Learn how this Spanish shed was built via photos shared by Designer Jeff Doubét in his book: Creating Spanish Style Homes: Before & After – Techniques – Designs – Insights. This Jeff Doubét Spanish style shed was part of a larger commission to design the main house aesthetic upgrades, as well as the Spanish Mediterranean gardens and landscape. The entire project is featured with informative, time-lapse photography showing how the Spanish shed was designed and constructed. To purchase, or learn more… please visit SantaBarbaraHomeDesigner.com Jeff’s book can also be considered as your direct resource for quality design info, created by a professional home designer who specializes in Spanish style home and landscape designs. The 240 page “Design Consultation in a Book” is packed with over 1,000 images that include 200+ designs, as well as inspiring behind the scenes photos of what goes into building a quality Spanish home and landscape. Many use the book as inspiration while meeting with their architect, designer and general contractor. Jeff Doubét is the Founder of Santa Barbara Home Design - a design studio based in Santa Barbara, California USA. His website is www.SantaBarbaraHomeDesigner.com

Colin Price Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional formal and enclosed dark wood floor living room remodel in San Francisco with brown walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

Josh Thornton
Large eclectic multicolored floor hallway photo in Chicago with pink walls

Kitchen in Bronco | Key Feature: A Scottsdale new-build rooted in sculptural modernism, Bronco Revival balances bold black-and-white contrast with organic textures, natural wood elements, and statement lighting. As a groundbreaking “Live Lab” designer residence, it’s a first-of-its-kind space where luxury furnishings are tested in real-world conditions before being introduced into high-profile client homes. Challenge: Because Bronco Revival was the designer’s personal residence, the project carried a unique level of pressure and intention. The challenge was creating a Scottsdale new-build that felt elevated and editorial while still functioning as a true family home. Every selection had to balance bold sculptural modernism (high contrast, statement lighting, architectural furnishings) with durability, comfort, and day-to-day livability. In addition, the home served as a “Live Lab,” meaning new vendors, materials, and luxury furnishings needed to be tested in real-life conditions before being trusted for future high-profile client projects. Solution: We approached the project with a highly curated, test-and-refine design strategy, treating each space as both a finished interior and a real-world evaluation environment. Key furnishings, textiles, and materials were selected to support the modern organic vision while also standing up to the demands of everyday family life. We worked through selections intentionally, layering in bold contrast, natural woods, and sculptural statement pieces, while prioritizing performance materials, pet-friendly durability, and timeless foundational elements. By using the home as a lived-in showroom, we were able to validate what truly performs beautifully, refine our vendor relationships, and confidently carry those proven selections into future client designs. Materials: MadeGoods: Sculptural Davion coffee tables | Loloi: Custom performance rug collection | Schumacher: Bespoke drapery fabrication | Aesthetic Wall Coverings: Pioneering wallpaper application on ceiling beams | Zac + Fox: Exclusive textile collaboration via Made Resource Group | Budget ($ Range): $300K | Timeline (Duration): 4 MONTHS

This new Lake Minnetonka custom home was designed for a young growing family that decided to trade uptown Minneapolis condo life for lake living. Located on a narrow 40-foot-wide lot, this 2,850sf modern home provides a strong connection to the lake while also balancing privacy from the neighbors. The main level comprises a three-car tandem garage and public living spaces, the upper level consists of private spaces while the finished basement serves as a flexible space. High performance triple pane European windows were strategically placed to frame views of the lake while interior facing windows were placed to frame tree and sky views. A stone clad fireplace acts as a spatial anchor that helps define the interior spaces as well as encourages the transition from interior to exterior spaces. Future solar panel conduits to the roof were installed as were EV charging stations in the garage and at the dock for future EV boat charging. Site water runoff is managed through an underground retention system. The exterior cement board siding is painted black to recede into the landscape while accents of thermally modified wood, custom steel slats and stone add visual interest at the street and lake facing sides. The interior material palette is purposefully simple and consists of stained white oak flooring, ebony stained white oak cabinetry and millwork, white quartz counters, powder coated steel railings and stone veneer. The final result is a vibrant home for this young family that infuses warmth with a modern aesthetic.

