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Custom Home Built for Real Life
Our clients came to us with a clear vision: a home that could adapt to their lifestyle and growing family. They needed a home built with intention, designed with the future in mind, and built around the routines they loved and the people they loved more.
Open-Concept Living With Hosting in Mind
Our clients hosted often and lived actively, so the main level had to be flexible for all of life’s moments. The goal was a space that felt grand without losing its warmth.
Cooking together as a family mattered to our clients – the Wolf range, farmhouse sink, integrated appliances, and large island gave them a kitchen that flowed effortlessly while looking beautiful. This space also served as the bridge between other parts of the main level so that they would stay in view of the next. This created the perfect environment for gathering where everyone had their own spot without ever feeling apart from the whole group.
For the living room, our clients wanted space that felt open without losing its warmth. Soaring ceilings created that sense of scale, while warm tones and materials, like the wood coffered ceiling and fireplace wall, kept it grounded. That same warmth carried outside, where an outdoor lounge with a fireplace and dining area made sure guests felt welcomed the moment they stepped out.
A Backyard Built for Real Rest
Every corner of the backyard was designed with one goal: to be the ultimate outdoor retreat. The elevated, white-brick-framed pool and integrated spa hot tub gave them a place to truly exhale. As the sun set, the fire pit lounge next to the pool became the hangout spot when they hosted their youth groups and family gatherings.
Room to Grow
With kids in the house, “custom” had to also mean flexible. Our clients had 2 young sons and needed their rooms to grow with them through the years. The two bedrooms and a full bath sat beside a loft that served as both their hangout-and-homework spot. The guest suite sat on the same level where a four-poster bed, floor-to-ceiling wood-look tile, and a frameless glass shower welcomed their guests from day one.
A Retreat That’s Actually Theirs
Between hosting and raising kids, this couple needed a suite that felt like a true escape. The wood-planked tray ceiling and French doors grounded the room in warmth the moment you walked in, while the ensuite bathroom carried a spa-like feeling with a freestanding soaking tub, custom double vanity, and a glass-enclosed shower.
This Is What Approachable Luxury Looks Like
The approachable luxury experience meant starting with conversations about how they wanted their space to live with them – how they hosted, how their kids played, how they wanted to feel walking through their own front door, and how we took their goals and experience and used it as the foundation of every decision that was made from start to finish. We wanted our clients to feel taken care of through the process and, most importantly, feel heard.
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For more photos of this project see:
DEMETER
Inspiration for a traditional landscaping in San Francisco.
Inspiration for a traditional landscaping in San Francisco.

'Carmello' tomato grown organically in a 15-gallon terra-cotta pot, week 13. It's almost to the ceiling of the deck! Photo by Steve Masley
Elegant deck photo in San Francisco
Elegant deck photo in San Francisco

Northern Sea Oats / Chasmanthium latifolium
Photo: Aaron Carlson, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic

'Carmello' tomato grown organically in a 15-gallon terra-cotta pot, week 3. Stems are thickening, tomatoes forming on bottom truss, second truss flowering. Photo by Steve Masley

'Carmello' tomato grown organically in a 15-gallon terra-cotta pot, week 13. It's almost to the ceiling of the deck! Photo by Steve Masley
Elegant deck photo in San Francisco
Elegant deck photo in San Francisco

'Carmello' tomato grown organically in a 15-gallon terra-cotta pot, week 2. Note the fast growth from week 1! Photo by Steve Masley
Example of a classic deck design in San Francisco
Example of a classic deck design in San Francisco

'Carmello' tomato grown organically in a 15-gallon terra-cotta pot, week 13. First truss of tomatoes ripening. Photo by Steve Masley
Elegant deck photo in San Francisco
Elegant deck photo in San Francisco

Full Circle: Yes you can grow big tomatoes in Nevada! It is easy if you understand how Nevada soils function. We can help. This is just native Nevada (horrible) soil that has been amended with BOOST soil amendment. BOOST is designed to fix Nevada soils so you can do this. It is all-natural and made from almost 100% recycled Lake Tahoe materials! Let's grow!

