Finding a home is not easy in a seller’s market, but when my clients discovered one—even though it needed a bit of work—in a beautiful area of the Santa Cruz Mountains, they decided to jump in. Surrounded by old-growth redwood trees and a sense of old-time history, the house’s location informed the design brief for their desired remodel work. Yet I needed to balance this with my client’s preference for clean-lined, modern style. Suffering from a previous remodel, the galley-like bathroom in the master suite was long and dank. My clients were willing to completely redesign the layout of the suite, so the bathroom became the walk-in closet. We borrowed space from the bedroom to create a new, larger master bathroom which now includes a separate tub and shower. The look of the room nods to nature with organic elements like a pebbled shower floor and vertical accent tiles of honed green slate. A custom vanity of blue weathered wood and a ceiling that recalls the look of pressed tin evoke a time long ago when people settled this mountain region. At the same time, the hardware in the room looks to the future with sleek, modular shapes in a chic matte black finish. Harmonious, serene, with personality: just what my clients wanted. Photo: Bernardo Grijalva

Mountain style living room photo in Denver

A person’s home is the place where their personality can flourish. In this client’s case, it was their love for their native homeland of Kenya, Africa. One of the main challenges with these space was to remain within the client’s budget. It was important to give this home lots of character, so hiring a faux finish artist to hand-paint the walls in an African inspired pattern for powder room to emphasizing their existing pieces was the perfect solution to staying within their budget needs. Each room was carefully planned to showcase their African heritage in each aspect of the home. The main features included deep wood tones paired with light walls, and dark finishes. A hint of gold was used throughout the house, to complement the spaces and giving the space a bit of a softer feel.

New to the area, this client wanted to modernize and clean up this older 1980's home on one floor covering 3500 sq ft. on the golf course. Clean lines and a neutral material palette blends the home into the landscape, while careful craftsmanship gives the home a clean and contemporary appearance. We first met the client when we were asked to re-design the client future kitchen. The layout was not making any progress with the architect, so they asked us to step and give them a hand. The outcome is wonderful, full and expanse kitchen. The kitchen lead to assisting the client throughout the entire home. We were also challenged to meet the clients desired design details but also to meet a certain budget number.

Finding a home is not easy in a seller’s market, but when my clients discovered one—even though it needed a bit of work—in a beautiful area of the Santa Cruz Mountains, they decided to jump in. Surrounded by old-growth redwood trees and a sense of old-time history, the house’s location informed the design brief for their desired remodel work. Yet I needed to balance this with my client’s preference for clean-lined, modern style. Suffering from a previous remodel, the galley-like bathroom in the master suite was long and dank. My clients were willing to completely redesign the layout of the suite, so the bathroom became the walk-in closet. We borrowed space from the bedroom to create a new, larger master bathroom which now includes a separate tub and shower. The look of the room nods to nature with organic elements like a pebbled shower floor and vertical accent tiles of honed green slate. A custom vanity of blue weathered wood and a ceiling that recalls the look of pressed tin evoke a time long ago when people settled this mountain region. At the same time, the hardware in the room looks to the future with sleek, modular shapes in a chic matte black finish. Harmonious, serene, with personality: just what my clients wanted. Photo: Bernardo Grijalva

Guest bathroom with antique vanity. Leaded glass window.
Example of an ornate bathroom design in San Francisco

What began as a renovation project morphed into a new house, driven by the natural beauty of the site. The new structures are perfectly aligned with the coastline, and take full advantage of the views of ocean, islands, and shoals. The location is within walking distance of town and its amenities, yet miles away in the privacy it affords. The house is nestled on a nicely wooded lot, giving the residence screening from the street, with an open meadow leading to the ocean on the rear of the lot. The design concept was driven by the serenity of the site, enhanced by textures of trees, plantings, sand and shoreline. The newly constructed house sits quietly in a location advantageously positioned to take full advantage of natural light and solar orientations. The visual calm is enhanced by the natural material: stone, wood, and metal throughout the home. The main structures are comprised of traditional New England forms, with modern connectors serving to unify the structures. Each building is equally suited for single floor living, if that future needs is ever necessary. Unique too is an underground connection between main house and an outbuilding. With their flowing connections, no room is isolated or ignored; instead each reflects a different level of privacy and social interaction. Just as there are layers to the exterior in beach, field, forest and oceans, the inside has a layered approach. Textures in wood, stone, and neutral colors combine with the warmth of linens, wools, and metals. Personality and character of the interiors and its furnishings are tailored to the client’s lifestyle. Rooms are arranged and organized in an intersection of public and private spaces. The quiet palette within reflects the nature outside, enhanced with artwork and accessories.

