Once upon a time, there was a “Country” house that dreamed of one day being a ”Town” house with all the luxuries and delights of city life. Set on 52 acres and built in the 1970s, the kitchen was dark, dated and divided. You might describe the original space as “practical” where everything functioned properly but had no eye appeal. No glamour. Cue the designer, who took the inspiration the client had of the French countryside, and added cabinet details, mosaic tiles, chandeliers, top-of-the-line appliances, and a pop of pink to bring the vision to life. • The recessed cabinets doors and drawer faces, stain and detailed workmanship set tone and elegance for the room overall. • Everywhere you look you’ll find storage, storage and more storage, including a set of cabinets stretching across the top of the entry into the dining room, Lemans in each corner cabinet, and pull-out can storage. • The built-in coffee bar includes a pull-out tray to set your mug on while mixing your morning brew. • The custom dishwasher panel was made to match the cabinet doors perfectly. • Lighter colors were chosen to brighten the space and wider entry spaces bring in more natural light from other rooms. • Appliances were moved to make the space more user-friendly. Now the client enjoys the simple life in the country with its peace and security as well as the luxuries and dainties of the city all in one place – their home. The End.

Designed and built in conjunction with Freemont #2, this home pays homage to surrounding architecture, including that of St. James Lutheran Church. The home is comprised of stately, well-proportioned rooms; significant architectural detailing; appropriate spaces for today's active family; and sophisticated wiring to service any HD video, audio, lighting, HVAC and / or security needs. The focal point of the first floor is the sweeping curved staircase, ascending through all three floors of the home and topped with skylights. Surrounding this staircase on the main floor are the formal living and dining rooms, as well as the beautifully-detailed Butler's Pantry. A gourmet kitchen and great room, designed to receive considerable eastern light, is at the rear of the house, connected to the lower level family room by a rear staircase. Four bedrooms (two en-suite) make up the second floor, with a fifth bedroom on the third floor and a sixth bedroom in the lower level. A third floor recreation room is at the top of the staircase, adjacent to the 400SF roof deck. A connected, heated garage is accessible from the rear staircase of the home, as well as the rear yard and garage roof deck. This home went under contract after being on the MLS for one day. Steve Hall, Hedrich Blessing

Highly detailed aluminum castings and a classic European style is embodied in the Sturgess Castle Collection. Gracefully curved rails embrace the flowing shape of the hand-blown clear seedy glass as it opens upward into a reeded hexagonal cap. Finished in regal bronze. Measurements and Information: Width 10" Height 22" Extends 13" from the wall 1 Light Accommodates 100 watt medium base light bulb (not included) Cast aluminum frame construction Regal bronze finish Hand-blown clear seedy glass Approved for wet locations

This double wooden gate included a split into 1/3 - 2/3 to create an enclosed courtyard in the carport area. There were children at the property, and so stoutness of hardware as well as security were of utmost importance. The home is a Craftsman style, and the gates were built to complement that. The hardware chosen was made of solid bronze to coordinate with the Craftsman appearance. Photos by Victor Robinson Design (www.vicrobinson.com)

4 beds 5 baths 4,447 sqft RARE FIND! NEW HIGH-TECH, LAKE FRONT CONSTRUCTION ON HIGHLY DESIRABLE WINDERMERE CHAIN OF LAKES. This unique home site offers the opportunity to enjoy lakefront living on a private cove with the beauty and ambiance of a classic "Old Florida" home. With 150 feet of lake frontage, this is a very private lot with spacious grounds, gorgeous landscaping, and mature oaks. This acre plus parcel offers the beauty of the Butler Chain, no HOA, and turn key convenience. High-tech smart house amenities and the designer furnishings are included. Natural light defines the family area featuring wide plank hickory hardwood flooring, gas fireplace, tongue and groove ceilings, and a rear wall of disappearing glass opening to the covered lanai. The gourmet kitchen features a Wolf cooktop, Sub-Zero refrigerator, and Bosch dishwasher, exotic granite counter tops, a walk in pantry, and custom built cabinetry. The office features wood beamed ceilings. With an emphasis on Florida living the large covered lanai with summer kitchen, complete with Viking grill, fridge, and stone gas fireplace, overlook the sparkling salt system pool and cascading spa with sparkling lake views and dock with lift. The private master suite and luxurious master bath include granite vanities, a vessel tub, and walk in shower. Energy saving and organic with 6-zone HVAC system and Nest thermostats, low E double paned windows, tankless hot water heaters, spray foam insulation, whole house generator, and security with cameras. Property can be gated.

