This small inner city residence get a modern landscape update from front to back. The front garden design included the use of low, stone clad columns and an iron rail fence to help separate the public street from the private residence. Clean, simple lines between the lawn area and planting along with the use of ornamental grasses create an inviting entry to the property. The new stainless steel front door acts as the focal point and sets the tone for the use of stainless steel in the rear garden. The rear garden features a modern cooking and dining area complimented with a conversation seating area complete with built-in seating, linear fire pit, planters, overhead shade structure and cable wire railing. The deck steps down to a lower grassed area for the family pet and entry to the garage. A decorative modern fence provides a screen to the rear alley and surrounding neighbors while new trees were added to soften up the landscape and provide added shade.

Sleek lines.Slender cable railings ny Keuka Studios, inc.
Example of a minimalist exterior home design in New York

There are many new buildings in this area, creating a need for the owner to give the apartment community a more updated look. Using wood and steel, along with LED lighting and specialty signage, we were sure to make this commercial remodel meet the client’s needs for a fresh new look. A new product, called DI-NOC, from 3M, was used to give the columns a chic new look. This is a specialty film that can give existing finishes an updated look without completely replacing everything. Continuing to modernize the look of the building, we renovated their signage both on the upper corner of the building and by adding a new marquee sign alongside the front steps. We also wrapped the front retaining wall in aluminum for added curb appeal. Other updates we did to the front entryway include: adding a new eyebrow to the upper porch (again, using the DI-NOC), and on the underside, adding a beautiful cedar plank ceiling.

Cable railings provide a modern look for this remodeled porch. Ipe hardwood timber combined with charcoal powder coated posts and stainless steel cables.

The 800 square-foot guest cottage is located on the footprint of a slightly smaller original cottage that was built three generations ago. With a failing structural system, the existing cottage had a very low sloping roof, did not provide for a lot of natural light and was not energy efficient. Utilizing high performing windows, doors and insulation, a total transformation of the structure occurred. A combination of clapboard and shingle siding, with standout touches of modern elegance, welcomes guests to their cozy retreat. The cottage consists of the main living area, a small galley style kitchen, master bedroom, bathroom and sleeping loft above. The loft construction was a timber frame system utilizing recycled timbers from the Balsams Resort in northern New Hampshire. The stones for the front steps and hearth of the fireplace came from the existing cottage’s granite chimney. Stylistically, the design is a mix of both a “Cottage” style of architecture with some clean and simple “Tech” style features, such as the air-craft cable and metal railing system. The color red was used as a highlight feature, accentuated on the shed dormer window exterior frames, the vintage looking range, the sliding doors and other interior elements. Photographer: John Hession

Here is a Beautiful Deck that was built in Downingtown, PA. It was built with TimberTech Slate Evolutions decking and White Vinyl Railing with Black Aluminum Balusters. The Front of the deck was built in a curve as requested from the home owner. Wrap around Steps were installed on one side of the deck going down to ground level, closing off the bottom of the deck. A lighting package was installed including post lights and step lights. This Project also features a Custom White Vinyl Pergola. Photo By: Keystone Custom Decks

This project at 703 South Grand Avenue involves the redesign and rebuilding of the homes crumbling front porch. See the project video here: https://youtu.be/6lIf19XYYvk The scope of work will be to remove the porches existing concrete foundation, concrete slab surface, two sets of concrete steps, and 3 steel roof support columns. Other than replacing the wood shingles to match, the existing roof structure will remain un-touched. The porch roof will be supported with a new concrete foundation wall, Craftsman style columns and a low lap siding railing wall. The siding, color scheme, and trim details will be in character with the existing home. This new porch will be accessed with wood steps from both the front street side and the south driveway side. The new design is primarily focused on matching the character of the existing 2 story home, yet upgrading it visually in a way that is harmonious with this South Bozeman neighborhood’s historic character.

The front deck was rebuilt with a cable railing. All new siding, windows, and garage doors were provided. New steps wrap around the rockery and landscaping bed.

A spacious front porch welcomes you home and offers a great spot to sit and relax in the evening while waving to neighbors walking by in this quiet, family friendly neighborhood of Cotswold. The porch is covered in bluestone which is a great material for a clean, simplistic look. Pike was able to vault part of the porch to make it feel grand. V-Groove was chosen for the ceiling trim, as it is stylish and durable. It is stained in Benjamin Moore Hidden Valley.

Completed in 2015, this project incorporates a Scandinavian vibe to enhance the modern architecture and farmhouse details. The vision was to create a balanced and consistent design to reflect clean lines and subtle rustic details, which creates a calm sanctuary. The whole home is not based on a design aesthetic, but rather how someone wants to feel in a space, specifically the feeling of being cozy, calm, and clean. This home is an interpretation of modern design without focusing on one specific genre; it boasts a midcentury master bedroom, stark and minimal bathrooms, an office that doubles as a music den, and modern open concept on the first floor. It’s the winner of the 2017 design award from the Austin Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and has been on the Tribeza Home Tour; in addition to being published in numerous magazines such as on the cover of Austin Home as well as Dwell Magazine, the cover of Seasonal Living Magazine, Tribeza, Rue Daily, HGTV, Hunker Home, and other international publications. Featured on Dwell! https://www.dwell.com/article/sustainability-is-the-centerpiece-of-this-new-austin-development-071e1a55

Modern Front Porch: covered terrace with hanging swing chairs, handcrafted sculptural furniture, and a floor of Black Locust wood pavers set in gravel.