Kid Bedroom in Bronco | Key Feature: A Scottsdale new-build rooted in sculptural modernism, Bronco Revival balances bold black-and-white contrast with organic textures, natural wood elements, and statement lighting. As a groundbreaking “Live Lab” designer residence, it’s a first-of-its-kind space where luxury furnishings are tested in real-world conditions before being introduced into high-profile client homes. Challenge: Because Bronco Revival was the designer’s personal residence, the project carried a unique level of pressure and intention. The challenge was creating a Scottsdale new-build that felt elevated and editorial while still functioning as a true family home. Every selection had to balance bold sculptural modernism (high contrast, statement lighting, architectural furnishings) with durability, comfort, and day-to-day livability. In addition, the home served as a “Live Lab,” meaning new vendors, materials, and luxury furnishings needed to be tested in real-life conditions before being trusted for future high-profile client projects. Solution: We approached the project with a highly curated, test-and-refine design strategy, treating each space as both a finished interior and a real-world evaluation environment. Key furnishings, textiles, and materials were selected to support the modern organic vision while also standing up to the demands of everyday family life. We worked through selections intentionally, layering in bold contrast, natural woods, and sculptural statement pieces, while prioritizing performance materials, pet-friendly durability, and timeless foundational elements. By using the home as a lived-in showroom, we were able to validate what truly performs beautifully, refine our vendor relationships, and confidently carry those proven selections into future client designs. Materials: MadeGoods: Sculptural Davion coffee tables | Loloi: Custom performance rug collection | Schumacher: Bespoke drapery fabrication | Aesthetic Wall Coverings: Pioneering wallpaper application on ceiling beams | Zac + Fox: Exclusive textile collaboration via Made Resource Group | Budget ($ Range): $300K | Timeline (Duration): 4 MONTHS

Perched in the rolling landscape of Alta, Wyoming, this legacy home was thoughtfully designed to belong to the land, not dominate it. Nestled into the hillside with sweeping views of the elk migration path and the Teton Range, every decision was made with future generations in mind. Led by Julie Cavanaugh, this project reflects her passion for designing legacy homes...places that honor family history, respect the land, and are built to be passed down for generations. With roots on this property dating back to the late 1800s, the homeowners envisioned a home that would tell their family’s story well into the future. As featured in the latest edition of Mountain Living Magazine, this home is more than a retreat, it’s a promise to the past and a gift to generations to come. With 70 acres of land, this timber framed home totals 5,752 sf. - 4 bed, 4.5 bath

This new Lake Minnetonka custom home was designed for a young growing family that decided to trade uptown Minneapolis condo life for lake living. Located on a narrow 40-foot-wide lot, this 2,850sf modern home provides a strong connection to the lake while also balancing privacy from the neighbors. The main level comprises a three-car tandem garage and public living spaces, the upper level consists of private spaces while the finished basement serves as a flexible space. High performance triple pane European windows were strategically placed to frame views of the lake while interior facing windows were placed to frame tree and sky views. A stone clad fireplace acts as a spatial anchor that helps define the interior spaces as well as encourages the transition from interior to exterior spaces. Future solar panel conduits to the roof were installed as were EV charging stations in the garage and at the dock for future EV boat charging. Site water runoff is managed through an underground retention system. The exterior cement board siding is painted black to recede into the landscape while accents of thermally modified wood, custom steel slats and stone add visual interest at the street and lake facing sides. The interior material palette is purposefully simple and consists of stained white oak flooring, ebony stained white oak cabinetry and millwork, white quartz counters, powder coated steel railings and stone veneer. The final result is a vibrant home for this young family that infuses warmth with a modern aesthetic.