Every Iron & Wood Gate from First Impression Ironworks is designed to provide security and beauty to your home, and is always custom built to your home’s specifications. Each gate is made in Arizona from the highest quality materials sourced here in the U.S.A., using only 100% American steel. Each Iron Gate is crafted from the most robust steel and gate posts available, as well as a standard 10” steel latch and lock guard, name brand Kwikset or Schlage hardware is always included, and customization is available for whatever needs fit your home best. Our product line includes a customizable array of steel plate gates, iron and wood gates, wrought iron and glass, or timeless iron and redwood gates. You can choose your Iron Gate from a variety of styles such as Contemporary, Traditional and Tuscan, and with additional options such as arches or digital locks. Our design consultants are here to help – let us know how we can create a one-of-a-kind Iron Gate for your home today!

A two-level pergola, circular firepit area and outdoor kitchen with a charcoal-gas combo grill star in this Houston patio addition designed for entertaining large crowds in style. "The client was an attorney with a passion for cooking and entertaining," says the project's principal designer, Lisha Maxey of LGH Designs. "Her main objective with this space was to create a large area for 10 to 20 guests, including seating and the prep and cooking of meals." Located in the backyard of the client's home in Spring, TX, this beautiful outdoor living and entertaining space includes a 28-by-12-foot patio with Fantastico silver travertine tile flooring, arranged in a Versailles pattern. The walkway is Oklahoma wister flagstone. Providing filtered shade for the patio is a two-level pergola of treated pine stained honey gold. The larger, higher tier is about 18 by 10 feet; the smaller, lower tier is about 10 feet square. "We covered the entire pergola with Lexan - a high-quality, clear acrylic sheet that provides protection from the sun, heat and rain," says Outdoor Homescapes of Houston owner Wayne Franks. Beneath the lower tier of the pergola sits an L-shaped, 12-by-9-foot outdoor kitchen island faced with Carmel Country ledgestone. The island houses a Fire Magic® combination charcoal-gas grill and lowered power burner, a Pacific Living countertop pizza oven and a stainless steel RCS trash drawer and sink. The countertops and raised bar are Fantastico silver travertine (18-square-inch tiles) and the backsplash is real quartz. "The most unique design item of this kitchen area is the hexagon/circular table we added to the end of the long bar," says Lisha. This enabled the client to add seating for her dining guests." Under the higher, larger tier of the pergola is a seating area, made up of a coffee table and espresso-colored rattan sofa and club chairs with spring-green-and-white cushions. "Lighting also plays an important role in this space, since the client often entertains in the evening," says Wayne. Enter the chandelier over the patio seating arrangement and - over the outdoor kitchen - pendant lamps and an industrial-modern ceiling fan with a light fixture in the center. "It's important to layer your lighting for ambiance, security and safety - from an all-over ambient light that fills the space to under-the-counter task lighting for food prep and cooking to path and retaining wall lighting." Off the patio is a transition area of crushed granite and floating flagstone pavers, leading to a circular firepit area of stamped concrete. At the center of this circle is the standalone firepit, framed at the back by a curved stone bench. The walls of the bench and column bases for the pergola, by the way, are the same ledgestone as the kitchen island. The top slab on the bench is a hearth piece of manmade stone. "I think the finish materials blend with the home really well," says Wayne. "We met her objectives of being able to entertain with 10 to 12 to 20 people at one time and being able to cook with charcoal and gas separately in one unit. And of course, the project was on time, on budget." "It is truly a paradise," says the client in her Houzz review of the project. "They listened to my vision and incorporated their expertise to create an outdoor living space just perfect for me and my family!"

