Central El Paso Backyard Renovation: Fifteen years is a long time for a backyard to quietly wait. At first, it was full of intention—a pool that promised summers, laughter, and long evenings. But time has a way of settling in. The water turned still, then green. Edges cracked. The space became less of a destination and more of something you looked past. Life moved forward, but the backyard stayed behind. Then came the decision: it was time. Not a patch job. Not a quick fix. A complete reset. The transformation didn’t begin beautifully—it began with demolition. The old pool was drained, exposing years of neglect etched into its surface. Crews stepped in, breaking, clearing, reshaping. What once held stagnant water became an open cavity of possibility. Steel rebar formed a new skeleton, precise and intentional. Every line measured. Every elevation reconsidered. This wasn’t just construction—it was rethinking how the space should live. The shell was rebuilt. Surfaces were refined. Plumbing, structure, and flow were corrected at their core. What had once been outdated and failing was now engineered to last. Then the shift happened. Hardscape came in—clean, warm-toned concrete replacing worn decking. Stone walls, once just boundaries, were elevated into features. Subtle textures, intentional lines. A visual language that matched the architecture of the home instead of competing with it. The pool returned—but not as it was. Now it was sharp, modern, and inviting. A long, clean body of water with a shallow tanning ledge that catches the sun just right. Stainless steel scuppers arc water into the pool—movement, sound, life. Steps are crisp, geometry is balanced, and the water reflects clarity instead of neglect. Around it, the yard found purpose. Artificial turf introduced contrast—green, controlled, low-maintenance. A pergola structure rose in the corner, creating a destination within the destination. Beneath it, a built-in outdoor kitchen turned the backyard into a place to gather, not just pass through. Lighting stitched everything together, making the space just as alive at dusk as it is under the midday sun. By the end, nothing felt accidental. What was once forgotten is now deliberate. What was once avoided is now the center of attention. Fifteen years later, the backyard didn’t just come back—it finally became what it was always supposed to be.

Modern backyard retreat with minimalist elements. A concrete patio with square modular pavers leads up to a raised Ipe wood deck. The spa is raised with a concrete coping seat bench and an infinity edge glass spillway. The pool has a concrete coping and white plaster. The main concrete area is accented by charcoal beach pebble. The retaining wall is constructed of Angelus Glacier White precision block with a sandblasted finish. The tight geometry is balanced by vibrant succulents on the adjacent slope. The BBQ station is faced with smooth white plaster and a gray colored Dekton countertop. The property is surrounded by lush green bamboo and other greenery.

Photo of the interior wood carvings located at the East entrance alcove. All carvings are relevant to the overall metaphysical theme. Photo credits: Dan Drobnick

A Good entryway welcomes you home. Love this simple and modern entryhall wall design. finished by our Zip Connection 2'' glossy white triangle tile, simple and elegent, adding geometry beauty to any spaces

Seen against a dark textured ground, the LINKORI STELLOQ Linear makes its structure legible — the dual-chain suspension, the rectangular copper ceiling plate, and the precise alabaster paneling that wraps every face of the form. Each alabaster tile is individually selected from natural Spanish stone, its veining continuous across the surface, diffusing light through the full length of the fixture in an even, warm wash. The brushed gold copper frame defines the geometry with architectural clarity — four clean edges, no excess — making the Linear as considered from above as it is from eye level. Suited to dining tables, kitchen islands, and open-plan interiors, it functions as both a light source and a structural design element. Available in 39.4"L and 49.2"L. Contact us for trade pricing, customization, or project consultation.

Inspiration for a modern kitchen remodel in Kansas City with gray cabinets, an island and gray countertops

This striking poolside view balances bold geometry with personal expression. A serene diving sculpture, chosen by the homeowner, softens the sharp lines of the architecture—evoking motion, courage, and quiet celebration within a refined outdoor setting.

SS

Repeating, the Rhombi Venom tile pattern from Artaic’s Verge Collection creates an angular, geometric geometric. The bold multi color palette suits any space, especially a contemporary hotel or poolscape.