Our clients are seasoned home renovators. Their Malibu oceanside property was the second project JRP had undertaken for them. After years of renting and the age of the home, it was becoming prevalent the waterfront beach house, needed a facelift. Our clients expressed their desire for a clean and contemporary aesthetic with the need for more functionality. After a thorough design process, a new spatial plan was essential to meet the couple’s request. This included developing a larger master suite, a grander kitchen with seating at an island, natural light, and a warm, comfortable feel to blend with the coastal setting. Demolition revealed an unfortunate surprise on the second level of the home: Settlement and subpar construction had allowed the hillside to slide and cover structural framing members causing dangerous living conditions. Our design team was now faced with the challenge of creating a fix for the sagging hillside. After thorough evaluation of site conditions and careful planning, a new 10’ high retaining wall was contrived to be strategically placed into the hillside to prevent any future movements. With the wall design and build completed — additional square footage allowed for a new laundry room, a walk-in closet at the master suite. Once small and tucked away, the kitchen now boasts a golden warmth of natural maple cabinetry complimented by a striking center island complete with white quartz countertops and stunning waterfall edge details. The open floor plan encourages entertaining with an organic flow between the kitchen, dining, and living rooms. New skylights flood the space with natural light, creating a tranquil seaside ambiance. New custom maple flooring and ceiling paneling finish out the first floor. Downstairs, the ocean facing Master Suite is luminous with breathtaking views and an enviable bathroom oasis. The master bath is modern and serene, woodgrain tile flooring and stunning onyx mosaic tile channel the golden sandy Malibu beaches. The minimalist bathroom includes a generous walk-in closet, his & her sinks, a spacious steam shower, and a luxurious soaking tub. Defined by an airy and spacious floor plan, clean lines, natural light, and endless ocean views, this home is the perfect rendition of a contemporary coastal sanctuary. PROJECT DETAILS: • Style: Contemporary • Colors: White, Beige, Yellow Hues • Countertops: White Ceasarstone Quartz • Cabinets: Bellmont Natural finish maple; Shaker style • Hardware/Plumbing Fixture Finish: Polished Chrome • Lighting Fixtures: Pendent lighting in Master bedroom, all else recessed • Flooring: Hardwood - Natural Maple Tile – Ann Sacks, Porcelain in Yellow Birch • Tile/Backsplash: Glass mosaic in kitchen • Other Details: Bellevue Stand Alone Tub Photographer: Andrew, Open House VC

A vibrant Dutch entry door with dental shelf and bevel insulated glass.
Example of a small arts and crafts entryway design in San Francisco with gray walls and a yellow front door

Inspired by the paint color, neutral furnishings and the Toano countryside, we used a calming color palette of light blues, greens, and creams. I had been eyeing this vase from a local antique store for MONTHS before finally pulling the trigger, figuring that I would probably be able to place it in a future client’s home. Well this was the home! Between the eucalyptus green color to the peaceful garden motifs, it was THE PERFECT PIECE to bring some color and peaceful vibes into this family room.

Ancient Elements Stoneworks is grateful to not only be nominated by selected for the Custom Stone Work award through Laramie Award Program. It is our goal to help clients create their dream home by providing stonework for any project. We are extremely grateful for all our previous, current and future clients. Without you we would not be where we are today. Thank you for continuing to support our company. If you or someone you know are in need of new stone in their house, please give us a call and we will help you make your dream a reality.