Dining Room in Bronco | Key Feature: A Scottsdale new-build rooted in sculptural modernism, Bronco Revival balances bold black-and-white contrast with organic textures, natural wood elements, and statement lighting. As a groundbreaking “Live Lab” designer residence, it’s a first-of-its-kind space where luxury furnishings are tested in real-world conditions before being introduced into high-profile client homes. Challenge: Because Bronco Revival was the designer’s personal residence, the project carried a unique level of pressure and intention. The challenge was creating a Scottsdale new-build that felt elevated and editorial while still functioning as a true family home. Every selection had to balance bold sculptural modernism (high contrast, statement lighting, architectural furnishings) with durability, comfort, and day-to-day livability. In addition, the home served as a “Live Lab,” meaning new vendors, materials, and luxury furnishings needed to be tested in real-life conditions before being trusted for future high-profile client projects. Solution: We approached the project with a highly curated, test-and-refine design strategy, treating each space as both a finished interior and a real-world evaluation environment. Key furnishings, textiles, and materials were selected to support the modern organic vision while also standing up to the demands of everyday family life. We worked through selections intentionally, layering in bold contrast, natural woods, and sculptural statement pieces, while prioritizing performance materials, pet-friendly durability, and timeless foundational elements. By using the home as a lived-in showroom, we were able to validate what truly performs beautifully, refine our vendor relationships, and confidently carry those proven selections into future client designs. Materials: MadeGoods: Sculptural Davion coffee tables | Loloi: Custom performance rug collection | Schumacher: Bespoke drapery fabrication | Aesthetic Wall Coverings: Pioneering wallpaper application on ceiling beams | Zac + Fox: Exclusive textile collaboration via Made Resource Group | Budget ($ Range): $300K | Timeline (Duration): 4 MONTHS

This new Lake Minnetonka custom home was designed for a young growing family that decided to trade uptown Minneapolis condo life for lake living. Located on a narrow 40-foot-wide lot, this 2,850sf modern home provides a strong connection to the lake while also balancing privacy from the neighbors. The main level comprises a three-car tandem garage and public living spaces, the upper level consists of private spaces while the finished basement serves as a flexible space. High performance triple pane European windows were strategically placed to frame views of the lake while interior facing windows were placed to frame tree and sky views. A stone clad fireplace acts as a spatial anchor that helps define the interior spaces as well as encourages the transition from interior to exterior spaces. Future solar panel conduits to the roof were installed as were EV charging stations in the garage and at the dock for future EV boat charging. Site water runoff is managed through an underground retention system. The exterior cement board siding is painted black to recede into the landscape while accents of thermally modified wood, custom steel slats and stone add visual interest at the street and lake facing sides. The interior material palette is purposefully simple and consists of stained white oak flooring, ebony stained white oak cabinetry and millwork, white quartz counters, powder coated steel railings and stone veneer. The final result is a vibrant home for this young family that infuses warmth with a modern aesthetic.

Notable decor elements include: Vintage Cloud sofa from 1stDibs upholstered in Delany and Long Neptune velvet fabric, Vintage Sergio Rodriguez Kilin lounge chairs from 1stDibs, Diamond rug by Atelier Fevrier from The Future Perfect, Lawson Fenning Prospect side table, Hase floor lamp from The Future Perfect, Studio Twenty Seven Asplund Kilt open console, Custom white oak coffee table by Dylan Designs. Photography by Sharon Radisch

Bedroom in Bronco | Key Feature: A Scottsdale new-build rooted in sculptural modernism, Bronco Revival balances bold black-and-white contrast with organic textures, natural wood elements, and statement lighting. As a groundbreaking “Live Lab” designer residence, it’s a first-of-its-kind space where luxury furnishings are tested in real-world conditions before being introduced into high-profile client homes. Challenge: Because Bronco Revival was the designer’s personal residence, the project carried a unique level of pressure and intention. The challenge was creating a Scottsdale new-build that felt elevated and editorial while still functioning as a true family home. Every selection had to balance bold sculptural modernism (high contrast, statement lighting, architectural furnishings) with durability, comfort, and day-to-day livability. In addition, the home served as a “Live Lab,” meaning new vendors, materials, and luxury furnishings needed to be tested in real-life conditions before being trusted for future high-profile client projects. Solution: We approached the project with a highly curated, test-and-refine design strategy, treating each space as both a finished interior and a real-world evaluation environment. Key furnishings, textiles, and materials were selected to support the modern organic vision while also standing up to the demands of everyday family life. We worked through selections intentionally, layering in bold contrast, natural woods, and sculptural statement pieces, while prioritizing performance materials, pet-friendly durability, and timeless foundational elements. By using the home as a lived-in showroom, we were able to validate what truly performs beautifully, refine our vendor relationships, and confidently carry those proven selections into future client designs. Materials: MadeGoods: Sculptural Davion coffee tables | Loloi: Custom performance rug collection | Schumacher: Bespoke drapery fabrication | Aesthetic Wall Coverings: Pioneering wallpaper application on ceiling beams | Zac + Fox: Exclusive textile collaboration via Made Resource Group | Budget ($ Range): $300K | Timeline (Duration): 4 MONTHS

