Search results for "Ideal masonry" in Home Design Ideas

Located on a sprawling 50-acre equestrian estate in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, a historic barn ruin was meticulously transformed into a luxurious, one-of-a-kind residence. This exquisite home beautifully marries the rustic charm of traditional post-and-beam construction with the elegance of modern luxury.
Central to the design is a deep respect for the site’s heritage. The home incorporates reclaimed wood and stone salvaged from the property alongside new materials, carefully integrated into the architecture to preserve the narrative of a Pennsylvania bank barn. The thoughtful use of materials ensures the legacy of the barn is honored while elevating it to meet the standards of modern living.
Serving as a testament to timeless craftsmanship, the converted barn residence features post-and-beam construction. The home’s design offers a harmonious blend of intimate living spaces and expansive entertaining areas. Four comfortable bedrooms provide ample accommodation, while the open concept main level seamlessly connects to a lower level entertainment space.
The lower level opens to the courtyard and pool deck, creating a resort-like retreat within the estate’s pastoral landscape. Indoor-outdoor flow makes it an ideal setting for gatherings and large-scale entertaining, all set against the backdrop of rural Bucks County’s serene surroundings.

Contemporary and sleek lines define Lineo Dimensional Stone with a linear multi-length plank look. Ideal for garden walls, pillars, other outdoor vertical elements, Lineo Dimensional Stone offers up modern design and exceptional flexibility.
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Photos courtesy of Red House Building
Staircase - mid-sized contemporary concrete spiral open staircase idea in Burlington
Staircase - mid-sized contemporary concrete spiral open staircase idea in Burlington

Thornbury’s modestly textured surface and three compatible sizes allow for a pleasing random look and feel. This product is ideal for driveways, patios, walkways and more.

Catherine Tighe
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary kitchen/dining room combo remodel in New York with gray walls
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary kitchen/dining room combo remodel in New York with gray walls

Acucraft's Indoor/Outdoor See-Through Hearthroom Fireplace makes a great addition to this gorgeous home.
Example of a large classic backyard concrete paver patio design in Minneapolis with a fire pit and a roof extension
Example of a large classic backyard concrete paver patio design in Minneapolis with a fire pit and a roof extension

