Lower Level Bar
Elegant seated home bar photo in St Louis with wood countertops and mirror backsplash

Completed in 2011 this 4 BR, 3 1/2 bath custom home is situated on a very tight urban infill lot in Northern, Virginia. Our clients were relocating to the D.C. area from New England and wanted to retain some of the New England vernacular they were familiar with in their new home. Due to heavy zoning restrictions, stylistic CCR's and a large program of almost 7000 sf, our design response is a modern take on a traditional hipped 4-square. We intentionally kept the skin and form of the building simple in order to contain cost and allow for a higher level of interior finish. The main level employs our favorite Great Room scheme that merges cooking, eating and entertaining into one seamless space that flows onto an expansive deck overlooking the rear yard. The entry elevation welcomes guests with a traditional front porch and stone path that passes by a small rain garden. The basement accommodates a guest room, media room, exercise area, and full shop while the upper level orients 2 kid's bedrooms, a Jack-n-Jill bath and the master suite toward a territorial view of the rear yard. All of this program is housed beneath a hipped roof that minimizes the scale of the house while presenting a thoughtful appearance toward the street and neighbors.

With two different levels uniquely designed, this beautiful multi-level patio creates four different outdoor living spaces that blend together smoothly. The lower level consists of a dining area with space for a table and chairs as well as a section for entertaining at their new custom limestone bar. The second level has a space for grilling and a peaceful area for relaxing in the hot tub. The patio was created with Lafitt Pavers. A Holland Stone soldier’s course and circle inset add an attractive detail, and the Belair walls create a stunning effect while helping to define the different outdoor living spaces.

Along with natural ponds, of course we build natural streams and creeks This image is a cascade ( a steep riffle ) on a creek that began it's life as an irrigation ditch. Floral: red: indian paint brush purple: large leaf lupine. Both are native to this area albeit at much higher elevation. Our techniques allow us to bring flowers down that would ordinarily grow high in our Cascade Mountain Range. Real streams have riffles, pools, cascades and sometimes a feature called a glide. Real streams are not a rock lined "slot" turned up on an angle. Real streams also have bends, meanders and an ever changing width. We will demonstrate with a few photos.

Brazilian Pecan Hand Scraped Engineered Hardwood | This Brazilian Pecan Hand Scraped Engineered Hardwood is 1/2in. x 5in. and has a 50 year residential warranty. Install this engineered hardwood flooring by nailing-down or gluing-down. Great for any level in your house, this engineered hardwood can be installed below grade (basement level), at ground level or above. Hand scraped engineered hardwood floors are contoured to display the wood's natural characteristics and unique qualities. Engineered hardwood comes in a variety of finishes, species and widths to add warmth and beauty to your home. Engineered hardwood is real hardwood but offers more resistance to moisture and can be used in some rooms that are prone to dampness or higher humidity levels.

The sage green island has an asymmetrical layout with a wooden counter top. The higher level accommodates space for a glass display cabinet. We designed furniture base around the island with bead board paneling at each end to accent the kitchen's style. -Allison Caves, CKD Caves Kitchens

Peroba Rustic Engineered Hardwood | This 5/8in. x 5 3/4in. Peroba Rustic Engineered Hardwood has a 50 year residential warranty. Install this engineered hardwood flooring by nailing-down or gluing-down. Great for any level in your house, this engineered hardwood can be installed below grade (basement level), at ground level or above. Engineered hardwood comes in a variety of finishes, species and widths to add warmth and beauty to your home. Engineered hardwood is real hardwood but offers more resistance to moisture and can be used in some rooms that are prone to dampness or higher humidity levels.

