On a quiet street just steps from San Francisco’s beloved Dolores Park, a formerly modest urban structure has been transformed into a luminous vertical residence that quietly redefines contemporary city living. Through a comprehensive remodel and both vertical and horizontal expansion, the project turns a constrained urban footprint into a sequence of serene, art-forward living spaces that unfold upward toward expansive city views. The architecture balances restraint and warmth: crisp contemporary geometry softened by natural materials, artful lighting, and carefully curated interiors. The result is a home that feels simultaneously grounded and elevated—deeply connected to its neighborhood yet remarkably private. Reimagining the Urban Envelope The original building has been almost entirely reconceived. The facade now reads as a disciplined composition of plaster volumes and precisely detailed window openings framed by subtle projecting bands. The geometry references San Francisco’s classic rhythm of bayed facades while stripping the language down to a refined modern expression. Behind this quiet exterior lies a dramatically expanded interior volume. The redesign adds both additional floor area and new vertical circulation, transforming what was once a conventional city house into a multi-level architectural sequence organized around light, art, and views. At the roofline, planted terraces soften the building’s silhouette and create a green crown visible from surrounding hillsides. Interiors as a Sequence of Galleries Inside, the home unfolds as a series of spatial moments connected by a sculptural stair and gallery-like corridors. Wide plank oak floors run throughout, providing continuity and warmth against a palette of plaster walls, dark steel detailing, and natural stone. The hallways function almost as curated galleries, with layered artworks suspended in front of mesh panels that create depth and subtle shadow. Light filters through carefully placed windows and stair openings, transforming circulation spaces into contemplative transitions rather than mere passageways. A Living Room Anchored by Stone and Light The primary living room occupies one of the home’s central floors, where a quiet interplay of texture and geometry defines the space. A monumental fireplace wrapped in dark stone forms the room’s anchor, its mass contrasting with a recessed ceiling plane that seems to float above the seating area. Integrated perimeter lighting creates a soft architectural glow that washes the ceiling and walls. Furniture is sculptural yet understated—rounded lounge chairs in warm ochre velvet, tailored sofas, and a striking marble cocktail table whose expressive veining becomes a focal artwork in itself. Deep blue carpeting grounds the seating arrangement and subtly absorbs light, enhancing the calm atmosphere. Above the fireplace, a delicate projection artwork introduces a moment of visual poetry—an unexpected cinematic gesture that transforms the wall into a quietly animated canvas. Kitchen as Architectural Furniture The kitchen expresses a different register: crisp, tactile, and materially rich. Custom walnut cabinetry spans the wall in a continuous plane, punctuated only by the sculpted hood and integrated appliances. The wood’s depth and warmth are balanced by expanses of pale marble that flow seamlessly from countertop to backsplash. Three dome pendants hover above the island like industrial sculptures, casting pools of warm light onto the stone surface. A row of vivid red stools introduces a controlled burst of color, a small but confident departure from the otherwise restrained palette. Dining With a Living Backdrop Adjacent to the kitchen, the dining room opens toward a glass wall overlooking a vertical garden of climbing ivy. The greenery becomes a constantly changing backdrop—lush and shadowy during the day, atmospheric and cinematic after sunset. A dark wood table anchors the room, surrounded by pale oak chairs whose understated forms echo Scandinavian design traditions. The simplicity of the furniture allows the view and natural light to become the dominant experience. Intimate Spaces and Material Contrast Throughout the home, smaller rooms offer moments of intimacy and material experimentation. The powder room pairs textured wall coverings with a dramatic black marble vanity whose bold veining feels almost geological. A suspended mirror and slender pendant create a sculptural composition against the tactile backdrop. The primary bedroom, by contrast, feels serene and expansive. Floor-to-ceiling glazing frames sweeping views of the city, while soft textiles and warm wood paneling create a cocooning effect. Slender black columns subtly define a sitting area without interrupting the openness of the space. Bathing Above the City In the primary bathroom, a sculptural freestanding tub sits beside a panoramic window overlooking San Francisco’s hills and rooftops. The room’s palette—light oak, grey stone, and matte metals—reinforces the spa-like atmosphere. Floating cabinetry and integrated lighting maintain a sense of visual lightness despite the richness of the materials. Entertaining Above the Park Higher in the house, a lounge and bar area becomes the social heart of the home. Here, dark stone slabs with dramatic veining wrap the bar wall like a piece of monumental art. Open shelving displays glassware and spirits, while integrated wine storage hints at the home’s entertaining ambitions. A soft leather sectional and low glass table create a relaxed setting for conversation, framed by expansive views of the city skyline. Cinema and Retreat The lower level introduces yet another atmosphere: a dedicated media room designed for immersive viewing. Dark walls, plush seating, and soft lighting create a cinematic environment that contrasts intentionally with the airy upper floors. It’s a retreat within the home—intimate, quiet, and removed from the brightness above. Architecture That Balances Discipline and Warmth What makes the project particularly compelling is its balance between architectural discipline and lived warmth. Every element—from the carefully framed views to the restrained material palette—contributes to a cohesive spatial narrative. Yet the home never feels austere. Natural materials, curated art, and layered lighting create a sense of comfort and depth. The result is a house that feels both architecturally rigorous and deeply human. A Contemporary Interpretation of San Francisco Living In a neighborhood defined by historic homes and iconic park views, this transformation offers a contemporary interpretation of San Francisco living. It respects the city’s urban density while embracing openness, light, and vertical living. The home rises quietly above its surroundings, culminating in panoramic vistas that stretch across rooftops, hills, and sky. What began as a conventional structure has become something far more nuanced: a modern urban sanctuary—part gallery, part retreat, and wholly connected to the vibrant city just beyond its walls.