Our bestselling set just got even better. Introducing the Portofino™ Comfort 7 Piece Deep Seating Group, offering unparalleled quality, comfort and value in outdoor living. Create the perfect outdoor living room with this complete seating group, including our new one-piece sofa, set of two club chairs, ottomans, coffee and side table. Sink in and relax with true deep seating featuring plush 6-inch thick Sunbrella wrapped cushions with accent toss pillows. Constructed from the highest quality materials engineered for outdoor use, this outdoor seating set is the perfect seating group for any outdoor relaxation space. Features: Set includes one-piece 88" sofa, 2 club chairs, 2 club ottomans, coffee table, and side table. Also includes weatherproof outdoor furniture covers - $199 value Constructed from durable SolarFast all-weather resin wicker engineered for outdoor use, hand woven over a strong and lightweight powder coated aluminum frame. High density, quick drying foam cushions in Heather Beige Sunbrella ensure comfort and convenience. Cushions feature breathable mesh bottom with integrated Velcro straps to hold cushions securely in place. All covers are zippered, machine washable, and resistant to mold and mildew. 20 inch Taupe and 16 inch Empire Dove accent pillows feature rich contrast piping. UV, weather and color fast fade resistant. Holds up great in salt and chlorinated environments. Perfect for coastal living. Virtually maintenance free - simply rinse clean with a hose and mild cleanser.

This customized Hampton model Offers 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and over 2308sq ft of living area with pool. Sprawling single-family home with loads of upgrades including: NEW ROOF, beautifully upgraded kitchen with new stainless steel Bosch appliances and subzero built-in fridge, white Carrera marble countertops, and backsplash with white wooden cabinetry. This floor plan Offers two separate formal living/dining room with enlarging family room patio door to maximum width and height, a master bedroom with sitting room and with patio doors, in the front that is perfect for a bedroom with large patio doors or home office with closet, Many more great features include tile floors throughout, neutral color wall tones throughout, crown molding, private views from the rear, eliminated two small windows to rear, Installed large hurricane glass picture window, 9 ft. Pass-through from the living room to the family room, Privacy door to the master bathroom, barn door between master bedroom and master bath vestibule. Bella Terra has it all at a great price point, a resort style community with low HOA fees, lawn care included, gated community 24 hr. security, resort style pool and clubhouse and more!

This customized Hampton model Offers 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and over 2308sq ft of living area with pool. Sprawling single-family home with loads of upgrades including: NEW ROOF, beautifully upgraded kitchen with new stainless steel Bosch appliances and subzero built-in fridge, white Carrera marble countertops, and backsplash with white wooden cabinetry. This floor plan Offers two separate formal living/dining room with enlarging family room patio door to maximum width and height, a master bedroom with sitting room and with patio doors, in the front that is perfect for a bedroom with large patio doors or home office with closet, Many more great features include tile floors throughout, neutral color wall tones throughout, crown molding, private views from the rear, eliminated two small windows to rear, Installed large hurricane glass picture window, 9 ft. Pass-through from the living room to the family room, Privacy door to the master bathroom, barn door between master bedroom and master bath vestibule. Bella Terra has it all at a great price point, a resort style community with low HOA fees, lawn care included, gated community 24 hr. security, resort style pool and clubhouse and more!