Coastal Modern Farmhouse Flavin Architects designed a structure that inherits its silhouette from the New England farmhouse and orients itself to the adjacent wetlands. The elegance of its shape is an effect of an austere geometry. The cedar shingle cladding underneath the lines of the metal roof reinforces this sense of confident understatement. A screened porch looks over a gentle downslope and a stretch of verdant wetlands into Kettle Cove. The interior extends the sense of local inheritance with a cadence of heavy timber beams that cross a tongue-and-groove ceiling to meet exposed steel beams. This set up echoes the simple framing of local colonial homes. A wood-burning fireplace also evokes this history, and with its mantle of reclaimed railroad ties, and the raw edged monolithic hearth, creates a sense of organic relation to the surrounding landscape. The interior symmetry of our Kettle Cove Farmhouse is illuminated by a generous sweep of windows that face east toward the rising sun. Flavin Architects has created a sense of flow from the interior to the exterior of the house.

Inspiration for a contemporary home design remodel in Other

Nestled in the serene hills of Beverly Hills, this 5,900 sqft private residence designed by HENNE CREATIVE is a masterclass in minimal luxury. The architectural language merges sharp lines with warm materiality, creating an atmosphere of effortless sophistication and calm. The double height living room anchors the heart of the home, with expansive glazing that draws the surrounding landscape inward. A sculptural floating staircase connects both levels while embracing natural light, emphasizing verticality without overwhelming the space. The palette is defined by warm walnut ceilings, crisp white walls, large format porcelain surfaces, and soft natural micro cement floors balancing visual warmth with a serene, almost gallery-like restraint. The bespoke modular sofa and low slung furniture pieces reinforce a grounded, architectural approach to interior design. Soft curves in the lighting installation contrast the otherwise linear geometry, injecting fluidity and movement into the space. The fireplace wall, concealed storage solutions, and integrated lighting showcase HENNE CREATIVE's signature: form following function with quiet precision. Throughout the home, circulation is framed by uninterrupted sightlines and natural transitions between public and private zones. Hidden gardens, clean detailing, and material honesty all combine to offer a deeply meditative living experience where every element has been considered for both aesthetic impact and spatial clarity. This project reflects our studio’s belief that true luxury lies in restraint, clarity, and intentional living.

The Appia Bed is a masterclass in refined minimalism. With sleek lines and crisp geometry, its frame establishes an understated elegance that anchors any modern bedroom. The headboard features a subtle vertical groove detail that adds visual depth without fuss. Available in multiple finishes—matte lacquer, wood veneer, or two-tone combinations—Appia adapts beautifully to light and material pairings. The low-profile design gives a feeling of airiness, while its solid construction ensures long-term durability.

Aesthetic Value: This rustic stairway and balustrade provide a dramatic focal point to the entry area of a mountain home. The burnt treads and metal oiled iron accent the stone wall and water feature under the stair. Stair Safety: Consistent run at the walk line throughout the dancing winders offers comfortable stride on an asymmetrical stair layout. An additional hammered iron handrail provides continuous graspability despite the oversized guard rail. Lighting under each tread. Quality: All solid white oak construction of wood components. Hand forged iron newel caps in conjunction with intricate tree bark design elements and custom twisted hammered balusters. Custom finish provided on the wood and iron components. Technical Challenge: Complex geometry of asymmetrical stair layout, complicated tread notches into the stringer, concealed lighting chases, sand blasted and torched wood prior to application of finish, intense design consultation, and distant jobsite for turnkey project.