This homeowner had a design challenge for our team. They were looking for something completely unique and special for their back yard. In a neighborhood with "nice" pools they didn't want something ordinary. Our designer/builder, Al Curtis, proposed something completely new. He proposed a swimming pool, built freeform, gunite, with a raised waterfall spilling, finished with the same quartzite coping as the pool, over into the pool, with a swim in grotto and a boat as a seating area at the deep end of the pool. His original idea had him taking an actual boat, reclaiming and reusing it to create this custom feature. The homeowners had other ideas once they heard his crazy cool idea, and asked if he could build it out of concrete. Of course, Al and our entire team was thrilled with the challenge, and hand crafted the boat you see entirely out of concrete, hand shaped, sculpted and molded the cement to form with such attention to detail that you can't tell from a distance that it is not a real boat hovering at the deep end of this pool! The boat was finished with a few reclaimed details from the actual boat it was modeled after...since details are just a part of the surprise and delight in a Legendary Escape, they add just the right elements to make this a very real experience. The homeowner also asked for a different type of coping next to the raised spillover gunite spa, to create the illusion of a swim up bar on the edge of the pool. The pool guy took this idea, raised the pool wall, added a custom poured concrete bar, and added a swim up ledge and in-pool bar stools with seats created out of concrete and stainless steel stands. The perfect custom features, finished with the thermoplastic of ecoFinish, the newest and best trend for a smoother more comfortable swimming surface for gunite pools, spas, sun ledges and seats that we use on our Michigan custom swimming pools, whether hybrid (vinyl liner/gunite combo) or all gunite swimming pools and spas. With the boat in place, it only made sense to create the outside of the grotto as if it were the boat house, for this one of a kind speedboat. The waterfall coming over the face of the grotto has two speeds, fast and warp speed...so jumping off, swimming through the waterfall, or heading down the slide from the dock/wharf patio area adjacent to the boat is a terrific way for kids and adults to enjoy this pool! Swim into the grotto and you are immersed in a 3-dimensional cave, with carvings of fish in vibrant color hand sculpted and painted by Karen, one of our on the job artisans who is instrumental in helping bring our sculptures and always surprising elements to life. Karen has an artistic whimsy, though she is also precise and accurate as she specializes in placing the coping just right and always making sure the tile is just right on every project. To complete this project landscaping, the homeowners looked to Jodi Cook, of Naturally Jodi to create a landscape that blended with the pool area to create a unique feel for the space. She used a variety of plants, ornamental trees, and even created pillars like you would see at a marina to complete the look. Once her landscaping was in, Al added a surprise element at the end of the dock - a lifesize alligator with a fishing rod catching a fish - as just one more detail to this project. Al, and his entire team aim to create a magical environment, where around every corner is just one more surprise that completes the awe and inspiring joy when visiting on of our Legendary Escapes! To say the homeowners are delighted just may be an understatement. Their kick off party included visits from superheros and Disney characters - enjoying all the elements of this backyard retreat in Rochester, Michigan.