Glenn Layton Homes, LLC, "Building Your Coastal Lifestyle"
Single front door - coastal single front door idea in Jacksonville

This detail shows the path to the front door, with concrete pads, ipe steps and landing and smooth plaster screen/seat wall. The steps are lit, along with main elements of the landscape. photo Mike Heacox / Luciole Design

New front entry steps and path

Banas flagstone forms a sweeping front entrance walkway.
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional partial sun front yard stone landscaping in Toronto for summer.

The 800 square-foot guest cottage is located on the footprint of a slightly smaller original cottage that was built three generations ago. With a failing structural system, the existing cottage had a very low sloping roof, did not provide for a lot of natural light and was not energy efficient. Utilizing high performing windows, doors and insulation, a total transformation of the structure occurred. A combination of clapboard and shingle siding, with standout touches of modern elegance, welcomes guests to their cozy retreat. The cottage consists of the main living area, a small galley style kitchen, master bedroom, bathroom and sleeping loft above. The loft construction was a timber frame system utilizing recycled timbers from the Balsams Resort in northern New Hampshire. The stones for the front steps and hearth of the fireplace came from the existing cottage’s granite chimney. Stylistically, the design is a mix of both a “Cottage” style of architecture with some clean and simple “Tech” style features, such as the air-craft cable and metal railing system. The color red was used as a highlight feature, accentuated on the shed dormer window exterior frames, the vintage looking range, the sliding doors and other interior elements. Photographer: John Hession

Larry and Patty Rife
Inspiration for a timeless entryway remodel in DC Metro

The front exterior of the house had a total make over which included frosted glass garage door, ribbon windows, cable railings and rock landscape to completely transform from the old traditional style to the new modern style.

When my client had to move from her company office to work at home, she set up in the dining room. Despite her best efforts, this was not the long-term solution she was looking for. My client realized she needed a dedicated space not on the main floor of the home. On one hand, having your office space right next to the kitchen is handy. On the other hand, it made separating work and home life was not that easy. The house was a ranch. In essence, the basement would run entire length of the home. As we came down the steps, we entered a time capsule. The house was built in the 1950’s. The walls were covered with original knotty pine paneling. There was a wood burning fireplace and considering this was a basement, high ceilings. In addition, there was everything her family could not store at their own homes. As we wound though the space, I though “wow this has potential”, Eventually, after walking through the laundry room we came to a small nicely lit room. This would be the office. My client looked at me and asked what I thought. Undoubtedly, I said, this can be a great workspace, but do you really want to walk through this basement and laundry to get here? Without reservation, my client said where do we start? Once the design was in place, we started the renovation. The knotty pine paneling had to go. Specifically, to add some insulation and control the dampness and humidity. The laundry room wall was relocated to create a hallway to the office. At the far end of the room, we designated a workout zone. Weights, mats, exercise bike and television are at the ready for morning or afternoon workouts. The space can be concealed by a folding screen for party time. Doors to an old closet under the stairs were relocated to the workout area for hidden storage. Now we had nice wall for a beautiful console and mirror for storage and serving during parties. In order to add architectural details, we covered the old ugly support columns with simple recessed millwork panels. This detail created a visual division between the bar area and the seating area in front of the fireplace. The old red brick on the fireplace surround was replaced with stack stone. A mantle was made from reclaimed wood. Additional reclaimed wood floating shelves left and right of the fireplace provides decorative display while maintaining a rustic element balancing the copper end table and leather swivel rocker. We found an amazing rug which tied all of the colors together further defining the gathering space. Russet and burnt orange became the accent color unifying each space. With a bit of whimsy, a rather unusual light fixture which looks like roots from a tree growing through the ceiling is a conversation piece. The office space is quite and removed from the main part of the basement. There is a desk large enough for multiple screens, a small bookcase holding office supplies and a comfortable chair for conference calls. Because working from home requires many online meetings, we added a shiplap wall painted in Hale Navy to contrast with the orange fabric on the chair. We finished the décor with a painting from my client’s father. This is the background online visitors will see. The last and best part of the renovation is the beautiful bar. My client is an avid collector of wine. She already had the EuroCave refrigerator, so I incorporated it into the design. The cabinets are painted Temptation Grey from Benjamin Moore. The counter tops are my favorite hard working quartzite Brown Fantasy. The backsplash is a combination of rustic wood and old tin ceiling like porcelain tiles. Together with the textures of the reclaimed wood and hide poofs balanced against the smooth finish of the cabinets, we created a comfortable luxury for relaxing. There is ample storage for bottles, cans, glasses, and anything else you can think of for a great party. In addition to the wine storage, we incorporated a beverage refrigerator, an ice maker, and a sink. Floating shelves with integrated lighting illuminate the back bar. The raised height of the front bar provides the perfect wine tasting and paring spot. I especially love the pendant lights which look like wine glasses. Finally, I selected carpet for the stairs and office. It is perfect for noise reduction. Meanwhile for the overall flooring, I specifically selected a high-performance vinyl plank floor. We often use this product as it is perfect to install on a concrete floor. It is soft to walk on, easy to clean and does not reduce the overall height of the space.