Our bestselling set just got even better. Introducing the Portofino™ Comfort 7 Piece Deep Seating Group, offering unparalleled quality, comfort and value in outdoor living. Create the perfect outdoor living room with this complete seating group, including our new one-piece sofa, set of two club chairs, ottomans, coffee and side table. Sink in and relax with true deep seating featuring plush 6-inch thick Sunbrella wrapped cushions with accent toss pillows. Constructed from the highest quality materials engineered for outdoor use, this outdoor seating set is the perfect seating group for any outdoor relaxation space. Features: Set includes one-piece 88" sofa, 2 club chairs, 2 club ottomans, coffee table, and side table. Also includes weatherproof outdoor furniture covers - $199 value Constructed from durable SolarFast all-weather resin wicker engineered for outdoor use, hand woven over a strong and lightweight powder coated aluminum frame. High density, quick drying foam cushions in Heather Beige Sunbrella ensure comfort and convenience. Cushions feature breathable mesh bottom with integrated Velcro straps to hold cushions securely in place. All covers are zippered, machine washable, and resistant to mold and mildew. 20 inch Taupe and 16 inch Empire Dove accent pillows feature rich contrast piping. UV, weather and color fast fade resistant. Holds up great in salt and chlorinated environments. Perfect for coastal living. Virtually maintenance free - simply rinse clean with a hose and mild cleanser.

Designed and built in conjunction with Freemont #2, this home pays homage to surrounding architecture, including that of St. James Lutheran Church. The home is comprised of stately, well-proportioned rooms; significant architectural detailing; appropriate spaces for today's active family; and sophisticated wiring to service any HD video, audio, lighting, HVAC and / or security needs. The focal point of the first floor is the sweeping curved staircase, ascending through all three floors of the home and topped with skylights. Surrounding this staircase on the main floor are the formal living and dining rooms, as well as the beautifully-detailed Butler's Pantry. A gourmet kitchen and great room, designed to receive considerable eastern light, is at the rear of the house, connected to the lower level family room by a rear staircase. Four bedrooms (two en-suite) make up the second floor, with a fifth bedroom on the third floor and a sixth bedroom in the lower level. A third floor recreation room is at the top of the staircase, adjacent to the 400SF roof deck. A connected, heated garage is accessible from the rear staircase of the home, as well as the rear yard and garage roof deck. This home went under contract after being on the MLS for one day. Steve Hall, Hedrich Blessing

"Dramatically positioned along Pelican Crest's prized front row, this Newport Coast House presents a refreshing modern aesthetic rarely available in the community. A comprehensive $6M renovation completed in December 2017 appointed the home with an assortment of sophisticated design elements, including white oak & travertine flooring, light fixtures & chandeliers by Apparatus & Ladies & Gentlemen, & SubZero appliances throughout. The home's unique orientation offers the region's best view perspective, encompassing the ocean, Catalina Island, Harbor, city lights, Palos Verdes, Pelican Hill Golf Course, & crashing waves. The eminently liveable floorplan spans 3 levels and is host to 5 bedroom suites, open social spaces, home office (possible 6th bedroom) with views & balcony, temperature-controlled wine and cigar room, home spa with heated floors, a steam room, and quick-fill tub, home gym, & chic master suite with frameless, stand-alone shower, his & hers closets, & sprawling ocean views. The rear yard is an entertainer's paradise with infinity-edge pool & spa, fireplace, built-in BBQ, putting green, lawn, and covered outdoor dining area. An 8-car subterranean garage & fully integrated Savant system complete this one of-a-kind residence. Residents of Pelican Crest enjoy 24/7 guard-gated patrolled security, swim, tennis & playground amenities of the Newport Coast Community Center & close proximity to the pristine beaches, world-class shopping & dining, & John Wayne Airport." via Cain Group / Pacific Sotheby's International Realty Photo: Chris Snitko