This penthouse condo in Raven Woods is home to an adventurous, nature-loving couple. With their children grown and starting families of their own, Jeremy and Cynthia (names changed) chose to downsize their livable space and “upsize” in quality and luxury. The couple hired us to help them achieve several well-defined goals: feeling immersed and connected to nature, having warm and welcoming spaces to host their family and friends, and selecting pieces that would support local makers and artisans. (If you know me, you know that nature, connection, and community are some of my most important values, personally and professionally — the perfect fit!) Using our comprehensive design process, we spent months designing, procuring, and installing their new, long-time home. The resulting spaces are breathtaking, creating a daily living experience that is full of serenity and bliss. Welcoming & Bright Home with Forest Views: Ahhh… can you imagine coming home to a space as bright and soothing as this one? To find inspiration for this home’s interiors, we needed to look no further than out the windows, where mountain views greet us to the north and the ocean beckons from the south. Paying homage to their locale, we curated a colour palette of subtle blues and grays, warm-toned woods, and natural materials, all set against a crisp, white backdrop. These help us create a seamless visual transition between the interior and exterior. Let’s start our tour in the living area… A Cozy Living Area with Warmth & Dimension: In the living area, the fireplace was the starting point for the design, as it determined the size of the space and the scale of our furnishings. To keep this area feeling cozy but not crowded, we selected this soft ottoman to serve as a table surface with a tray or as additional seating when Jeremy and Cynthia host guests. (Multi-purpose items are one of the 5 elements of The Simple Home.) Additional textures — the sofa, upholstered swivel chairs, pillows, and ceramic wall art reminiscent of sand dollars — offer further depth and dimension in this simple yet layered space. The result is a cozy living room area perfect for a relaxing read on an overcast day or a social evening by the fire. While daunting at first, this home’s small and open footprint offered a special opportunity for us to design thoughtful “zones”. To create a defined living space, we used an area rug to establish a border and situated the larger seating (the sofa) on the right. Its visual weight serves as a grounding barrier that naturally separates the living and dining areas. Overhead, the centrally located brass and glass chandelier serves as another focal point, making the entire living area feel like one unit. Last but not least… Styled with tall decorative lamps, this light oak and rattan console sits just behind the sofa, creating an additional visual barrier between the living and dining areas. We styled it with accessories that complement the overall palette, and it has the added benefit of providing storage right where Jeremy and Cynthia need it, the dining area. An Art-Infused Dining Area: The dining area is warm, woodsy, and filled with locally sourced art that Jeremy and Cynthia love. Next to the console is a custom textile piece from Vancouver artist, With Strings Attached, that mimics the scenic, mountain backdrop. The blue hues of the piece work in harmony with the warm wood dining table, cool gray upholstered chairs, and neutral stools at the kitchen bar. On the other side of the space, is Jeremy’s and Cynthia’s favourite piece, a commissioned work of art by local maker, Katie Napier. Carefully positioned in a central location and framed by two modern sconces, this piece captures the feel of gentle waters on a misty day and evokes calm. Other curated pieces include this rectangular vessel centrepiece by sculptural artist, Martha Sturdy, bearing a stunning moss arrangement by Soul Roots Moss Art. As this couple can attest, a treasured memento or piece of art can transform your space and your mood, transporting you to a relaxed and peaceful state. A Bedroom Full of Light & Texture: This beautiful bedroom is another manifestation of Jeremy and Cynthia’s favourite experiences: hiking the rainforest trails and enjoying the spray of the sea. The blue-and-green branching pattern found in the window treatments and pillows ground the space, while bright turquoise lamps — akin to sea glass — infuse the room with a touch of coastal vibrance. Similar to the living area, we added comfort through texture and warm tones, incorporating oak end tables, natural woven wall decor above the headboard, knitted ottomans at the foot of the bed, a textured duvet, and an extra plush area rug. A Loft Inspired by Flora & Fauna: For the loft space, we moved away from coastal elements and decided to ground the space in the more earthy elements of nature: flora and fauna. We selected an umber-hued sofa complemented by floral decorative pillows and walls adorned with botanical prints by Heather Johnston. This multi-purpose space serves as a reprieve for our clients to read, practice yoga, and relax. Alternatively, a Frame TV intentionally meant to blend as art allows the space to function as a secondary entertainment space or a place for their granddaughter to play and sleep over. Praise from Our Clients: This home’s small footprint pushed us to be more resourceful in our furniture sourcing and more creative in our space planning. The result is a home as livable, beautiful, and intentional as any larger home would be. Most importantly, Jeremy and Cynthia love it! “Lori listened to our love of nature and designed our condo reflecting that love. It is beautiful, serene, and welcoming. We couldn't be happier.” If you’re ready to uncover the hidden potential in your home, that is what we do best. Contact us here or download our complimentary guide below to discover more.

