into the hillside, punctuated by raised beds of strawberries, lavender, artichokes, and citrus. A formal parterre flower garden on the terrace is replanted periodically with colorful blooms in acknowledgment of the changing seasons. Photo by Lauren Devon

Capturing the essence of the iconic Newport Beach lifestyle, your standards will be elevated within this Mediterranean masterpiece with notable, custom updates. Just steps to the sand & surf highlighting serene bay views, this magnificently-detailed architecture awaits. Within this recently remastered abode and guest quarters, its sumptuous & one-of-a-kind finishes, including numerous antique elements, steel doors, designer touches, imported French limestone, and more, have all been tastefully incorporated throughout. With plenty of room to relax, play, and entertain, a chic & polished, renovated kitchen effortlessly opens to the elegant formal dining room and private rear patio. The divine master suite presents tray ceilings, massive windows, a private terrace overlooking the water - ensuring you the privacy to enjoy the tranquil bay views & life. Built below, is a subterranean speakeasy and wine room, perfect for your VIP guests and entertaining. The well-maintained backyard is dressed beautifully with new landscaping, and a tempting newly-renovated pool which makes this unique coastal home ideal for a retreat or main residence. With antique fireplaces & fireboxes throughout, custom iron doors, iron skylight over the staircase, stone baseboards on the main level, top-of-the-line HVAC systems, and new Crestron System, you're in for quite a treat. Come see one of the great estates of the Balboa Peninsula before it's gone for good.

Blended California contemporary models are a blend of traditional dormers and transoms with contemporary simplified lines, trim, and windows. Gridded windows are definitely out with this style and it has a lot in common with California Ranch style homes with their sliding glass doors and horizontal approach to living. Lots of windows can be found which bring in a lot of natural light are are open to the views. Superior offers this popular model with the best in So Cal blended contemporary living…it has an open concept great room, and two 8’ sliding glass doors open onto outdoor deck living. The expansive master bedroom offers a retreat area, large walk in wardrobe, master bath with whirlpool soaker tub and generous corner shower with two shower nozzles and benches. This is luxury living for an unbeatable base price…$85 a square foot, and can be set up in as little as two weeks after factory completion….a three to four week building process. Another advantage is that it was designed with a garage or carport entrance in mind off the utility room at the end of the home and a formal entrance and guest closet at the other end. Views were captured from the master bedroom and the great room in this layout. The Siding on this home is horizontal lap in a natural cedar tone finish and lots of roof clerestories and dormer options were included the make the home even more exceptional. Architecture is the best investment for a new home. One can always add on cosmetic touches at a later time. Clerestories are about $900 each and Dormers $800. Think how costly they would be trying to add them after the roof and ceiling were already finished. New factory construction is the best way to go when you want “the most bang for your buck.”

For years, early morning walks past this 1910 Craftsman in Houston's historic Avondale neighborhood left the new owners with lingering fantasies of making it their future home. When it became available, they acquired a home rich with history, but one nearly abolished. The home was once inhabited by Texas Governor (1931-1932) and founder of Humble Oil, Ross Sterling. But, renovations subdivided the home into multi-family rentals and destroyed original finishes. The developer driven modifications were abruptly halted by city red tags in 2018 after original windows were demolished and replaced with vinyl substitutes. With a nearly clean slate on the interior, the HRDD renovation aims to be respectful to the original context while providing coplimentary modern surprises atypical to the era. One such example is a new opening that punctures through the second floor, extending to a roof skylight. Situated at the transition between formal and informal rooms on the first floor and common space on the second floor, this subtraction is lined with a scalloped wood screen. The screen is one of multiple moments within the home where texture will combine with minimal white surfaces, providing a backdrop to the owners' collection of antique Indian furniture pieces. Additionally, a new detached replaced an existing dilapidated garage apartment and contains the owner's photography studio. Windows and a skylight are placed to capture coveted north light, ideal for photographing and editing. The main room remains an austere slate, with ceiling vaulting to a single aperture to create a dynamic moment that carries a dialogue to the opening in the main home.

