The Clients contacted Cecil Baker + Partners to reconfigure and remodel the top floor of a prominent Philadelphia high-rise into an urban pied-a-terre. The forty-five story apartment building, overlooking Washington Square Park and its surrounding neighborhoods, provided a modern shell for this truly contemporary renovation. Originally configured as three penthouse units, the 8,700 sf interior, as well as 2,500 square feet of terrace space, was to become a single residence with sweeping views of the city in all directions. The Client’s mission was to create a city home for collecting and displaying contemporary glass crafts. Their stated desire was to cast an urban home that was, in itself, a gallery. While they enjoy a very vital family life, this home was targeted to their urban activities - entertainment being a central element. The living areas are designed to be open and to flow into each other, with pockets of secondary functions. At large social events, guests feel free to access all areas of the penthouse, including the master bedroom suite. A main gallery was created in order to house unique, travelling art shows. Stemming from their desire to entertain, the penthouse was built around the need for elaborate food preparation. Cooking would be visible from several entertainment areas with a “show” kitchen, provided for their renowned chef. Secondary preparation and cleaning facilities were tucked away. The architects crafted a distinctive residence that is framed around the gallery experience, while also incorporating softer residential moments. Cecil Baker + Partners embraced every element of the new penthouse design beyond those normally associated with an architect’s sphere, from all material selections, furniture selections, furniture design, and art placement. Barry Halkin and Todd Mason Photography

Small 1960s deck photo in Portland

The Clients contacted Cecil Baker + Partners to reconfigure and remodel the top floor of a prominent Philadelphia high-rise into an urban pied-a-terre. The forty-five story apartment building, overlooking Washington Square Park and its surrounding neighborhoods, provided a modern shell for this truly contemporary renovation. Originally configured as three penthouse units, the 8,700 sf interior, as well as 2,500 square feet of terrace space, was to become a single residence with sweeping views of the city in all directions. The Client’s mission was to create a city home for collecting and displaying contemporary glass crafts. Their stated desire was to cast an urban home that was, in itself, a gallery. While they enjoy a very vital family life, this home was targeted to their urban activities - entertainment being a central element. The living areas are designed to be open and to flow into each other, with pockets of secondary functions. At large social events, guests feel free to access all areas of the penthouse, including the master bedroom suite. A main gallery was created in order to house unique, travelling art shows. Stemming from their desire to entertain, the penthouse was built around the need for elaborate food preparation. Cooking would be visible from several entertainment areas with a “show” kitchen, provided for their renowned chef. Secondary preparation and cleaning facilities were tucked away. The architects crafted a distinctive residence that is framed around the gallery experience, while also incorporating softer residential moments. Cecil Baker + Partners embraced every element of the new penthouse design beyond those normally associated with an architect’s sphere, from all material selections, furniture selections, furniture design, and art placement. Barry Halkin and Todd Mason Photography

A spacious Master Bathroom with an elaborate shower by Cameo Homes Inc. in Wolf Creek Ranch, Utah. www.cameohomesinc.com
Inspiration for a rustic brown floor freestanding bathtub remodel in Salt Lake City with gray walls