Cinematic luxury, right at home. We transformed an empty room into the ultimate private cinema experience. We engineered this custom home theater from the ground up, blending high-end architectural design with studio-grade audio and video technology. Every detail of this custom build was engineered for peak performance and comfort: 4K Laser Projection for pristine picture quality. Dolby Atmos Sound for fully immersive audio. Custom Acoustic Panels blended into the design. Smart LED Lighting that dims when the movie starts. Premium Reclining Chairs with built-in climate control. From the initial spatial 3D blueprint to the final acoustic calibration, our team handled every single step. Call Us today 1(818)370-9278 if you need this in your home!

EcoCraft Homes is proud to present Chelsea. This prefabricated ranch style home features single floor living with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms all contained in a spacious 1,400 square feet. The design balances classic and modern aesthetics with its flexible open layout and spacious windows that immerse the home in natural light. The classic exterior fits into any outdoor scene, while the contemporary metal roof only hints at the sustainable and durable products used to construct this modular masterpiece. Enjoy time on the large deck outdoors or escape to the covered portion of the patio — better yet find solace in the silent confines of the home made possible through our modern building techniques, superior walls, and quiet mechanicals. Intelligently engineered to be sustainable and efficient, the Chelsea is at the forefront of modern modular building. Call 1-800-274-6198 to start custom designing your dream luxury home today.

Immerse yourself in a realm of timeless elegance with this breathtaking kitchen remodel. Behold the meticulous craftsmanship of custom kitchen cabinets and countertops, meticulously designed to elevate functionality and style. Witness the graceful dance of unique pendant lighting, casting a captivating glow upon the kitchen island, while under cabinet lighting sets a warm and inviting ambiance. The opulence of large format kitchen tiles adds a touch of refined luxury, while a truly unique backsplash artfully weaves together the threads of sophistication, culminating in a kitchen that exudes unrivaled beauty and timeless allure.

Photo Credit: Bob Narod Project Manager: Mike Convery of McHale Landscape Design Inc. Property Management: Anthony Barbarino of McHale Landscape Design Inc.

The crowning jewel of the Gorlin project is the modern flat roof cabana, where style meets functionality. This architectural marvel houses a full outdoor kitchen, seamlessly integrating culinary convenience with outdoor entertainment. It's the ideal space to host gatherings, cook gourmet meals, or simply unwind in the shade. As you explore this project, you'll discover the infinity glass tile 360-degree spa, a true oasis of tranquility. Immerse yourself in the soothing waters while taking in panoramic views, making every dip a moment of serenity.

Designed for an urban family with young children, this family retreat is fully integrated into the natural surroundings of Mont Shefford. The home and surrounding property exudes the luxurious feel of a resort environment for visiting family and friends, yet still maintain a sense of intimacy. While the common living areas are within an open floorplan, various zones were created throughout the home to ensure that all those inhabiting the house at a given time would be free to escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with nature. The central living space reveals an expansive open layout encompassing a living room, dining area, kitchen, and wine cellar. This elevated volume feels like a treehouse, immersed in a lush canopy and panoramic views to the mountains. Inspired by a natural palette, the interior and exterior materials of the home are neutral and were chosen simultaneously for their inherent natural textures and relationship with the exterior environment. This intrinsic balance is evident between the exterior’s charcoal stone, black matte metal and cedar cladding, and the interior’s organic finishes. Refined materials including glass, metal and wood were carefully selected with the intention of creating a cohesive connection between the exterior and interior. Black Fenix was selected as the primary material for all interior millwork, featuring a sleek matte finish that beautifully contrasts the warmth of natural wood elements and the organic patterns found in the porcelain tiles installed throughout the residence. The home feels modern and minimalist, yet cozy, inviting, and liveable. Architect : Maxime Moreau, MXMA Architecture & Design Photography : Nanne Springer

This Toronto landscape design transforms a prominent Lawrence Park South heritage home into a private at-home spa and wellness retreat, recognized as a multiple award-winning Toronto landscape, including a National Award of Excellence. The design unfolds as an intentional sensorial journey, guiding you to a lower-level terrace anchored by a plunge pool, falling water feature, sun deck, fire feature, and outdoor kitchen bar. Each element is carefully positioned to support relaxation, restoration, and effortless entertaining. Blending the character of Old Toronto with contemporary materials and detailing, this multi-faceted backyard transitions seamlessly from a productive home-office to an inviting entertaining space, and ultimately into a restorative outdoor spa experience. The result is a layered, immersive landscape that supports daily wellness while elevating urban outdoor living.