Inspired by the paint color, neutral furnishings and the Toano countryside, we used a calming color palette of light blues, greens, and creams. I had been eyeing this vase from a local antique store for MONTHS before finally pulling the trigger, figuring that I would probably be able to place it in a future client’s home. Well this was the home! Between the eucalyptus green color to the peaceful garden motifs, it was THE PERFECT PIECE to bring some color and peaceful vibes into this family room.

This week’s Home of the week is by Smith Custom Building and Design. This featured home is built on a 5 acre lot in the new cedar tree filled community also by Smith Custom Building and Design. This home has approximately 8,636 square feet of living space and 13,837 total. This house consists of five bedroom, six bathrooms and one-half bath. It also has an oversized kitchen with a butler's pantry, a game room, media room, library, poker room, wine cellar, office and guest quarters with their own living room and kitchen. The home has a 2,400 square foot back porch that wraps around and gives each room its own back porch space accessible by their custom double doors. This home also features a six-car garage. This home has been individually designed with the client's lifestyle in mind. Entering the modern farmhouse-style home, you are met by the grand formal dining room with a wine cellar big enough to hold all of your favorite wines. The library included floor-to-ceiling glass walls. The home has high ceilings throughout with custom trim work and each room has its own unique detail. You will find custom craft cabinets throughout with beautiful high end counter tops, a cast stone fireplace and cathedral-style groin vaulted ceilings down the primary wing. The owner of this unique custom home is willing to allow Smith Custom Building and Design to have future clients see the attention to detail and grand work of their custom home. If you are interested in touring this house, please schedule an appointment through our website, http://www.SmithCustomLLC.com or contact us at the number below. Smith Custom Building and Design gives you the option to sit down with the in-house Architect to design your dream house customized to the lifestyle you crave. Creating a one-of-a-kind custom home that meets your every need and want. These homes can be built on the customer's lots or on a lot Smith Custom Building and Design provides. Smith Custom Building and Design builds custom homes throughout the DFW and the surrounding areas with most of their homes being within 45 minutes of their office in Rockwall, Tx. You can find out more about Smith Custom Building and Design by visiting their website at www.SmithCustomLLC.com or by going to their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SmithCustomBuildingAndDesign/. For further information or to schedule an appointment please contact Smith Custom Building and Design at 903-229-1025. This Home of the Week is presented by the Dallas Builders Association. For information on the Association please visit www.dallasbuilders.com.

Example of a mid-sized transitional kids' white tile and ceramic tile marble floor, multicolored floor and double-sink bathroom design in New York with recessed-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, a two-piece toilet, pink walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door, white countertops and a built-in vanity

When this suburban family decided to renovate their kitchen, they knew that they wanted a little more space. Advance Design worked together with the homeowner to design a kitchen that would work for a large family who loved to gather regularly and always ended up in the kitchen! So the project began with extending out an exterior wall to accommodate a larger island and more moving-around space between the island and the perimeter cabinetry. Style was important to the cook, who began collecting accessories and photos of the look she loved for months prior to the project design. She was drawn to the brightness of whites and grays, and the design accentuated this color palette brilliantly with the incorporation of a warm shade of brown woods that originated from a dining room table that was a family favorite. Classic gray and white cabinetry from Dura Supreme hits the mark creating a perfect balance between bright and subdued. Hints of gray appear in the bead board detail peeking just behind glass doors, and in the application of the handsome floating wood shelves between cabinets. White subway tile is made extra interesting with the application of dark gray grout lines causing it to be a subtle but noticeable detail worthy of attention. Suede quartz Silestone graces the countertops with a soft matte hint of color that contrasts nicely with the presence of white painted cabinetry finished smartly with the brightness of a milky white farm sink. Old melds nicely with new, as antique bronze accents are sprinkled throughout hardware and fixtures, and work together unassumingly with the sleekness of stainless steel appliances. The grace and timelessness of this sparkling new kitchen maintains the charm and character of a space that has seen generations past. And now this family will enjoy this new space for many more generations to come in the future with the help of the team at Advance Design Studio. Dura Supreme Cabinetry Photographer: Joe Nowak