An Arts & Crafts Bungalow is one of my favorite styles of homes. We have quite a few of them in our Stockton Mid-Town area. And when C&L called us to help them remodel their 1923 American Bungalow, I was beyond thrilled. As per usual, when we get a new inquiry, we quickly Google the project location while we are talking to you on the phone. My excitement escalated when I saw the Google Earth Image of the sweet Sage Green bungalow in Mid-Town Stockton. "Yes, we would be interested in working with you," I said trying to keep my cool. But what made it even better was meeting C&L and touring their home, because they are the nicest young couple, eager to make their home period perfect. Unfortunately, it had been slightly molested by some bad house-flippers, and we needed to bring the bathroom back to it "roots." We knew we had to banish the hideous brown tile and cheap vanity quickly. But C&L complained about the condensation problems and the constant fight with mold. This immediately told me that improper remodeling had occurred and we needed to remedy that right away. The Before: Frustrations with a Botched Remodel The bathroom needed to be brought back to period appropriate design with all the functionality of a modern bathroom. We thought of things like marble countertop, white mosaic floor tiles, white subway tile, board and batten molding, and of course a fabulous wallpaper. This small (and only) bathroom on a tight budget required a little bit of design sleuthing to figure out how we could get the proper look and feel. Our goal was to determine where to splurge and where to economize and how to complete the remodel as quickly as possible because C&L would have to move out while construction was going on. The Process: Hard Work to Remedy Design and Function During our initial design study, (which included 2 hours in the owners’ home), we noticed framed images of William Morris Arts and Crafts textile patterns and knew this would be our design inspiration. We presented C&L with three options and they quickly selected the Pimpernel Design Concept. We had originally selected the Black and Olive colors with a black vanity, mirror, and black and white floor tile. C&L liked it but weren’t quite sure about the black, We went back to the drawing board and decided the William & Co Pimpernel Wallpaper in Bayleaf and Manilla color with a softer gray painted vanity and mirror and white floor tile was more to their liking. After the Design Concept was approved, we went to work securing the building permit, procuring all the elements, and scheduling our trusted tradesmen to perform the work. We did uncover some shoddy work by the flippers such as live electrical wires hidden behind the wall, plumbing venting cut-off and buried in the walls (hence the constant dampness), the tub barely balancing on two fence boards across the floor joist, and no insulation on the exterior wall. All of the previous blunders were fixed and the bathroom put back to its previous glory. We could feel the house thanking us for making it pretty again. The After Reveal: Cohesive Design Decisions We selected a simple white subway tile for the tub/shower. This is always classic and in keeping with the style of the house. We selected a pre-fab vanity and mirror, but they look rich with the quartz countertop. There is much more storage in this small vanity than you would think. The Transformation: A Period Perfect Refresh We began the remodel just as the pandemic reared and stay-in-place orders went into effect. As C&L were already moved out and living with relatives, we got the go-ahead from city officials to get the work done (after all, how can you shelter in place without a bathroom?). All our tradesmen were scheduled to work so that only one crew was on the job site at a time. We stayed on the original schedule with only a one week delay. The end result is the sweetest little bathroom I've ever seen (and I can't wait to start work on C&L's kitchen next). Thank you for joining me in this project transformation. I hope this inspired you to think about being creative with your design projects, determining what works best in keeping with the architecture of your space, and carefully assessing how you can have the best life in your home.

This customized Hampton model Offers 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and over 2308sq ft of living area with pool. Sprawling single-family home with loads of upgrades including: NEW ROOF, beautifully upgraded kitchen with new stainless steel Bosch appliances and subzero built-in fridge, white Carrera marble countertops, and backsplash with white wooden cabinetry. This floor plan Offers two separate formal living/dining room with enlarging family room patio door to maximum width and height, a master bedroom with sitting room and with patio doors, in the front that is perfect for a bedroom with large patio doors or home office with closet, Many more great features include tile floors throughout, neutral color wall tones throughout, crown molding, private views from the rear, eliminated two small windows to rear, Installed large hurricane glass picture window, 9 ft. Pass-through from the living room to the family room, Privacy door to the master bathroom, barn door between master bedroom and master bath vestibule. Bella Terra has it all at a great price point, a resort style community with low HOA fees, lawn care included, gated community 24 hr. security, resort style pool and clubhouse and more!