Example of an ornate home design design in Atlanta

Tucker Design Awards celebrate the innovation and vision that designers bring to their projects through the specification and use of natural stone materials. For members of the Natural Stone Institute, acknowledgment as a contributor to a Tucker Design Awards winning project is a genuine tribute to their traditional values, physicality of work, and dedication to precise specifications required in the realization of such accomplished architectural design. Landscape Architect Design Workshop, Aspen, CO Landscape Contractor/ Installer Landscape Workshop, Carbondale, CO Stone Installer JD Masonry, Arvada, CO Stone Suppliers Coldspring, Cold Spring, MN Gallegos Corporation, Vail, CO Through a collective dialogue between landscape, architecture and interior design, a new vision reimagines the disturbed site into a livable landscape, emblematic of our American West. The residence – an ensemble of structures designed in a modern ranch vernacular – is effortlessly unified through layered, interconnected outdoor gathering spaces and regional materials that elaborates upon the experience of moving between structures, heightening and renewing one’s sense of place. Upon entering the courtyard, one is immediately aware of seamless and unfolding relationships between architecture and landscape through a sophisticated, regional palette of natural stone, water, and plants. Set upon architectural focal points, two perpendicular sandstone paths descend into the space and converge upon a monolithic, hand-carved granite fountain. The design of the fountain is purposefully quiet, both in its detailing and operation. The feature includes a recessed interior, allowing water to become still before it reaches the surface, with lightly cleft sides, allowing the water to delicately bounce as it descends into the geometric lower granite basin. The landscape architect’s selection of various stone material extends the tones of the home’s granite walls and contextual surroundings into the garden, but also be detailed in a manner that balances rural and modern qualities. The majority of the paving is constructed of rectilinear gray sandstone with a natural finish and snapped edges, laid in a staggered running bond organization. Throughout the garden, thoughtful attention was also given to the configuration and layout of terraces, pathways, and steps. In doing so, this ensured that the edges of the terrace and its interface to other elements were designed so that no “leftover” stone paver pieces would be found. Within the central courtyard, split-faced stone stairs descend into a rectilinear plinth of lawn, punctuated by a carved granite fire pit. Leveraging the property’s existing topographic relief, a shallow infinity-edge dipping pool abstracts the transparent and cavity-like pools found throughout the Rocky Mountains. The design purposefully achieves the illusion of a larger water feature with the distant pond and offers a refreshing recreational element. Containing the infinity edge, a designed granite escarpment emerges from the meadow, juxtaposing the geometric water feature and providing informal seating ledges. The site’s prior use required the landscape architect to incorporate a highly technical and complex sub-surface structural system. The initial geotechnical report identified the building envelopes rested on 12 feet of man-placed fill. Assuming a 1 percent settlement, the team faced concerns that the terraces would settle up to 12 inches. In response, a grid of structural micro-piles provides the necessary foundation for the construction of terraces immediately outside of the architecture, under the water features and site walls. The solution enabled the crisp detailing and design resolution of the architectural structures to seamlessly connect with the horizontal stone terraces.

Elegance abounds in this stunning home situated on a pristine marsh front lot. This is an amazing opportunity to purchase a custom builders personal home with all of the bells and whistles. It is rare to find a single level home with this quality of construction and attention to detail. You will love the impressive crushed shell driveway with brick detail and double curved brick staircase to the front porch with wrought iron. Step inside and note the Tahitian Teak floors, bullnose walls, high baseboards, and heavy crown molding that you will find throughout the home. Step through the mahogany French doors to the impressive two-story foyer detailed with wall sconces and an iron chandelier. The formal living room is open with a Carrera marble surround and white mantle. CLICK MORE.... The formal dining room is highlighted with a double oval tray ceiling and arch detail entrance from each side with easy access to the Butler's pantry. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's dream filled with maple glazed cabinets, granite counter tops, a large island with a vegetable sink, eat at bar space, embedded porcelain dual sink, Viking refrigerator & freezer, stainless appliances, Bosch dishwasher, Wolf restaurant level dual fuel range with 6 burner, griddle, and dual ovens, an elaborate hood that vents to the exterior, Dacor wall oven and separate warming drawer, cookbook display, walk in pantry, & more. The spacious breakfast area features a built in buffet and chandelier. The family room is open to the kitchen with a fireplace with granite surround, a white mantle that is flanked by bookcases, and surround sound. French doors lead to the sunroom that has travertine floors, a vaulted ceiling, ceiling fan, deck access, and expansive marsh views. The luxurious master suite is detailed with a French door entry and it features beautiful views through a large bay window, a sitting area, tray ceiling, gas fireplace with travertine surround and a white mantle, surround sound, alcove detail to the master bath, walk in closet, & additional closet. The master bath is almost entirely done in travertine and features a circular dome tray ceiling and chandelier, two large vanity areas, steam shower, and oversized soaking tub. The powder bath features a large vanity with antique marble top. The other bedrooms are split from the master for privacy. Bedroom two offers a ceiling fan, large closet, and en suite bath with oversized vanity with granite, tile floor, linen closet, and a tub and shower combo with tile surround. Bedroom three has a ceiling fan, large closet, large vanity, tile floor, linen closet, and walk in shower. Step off the elevator to a drop zone with bead board detail for great organization. The true mother-in-law suite features oak floors, a living and dining room combination with a ceiling fan. The full kitchen has white cabinets with granite, Frigidaire appliances and a pantry. There are two bedrooms off of the living space and both are a great size with carpet, ceiling fans, and ample closet space. The bathroom is tiled with a pedestal sink, walk in tile shower, and laundry area. The suite also offers private access to the garage below it. Other great features include a separate garage with a 14 foot clearance that will hold a 38' RV or Boat, central vacuum, four HVAC units, two Rinnai hot water heaters, whole house generator, an elevator, 10'+ ceilings throughout the house, amazing amounts of storage, and enough garage parking for up to 11 cars!!! Beresford Hall is a prestigious, gated community located off of Clements Ferry Road. Enjoy the community deep-water dock and boat ramp, crabbing dock, infinity style salt-water swimming pool, full size basketball court, numerous play parks and 8 miles of sidewalks and nature trails. You are minutes away from Daniel Island and Mt Pleasant where you will enjoy great dining and shopping.

