This cozy ocean-side condo kitchen was dated and crowded when more than one person was in the kitchen. We solved this problem by moving the refrigerator out of the middle of the kitchen to where the pantry closet had been. Replacing the pantry closet with a floor to ceiling pantry cabinet freed up floor space and allowed for additional countertop space. Now the couple can move around together in the kitchen. The new cabinets were done in a maple Portland door done in white from our Kitchen Solvers Classic Collection line. Next, we added a new white quartz countertop and a beach glass flowing backsplash. Our clients’ love for the beach and ocean is reflected in the lighter colored cabinets, countertop, and backsplash. The new layout, storage solutions and all new appliances made this small kitchen a big success.

Side by side washer and dryer fit perfectly underneath the counter. Photography by Spacecrafting.
Dedicated laundry room - large transitional single-wall porcelain tile dedicated laundry room idea in Minneapolis with a drop-in sink, white cabinets, laminate countertops, gray walls and a side-by-side washer/dryer

Set in a backyard with a beautiful pool but little shade, this Houston project was designed to solve two key problems. Problem number 1 was sun exposure and the second problem was a poorly laid-out outdoor kitchen. The homeowners reached out to our team looking for a modern, functional solution. At the heart of this transformation is a 16×32 cantilevered aluminum pergola, one of the longest we can build without front posts. This design creates uninterrupted open space beneath the structure, offering full visibility and maximum flexibility for layout and movement. The pergola features insulated roof panels (IRP) in a striking sandalwood finish that mimics tongue-and-groove wood. The structure’s frame and roof are all aircraft-grade aluminum, making it both stylish and durable—ideal for Houston’s heat and humidity. Six recessed can lights and dual ceiling fans were installed to ensure the area stays cool and usable day or night. All electrical runs were cleanly concealed within the IRP, keeping the minimalist design intact. Beneath the pergola, we installed 2×2 pearl white alpine smooth cast pavers in a diamond pattern. These pavers blend seamlessly with the existing turf, bringing brightness and texture to the space while maintaining a soft, luxurious feel underfoot. The old L-shaped kitchen was removed and replaced with a full-length custom build across the back of the patio. It’s outfitted with everything a backyard chef could want: a built-in grill, burners, sink, Big Green Egg, Traeger smoker, and a slide-out fridge. The kitchen was carefully designed to maximize the available space while meeting city code, with all components permitted and engineered. To complete the entertainment zone, we built a custom CMU TV wall, finished with Trex paneling for warmth and texture. It includes a wall-mounted flat-screen, Sonos speakers, and a discreetly hidden mini amplifier for seamless AV integration. All wiring is cleanly tucked away, keeping the look sleek and modern.

This kitchen renovation began with the clients questioning whether an addition was needed to meet their wishlist. By carefully rethinking the layout, the design team showed that everything could be accomplished within the existing footprint, maximizing function, storage, and flow while keeping the home’s balance intact. Small but strategic moves, like borrowing a touch of space from the laundry room and resizing a dining room window, opened the door to a larger island, improved circulation, and better placement for the range and sink. The result is a kitchen that feels expansive and beautifully composed. Thoughtful adjustments to the structure created just enough breathing room for a layout that now supports daily life. A natural marble braided mosaic backsplash, soft and organic in texture, carries gracefully to the ceiling as a focal point, complemented by classic subway tile on adjacent wall. Every detail was executed with craftsmanship in mind, from the refined cabinetry to the layered finishes that give the space its timeless character. Blending problem-solving with design, this kitchen delivers everything the homeowners envisioned, a bright, functional centerpiece that enhances both everyday living and special occasions alike.

The existing two story residence was built in 1937 and has a footprint of approximately 2,850 sq. ft. While much of the plan at both levels remained in its original “formal” layout with spacious rooms, the home did not meet the current day needs for this modern family. The lack of an “informal” family-room, no space to accommodate overnight guests, only a small powder room tucked under the main stair at the ground floor, and barely enough room for one car in the garage, not to mention the lack of storage space were the problems to solve. After investigating numerous options the decision was made to introduce a new two story addition with maid’s quarters, a new laundry room, and a three car garage with plenty of additional storage space at the first floor, and a two bedroom guest suite with a kitchenette and living quarters at the second floor. Together with a small addition, this move delivered over 600 sq. ft in the main structure for a new family room with game tables and a full bathroom for guests which also serves as a cabana for the pool area. The design of the additions, including the introduction of new fenestration to capitalize on daylight and views was sensitive to the original architecture and unanimously approved by the Historic Preservation Board of West Palm Beach.

Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com Project Entry: Pembrooke Estate Rain Garden 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Sustainable Landscape &60,000-$120,000 Award Level: Silver Project Description: The client contracted our company to solve multiple existing drainage problems. In a heavy rain event the existing French drain system would overflow, causing water to pool in the driveway. After investigating the system we found that the capacity of the French drain was undersized for the amount of storm water from the large rain events received in recent years. As a result of our findings and at the request of the homeowner, we designed a storm water management system to capture all storm water from the structures on the property and regenerate the underground aquifers for the volume of a 5.8” rainstorm. In addition to the new drain system, the homeowners wanted a rain garden to provide a backdrop for an existing formal garden, provide a habitat for wildlife, and provide screening from an adjacent neighbor. Throughout the design process many challenges were presented, including an existing gas line, which ran directly through the area that best suited the bioswale. The existence of the gas line caused us to alter the shape and depth of the bioswale in some areas. We also inspected the existing downspouts to make sure there were no obstructions that would impede the system’s efficiency, and then conducted a test pit dig to make sure we had sufficient percolation rates for disposal of storm water. To effectively capture the storm water runoff, the existing downspouts were piped from the main house and the large detached garage to a large catch basin located at the low point in the driveway. The driveway catch basin contains two outlet pipes at different elevations within the basin allowing water from smaller rain events to enter the bioswale and rain garden area to percolate into the soil before excess water overflows into a sediment trap which filters out any debris and is then piped to an underground StormTech® pit to slowly percolate into the ground. The other outlet pipe in the driveway catch basin is used for larger storm water events, taking the water directly to the StormTech® pit. Accepting and slowing the velocity of the storm water, mitigation of erosion, and filtering out pollutants contained in the “first flush” of rainfall are the primary functions of the bioswale and rain garden. Planting these areas with mostly native plant species helps carry out these functions while attracting and providing shelter for wildlife. The ‘Niobe’ weeping willow is the centerpiece of the rain garden, connecting with the axis of the existing formal garden. To screen the neighboring property we chose Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Pendula’ for its graceful evergreen habit and tolerance of wet sites. ‘Ivory Halo’ dogwood and Panicum ‘Cloud Nine’ were used for screening as well as winter interest. To provide deciduous structure to the garden Taxodium distichum and Magnolia virginiana were used in conjunction with witch hazel. Mostly native wetland perennials were used due to their tolerance of wet conditions and occasional drought. The area above the StormTech® pit provides space for the client’s family to relax. The rain garden and bioswale provide screening, storm water management, a habitat for wildlife, and plants that enhance the adjacent formal garden. Photo Credit: Terren Landscapes

This remodel went from a tiny story-and-a-half Cape Cod, to a charming full two-story home. The dining room features a custom built in buffet in a recessed niche with an arched opening. The wall color in this room is Sherwin Williams SW 7669 Summit Gray. Space Plans, Building Design, Interior & Exterior Finishes by Anchor Builders. Photography by Patrick Photography.

Set in a backyard with a beautiful pool but little shade, this Houston project was designed to solve two key problems. Problem number 1 was sun exposure and the second problem was a poorly laid-out outdoor kitchen. The homeowners reached out to our team looking for a modern, functional solution. At the heart of this transformation is a 16×32 cantilevered aluminum pergola, one of the longest we can build without front posts. This design creates uninterrupted open space beneath the structure, offering full visibility and maximum flexibility for layout and movement. The pergola features insulated roof panels (IRP) in a striking sandalwood finish that mimics tongue-and-groove wood. The structure’s frame and roof are all aircraft-grade aluminum, making it both stylish and durable—ideal for Houston’s heat and humidity. Six recessed can lights and dual ceiling fans were installed to ensure the area stays cool and usable day or night. All electrical runs were cleanly concealed within the IRP, keeping the minimalist design intact. Beneath the pergola, we installed 2×2 pearl white alpine smooth cast pavers in a diamond pattern. These pavers blend seamlessly with the existing turf, bringing brightness and texture to the space while maintaining a soft, luxurious feel underfoot. The old L-shaped kitchen was removed and replaced with a full-length custom build across the back of the patio. It’s outfitted with everything a backyard chef could want: a built-in grill, burners, sink, Big Green Egg, Traeger smoker, and a slide-out fridge. The kitchen was carefully designed to maximize the available space while meeting city code, with all components permitted and engineered. To complete the entertainment zone, we built a custom CMU TV wall, finished with Trex paneling for warmth and texture. It includes a wall-mounted flat-screen, Sonos speakers, and a discreetly hidden mini amplifier for seamless AV integration. All wiring is cleanly tucked away, keeping the look sleek and modern.