Two years before this photo shoot, a Bloomington couple came to SYI wondering whether to renovate their dated bi-level or upgrade to a new house entirely: the classic love-it-or-list-it dilemma. The whole house needed to be touched, really: bathrooms and kitchen, lighting and flooring and paint everywhere, not to mention new furniture to fill in and improve the living spaces. We spent a year with this family, considering options that were less transformative but allowed for the whole house to be upgraded, as well as options that dramatically changed the main living space but meant the rest of the house would have to wait. Meanwhile, they kept an eye out for better digs in town: a house at their price point, that met their family's needs and matched their aesthetic without major construction. After a year of hunting, hemming and hawing: they pulled the trigger. Give us the whole enchilada in the kitchen and main living space, they said. There's no other house for us. The bathrooms and basement can wait. Make this space, where we spend all our time, a place we love to be. Walls and ceilings came down; clerestory windows went in. A stunning 4-panel sliding door-cum-window wall replaced two separate doors in two separate rooms, and the sun streaming in now gives this house in Indiana a California-like access to the outdoors. The central custom screen does triple duty: displaying the client's objets d'art, hiding an HVAC chase, and holding up the ceiling. The gas fireplace is completely new, with custom shelving on either side. Of course, in 2017, the kitchen anchors everything. Family Central, it features custom cabinetry, honed quartz, a new window wall, and a huge island. Materials are earthy and natural, lending a warm modern effect to the space. The medium stain of the wood and overall horizontality of the design are a nod to the home's era (1967), while white cabinetry and charcoal tile provide a neutral but crisp backdrop for the family's stunning and colorful art collection. The result: an ordinary bi-level is now an extraordinary home, unlike any other in Bloomington. Contractor: Rusty Peterson Construction Cabinetry: Tim Graber Furniture Photography: Gina Rogers

u2014 ALE: Wayne Rain Garden Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association u2014 ALE: Wayne Rain Garden Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence winner Category: Residential Up to $15,000 Award Level: Gold Project Description: Our company was contracted by the client to provide a creative solution to an ongoing drainage problem. Their property is located within 30 feet of a local stream that collects storm water from the surrounding area. The nearby stream and high water table caused the lawn area at the side of their home to flood and to remain waterlogged for a few days after each storm. The client not only had difficulty growing plants in the existing conditions, but also had a problem with mosquitoes due to standing water. Our goal was to design a self-contained, naturalistic rain garden that slowed storm water runoff, allowed for percolation, and promoted infiltration while permitting excess clean water to enter the nearby stream with diminished force. As designed, the rain garden allows the earth to slowly and more naturally absorb excess storm water while filtering out toxins such as excess nitrogen and phosphorous which are frequently found in the landscape, therefore reducing the contaminants entering the stream. A percolation test was conducted with criteria of absorbing a one-inch rainstorm within four hours without overflow. The one-inch storm calculation included an existing downspout from the home, which would be piped into the rain garden to reduce roof runoff. The first test failed due to a deep layer of high clay-content soil. Excavation continued until a layer of sandy loam was reached, the percolation test was repeated, and a successful test result was achieved. Next, the entire rain garden basin was excavated to the sandy loam layer and the soil amended with compost and sand to create a highly porous planting media. Geotextile fabric was placed to help reduce migration of the surface stone into the soil and allow for minimal maintenance. Gravel, river stone and small boulders were carefully placed to achieve the look of a natural streambed. A palette of mostly native plants with a few non-invasive ornamentals were chosen for their ability to survive in extreme conditions ranging from floods to drought and were placed according to their specific preferences. Wetland plants were chosen for the lowest portion of the rain garden as that area remains saturated for longer periods of time, with a Chionanthus virginicus as a focal point surrounded by irises and ferns at the lowest depth. Plants tolerant of drier conditions were chosen for the upper edges of the garden. The beautiful colors of Monarda, Ligularia, Eupatorium, Solidago, Chelone, and Rudbeckia were scattered within the upper edge, while movement and softness were incorporated by use of the graceful Nassella that lines the border. Finally, winter interest was provided with a backdrop of Cornus sericea. As built, this small rain garden creates tremendous impact by decreasing the amount of storm water runoff not only on our client's property, but also in the neighboring stream. It serves as a means of slowing the water and providing an area for infiltration back into the earth. The plants provide a habitat for birds, butterflies, and insects, working in harmony with nature and providing beautiful visual interest year-round. Photo Credit: Lisa C. Falls