The Clients contacted Cecil Baker + Partners to reconfigure and remodel the top floor of a prominent Philadelphia high-rise into an urban pied-a-terre. The forty-five story apartment building, overlooking Washington Square Park and its surrounding neighborhoods, provided a modern shell for this truly contemporary renovation. Originally configured as three penthouse units, the 8,700 sf interior, as well as 2,500 square feet of terrace space, was to become a single residence with sweeping views of the city in all directions. The Client’s mission was to create a city home for collecting and displaying contemporary glass crafts. Their stated desire was to cast an urban home that was, in itself, a gallery. While they enjoy a very vital family life, this home was targeted to their urban activities - entertainment being a central element. The living areas are designed to be open and to flow into each other, with pockets of secondary functions. At large social events, guests feel free to access all areas of the penthouse, including the master bedroom suite. A main gallery was created in order to house unique, travelling art shows. Stemming from their desire to entertain, the penthouse was built around the need for elaborate food preparation. Cooking would be visible from several entertainment areas with a “show” kitchen, provided for their renowned chef. Secondary preparation and cleaning facilities were tucked away. The architects crafted a distinctive residence that is framed around the gallery experience, while also incorporating softer residential moments. Cecil Baker + Partners embraced every element of the new penthouse design beyond those normally associated with an architect’s sphere, from all material selections, furniture selections, furniture design, and art placement. Barry Halkin and Todd Mason Photography

A contemporary wine cellar featuring our own original VINIUM Architectural Wine Storage, built with wood blocks and steel. Here, VINIUM is backed by a white Texas limestone veneer accented with LED lighting, complemented with travertine flooring. The glass entry wall allows for a dramatic view of this clean, classic yet modern cellar.

Arts and crafts porch idea in Atlanta

The Clients contacted Cecil Baker + Partners to reconfigure and remodel the top floor of a prominent Philadelphia high-rise into an urban pied-a-terre. The forty-five story apartment building, overlooking Washington Square Park and its surrounding neighborhoods, provided a modern shell for this truly contemporary renovation. Originally configured as three penthouse units, the 8,700 sf interior, as well as 2,500 square feet of terrace space, was to become a single residence with sweeping views of the city in all directions. The Client’s mission was to create a city home for collecting and displaying contemporary glass crafts. Their stated desire was to cast an urban home that was, in itself, a gallery. While they enjoy a very vital family life, this home was targeted to their urban activities - entertainment being a central element. The living areas are designed to be open and to flow into each other, with pockets of secondary functions. At large social events, guests feel free to access all areas of the penthouse, including the master bedroom suite. A main gallery was created in order to house unique, travelling art shows. Stemming from their desire to entertain, the penthouse was built around the need for elaborate food preparation. Cooking would be visible from several entertainment areas with a “show” kitchen, provided for their renowned chef. Secondary preparation and cleaning facilities were tucked away. The architects crafted a distinctive residence that is framed around the gallery experience, while also incorporating softer residential moments. Cecil Baker + Partners embraced every element of the new penthouse design beyond those normally associated with an architect’s sphere, from all material selections, furniture selections, furniture design, and art placement. Barry Halkin and Todd Mason Photography

Compost is a natural, long-lasting way to feed your soil, and a wonderfully sustainable way to dispose of kitchen and garden waste. These spacious bins are big enough to fit plenty of vegetable scraps as well as lawn clippings and leaves. Systems are made entirely of rot-resistant cedar and enclosed on all sides with sturdy wire mesh that allows air to flow to and through the compost. Removable front panels and hinged lids make for easy access. Systems are available in triple, double, and single bin configurations. Comes with the classic book about composting Let it Rot!: The Gardener's Guide to Composting by Stu Campbell.

An elaborate pool house that includes a full bathroom, a kitchen prep area, a beautiful gas fireplace, HVAC system, a dining area, and stamped concrete. Located next to a beautiful pool, this is a room that is sure to impress. The fireplace and HVAC system will help create a comfortable space to enjoy throughout the year.

Design ideas for a landscaping in Boston.