Saturday May 16, 10:30am to 12:00pm | Saratoga Blackwell Hillside Garden by Rebecca Dye and Hank Helbush of Design Focus International Register: https://tclf.org/event/garden-dialogues-northern-california-2015 Each detail of this spectacular Saratoga landscape was considered with its hillside site in mind, from the size of the pool to the choice of antique stone masonry. Working closely with the owner, the landscape architects created a series of intimate garden spaces on three terraces. At the top of the site, entertainment is the name of the game where a bocce ball court and a fire pit take advantage of the site’s commanding views of the Santa Clara Valley. Below the house, a jewel-like pool captures the eye, with its intricate glass-tile and bronze water jets. At its end, a seating area and fireplace are shaded by an arbor covered with climbing roses, adding both fragrance and hue. Visitors descend a series of terraced stone stairs set into the hillside, punctuated by raised beds of strawberries, lavender, artichokes, and citrus. A formal parterre flower garden on the terrace is replanted periodically with colorful blooms in acknowledgment of the changing seasons. Photos by Lauren Devon

This Maine residence reimagines the traditional coastal cottage, expanding its vernacular across more than 8,000 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space. Every room captures dramatic views of the rugged coastline, complemented by carefully curated fabrics and textures that echo the natural landscape. The grand foyer flows seamlessly into a formal living room and an intimate reading nook. At the heart of the home, a chef's kitchen opens to a custom walk-in pantry and a striking walnut bar. The first floor is completed by an elegant dining room and a four-seasons family room that blurs the boundary between interior and exterior. The primary suite features a custom fireplace crafted from locally sourced stone, while the primary bathroom frames unobstructed ocean vistas. The second floor also includes two guest bedrooms, a luxurious laundry room, and dedicated spaces for both homeowners—an art studio and a sophisticated lounge. The lower level reveals an unexpected delight: a two-lane bowling alley enhanced by custom-designed wallpaper, adding a playful counterpoint to the home's refined coastal elegance.

This Maine residence reimagines the traditional coastal cottage, expanding its vernacular across more than 8,000 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space. Every room captures dramatic views of the rugged coastline, complemented by carefully curated fabrics and textures that echo the natural landscape. The grand foyer flows seamlessly into a formal living room and an intimate reading nook. At the heart of the home, a chef's kitchen opens to a custom walk-in pantry and a striking walnut bar. The first floor is completed by an elegant dining room and a four-seasons family room that blurs the boundary between interior and exterior. The primary suite features a custom fireplace crafted from locally sourced stone, while the primary bathroom frames unobstructed ocean vistas. The second floor also includes two guest bedrooms, a luxurious laundry room, and dedicated spaces for both homeowners—an art studio and a sophisticated lounge. The lower level reveals an unexpected delight: a two-lane bowling alley enhanced by custom-designed wallpaper, adding a playful counterpoint to the home's refined coastal elegance.

Nestled in the heart of Rancho Santa Fe, this breathtaking Italian-style estate draws inspiration from an award-winning parterre garden design. Impeccably manicured hedges, symmetrical pathways, and timeless European detailing create an atmosphere of elegance and grandeur. The meticulously planned layout captures the romance of old-world Italy, blending sculptural plantings with refined stonework to frame sweeping views of the property. Every element is designed for both visual harmony and lasting beauty, offering a luxurious outdoor experience worthy of a historic estate.