A large, round rainfall shower head provides a luxurious and immersive showering experience. A separate handheld shower wand offers flexibility and convenience for targeted cleaning or rinsing.

Luxury Paradise Valley Landscape & Pool Design: A Stunning Desert Retreat This Paradise Valley landscape and pool design seamlessly blends modern luxury with the breathtaking Arizona desert. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Camelback Mountain, this custom infinity-edge pool reflects the warm hues of the sunset, creating a serene and immersive outdoor experience. Elegant fire bowls add warmth and contrast, enhancing the ambiance of this sophisticated outdoor living space. Thoughtfully integrated desert plantings, natural stone, and high-end hardscaping ensure a seamless connection between architecture and nature. Designed for both relaxation and entertaining, this luxury outdoor retreat exemplifies the art of high-end landscape design in Paradise Valley, where every element enhances the beauty of the surroundings.

This lakefront home is located on a small plateau in Forest Beach Estates, high above the lake and beach. The design of the home resulted from the Department of Environmental Qualities Critical Dunes Build-able area requirement. The resulting footprint created a flowing curved surface in plan and a curving perimeter that was covered by a curved roof. The views are spectacular from the three viewing levels of this home and allow the plan to provide multiple point panoramic vistas wherever you are in the spaces. We designed this home to be like a land ship with its ports of call the four seasons. Immersed in the waves and the ever changing surrounding landscape of Forest Beach, the beauty and qualities of the outdoor life can quickly transform your view of life. Photo Credit: Jim Yochum

For this project, we have meticulously designed a serene home-based spa studio. It's a tranquil space where clients can indulge in luxurious massages and immersive sound baths. With calming blue hues and natural wood elements, this spa is a sanctified haven, offering an escape from the demands of everyday life and a place to emerge feeling revitalized and restored.

Designed with a bold and unique vision, this powder bath reflects the homeowner’s personal style through carefully curated details. A custom-made, backlit mirror serves as a statement piece, paired with distinctive accent lighting for ambiance and wood accent panels for added depth and impact. The floating, flat-paneled dark wood vanity offers sleek storage, while the opposite wall mirrors the design for a cohesive and immersive feel. A saturated wall color enhances the modern elegance, making this space a true showpiece.

Most home theaters feel like an afterthought—a dark box in the basement with a few recliners. For this project, we wanted to build something that inspired pride the moment you walked in with a guest. We leaned into a Moody Transitional aesthetic, using a "color-drenching" technique with a deep, sophisticated teal across the walls, ceiling, and custom millwork. This creates an immersive, cocoon-like feel that’s as much about the atmosphere as it is about the movie. The centerpiece is the waterfall-edge stone bar. We designed this specifically so the host can pour a drink or serve appetizers without being tucked away in a kitchen or disconnected from the conversation. It bridges the gap between a high-end sports lounge and a professional-grade cinema. From the custom-curated memorabilia gallery to the digital "Now Showing" display, every detail was executed with elite craftsmanship to ensure this space feels like an extension of the homeowner’s success.

Welcome to Linwood, where new construction meets a light and bright aesthetic! This homes was designed with an emphasis on natural materials, featuring the elegance of Carrara and Thassos marble. Experience the added texture of Zellige tiles, while the gold fixtures make each space truly pop. Discover the perfect blend of timeless charm and modern luxury. Visit us today and immerse yourself in the beauty of Linwood!

Home Library. Functional AND very cozy! A fantastic space to sit back, slow down and immerse yourself into a different world. ⁣ The top shelf is accessible from the floor.⁣ But we kept the ladder as an element to add a touch of that⁣ “classic library” look.⁣ ⁣ The upholstered chair we chose has the right pitch to sit back and throw your legs up on the ottoman. ⁣ ⁣ Beautiful rug, custom window treatments, the upholstery,⁣ pillows and the soft throw…⁣ These textures create a layered and rich look.

The crowning jewel of the Gorlin project is the modern flat roof cabana, where style meets functionality. This architectural marvel houses a full outdoor kitchen, seamlessly integrating culinary convenience with outdoor entertainment. It's the ideal space to host gatherings, cook gourmet meals, or simply unwind in the shade. As you explore this project, you'll discover the infinity glass tile 360-degree spa, a true oasis of tranquility. Immerse yourself in the soothing waters while taking in panoramic views, making every dip a moment of serenity.