Example of a classic kitchen design in Santa Barbara

We’re crazy about succulent arrangements! You might remember these thick-stemmed plants from the 70s, but we Americans have had an on-and-off love affair with succulents dating back to the 18th century. Today, the Millennials have spurred a big comeback for these plants, for many reasons. Succulents are hardy and they don’t need a lot of care. They can tolerate small amounts of water, in case you occasionally forget to hydrate them. Most of them don’t grow quickly, so they don’t require much space and you won’t have to transplant them often. Succulents don’t need much pruning, if any, and of course, they are so pretty and unusual looking! Planting them in a piece of dried wood only amplifies the organic vibe.

Gaps in the natural stone façade wall allow rainwater off the street to hydrate the landscape and eliminate excess water pooling up near the house. © Ecology Artisans

This is a vertical garden wall installation in a shaded location. The plants are growing in pockets made of a horticulture fabric made entirely from recycled, non-toxic plastics which will last a lifetime. The automatic drip irrigation system delivers water to the top row of plants.The water is absorbed by the fabric, and then drips down through the entire wall, hydrating all the plants evenly on an adjustable schedule. The fabric is designed to hold and release moisture. As the plants continue to grow, the fabric will become less and less visible, until entirely hidden, resulting in a solid wall of attractive plants.

This is a vertical garden wall installation in a shaded location. The plants are growing in pockets made of a horticulture fabric made entirely from recycled, non-toxic plastics which will last a lifetime. The automatic drip irrigation system delivers water to the top row of plants.The water is absorbed by the fabric, and then drips down through the entire wall, hydrating all the plants evenly on an adjustable schedule. The fabric is designed to hold and release moisture. As the plants continue to grow, the fabric will become less and less visible, until entirely hidden, resulting in a solid wall of attractive plants.

Clear all glass tempered sauna door reveals the rich cabin interior and gives the attic space a larger feel. The recessed space to the right of the sauna door houses a refrigerator for hydration and a stereo receiver wired to a music transducer (seen under the top bench) which emits music through the cedar wall surface.

Evergreen, drought and high-heat tolerant Catalina Cherry is native to The Valley. Subsurface, low flow drip irrigation on weather based controllers support its health and hydration. Healthy hedges like this would need to be dried by a fire's proximate heat to burn. In the meantime, they can catch embers that might otherwise reach the home. (Plus cherries! The birds adore them... as do we!)

Steam Room Detail
Trendy bathroom photo in Philadelphia

Golmex Plaster is a multi purpose concrete finish product manufactured with hydrated lime and a polymer concrete mix for modern wall finishes. Golmex is applied in the same manner as plaster with a trowel. It is available as a dry mix in quarts, gallons and five pound bags. For more info visit: www.meodedpaint.com .

The HydroTap Celsius All-in-One (AIO) replaces your boring old kitchen faucet with the ultimate in functionality, a beautifully designed single tap that will complement every kitchen design with on demand sparkling, chilled and boiling water PLUS unfiltered hot and cold sink water. With seven exquisite finish options to compliment a range of remarkable functions, it's no wonder the HydroTap by Zip Water is the new standard in luxury home hydration.

Golmex Plaster is a multi purpose concrete finish product manufactured with hydrated lime and a polymer concrete mix for modern wall finishes. Golmex is applied in the same manner as plaster with a trowel. It is available as a dry mix in quarts, gallons and five pound bags. For more info visit: www.meodedpaint.com .

The kitchen was originally planned to mimic the location of appliances in her current kitchen to minimize re-learning of appliance locations. The only change was adding a trash cabinet between the fridge and the sink. A french door fridge allows someone in a wheelchair to easily access frozen and cold foods, while the water and ice dispenser on the outside of the door make it easy to stay hydrated rather than using the sink each time. She can roll up to the kitchen sink due to the recessed cabinetry under the sink or stand at counter height to put away dishes from the dishwasher. The dishwasher is ADA and very simple to use , and is raised off the floor so whether she is sitting or standing it's easier to reach. The gas cooktop has controls at the front making it easy to reach from the wheelchair and the exhaust fan above also has a control at the front. All cabinet door handles are D-shape, which makes them easy to grasp and there is plenty of electric outlets for charging phones, computers and small appliances. The kitchen island is table height at 30" so meal prep can be easily done in a wheelchair while guests and can be seated in a chair or wheelchair around the island. The dining chairs can also be turned around to add extra seating in the living room area. Pendant lights above the kitchen island light up the space, while recessed lighting in the kitchen and living room provide overall room lighting. There is also under cabinet lighting which makes the room glow at night! Wainscoting made of commercial grade material is strategically placed on sharp corners and exposed walls to reduce and minimize damage from the wheel chair, while creating a finished and complete look! We selected a free standing microwave to sit below the island, which is easy to use and is the same style as in her previous apartment. The island is 48" from the appliance wall, leaving ample space to open doors and maneuver around in the wheelchair and has easy access to the laundry area as well. We eliminated the pocket doors that had been in front of the laundry area for easy access, and since it was exposed, dressed it up with coordinating tile to the kitchen with additional cabinets above. There is a coordinating quartz counter on top of the washer and dryer for folding laundry or storing additional supplies.