Transitional kids' room photo in Chicago

This is a basement renovation transforms the space into a Library for a client's personal book collection . Space includes all LED lighting , cork floorings , Reading area (pictured) and fireplace nook .

Lincoln Farmhouse LEED-H Platinum, Net-Positive Energy OVERVIEW. This LEED Platinum certified modern farmhouse ties into the cultural landscape of Lincoln, Massachusetts - a town known for its rich history, farming traditions, conservation efforts, and visionary architecture. The goal was to design and build a new single family home on 1.8 acres that respects the neighborhood’s agrarian roots, produces more energy than it consumes, and provides the family with flexible spaces to live-play-work-entertain. The resulting 2,800 SF home is proof that families do not need to compromise on style, space or comfort in a highly energy-efficient and healthy home. CONNECTION TO NATURE. The attached garage is ubiquitous in new construction in New England’s cold climate. This home’s barn-inspired garage is intentionally detached from the main dwelling. A covered walkway connects the two structures, creating an intentional connection with the outdoors between auto and home. FUNCTIONAL FLEXIBILITY. With a modest footprint, each space must serve a specific use, but also be flexible for atypical scenarios. The Mudroom serves everyday use for the couple and their children, but is also easy to tidy up to receive guests, eliminating the need for two entries found in most homes. A workspace is conveniently located off the mudroom; it looks out on to the back yard to supervise the children and can be closed off with a sliding door when not in use. The Away Room opens up to the Living Room for everyday use; it can be closed off with its oversized pocket door for secondary use as a guest bedroom with en suite bath. NET POSITIVE ENERGY. The all-electric home consumes 70% less energy than a code-built house, and with measured energy data produces 48% more energy annually than it consumes, making it a 'net positive' home. Thick walls and roofs lack thermal bridging, windows are high performance, triple-glazed, and a continuous air barrier yields minimal leakage (0.27ACH50) making the home among the tightest in the US. Systems include an air source heat pump, an energy recovery ventilator, and a 13.1kW photovoltaic system to offset consumption and support future electric cars. ACTUAL PERFORMANCE. -6.3 kBtu/sf/yr Energy Use Intensity (Actual monitored project data reported for the firm’s 2016 AIA 2030 Commitment. Average single family home is 52.0 kBtu/sf/yr.) o 10,900 kwh total consumption (8.5 kbtu/ft2 EUI) o 16,200 kwh total production o 5,300 kwh net surplus, equivalent to 15,000-25,000 electric car miles per year. 48% net positive. WATER EFFICIENCY. Plumbing fixtures and water closets consume a mere 60% of the federal standard, while high efficiency appliances such as the dishwasher and clothes washer also reduce consumption rates. FOOD PRODUCTION. After clearing all invasive species, apple, pear, peach and cherry trees were planted. Future plans include blueberry, raspberry and strawberry bushes, along with raised beds for vegetable gardening. The house also offers a below ground root cellar, built outside the home's thermal envelope, to gain the passive benefit of long term energy-free food storage. RESILIENCY. The home's ability to weather unforeseen challenges is predictable - it will fare well. The super-insulated envelope means during a winter storm with power outage, heat loss will be slow - taking days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. During normal conditions, reduced energy consumption plus energy production means shelter from the burden of utility costs. Surplus production can power electric cars & appliances. The home exceeds snow & wind structural requirements, plus far surpasses standard construction for long term durability planning. ARCHITECT: ZeroEnergy Design http://zeroenergy.com/lincoln-farmhouse CONTRACTOR: Thoughtforms http://thoughtforms-corp.com/ PHOTOGRAPHER: Chuck Choi http://www.chuckchoi.com/