Stuart Wade, Envision Virtual Tours Mountain Reflections on Lake Burton Recently renovated both inside and out, this 5 bedroom, 5.5 bath home with sweeping views of Lake Burton is fit for entertaining large crowds. The open floor plan features a spacious great room with a 2-story stacked stone fireplace, abundant natural ligthing, dining for 10+ and a large chef's kitchen with granite countertops, custom cabinets to house every utensil, exposed beams and access to a lakeside porch. Three sets of french doors open to a magnificent curved veranda accented by columns. Western sunsets make this the place to be in the cool evenings watching the sun reflect off the jewel tone water. A private master bedroom on the main floor provides access to the covered porch. The master bath features a double vanity with granite countertops, built-in storage drawers and cabinets, jetted tub and seperate shower. Spacious guest bedrooms feature private baths and lake views. Mature landscaping including an incredible array of pink and purple rhododendron, eyebrow windows, columns and curved porches highlight the newly painted exterior. The terrace level features a second family room/rec room with a stacked stone fireplace, wet bar, and a wall of triple french doors that open to a lakeside stone terrace. Two additional guest bedrooms with full baths also have access to the terrace patio. A large laundry room and gym/art studio with outside entrance, double sink and ample storage completes the terrace level. Lake Burton is a unique Life Style. Cherry Lane is a paved street accessed by 4 single family homes. This home features a private, gated driveway off Cherry Lane. There is not a homeowner’s association, there are no fees or dues. Over 800 lake properties are managed and leased by the Georgia Power Company. Location is a major advantage for this property with close proximity to Clayton, the hospital, Waterfall Country Club, the Appalachian Trail, shopping, quaint restaurants and only about a 45 minute drive to Highlands, N.C. This house is located on deep water and has breathtaking lake and mountain views that will capture your heart! General Information: • 5 bedrooms and 5 ½ baths • All bathrooms have new updated granite counter tops. • 2 fireplaces ( 1 gas non vent logs and 1 wood burning with gas starter and built in wood storage) • Both fireplaces have raised hearths. • House has poured concrete walls with reinforced steel. • All Floor trusses were engineered for proper application. • During construction the house and grounds were pre-treated for termites. The house is inspected for termites annually. To date, no termites have been found. The termite bond is with American Pest control out of Toccoa, GA. • The main entrance has double Mahogany leaded glass door. All other exterior doors and windows are deluxe Anderson thermo pane. All Anderson windows are tilt out for easy inside cleaning. Windows have Planter shutter and/or wood blinds. • All lake side doors are 8 feet. Doors have triple locks and are adjustable for the best fit. • All exterior walls have house wrap and heavy insulation- R-17 for walls and R 30 in the attic. • House has 3 levels. Each level has its own Trane High Efficiency Weathertron heat pump XE 1200. The 2 units for the main and basement levels also have dual fuel, propane gas for extra heat if needed. • Beam Central Vacuum system for all 3 levels. • All 3 levels are wired for Stereo speakers as well as the main level outside deck. • All ceilings are 10 ft. or higher. • Bar sinks have granite counter tops *Brand new (2014) roof with HD architectural shingles has transferable lifetime warranty Entry Foyer: -Double Mahogany lead glass doors -2 lead glass side windows -Marble floor, heavy moldings, tray ceiling Great Room: -Vaulted wood ceiling with multi light chandelier -Doors can be adjusted in many different positions for easy operations -Anderson Windows and doors -All doors facing lake side are 8 ft. doors -Planter shutters in all windows on main floor Kitchen: -Vaulted ceiling with beadboard and exposed beams -Custom Gillespie cabinets with space for every utensil -Large kitchen island with breakfast bar -Walk-in pantry -Granite counter tops with plenty of prep space -Breakfast nook -Access to lakeside porch -Central Vac and crumb catcher -GE Monogram Fridge -Kitchenaid built in oven and microwave -Jen-air 4 burner gas stove with exhaust -Kitchenaid trash compactor -Scotsman Ice Machine -Over and under counter accent lighting Master Bedroom: -Heavy Molding, hardwood flooring, -Plantation shutters on bedroom French doors opening to deck -4 closets Master Bath: -Granite counter tops with double sinks -Separate shower with glass door and delta shower system -Jetted Tub -14 drawer built-in cabinets for clothing Upstairs level: -Two bedrooms, each with full baths, tile floors, double vanities, granite countertops, ample closets and linen closets Terrace Level: -Spacious family room with stone fireplace and wet bar -Guest bedroom with full bath -Office with full bath -Art studio or exercise room with double sink -Separate tool room -Laundry room/utility room with tile floors and cabinets -Covered stone terrace with access to boathouse Boat House: -Two stall for up to 25 ft. boat -2 electric boat lifts -Large deck on top of boathouse with ½ covered roof -Large storage area for boat supplies -Swim dock