These unique treehouses have been built with sustainable sourcing and upcycled construction methods. When Martine Ilana, Principal designer of Temescal, considered what a ‘treehouse’ would look like for her twins, immediately it’s ideation was focused on keeping the integrity of the forest and problem solving how to use as many repurposed and sustainable materials as possible. Set inside a circle of 100-year-old maple and oak trees and complimenting the home’s architecture, these ‘tree houses’ give shelter, space for imagination & safe play outdoors for the twins. Mimicking the trees’ height and scale, and mirrored in each of their designs, these two 6 foot square base by 14 foot tall twin play structures allow for each child to have its own personal space, yet are connected at the swings. Accessing the incredible selection of salvage materials from a salvage yard in Detroit, Temescal was able to source non-toxic & structurally sound woods to build the structure itself. Healthy Building Materials include: Metal Roofing and Water based Low VOC paints. A slatted exterior structure was designed to create a rain screen and in addition complement the Main home’s exterior design. The slide posed the largest problem to source as recycled plastic slides are not made available to residential projects by US based manufactures and repurposed from Facebook marketplace hit many dead ends. Ultimately, she chose to use a HDPE high density polyurethane plastic slide that would allow for its material to be recycled once at the end of this life.

Janis Nicolay
Living room - large contemporary formal and open concept brown floor living room idea in Vancouver with white walls, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace

Enclosed kitchen - huge country light wood floor enclosed kitchen idea in Boston with a farmhouse sink, paneled appliances and two islands

These unique treehouses have been built with sustainable sourcing and upcycled construction methods. When Martine Ilana, Principal designer of Temescal, considered what a ‘treehouse’ would look like for her twins, immediately it’s ideation was focused on keeping the integrity of the forest and problem solving how to use as many repurposed and sustainable materials as possible. Set inside a circle of 100-year-old maple and oak trees and complimenting the home’s architecture, these ‘tree houses’ give shelter, space for imagination & safe play outdoors for the twins. Mimicking the trees’ height and scale, and mirrored in each of their designs, these two 6 foot square base by 14 foot tall twin play structures allow for each child to have its own personal space, yet are connected at the swings. Accessing the incredible selection of salvage materials from a salvage yard in Detroit, Temescal was able to source non-toxic & structurally sound woods to build the structure itself. Healthy Building Materials include: Metal Roofing and Water based Low VOC paints. A slatted exterior structure was designed to create a rain screen and in addition complement the Main home’s exterior design. The slide posed the largest problem to source as recycled plastic slides are not made available to residential projects by US based manufactures and repurposed from Facebook marketplace hit many dead ends. Ultimately, she chose to use a HDPE high density polyurethane plastic slide that would allow for its material to be recycled once at the end of this life.

©Jean Allsopp Tracery Interiors
Elegant galley dark wood floor kitchen photo in Birmingham with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Karen Palmer Photography
Inspiration for a small contemporary 3/4 gray tile and stone slab ceramic tile and brown floor corner shower remodel in St Louis with furniture-like cabinets, black cabinets, a one-piece toilet, white walls, a pedestal sink and solid surface countertops

The owners, inspired by mid-century modern architecture, hired Klopf Architecture to design an Eichler-inspired 21st-Century, energy efficient new home that would replace a dilapidated 1940s home. The home follows the gentle slope of the hillside while the overarching post-and-beam roof above provides an unchanging datum line. The changing moods of nature animate the house because of views through large glass walls at nearly every vantage point. Every square foot of the house remains close to the ground creating and adding to the sense of connection with nature. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Geoff Campen, Angela Todorova, and Jeff Prose Structural Engineer: Alex Rood, SE, Fulcrum Engineering (now Pivot Engineering) Landscape Designer (atrium): Yoshi Chiba, Chiba's Gardening Landscape Designer (rear lawn): Aldo Sepulveda, Sepulveda Landscaping Contractor: Augie Peccei, Coast to Coast Construction Photography ©2015 Mariko Reed Location: Belmont, CA Year completed: 2015