Despite the trend toward contemporary, Traditional style staircases continue to be very popular in today’s custom designed homes. While the main material in a traditional staircase is often wood, these classic designs can range from very simple to elaborate. This traditional freestanding circular staircase includes a combination of stained and painted wood resulting in an appealing and elegant design. Despite the contrast in tones, the wood still conveys a sense of warmth and an inviting atmosphere. This stair includes paint grade skirts & risers, quarter sawn white oak treads, custom turned newel posts, and a bent white oak handrail.

Today, almost any activity you enjoy inside your home you can bring to the outside. Depending on your budget, your outdoor room can be simple, with a stamped concrete patio, a grill and a table for dining, or more elaborate with a fully functional outdoor kitchen complete with concrete countertops for preparing and serving food, a sink and a refrigerator. You can take the concept even further by adding such amenities as a concrete pizza oven, a fireplace or fire-pit, a concrete bar-top for serving cocktails, an architectural concrete fountain, landscape lighting and concrete statuary. Cooking Something to cook with, such as a barbecue grill or wood-fired pizza oven, and countertops for food preparation and serving are key elements in a well-designed outdoor kitchen. Concrete countertops offer the advantages of weather resistance and versatility, since they can be formed into any shape you desire to suit the space. A coat of sealer will simplify cleanup by protecting your countertop from stains. Other amenities, such as concrete bar-tops and outdoor sinks with plumbing, can expand your entertainment options. Hearth Wood-burning or gas fireplaces, fire pits, chimineas and portable patio heaters extend the enjoyment of outdoor living well into the evening while creating a cozy conversation area for people to gather around. Outdoor Living Services Include: Outdoor Masonry Kitchens & Fireplaces- Design & Construction Patios Design & Construction Masonry Refreshment Islands Masonry BBQ's Islands Masonry seat walls/retaining walls Outdoor Entertainment Center Cabinets Wet Bars Cabana Design & Construction with Custom Lighting Deck Builder, Decorative Concrete & Stone Pergola Design & Construction with Custom Lighting Gazebo Design & Construction Trellis Design & Construction with Custom Lighting Outdoor Fireplace Design & Construction Pool House Design & Construction Outdoor Showers, Baths & Spas Outdoor Living Rooms Design & Construction Outdoor bathrooms/shower/tub areas Outdoor Fire-pits & Fire Features Outdoor Water Features Waterfalls Water Fountains Stone Masonry and more... Greg, Sunset Construction & Design

This project included a Patio Cover Addition, Outdoor Kitchen, Gas-Burning Fireplace, and Stamped Concrete walking surface with a custom pattern. The attention is immediately drawn to the Ledgestone fire place with a rustic cedar mantel. The Ledgestone flows continuously throughout the space, found on the base of the patio columns and outdoor kitchen. The kitchen sparkles with Stainless Steel appliances, containing storage compartments, refrigerator, and grill. Topped with Venetian Gold Granite, this cooking space provides ample counter space that is easily maintained. The overall appeal of this Outdoor Living area remains beautifully traditional, with cedar-trimmed columns and beams. Also, though it has custom features, this addition is built to look original to the home with matching paint, shingles, gutters, and framing materials. The elaborate, pre-stained Tongue and Groove ceiling is quite an attractive feature to this patio cover, and the recessed lighting illuminates the evening. The fans provide adequate air-flow and the sound system keeps the patio atmosphere in tune.

Gold Medal Design Award Winner at the 2015 Southwest Region Pool and Spa Show! The most challenging jobs in our industry are small spaces when a client desires an upper end back yard. To make the project more challenging, this site had severe slopes from left to right, as well as away from the house. We utilized the topography to provide the client with all of his wish list. A vanishing edge design was perfect to handle the front to back grade change. A cabana, and swim up bar complex was the answer to the side slope. The cabana has complete kitchen facilities, a changing room, as well as a fire pit immediately out from under roof. Several deck elevations not only helped tackle the contours but also provided defined areas of entertainment (hot tub area, fire pit area, pool deck, etc.). The cabana floor is three feet below the pool, with ten additional steps to give access to the yard below. The existing covered patio was capped with flagstone, which was also used as the coping material and to cap the steps down to the lower level. This pool has a very elaborate arrangement of steps and benches including a large sun shelf, full pool length bench, and bar stool foot rest. The pebble interior is kept free of debris with an in-floor cleaning system. The pool is also fully automated.

photography by Courtney Elizabeth
Transitional dining room photo in Portland Maine