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

For the past several years, Buffum Homes has proudly featured Parade Homes within our own developments, and each year they have been a tremendous success. The Spring 2026 Parade of Homes was no exception. This year, we showcased our Sydney floor plan, one of Buffum Homes’ most popular 1.5-story home designs. Time and time again, homeowners are drawn to this plan because of its thoughtful layout, functional design, and ability to be customized to fit a variety of lifestyles.
From the moment visitors arrived, this home made a statement. Its striking modern exterior immediately stood out within the development and offered exceptional curb appeal. The design team selected beautiful masonry accents that perfectly complemented the home’s color palette, creating a sophisticated and welcoming first impression. Every exterior detail was intentionally chosen to enhance the architecture and showcase the home’s unique character.
Upon entry to this home, guests are welcomed through impressive double front doors that lead into a warm and inviting foyer. Immediately beyond, the stunning two-story great room creates a grand first impression. An overlooking loft from the second floor enhances the open feel of the space while allowing an abundance of natural daylight to pour throughout the home. A beautiful masonry fireplace chase serves as the focal point of the room, adding warmth, texture, and character to the heart of the home.
Just off the foyer is a private office featuring a thoughtfully designed custom built-in, creating the perfect space for working from home, studying, or staying organized. The attention to detail found throughout this space is a great example of the craftsmanship that Buffum Homes is known for.
Tucked away off the main living area is the primary suite, a comfortable retreat designed with both beauty and functionality in mind. The bedroom features a stunning tray ceiling accented with white oak detailing, creating a warm and sophisticated atmosphere. The primary bathroom includes a custom tiled shower, private water closet, dual-sink vanity, and a spacious walk-in closet. Every element was carefully considered to maximize both comfort and everyday convenience.
Buffum Homes has become known for incorporating unique trim details throughout our homes, and this Parade Home was certainly no exception. From feature walls and ceiling treatments to custom built-ins and carefully crafted millwork, thoughtful details can be found around every corner.
The great room flows seamlessly into the dining area and spacious U-shaped kitchen, creating an ideal layout for entertaining and everyday living. This updated version of the Sydney floor plan features a massive walk-in pantry with abundant shelving and countertop space, providing exceptional storage and organization. Within the kitchen, a stunning custom hood vent serves as a beautiful statement piece while built-in nooks offer convenient storage for cooking oils, spices, and other kitchen essentials.
Just beyond the kitchen, the mudroom provides a practical transition space from the garage into the home. Complete with custom built-in lockers, a convenient half bath, and a large laundry room, this area was designed to keep daily life organized and efficient. The home also features a spacious three-stall garage, offering plenty of room for vehicles, storage, and recreational equipment.
Spanning roughly 1,500 square feet, the main floor was thoughtfully designed to maximize functionality while maintaining an open and inviting feel. Every space serves a purpose while still providing the custom details and architectural features that make this home stand out.
Ascending to the second floor, homeowners are welcomed by a spacious open loft overlooking the great room below. This versatile area provides additional living space and can be customized to fit a variety of needs. Whether used as a play area for children or grandchildren, a reading nook, a homework station, or simply a secondary gathering space, the loft adds both functionality and character to the home while maintaining a connection to the main living areas below.
Also located on the second floor are three additional bedrooms and a full bathroom, providing plenty of room for family members and guests. The thoughtful layout allows for privacy while still keeping everyone connected through the open loft space.
With approximately 1,000 square feet on the upper level, the second floor complements the main level perfectly while adding flexibility for growing families and changing needs over time.
The lower level offers just under 1,100 square feet of future finish potential, providing homeowners with the flexibility to expand their living space as their needs evolve. Thoughtfully designed and well laid out, the basement is ready to accommodate a variety of future uses while maintaining excellent flow and functionality.
The available space is ideal for adding two future bedrooms, a spacious family room, and a future full bathroom, making it perfect for growing families, hosting guests, or creating additional recreational space. Even with these future living areas, there is still plenty of room remaining for storage, ensuring homeowners have ample space for seasonal items, hobbies, and household essentials.
One of the greatest advantages of the Sydney floor plan is its ability to grow alongside its homeowners. While the home already offers approximately 2,500 square feet of beautifully finished above-grade living space, completing the lower level would bring the total finished living area to over 3,600 square feet. This creates a truly expansive home that provides exceptional flexibility, comfort, and long-term value.
In its current configuration, this home offers 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and approximately 2,500 square feet above grade. With a future lower level finish, homeowners have the opportunity to expand to 6 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and over 3,600 square feet of finished living space. The flexibility built into this design is one of the many reasons the Sydney continues to be one of our most requested floor plans.
This home was filled with thoughtful details and custom touches throughout. From the carefully selected finishes and trim work to the intentional layout decisions, every aspect of the home was designed to maximize space, natural light, and everyday functionality. The result is a home that not only looks beautiful but also lives exceptionally well for years to come.
It was a pleasure featuring this home in the Parade of Homes and welcoming so many visitors through its doors. We always enjoy the opportunity to showcase our craftsmanship, creativity, and attention to detail while sharing the quality that Buffum Homes brings to every project throughout West Michigan.
As you browse through the photos below, we hope you’ll find inspiration for your own future home and discover ideas that fit your lifestyle and vision. Whether it is a favorite finish, layout feature, built-in detail, or design element, this home is a great example of how personalized a Buffum Home can be.
When you’re ready to begin your custom home journey, we’d love to help create a customized version of the Sydney floor plan tailored specifically to your family’s needs, style, and goals. We can’t wait to help bring your dream home to life.

Restored masonry fireplace
Scott Bergmann Photography
Mid-sized mountain style formal and enclosed medium tone wood floor living room photo in Boston with brown walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace
Mid-sized mountain style formal and enclosed medium tone wood floor living room photo in Boston with brown walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

This homage to prairie style architecture located at The Rim Golf Club in Payson, Arizona was designed for owner/builder/landscaper Tom Beck.
This home appears literally fastened to the site by way of both careful design as well as a lichen-loving organic material palatte. Forged from a weathering steel roof (aka Cor-Ten), hand-formed cedar beams, laser cut steel fasteners, and a rugged stacked stone veneer base, this home is the ideal northern Arizona getaway.
Expansive covered terraces offer views of the Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish designed golf course, the largest stand of Ponderosa Pines in the US, as well as the majestic Mogollon Rim and Stewart Mountains, making this an ideal place to beat the heat of the Valley of the Sun.
Designing a personal dwelling for a builder is always an honor for us. Thanks, Tom, for the opportunity to share your vision.
Project Details | Northern Exposure, The Rim – Payson, AZ
Architect: C.P. Drewett, AIA, NCARB, Drewett Works, Scottsdale, AZ
Builder: Thomas Beck, LTD, Scottsdale, AZ
Photographer: Dino Tonn, Scottsdale, AZ