This new kitchen design was created to eliminate dog pens. An L-shaped design allowed for a dog den base cabinet to be incorporated into the kitchen layout. Photo Credit: Betsy Bassett

Rather than starting with an outcome in mind, this 1,400 square foot residence began from a polemic place - exploring shared conviction regarding the concentrated power of living with a smaller footprint. From the gabled silhouette to passive ventilation, the home captures the nostalgia for the past with the sustainable practices of the future. While the exterior materials contrast a calm, minimal palette with the sleek lines of the gabled silhouette, the interior spaces embody a playful, artistic spirit. From the hand painted De Gournay wallpaper in the master bath to the rugged texture of the over-grouted limestone and Portuguese cobblestones, the home is an experience that encapsulates the unexpected and the timeless.

Terran Landscapes http://www.terranlandscapes.com Project Entry: Fishers Woodland Garden 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Theme Garden $15,000-$30,000 Award Level: Bronze Photo Description: We were contracted by the client to design a calming space for their staff to relax, take a walk, and enjoy a leisurely lunch as well as to provide their grandchildren a place to run and pick flowers. The space was originally dominated by large trees and had been overgrown with ivy, sumac and aggressive vines, providing an unwelcome, dark space with little color or visual appeal. The client requested a colorful blend of shrubs and perennials that would provide interest throughout the seasons, as well as provide privacy by screening the street traffic along Carisbrooke Road. Our goal was to create the privacy screen along the road by layering plants from the ground to the tree canopy. The theme was to let nature inspire the landscape, allowing a space that was originally woodland to become an enhanced version of itself, creating a beautiful habitat for birds and butterflies to excite the senses and satisfy all who enjoy the beauty of nature. We began by clearing the brush and removing all aggressive vines and ivy that jeopardized the health of the trees. We kept and transplanted all non- invasive or native plant material in the area to various locations throughout the property. Several yards of compost were then tilled into the soil and the existing trees fertilized to provide a rich growing environment. A few challenges occurred during the design process. It was decided that a new generator was to be installed in the woodland and due to a future addition to the house, we were forced to eliminate planned additional impervious pathway surfaces. We provided screening to hide the generator and buffer the noise, and created a meandering path and sitting area out of natural woodchips instead of the proposed bluestone to solve the impervious space issue. The woodchips add a sense of informality and invite the viewer to walk slowly through the space. The reduced noise from the additional screening of the generator allows for quiet reflection as chipmunks scurry and hummingbirds dart about between the flowers. Our plant palette consists of shady understory plants that thrive and flower vigorously from spring through fall. A tall, lush, evergreen backdrop of Ilex opaca and Prunus laurocerasus ‘Schipkaensis’ provides the screening and blends into a middle layer of ‘Ivory Halo’ dogwood, hydrangeas and winterberry hollies. Beautiful perennials and groundcovers bloom along the woodland path, providing a low visual layer of color and texture. Movement throughout the garden is provided by the graceful Calamagrostis brachytricha and Hakenchloa that soften the nearby hardscaping. The woodland floor is full of shade-loving Solomon’s seal, hosta, astilbe, ferns, bleeding heart, Tiarella and Aconitum. The street side of this woodland required plants with a preference for a little more sun and drought tolerance. A palette of oakleaf hydrangea, Agastache, Liatris and Rudbeckia softens the fence line and provides the desired color. As designed and installed, the woodland garden successfully provides the client’s family and office staff a quiet space where they can take a peaceful moment and enjoy nature. Photo Credit: Lisa C. Falls

The clients really wanted a bay window; the exterior of the window is copper and will patina over time. The clients took six months to select and get a specific brick- it was very important to them. It’s a warm and weathered brick with tones of medium and light browns. The fence, gate, and railings are custom powder-coated metal, designed by BGD&C Custom Homes.