Pepper plants are a delightful addition to any garden, offering a vibrant burst of color and spice to your culinary creations. However, even experienced gardeners can encounter challenges when growing pepper plants. In this blog, we'll explore some common issues you might face and provide practical solutions to help your pepper plants thrive.
1. Slow or Stunted Growth
Issue: Slow or stunted growth in pepper plants can be discouraging, but there are specific steps you can take to address this issue effectively.
Solution:
a. Soil Health:
- Well-Draining Soil: Ensure your pepper plants are in well-draining soil to prevent waterlogged roots, which can inhibit growth.
- Organic Matter: Incorporate plenty of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, into the soil to improve its texture and nutrient content.
- pH Level: Test the soil pH and adjust it to the ideal range between 6.0 and 6.8 using lime or sulfur as needed.
b. Fertilization:
- Balanced Fertilizer: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer designed for vegetables to provide essential nutrients steadily throughout the growing season.
- Compost: Amend the soil with compost to enhance nutrient availability and soil structure. This can promote healthier growth.
c. Watering:
- Consistent Moisture: Maintain consistent soil moisture levels by watering your pepper plants regularly but avoid waterlogging. Aim for 1-2 inches of water per week, adjusting based on your local climate and weather conditions.
- Mulching: Apply mulch around the base of the plants to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
2. Yellowing Leaves
Issue: Yellowing leaves can be a sign of various underlying problems, but addressing them promptly can restore the vibrancy of your pepper plants.
Solution:
a. Nutrient Deficiencies:
- Balanced Fertilization: Use a well-balanced fertilizer that includes micronutrients to address nutrient deficiencies.
- Specific Nutrients: If you suspect a particular deficiency, such as magnesium, iron, or nitrogen, apply the appropriate nutrient supplement following package instructions.
b. Pest and Disease Control:
- Pest Inspection: Regularly inspect the leaves and stems for common pests like aphids and mites. Remove affected leaves and treat with organic pesticides if necessary.
- Disease Management: Look out for signs of diseases like bacterial leaf spot or fungal issues. Apply organic fungicides or bactericides as recommended.
3. Blossom Drop
Issue: When pepper plants drop their blossoms prematurely, it can hinder fruit development and lead to disappointment.
Solution:
a. Temperature Control:
- Stable Temperatures: Ensure your pepper plants are exposed to consistent temperatures between 70°F and 80°F (21°C to 27°C) during flowering. Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations by providing shelter or using row covers.
b. Pollination:
- Assist with Pollination: If growing peppers indoors or in a greenhouse, help with pollination by gently shaking the plants or using a small brush to transfer pollen between flowers. Outdoor pepper plants are usually pollinated by insects.
4. Wilting Plants
Issue: Wilting or drooping pepper plants can be a sign of various problems, but proper care can revive them.
Solution:
a. Watering:
- Consistent Moisture: Adjust your watering routine to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water early in the day to prevent fungal issues.
- Drainage: Ensure proper soil drainage by amending the soil or using raised beds to prevent waterlogged roots.
b. Pest Control:
- Pest Inspection: Examine the undersides of leaves for signs of pests like aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies. Treat infestations promptly with biological insecticides.
5. Curling Leaves
Issue: Curling or misshapen leaves indicate stress in pepper plants, which can be caused by various factors.
Solution:
a. Environmental Stress:
- Stable Conditions: Ensure your pepper plants are in an environment with stable humidity, temperature, and adequate air circulation. Avoid sudden changes in conditions.
- Proper Ventilation: Adequate air circulation can reduce humidity and prevent fungal issues.
b. Pest and Disease Management:
- Pest Inspection: Regularly inspect your plants for pests and diseases, addressing them promptly with organic remedies as needed.
6. Sunscald
Issue: Sunscald can lead to discolored, leathery patches on pepper fruits when exposed to intense sunlight.
Solution:
a. Shade Cloth:
- Sun Protection: Shield your pepper plants from harsh sunlight during the hottest part of the day using shade cloth or by planting them where they receive some filtered sunlight.
b. Pruning:
- Fruit Shading: Prune excess foliage to allow better fruit shading, reducing the risk of sunscald. Ensure that there's a balance between foliage and fruit.
7. Pepper Plant Pests and Diseases
Issue: Aphids, mites, whiteflies, and various diseases can affect pepper plants, but you can manage them effectively.
Solution:
a. Regular Inspection:
- Vigilant Monitoring: Regularly inspect your pepper plants for signs of pests or diseases, paying close attention to the undersides of leaves and stems.
b. Organic Remedies:
- Pest Control: Use organic remedies like neem oil, insecticidal soap, or diatomaceous earth for pest control.
- Disease Management: Apply organic fungicides or bactericides as recommended to manage diseases like powdery mildew or bacterial spot.
While growing pepper plants can present various challenges, these common issues are manageable with the right knowledge and care. Regular monitoring, proper soil preparation, and timely intervention can help you enjoy a bountiful harvest of vibrant, spicy peppers. Remember that gardening is a learning experience, and each challenge you face is an opportunity to improve your skills and enjoy the rewards of homegrown peppers in your favorite dishes.

The addition of a 2.5' concrete retaining wall along the South and West sides supports the new level backyard framework & divides the space into multi-functional areas, including patios, lawn, and the grow zone, a raised cedar box vegetable garden. The Sports court is behind the cedar privacy screen & shed, set 2.5' down lower, out of sight yet fully functional. NOTE: Use the light pink spring tree in the upper right section as reference to the (same) dark purple tree in the before photos

Stepping stones in a minimal gravel paved area lead past two lounge chairs to the intimate dining area. The herringbone-patterned limestone patio dissipates into a lush planting bed filled with loose swaths of shade-loving perennials and seasonal bulbs. Beech hedging, and formal clipped evergreens, surround the space and provide privacy, structure and winter interest to the garden. On axis to the main interior living space of the home, the fountain, is the focal point of the garden. A limestone water wall featuring an engraved pattern of fallen Honey Locust leaves nods to the centrally located mature Honey Locust tree that anchors the garden. Water, flowing down the wall, falls a short distance into a pool with a submerged limestone panel. The light noise of the falling water helps soften the sounds of the bustling downtown neighbourhood, creating a tranquil back drop for living and entertaining.
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