Mid-sized elegant backyard brick drought-tolerant and shade patio photo in Vancouver

A new cabin on this property overlooking Sugar Lake near Annandale, Minnesota, was built in place of an old cabin. The existing cabin was in desperate need of some major maintenance and updating, however due to a number of issues and problems, it seemed like a compelling case for a total rebuild. Therefore, to design a new cabin, a number of important considerations had to be made. Most importantly, the cabin orientation to the lake. To take advantage of the best views, the original cabin was sited diagonally with respect to its lot. However, as the result parts of the cabin was non-conforming! Meaning, it was intruding into the lot setbacks, violating the local zoning requirements. To address this concern and to maintain the desired sights and views of the lake, the architect approached the problem by introducing a system of layers at the exterior walls, to expose the views, seamlessly to the cabin's interior. This approach was the basis for the design concept and the exterior architecture. The open floor plan, extended the views throughout the interior spaces and provided ample natural lighting by utilizing a number of windows, located strategically. Another concern with the old cabin was about flooding and water intrusion. The architect observed the existing grades and by elevating the new cabin and proper grading around the new cabin, not only solved the drainage issue, he introduced the opportunity for daylight windows in the new basement. The new windows also provided the means of egress and addition living space, as the result. The homeowners were also concerned about the afternoon sun and how the old Maple tree which had to be removed earlier provide much needed shade during the afternoon. The design addressed that issue by adopting deeper eaves and overhang around the perimeter, including the gable ends and utilizing roof eyebrows, as architectural elements.

These unique treehouses have been built with sustainable sourcing and upcycled construction methods. When Martine Ilana, Principal designer of Temescal, considered what a ‘treehouse’ would look like for her twins, immediately it’s ideation was focused on keeping the integrity of the forest and problem solving how to use as many repurposed and sustainable materials as possible. Set inside a circle of 100-year-old maple and oak trees and complimenting the home’s architecture, these ‘tree houses’ give shelter, space for imagination & safe play outdoors for the twins. Mimicking the trees’ height and scale, and mirrored in each of their designs, these two 6 foot square base by 14 foot tall twin play structures allow for each child to have its own personal space, yet are connected at the swings. Accessing the incredible selection of salvage materials from a salvage yard in Detroit, Temescal was able to source non-toxic & structurally sound woods to build the structure itself. Healthy Building Materials include: Metal Roofing and Water based Low VOC paints. A slatted exterior structure was designed to create a rain screen and in addition complement the Main home’s exterior design. The slide posed the largest problem to source as recycled plastic slides are not made available to residential projects by US based manufactures and repurposed from Facebook marketplace hit many dead ends. Ultimately, she chose to use a HDPE high density polyurethane plastic slide that would allow for its material to be recycled once at the end of this life.

These unique treehouses have been built with sustainable sourcing and upcycled construction methods. When Martine Ilana, Principal designer of Temescal, considered what a ‘treehouse’ would look like for her twins, immediately it’s ideation was focused on keeping the integrity of the forest and problem solving how to use as many repurposed and sustainable materials as possible. Set inside a circle of 100-year-old maple and oak trees and complimenting the home’s architecture, these ‘tree houses’ give shelter, space for imagination & safe play outdoors for the twins. Mimicking the trees’ height and scale, and mirrored in each of their designs, these two 6 foot square base by 14 foot tall twin play structures allow for each child to have its own personal space, yet are connected at the swings. Accessing the incredible selection of salvage materials from a salvage yard in Detroit, Temescal was able to source non-toxic & structurally sound woods to build the structure itself. Healthy Building Materials include: Metal Roofing and Water based Low VOC paints. A slatted exterior structure was designed to create a rain screen and in addition complement the Main home’s exterior design. The slide posed the largest problem to source as recycled plastic slides are not made available to residential projects by US based manufactures and repurposed from Facebook marketplace hit many dead ends. Ultimately, she chose to use a HDPE high density polyurethane plastic slide that would allow for its material to be recycled once at the end of this life.