Our Talya collection ads an elegant focus point to this tide bathroom space. The Talya Collection from Country Floors, designed by Sara Baldwin, is a beautiful, lyrical mix of water jet designs that are at home in the bath, kitchen or grand entry. The Talya Collection is a refined study of designs using marble and stone, intertwining into lacework and modern geometries. www.marblesystems.com/talya/ Featured Mosaic: Afyon Grey, Avenza light, Dolomite Multi Finsish Irene Marble Mosaic 11 3/8 X 11 3/8 www.marblesystems.com/product/afyon-grey-avenza-light-dolomite-multi-finish-irene-marble-mosaics-11-3-8x11-3-8/

Welcome to a striking modern kitchen, a delightful interplay between the rich, natural beauty of slab walnut doors and the contemporary allure of cashmere gloss slab doors. This thoughtfully designed space embodies both warmth and luxury, creating an ambience that is stylish yet welcoming. Immediately upon entering, one is drawn to the stunning walnut slab doors. Their beautifully organic grain patterns and deep, warm hues introduce a touch of nature into the space, providing an inherent homeliness. The broad, flat surfaces of the slabs accentuate the walnut's unique texture and coloration, creating an appealing contrast to the sleek, modern lines of the kitchen's overall design. Paired with the walnut's earthy tones, the cashmere gloss slab doors present a contemporary elegance. Their soft, neutral shade exudes a sense of serene luxury, akin to the fine texture of cashmere. The high-gloss finish reflects light beautifully, infusing the room with a bright, spacious feel. The slab design keeps the aesthetic clean and modern, subtly mirroring the simple geometry seen throughout the kitchen. The interplay between the textured walnut and smooth cashmere gloss creates a captivating visual dialogue. The natural warmth and richness of the walnut balance the chic, contemporary vibe of the cashmere gloss, achieving a harmonious blend of styles. The result is a kitchen that feels both cozy and sophisticated, traditional yet cutting-edge. In this stylish space, integrated state-of-the-art appliances blend seamlessly into the design, their modern lines enhancing the room's minimalist aesthetic. Clever storage solutions within the slab doors ensure the kitchen remains uncluttered, reinforcing its sleek, streamlined look. This kitchen, with its fusion of slab walnut and cashmere gloss doors, offers an engaging mix of warmth and modernity. Every element of its design, from the choice of materials to the color palette, creates a welcoming atmosphere that doesn't compromise on style or functionality. It's a room that invites you to relax, cook, dine, and celebrate the beauty of contemporary kitchen design.

This bathroom remodel combines rustic warmth with bold, patterned detail for a one-of-a-kind retreat. The custom vanity, crafted in natural knotty wood, pairs beautifully with a honed stone countertop and matte black hardware. A statement tile in the shower brings Southwestern-inspired geometry into the design, creating a striking backdrop that balances tradition with modern sensibility. Unique sconces, layered textures, and handcrafted accents complete the space, making it both functional and full of character. The result is a bathroom that feels grounded, inviting, and deeply connected to place.

Set on Camelback Country Club with sweeping views to the golf course and surrounding peaks—Camelback, Piestewa, and Mummy Mountain—this Paradise Valley estate was designed with one clear priority: make the view the main event. Every line of the pool and landscape plan was meticulously composed to pull your eye outward, enhance the architecture, and create an atmosphere that feels singular to this property. The backyard is anchored by a custom resort-style pool and spa composition that reads like a modern water courtyard—clean geometry, natural stone surfaces, and layered water movement. Bubblers and deck jets add sound and sparkle without interrupting sightlines, while a low-profile fire element and lawn panels soften the hardscape and keep the space feeling livable, not just a showpiece. Beyond the resort core, the property expands into an estate-scale recreation zone, including a full sport court framed in stone paving, structured planting beds, and evening lighting that keeps the grounds active after sunset. The perimeter is finished with privacy hedging and layered plantings—lush, controlled, and intentionally quiet—so the mountains and fairways remain the star. This home set a record-breaking sale, closing $1M higher than any home north of DoubleTree, and it sold in a single day. The developer, builder, and buyer all echoed the same thing: the pool and landscape sold the home, and then the record number followed. It’s the kind of project that proves what we believe: when outdoor living is designed at the highest level, it doesn’t just complement a home—it defines it.

Ariel Broitman
Trendy home office photo in Tel Aviv