Cramped kitchen be gone! That was the project motto and top priority. The goal was to transform the current layout from multiple smaller spaces into a connected whole that would activate the main level for our clients, a young family of four. The biggest obstacle was the wall dividing the kitchen and the dining room. Removing this wall was central to opening up and integrating the main living spaces, but the existing ductwork that ran right through the center of the wall posed a design challenge, er design opportunity. The resulting design solution features a central pantry that captures the ductwork and provides valuable storage- especially when compared to the original kitchen's 18" wide pantry cabinet. The pantry also anchors the kitchen island and serves as a visual separation of space between the kitchen and homework area. Through our design development process, we learned the formal living room was of no service to their lifestyle and therefore space they rarely spent time in. With that in mind, we proposed to eliminate the unused living room and make it the new dining room. Relocating the dining room to this space inherently felt right given the soaring ceiling and ample room for holiday dinners and celebrations. The new dining room was spacious enough for us to incorporate a conversational seating area in the warm, south-facing window alcove. Now what to do with the old dining room?! To answer that question we took inspiration from our clients' shared profession in education and developed a craft area/homework station for both of their boys. The semi-custom cabinetry of the desk area carries over to the adjacent wall and forms window bench base with storage that we topped with butcher block for a touch of warmth. While the boys are young, the bench drawers are the perfect place for a stash of toys close to the kitchen. The kitchen begins just beyond the window seat with their refrigerator enclosure. Opposite the refrigerator is the new pantry with twenty linear feet of shelving and space for brooms and a stick vacuum. Extending from the backside of the pantry the kitchen island design incorporates counter seating on the family room side and a cabinetry configuration on the kitchen side with drawer storage, a trashcan center, farmhouse sink, and dishwasher. We took careful time in design and execution to align the range and sink because while it might seem like a small detail, it plays an important role in supporting the symmetrical configuration of the back wall of the kitchen. The rear wall design utilizes an appliance garage mirrors the visual impact of the refrigerator enclosure and helps keep the now open kitchen tidy. Between the appliance garage and refrigerator enclosure is the cooking zone with 30" of cabinetry and work surface on either side of the range, a chimney style vent hood, and a bold graphic tile backsplash. The backsplash is just one of many personal touches we added to the space to reflect our client's modern eclectic style and love of color. Swooping lines of the mid-mod style barstools compliment the pendants and backsplash pattern. A pop of vibrant green on the frame of the pantry door adds a fresh wash of color to an otherwise neutral space. The big show stopper is the custom charcoal gray and copper chevron wall installation in the dining room. This was an idea our clients softly suggested, and we excitedly embraced the opportunity. It is also a kickass solution to the head-scratching design dilemma of how to fill a large and lofty wall. We are so grateful to bring this design to life for our clients and now dear friends.

Fire Island poses many challenges for creating successful landscapes. Careful planning, preparation and amendments allowed us to create this stunning garden. While there is a lot of symmetry throughout the grounds, the garden still has a casual feel that still captures the feel of the Island. The gardens complement the architecture of the main house, pool house and surrounding patios. Photos by Jeffrey Erb

Constructed in two phases, this renovation, with a few small additions, touched nearly every room in this late ‘50’s ranch house. The owners raised their family within the original walls and love the house’s location, which is not far from town and also borders conservation land. But they didn’t love how chopped up the house was and the lack of exposure to natural daylight and views of the lush rear woods. Plus, they were ready to de-clutter for a more stream-lined look. As a result, KHS collaborated with them to create a quiet, clean design to support the lifestyle they aspire to in retirement. To transform the original ranch house, KHS proposed several significant changes that would make way for a number of related improvements. Proposed changes included the removal of the attached enclosed breezeway (which had included a stair to the basement living space) and the two-car garage it partially wrapped, which had blocked vital eastern daylight from accessing the interior. Together the breezeway and garage had also contributed to a long, flush front façade. In its stead, KHS proposed a new two-car carport, attached storage shed, and exterior basement stair in a new location. The carport is bumped closer to the street to relieve the flush front facade and to allow access behind it to eastern daylight in a relocated rear kitchen. KHS also proposed a new, single, more prominent front entry, closer to the driveway to replace the former secondary entrance into the dark breezeway and a more formal main entrance that had been located much farther down the facade and curiously bordered the bedroom wing. Inside, low ceilings and soffits in the primary family common areas were removed to create a cathedral ceiling (with rod ties) over a reconfigured semi-open living, dining, and kitchen space. A new gas fireplace serving the relocated dining area -- defined by a new built-in banquette in a new bay window -- was designed to back up on the existing wood-burning fireplace that continues to serve the living area. A shared full bath, serving two guest bedrooms on the main level, was reconfigured, and additional square footage was captured for a reconfigured master bathroom off the existing master bedroom. A new whole-house color palette, including new finishes and new cabinetry, complete the transformation. Today, the owners enjoy a fresh and airy re-imagining of their familiar ranch house. Photos by Katie Hutchison