This house is discreetly tucked into its wooded site in the Mad River Valley near the Sugarbush Resort in Vermont. The soaring roof lines complement the slope of the land and open up views though large windows to a meadow planted with native wildflowers. The house was built with natural materials of cedar shingles, fir beams and native stone walls. These materials are complemented with innovative touches including concrete floors, composite exterior wall panels and exposed steel beams. The home is passively heated by the sun, aided by triple pane windows and super-insulated walls.
Photo by: Nat Rea Photography

Sponsored
Delaware, OH
Buckeye Basements, Inc.
Central Ohio's Basement Finishing ExpertsBest Of Houzz '13-'21

The primary goal for this project was to craft a modernist derivation of pueblo architecture. Set into a heavily laden boulder hillside, the design also reflects the nature of the stacked boulder formations. The site, located near local landmark Pinnacle Peak, offered breathtaking views which were largely upward, making proximity an issue. Maintaining southwest fenestration protection and maximizing views created the primary design constraint. The views are maximized with careful orientation, exacting overhangs, and wing wall locations. The overhangs intertwine and undulate with alternating materials stacking to reinforce the boulder strewn backdrop. The elegant material palette and siting allow for great harmony with the native desert.
The Elegant Modern at Estancia was the collaboration of many of the Valley's finest luxury home specialists. Interiors guru David Michael Miller contributed elegance and refinement in every detail. Landscape architect Russ Greey of Greey | Pickett contributed a landscape design that not only complimented the architecture, but nestled into the surrounding desert as if always a part of it. And contractor Manship Builders -- Jim Manship and project manager Mark Laidlaw -- brought precision and skill to the construction of what architect C.P. Drewett described as "a watch."
Project Details | Elegant Modern at Estancia
Architecture: CP Drewett, AIA, NCARB
Builder: Manship Builders, Carefree, AZ
Interiors: David Michael Miller, Scottsdale, AZ
Landscape: Greey | Pickett, Scottsdale, AZ
Photography: Dino Tonn, Scottsdale, AZ
Publications:
"On the Edge: The Rugged Desert Landscape Forms the Ideal Backdrop for an Estancia Home Distinguished by its Modernist Lines" Luxe Interiors + Design, Nov/Dec 2015.
Awards:
2015 PCBC Grand Award: Best Custom Home over 8,000 sq. ft.
2015 PCBC Award of Merit: Best Custom Home over 8,000 sq. ft.
The Nationals 2016 Silver Award: Best Architectural Design of a One of a Kind Home - Custom or Spec
2015 Excellence in Masonry Architectural Award - Merit Award
Photography: Dino Tonn

The primary goal for this project was to craft a modernist derivation of pueblo architecture. Set into a heavily laden boulder hillside, the design also reflects the nature of the stacked boulder formations. The site, located near local landmark Pinnacle Peak, offered breathtaking views which were largely upward, making proximity an issue. Maintaining southwest fenestration protection and maximizing views created the primary design constraint. The views are maximized with careful orientation, exacting overhangs, and wing wall locations. The overhangs intertwine and undulate with alternating materials stacking to reinforce the boulder strewn backdrop. The elegant material palette and siting allow for great harmony with the native desert.
The Elegant Modern at Estancia was the collaboration of many of the Valley's finest luxury home specialists. Interiors guru David Michael Miller contributed elegance and refinement in every detail. Landscape architect Russ Greey of Greey | Pickett contributed a landscape design that not only complimented the architecture, but nestled into the surrounding desert as if always a part of it. And contractor Manship Builders -- Jim Manship and project manager Mark Laidlaw -- brought precision and skill to the construction of what architect C.P. Drewett described as "a watch."
Project Details | Elegant Modern at Estancia
Architecture: CP Drewett, AIA, NCARB
Builder: Manship Builders, Carefree, AZ
Interiors: David Michael Miller, Scottsdale, AZ
Landscape: Greey | Pickett, Scottsdale, AZ
Photography: Dino Tonn, Scottsdale, AZ
Publications:
"On the Edge: The Rugged Desert Landscape Forms the Ideal Backdrop for an Estancia Home Distinguished by its Modernist Lines" Luxe Interiors + Design, Nov/Dec 2015.
Awards:
2015 PCBC Grand Award: Best Custom Home over 8,000 sq. ft.
2015 PCBC Award of Merit: Best Custom Home over 8,000 sq. ft.
The Nationals 2016 Silver Award: Best Architectural Design of a One of a Kind Home - Custom or Spec
2015 Excellence in Masonry Architectural Award - Merit Award
Photography: Dino Tonn

Photos: MIkiko Kikuyama
Pendants: Solitaire by Niche Modern
Medicine Cabinet: Kohler
Wall Tile: Graphite Cleft Slate by Stone Source
Floor Tile: Spa White Velvet by Stone Source
Floor Mats: Teak Floor Mat by CB2
Basin: Larissa by Toto
Faucet: Zuchetti
Vanity: Custom Teak veneer ~5'0" x 22"
Tub: Nexus by Toto