This thoughtfully designed lower-level home gym combines functionality with a sleek, modern aesthetic. Glass walls create a seamless flow between the workout area and the adjacent entertainment space, allowing natural light to brighten the room while maintaining sound separation. The space is fully outfitted with rubber gym flooring, a wall-mounted mirror for form-checking, and essential fitness equipment including a TRUE elliptical, adjustable bench, free weights, TRX straps, and a yoga mat zone for stretching or core work. A large wall-mounted TV adds both entertainment and the option for guided virtual workouts. Just steps from the gym, a cozy lounge with a gas fireplace and plush sectional provides the perfect post-workout recovery zone. A stylish built-in bar with floating shelves and woodgrain cabinetry adds a touch of luxury and practicality, ideal for hydration or hosting guests. This project is a perfect example of how a basement can be transformed into a multi-functional wellness and entertainment hub that feels just as polished as the main living areas.

The kitchen was originally planned to mimic the location of appliances in her current kitchen to minimize re-learning of appliance locations. The only change was adding a trash cabinet between the fridge and the sink. A french door fridge allows someone in a wheelchair to easily access frozen and cold foods, while the water and ice dispenser on the outside of the door make it easy to stay hydrated rather than using the sink each time. She can roll up to the kitchen sink due to the recessed cabinetry under the sink or stand at counter height to put away dishes from the dishwasher. The dishwasher is ADA and very simple to use , and is raised off the floor so whether she is sitting or standing it's easier to reach. The gas cooktop has controls at the front making it easy to reach from the wheelchair and the exhaust fan above also has a control at the front. All cabinet door handles are D-shape, which makes them easy to grasp and there is plenty of electric outlets for charging phones, computers and small appliances. The kitchen island is table height at 30" so meal prep can be easily done in a wheelchair while guests and can be seated in a chair or wheelchair around the island. The dining chairs can also be turned around to add extra seating in the living room area. Pendant lights above the kitchen island light up the space, while recessed lighting in the kitchen and living room provide overall room lighting. There is also under cabinet lighting which makes the room glow at night! Wainscoting made of commercial grade material is strategically placed on sharp corners and exposed walls to reduce and minimize damage from the wheel chair, while creating a finished and complete look! We selected a free standing microwave to sit below the island, which is easy to use and is the same style as in her previous apartment. The island is 48" from the appliance wall, leaving ample space to open doors and maneuver around in the wheelchair and has easy access to the laundry area as well. We eliminated the pocket doors that had been in front of the laundry area for easy access, and since it was exposed, dressed it up with coordinating tile to the kitchen with additional cabinets above. There is a coordinating quartz counter on top of the washer and dryer for folding laundry or storing additional supplies.

This thoughtfully designed lower-level home gym combines functionality with a sleek, modern aesthetic. Glass walls create a seamless flow between the workout area and the adjacent entertainment space, allowing natural light to brighten the room while maintaining sound separation. The space is fully outfitted with rubber gym flooring, a wall-mounted mirror for form-checking, and essential fitness equipment including a TRUE elliptical, adjustable bench, free weights, TRX straps, and a yoga mat zone for stretching or core work. A large wall-mounted TV adds both entertainment and the option for guided virtual workouts. Just steps from the gym, a cozy lounge with a gas fireplace and plush sectional provides the perfect post-workout recovery zone. A stylish built-in bar with floating shelves and woodgrain cabinetry adds a touch of luxury and practicality, ideal for hydration or hosting guests. This project is a perfect example of how a basement can be transformed into a multi-functional wellness and entertainment hub that feels just as polished as the main living areas.

Photo: Margaret Wright © 2017 Houzz Styling: Liz Martin
Bedroom - 1960s bedroom idea in Charleston

Spa Steam Room
Bathroom - contemporary bathroom idea in Philadelphia

Golmex Plaster is a multi purpose concrete finish product manufactured with hydrated lime and a polymer concrete mix for modern wall finishes. Golmex is applied in the same manner as plaster with a trowel. It is available as a dry mix in quarts, gallons and five pound bags. For more info visit: www.meodedpaint.com .

Iv Ocean Therapy in Waikiki offers a unique hangover treatment that combines intravenous hydration with essential vitamins and minerals to help you recover quickly. Their specialized therapy aims to replenish your body with the nutrients it needs to combat the effects of a hangover and restore your energy. With a comfortable and relaxing environment, the treatment is administered by professional staff members who prioritize your well-being. Whether you're visiting Waikiki for leisure or business, Iv Ocean Therapy provides a convenient and effective solution for managing hangover symptoms, allowing you to make the most of your time on the island. Experience the rejuvenating benefits of their tailored approach to hangover relief, and say goodbye to the aftermath of a fun night out. For more information call 808-431-7333 or visit the website: https://www.ivoceantherapy.com/.