Peter McMenamin
Mid-sized tuscan dark wood floor hallway photo in Los Angeles with beige walls

Lincoln Farmhouse LEED-H Platinum, Net-Positive Energy OVERVIEW. This LEED Platinum certified modern farmhouse ties into the cultural landscape of Lincoln, Massachusetts - a town known for its rich history, farming traditions, conservation efforts, and visionary architecture. The goal was to design and build a new single family home on 1.8 acres that respects the neighborhood’s agrarian roots, produces more energy than it consumes, and provides the family with flexible spaces to live-play-work-entertain. The resulting 2,800 SF home is proof that families do not need to compromise on style, space or comfort in a highly energy-efficient and healthy home. CONNECTION TO NATURE. The attached garage is ubiquitous in new construction in New England’s cold climate. This home’s barn-inspired garage is intentionally detached from the main dwelling. A covered walkway connects the two structures, creating an intentional connection with the outdoors between auto and home. FUNCTIONAL FLEXIBILITY. With a modest footprint, each space must serve a specific use, but also be flexible for atypical scenarios. The Mudroom serves everyday use for the couple and their children, but is also easy to tidy up to receive guests, eliminating the need for two entries found in most homes. A workspace is conveniently located off the mudroom; it looks out on to the back yard to supervise the children and can be closed off with a sliding door when not in use. The Away Room opens up to the Living Room for everyday use; it can be closed off with its oversized pocket door for secondary use as a guest bedroom with en suite bath. NET POSITIVE ENERGY. The all-electric home consumes 70% less energy than a code-built house, and with measured energy data produces 48% more energy annually than it consumes, making it a 'net positive' home. Thick walls and roofs lack thermal bridging, windows are high performance, triple-glazed, and a continuous air barrier yields minimal leakage (0.27ACH50) making the home among the tightest in the US. Systems include an air source heat pump, an energy recovery ventilator, and a 13.1kW photovoltaic system to offset consumption and support future electric cars. ACTUAL PERFORMANCE. -6.3 kBtu/sf/yr Energy Use Intensity (Actual monitored project data reported for the firm’s 2016 AIA 2030 Commitment. Average single family home is 52.0 kBtu/sf/yr.) o 10,900 kwh total consumption (8.5 kbtu/ft2 EUI) o 16,200 kwh total production o 5,300 kwh net surplus, equivalent to 15,000-25,000 electric car miles per year. 48% net positive. WATER EFFICIENCY. Plumbing fixtures and water closets consume a mere 60% of the federal standard, while high efficiency appliances such as the dishwasher and clothes washer also reduce consumption rates. FOOD PRODUCTION. After clearing all invasive species, apple, pear, peach and cherry trees were planted. Future plans include blueberry, raspberry and strawberry bushes, along with raised beds for vegetable gardening. The house also offers a below ground root cellar, built outside the home's thermal envelope, to gain the passive benefit of long term energy-free food storage. RESILIENCY. The home's ability to weather unforeseen challenges is predictable - it will fare well. The super-insulated envelope means during a winter storm with power outage, heat loss will be slow - taking days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. During normal conditions, reduced energy consumption plus energy production means shelter from the burden of utility costs. Surplus production can power electric cars & appliances. The home exceeds snow & wind structural requirements, plus far surpasses standard construction for long term durability planning. ARCHITECT: ZeroEnergy Design http://zeroenergy.com/lincoln-farmhouse CONTRACTOR: Thoughtforms http://thoughtforms-corp.com/ PHOTOGRAPHER: Chuck Choi http://www.chuckchoi.com/

Empire Contracting Inc 707.884.9789 Photos By: Sea Ranch Images www.searanchimages.com 707.653.6866
1950s exterior home photo in San Francisco

Project Developer Richard Rocco http://www.houzz.com/pro/rrocco1/richard-rocco-case-design-remodeling-inc Designer Melissa Cooley http://www.houzz.com/pro/melissacooley04/melissa-cooley-udcp-case-design-remodeling-inc Photography by Stacy Zarin Goldberg