A solid stone masonry retaining wall recaptured space in this small, sloped backyard allowing us to build a stone patio and water fountain. We used Pennsylvania flagstone in mixed cuts for the patio and the water feature consists of a concrete base with a cobblestone border.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

The primary goal for this project was to craft a modernist derivation of pueblo architecture. Set into a heavily laden boulder hillside, the design also reflects the nature of the stacked boulder formations. The site, located near local landmark Pinnacle Peak, offered breathtaking views which were largely upward, making proximity an issue. Maintaining southwest fenestration protection and maximizing views created the primary design constraint. The views are maximized with careful orientation, exacting overhangs, and wing wall locations. The overhangs intertwine and undulate with alternating materials stacking to reinforce the boulder strewn backdrop. The elegant material palette and siting allow for great harmony with the native desert.
The Elegant Modern at Estancia was the collaboration of many of the Valley's finest luxury home specialists. Interiors guru David Michael Miller contributed elegance and refinement in every detail. Landscape architect Russ Greey of Greey | Pickett contributed a landscape design that not only complimented the architecture, but nestled into the surrounding desert as if always a part of it. And contractor Manship Builders -- Jim Manship and project manager Mark Laidlaw -- brought precision and skill to the construction of what architect C.P. Drewett described as "a watch."
Project Details | Elegant Modern at Estancia
Architecture: CP Drewett, AIA, NCARB
Builder: Manship Builders, Carefree, AZ
Interiors: David Michael Miller, Scottsdale, AZ
Landscape: Greey | Pickett, Scottsdale, AZ
Photography: Dino Tonn, Scottsdale, AZ
Publications:
"On the Edge: The Rugged Desert Landscape Forms the Ideal Backdrop for an Estancia Home Distinguished by its Modernist Lines" Luxe Interiors + Design, Nov/Dec 2015.
Awards:
2015 PCBC Grand Award: Best Custom Home over 8,000 sq. ft.
2015 PCBC Award of Merit: Best Custom Home over 8,000 sq. ft.
The Nationals 2016 Silver Award: Best Architectural Design of a One of a Kind Home - Custom or Spec
2015 Excellence in Masonry Architectural Award - Merit Award
Photography: Werner Segarra

The primary goal for this project was to craft a modernist derivation of pueblo architecture. Set into a heavily laden boulder hillside, the design also reflects the nature of the stacked boulder formations. The site, located near local landmark Pinnacle Peak, offered breathtaking views which were largely upward, making proximity an issue. Maintaining southwest fenestration protection and maximizing views created the primary design constraint. The views are maximized with careful orientation, exacting overhangs, and wing wall locations. The overhangs intertwine and undulate with alternating materials stacking to reinforce the boulder strewn backdrop. The elegant material palette and siting allow for great harmony with the native desert.
The Elegant Modern at Estancia was the collaboration of many of the Valley's finest luxury home specialists. Interiors guru David Michael Miller contributed elegance and refinement in every detail. Landscape architect Russ Greey of Greey | Pickett contributed a landscape design that not only complimented the architecture, but nestled into the surrounding desert as if always a part of it. And contractor Manship Builders -- Jim Manship and project manager Mark Laidlaw -- brought precision and skill to the construction of what architect C.P. Drewett described as "a watch."
Project Details | Elegant Modern at Estancia
Architecture: CP Drewett, AIA, NCARB
Builder: Manship Builders, Carefree, AZ
Interiors: David Michael Miller, Scottsdale, AZ
Landscape: Greey | Pickett, Scottsdale, AZ
Photography: Dino Tonn, Scottsdale, AZ
Publications:
"On the Edge: The Rugged Desert Landscape Forms the Ideal Backdrop for an Estancia Home Distinguished by its Modernist Lines" Luxe Interiors + Design, Nov/Dec 2015.
Awards:
2015 PCBC Grand Award: Best Custom Home over 8,000 sq. ft.
2015 PCBC Award of Merit: Best Custom Home over 8,000 sq. ft.
The Nationals 2016 Silver Award: Best Architectural Design of a One of a Kind Home - Custom or Spec
2015 Excellence in Masonry Architectural Award - Merit Award
Photography: Dino Tonn

A large ProFire gas grill along with trash pull out is integrated within this masonry grill station. The grill station is surrounded with recovered Cream City bricks and topped with cut bluestone coping. A cedar arbor is integrated and makes an ideal location to hang two custom, high voltage electric lanterns.
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