This intimate townhouse garden features a combination of rich, contrasting materials - Jerusalem limestone, New Yangtze limestone from China, cedar, and copper - layered to create a vibrant contemporary garden. Improvements include a lap pool and fountain, terraces, custom security fence and railings, copper wall and lush plantings. Various site constraints were overcome through extensive collaboration with the architect, builder, and contractors. This work included excavation and construction of a swimming pool on the land-locked property and the installation of a specimen Magnolia, requiring the tree to be craned over the residence, a span over 100 feet. Landscape Architecture: Oehme, van Sweden and Associates (ovsla.com) Builder: Pagenstecher Group (pagenstechergroup.com) Photography: John Knowlton/Till Gardens Project completed while working at Oehme, van Sweden

Allen Ross Architecture was hired to design a new retreat center that includes a multi-purpose Party Barn with a 3/4 basketball court, guest house, pool, sports field, tennis court, adventure course, outdoor kitchen, and changing cabana. Careful thought was given to the component relationships and how one moves through the site. Elements were configured to address function, aesthetics, security, and safety. Code mandated pool enclosure requirements were met without blocking views and without enclosure fencing. Adjacent wetlands, storm water management requirements, and multiple zoning limitations necessitated thoughtful permitting applications. Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Board approvals were required. Extensive infrastructure improvements and property grading were needed to meet the regulatory and client program requirements. The design intent was a crisp transitional style that is sympathetic with the Georgian buildings located elsewhere on the site. Timber trusses support the guest house roof and steel moment frames support the barn roof.

4 beds 5 baths 4,447 sqft RARE FIND! NEW HIGH-TECH, LAKE FRONT CONSTRUCTION ON HIGHLY DESIRABLE WINDERMERE CHAIN OF LAKES. This unique home site offers the opportunity to enjoy lakefront living on a private cove with the beauty and ambiance of a classic "Old Florida" home. With 150 feet of lake frontage, this is a very private lot with spacious grounds, gorgeous landscaping, and mature oaks. This acre plus parcel offers the beauty of the Butler Chain, no HOA, and turn key convenience. High-tech smart house amenities and the designer furnishings are included. Natural light defines the family area featuring wide plank hickory hardwood flooring, gas fireplace, tongue and groove ceilings, and a rear wall of disappearing glass opening to the covered lanai. The gourmet kitchen features a Wolf cooktop, Sub-Zero refrigerator, and Bosch dishwasher, exotic granite counter tops, a walk in pantry, and custom built cabinetry. The office features wood beamed ceilings. With an emphasis on Florida living the large covered lanai with summer kitchen, complete with Viking grill, fridge, and stone gas fireplace, overlook the sparkling salt system pool and cascading spa with sparkling lake views and dock with lift. The private master suite and luxurious master bath include granite vanities, a vessel tub, and walk in shower. Energy saving and organic with 6-zone HVAC system and Nest thermostats, low E double paned windows, tankless hot water heaters, spray foam insulation, whole house generator, and security with cameras. Property can be gated.

This customized Hampton model Offers 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and over 2308sq ft of living area with pool. Sprawling single-family home with loads of upgrades including: NEW ROOF, beautifully upgraded kitchen with new stainless steel Bosch appliances and subzero built-in fridge, white Carrera marble countertops, and backsplash with white wooden cabinetry. This floor plan Offers two separate formal living/dining room with enlarging family room patio door to maximum width and height, a master bedroom with sitting room and with patio doors, in the front that is perfect for a bedroom with large patio doors or home office with closet, Many more great features include tile floors throughout, neutral color wall tones throughout, crown molding, private views from the rear, eliminated two small windows to rear, Installed large hurricane glass picture window, 9 ft. Pass-through from the living room to the family room, Privacy door to the master bathroom, barn door between master bedroom and master bath vestibule. Bella Terra has it all at a great price point, a resort style community with low HOA fees, lawn care included, gated community 24 hr. security, resort style pool and clubhouse and more!