Blended California contemporary models are a blend of traditional dormers and transoms with contemporary simplified lines, trim, and windows. Gridded windows are definitely out with this style and it has a lot in common with California Ranch style homes with their sliding glass doors and horizontal approach to living. Lots of windows can be found which bring in a lot of natural light are are open to the views. Superior offers this popular model with the best in So Cal blended contemporary living…it has an open concept great room, and two 8’ sliding glass doors open onto outdoor deck living. The expansive master bedroom offers a retreat area, large walk in wardrobe, master bath with whirlpool soaker tub and generous corner shower with two shower nozzles and benches. This is luxury living for an unbeatable base price…$85 a square foot, and can be set up in as little as two weeks after factory completion….a three to four week building process. Another advantage is that it was designed with a garage or carport entrance in mind off the utility room at the end of the home and a formal entrance and guest closet at the other end. Views were captured from the master bedroom and the great room in this layout. The Siding on this home is horizontal lap in a natural cedar tone finish and lots of roof clerestories and dormer options were included the make the home even more exceptional. Architecture is the best investment for a new home. One can always add on cosmetic touches at a later time. Clerestories are about $900 each and Dormers $800. Think how costly they would be trying to add them after the roof and ceiling were already finished. New factory construction is the best way to go when you want “the most bang for your buck.”

Saturday May 16, 10:30am to 12:00pm | Saratoga Blackwell Hillside Garden by Rebecca Dye and Hank Helbush of Design Focus International Register: https://tclf.org/event/garden-dialogues-northern-california-2015 Each detail of this spectacular Saratoga landscape was considered with its hillside site in mind, from the size of the pool to the choice of antique stone masonry. Working closely with the owner, the landscape architects created a series of intimate garden spaces on three terraces. At the top of the site, entertainment is the name of the game where a bocce ball court and a fire pit take advantage of the site’s commanding views of the Santa Clara Valley. Below the house, a jewel-like pool captures the eye, with its intricate glass-tile and bronze water jets. At its end, a seating area and fireplace are shaded by an arbor covered with climbing roses, adding both fragrance and hue. Visitors descend a series of terraced stone stairs set into the hillside, punctuated by raised beds of strawberries, lavender, artichokes, and citrus. A formal parterre flower garden on the terrace is replanted periodically with colorful blooms in acknowledgment of the changing seasons. Photos by Lauren Devon

Fire Island poses many challenges for creating successful landscapes. Careful planning, preparation and amendments allowed us to create this stunning garden. While there is a lot of symmetry throughout the grounds, the garden still has a casual feel that still captures the feel of the Island. The gardens complement the architecture of the main house, pool house and surrounding patios. Photos by Jeffrey Erb

The traditional dining room at Villa Bella Vista is a refined and elegant space designed to fully embrace its breathtaking mountain setting. Positioned to overlook the rolling peaks of the Asheville mountains, the room is framed by generous windows that capture sweeping views while filling the space with soft, natural light. The ever-changing landscape becomes a living backdrop, enhancing both everyday meals and formal gatherings with a sense of grandeur and calm. Designed by architect Brad Wright of Wright Design, the dining room reflects the home’s European-inspired character through classic proportions, graceful archways, and rich, timeless materials. The traditional detailing pairs beautifully with the dramatic scenery beyond, creating a seamless connection between refined interior design and the natural beauty of The Cliffs at Walnut Cove. Elegant yet welcoming, this dining room is a true centerpiece of the home—where craftsmanship, tradition, and spectacular mountain views come together effortlessly.