Stuart Wade, Envision Virtual Tours Mountain Reflections on Lake Burton Recently renovated both inside and out, this 5 bedroom, 5.5 bath home with sweeping views of Lake Burton is fit for entertaining large crowds. The open floor plan features a spacious great room with a 2-story stacked stone fireplace, abundant natural ligthing, dining for 10+ and a large chef's kitchen with granite countertops, custom cabinets to house every utensil, exposed beams and access to a lakeside porch. Three sets of french doors open to a magnificent curved veranda accented by columns. Western sunsets make this the place to be in the cool evenings watching the sun reflect off the jewel tone water. A private master bedroom on the main floor provides access to the covered porch. The master bath features a double vanity with granite countertops, built-in storage drawers and cabinets, jetted tub and seperate shower. Spacious guest bedrooms feature private baths and lake views. Mature landscaping including an incredible array of pink and purple rhododendron, eyebrow windows, columns and curved porches highlight the newly painted exterior. The terrace level features a second family room/rec room with a stacked stone fireplace, wet bar, and a wall of triple french doors that open to a lakeside stone terrace. Two additional guest bedrooms with full baths also have access to the terrace patio. A large laundry room and gym/art studio with outside entrance, double sink and ample storage completes the terrace level. Lake Burton is a unique Life Style. Cherry Lane is a paved street accessed by 4 single family homes. This home features a private, gated driveway off Cherry Lane. There is not a homeowner’s association, there are no fees or dues. Over 800 lake properties are managed and leased by the Georgia Power Company. Location is a major advantage for this property with close proximity to Clayton, the hospital, Waterfall Country Club, the Appalachian Trail, shopping, quaint restaurants and only about a 45 minute drive to Highlands, N.C. This house is located on deep water and has breathtaking lake and mountain views that will capture your heart! General Information: • 5 bedrooms and 5 ½ baths • All bathrooms have new updated granite counter tops. • 2 fireplaces ( 1 gas non vent logs and 1 wood burning with gas starter and built in wood storage) • Both fireplaces have raised hearths. • House has poured concrete walls with reinforced steel. • All Floor trusses were engineered for proper application. • During construction the house and grounds were pre-treated for termites. The house is inspected for termites annually. To date, no termites have been found. The termite bond is with American Pest control out of Toccoa, GA. • The main entrance has double Mahogany leaded glass door. All other exterior doors and windows are deluxe Anderson thermo pane. All Anderson windows are tilt out for easy inside cleaning. Windows have Planter shutter and/or wood blinds. • All lake side doors are 8 feet. Doors have triple locks and are adjustable for the best fit. • All exterior walls have house wrap and heavy insulation- R-17 for walls and R 30 in the attic. • House has 3 levels. Each level has its own Trane High Efficiency Weathertron heat pump XE 1200. The 2 units for the main and basement levels also have dual fuel, propane gas for extra heat if needed. • Beam Central Vacuum system for all 3 levels. • All 3 levels are wired for Stereo speakers as well as the main level outside deck. • All ceilings are 10 ft. or higher. • Bar sinks have granite counter tops *Brand new (2014) roof with HD architectural shingles has transferable lifetime warranty Entry Foyer: -Double Mahogany lead glass doors -2 lead glass side windows -Marble floor, heavy moldings, tray ceiling Great Room: -Vaulted wood ceiling with multi light chandelier -Doors can be adjusted in many different positions for easy operations -Anderson Windows and doors -All doors facing lake side are 8 ft. doors -Planter shutters in all windows on main floor Kitchen: -Vaulted ceiling with beadboard and exposed beams -Custom Gillespie cabinets with space for every utensil -Large kitchen island with breakfast bar -Walk-in pantry -Granite counter tops with plenty of prep space -Breakfast nook -Access to lakeside porch -Central Vac and crumb catcher -GE Monogram Fridge -Kitchenaid built in oven and microwave -Jen-air 4 burner gas stove with exhaust -Kitchenaid trash compactor -Scotsman Ice Machine -Over and under counter accent lighting Master Bedroom: -Heavy Molding, hardwood flooring, -Plantation shutters on bedroom French doors opening to deck -4 closets Master Bath: -Granite counter tops with double sinks -Separate shower with glass door and delta shower system -Jetted Tub -14 drawer built-in cabinets for clothing Upstairs level: -Two bedrooms, each with full baths, tile floors, double vanities, granite countertops, ample closets and linen closets Terrace Level: -Spacious family room with stone fireplace and wet bar -Guest bedroom with full bath -Office with full bath -Art studio or exercise room with double sink -Separate tool room -Laundry room/utility room with tile floors and cabinets -Covered stone terrace with access to boathouse Boat House: -Two stall for up to 25 ft. boat -2 electric boat lifts -Large deck on top of boathouse with ½ covered roof -Large storage area for boat supplies -Swim dock

Brazilian Pecan Coco Hand Scraped Engineered Hardwood | This Brazilian Pecan Coco Hand Scraped Engineered Hardwood is 1/2in. x 5in. and has a 50 year residential warranty. Install this engineered hardwood flooring by nailing-down or gluing-down. Great for any level in your house, this engineered hardwood can be installed below grade (basement level), at ground level or above. Hand scraped engineered hardwood floors are contoured to display the wood's natural characteristics and unique qualities. Engineered hardwood comes in a variety of finishes, species and widths to add warmth and beauty to your home. Engineered hardwood is real hardwood but offers more resistance to moisture and can be used in some rooms that are prone to dampness or higher humidity levels.

Overview of the lower level showing how the different areas relate to each other. Photo by Dennis Jourdan.
Example of a huge mountain style walk-out ceramic tile basement design in Chicago with green walls

Curtiba Hickory Gray Engineered Hardwood | This Curtiba Hickory Gray Engineered Hardwood is 1/2in. x 6 1/4in. and has a 50 year residential warranty. Install this engineered hardwood flooring by nailing-down or gluing-down. Great for any level in your house, this engineered hardwood can be installed below grade (basement level), at ground level or above. Engineered hardwood comes in a variety of finishes, species and widths to add warmth and beauty to your home. Engineered hardwood is real hardwood but offers more resistance to moisture and can be used in some rooms that are prone to dampness or higher humidity levels.

Photography by ibi designs ( http://www.ibidesigns.com)

Brazilian Walnut Espresso Engineered Hardwood | With a 50 year residential warranty, this 1/2in. x 5in. Brazilian Walnut Espresso Engineered Hardwood is an excellent flooring choice. Install this engineered hardwood flooring by nailing-down or gluing-down. Great for any level in your house, this engineered hardwood can be installed below grade (basement level), at ground level or above. Engineered hardwood comes in a variety of finishes, species and widths to add warmth and beauty to your home. Engineered hardwood is real hardwood but offers more resistance to moisture and can be used in some rooms that are prone to dampness or higher humidity levels.

Completed in 2011 this 4 BR, 3 1/2 bath custom home is situated on a very tight urban infill lot in Northern, Virginia. Our clients were relocating to the D.C. area from New England and wanted to retain some of the New England vernacular they were familiar with in their new home. Due to heavy zoning restrictions, stylistic CCR's and a large program of almost 7000 sf, our design response is a modern take on a traditional hipped 4-square. We intentionally kept the skin and form of the building simple in order to contain cost and allow for a higher level of interior finish. The main level employs our favorite Great Room scheme that merges cooking, eating and entertaining into one seamless space that flows onto an expansive deck overlooking the rear yard. The entry elevation welcomes guests with a traditional front porch and stone path that passes by a small rain garden. The basement accommodates a guest room, media room, exercise area, and full shop while the upper level orients 2 kid's bedrooms, a Jack-n-Jill bath and the master suite toward a territorial view of the rear yard. All of this program is housed beneath a hipped roof that minimizes the scale of the house while presenting a thoughtful appearance toward the street and neighbors.

Valde Reception Desk (shown in picture) is the newest way to organize your reception area. Perfect for hotels, offices and other commercial spaces, this collection gives an opportunity to elevate your business to the higher level. ModernManhattan.com offers contemporary reception desks with innovative designs. Choose between numerous configurations and set a unique and inviting atmosphere of your reception area. Wide selection of colors, shapes and designs with best prices in NY.

Completed in 2011 this 4 BR, 3 1/2 bath custom home is situated on a very tight urban infill lot in Northern, Virginia. Our clients were relocating to the D.C. area from New England and wanted to retain some of the New England vernacular they were familiar with in their new home. Due to heavy zoning restrictions, stylistic CCR's and a large program of almost 7000 sf, our design response is a modern take on a traditional hipped 4-square. We intentionally kept the skin and form of the building simple in order to contain cost and allow for a higher level of interior finish. The main level employs our favorite Great Room scheme that merges cooking, eating and entertaining into one seamless space that flows onto an expansive deck overlooking the rear yard. The entry elevation welcomes guests with a traditional front porch and stone path that passes by a small rain garden. The basement accommodates a guest room, media room, exercise area, and full shop while the upper level orients 2 kid's bedrooms, a Jack-n-Jill bath and the master suite toward a territorial view of the rear yard. All of this program is housed beneath a hipped roof that minimizes the scale of the house while presenting a thoughtful appearance toward the street and neighbors.