Built by Schumacher Homes, America's Largest Custom Home Builder, this stunning Charleston II Modern Hill Country in Franklin, North Carolina, effortlessly balances classic architectural details with modern elements. Based on one of our most popular floor plans, the Charleston II offers increased square footage and abundant storage solutions tailored for modern living. The heart of the home is a chef-ready kitchen equipped with generous counter space, a large central island to gather around, and premium double-stacked cabinets flanking both perimeter walls to maximize storage. The kitchen cabinetry showcases an elegant mix of design textures, featuring sophisticated glass-front doors above the cooktop for a sleek, stylish look, and traditional solid-door double-stacked cabinetry above the refrigerator. Directly off the main kitchen, the giant walk-in pantry has been converted into a dual-purpose space featuring a secondary messy kitchen, allowing all meal prep and cooking clutter to remain hidden behind closed doors while entertaining guests in the main living space. Distinct custom woodwork details elevate the interior architecture throughout the home. Both the great room and the dining room are anchored by matching 3D accent walls featuring a geometric design that adds subtle contrast and high-end visual focal points to the open layout. For those who work from home, a versatile front flex room has been outfitted with custom-built-in shelves and cabinets to create an organized executive study. Additionally, a perfectly placed pocket office provides a dedicated zone for organizing daily tasks before flowing seamlessly into the private owner's retreat, which serves as a main-level sanctuary with its spacious primary bath and two independent walk-in closets. A smart split-bedroom layout places the secondary bedrooms on the completely opposite side of the residence, ensuring ultimate privacy so everyone in the family can enjoy their own space.

Entry door color changed on inside from black to white to lighten the space. Replaced saucer style bronze light fixture with larger open black lantern fixture to make an entry statement. Removed builder plastic blinds from sidelight and replaced with Solyx Simglas for privacy plus increased natural light.

ThinkGreen LLC http://www.thinkgreenllc.com 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Residential $30,000-$60,000 Award Level: Gold Project Description: Located in the residential area near the Philadelphia Art Museum, this project was Philadelphia’s first Platinum LEED rated row home. The available outdoor space in any major metropolitan area is typically limited. The client was dedicated to increasing the amount of available outdoor space for entertaining and planting. The sustainable efforts that went into the interior renovations were continued in the exterior spaces with a series of green roof gardens. The lower level terrace features two separate spaces it was the largest. Directly out the glass rear doors of the house is a paved area using local materials that have high albedo. A couple of stairs down leads to a seating area surrounded by River Birch, ferns, and vines such as Virginia Creeper and Trumpet Honeysuckle which create a screen from the neighbor’ s yard. The second level garden is an extensive roof garden with approximately fifteen inches of soils. The space was planted with a variety of native meadow plants such as Purple Coneflower and Beardstongue, and Switchgrass. Fruit trees were planted in several corten steel containers. After a couple of years the client decided he wanted more use of the space so the meadow was thinned out and a path to the end was installed as well as creeping sedums in between the steppers. A spiral stair case leads to the upper level garden. When you reach the top of the stairs in the summer months a vegetable garden full of tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers thrives in planting boxes. Beyond the garden is another seating area. At the front end of the building a line of Eastern Red Cedars is planted to create a privacy wall from the neighbors across the street. The plant palette is predominately native species that can withstand the tough conditions of the limited soil depth and the heat of the sun. Plants such as Bee Balm, Prickly Pear, and Wild Petunia have done exceptionally well on the green roof. When needed they can be irrigated using the house’s grey water system. In addition the benefits the roof gardens provide for the heating and cooling systems make this house and it’s landscape intimately linked together. Photo Credit: Thinkgreen LLC

The master bedroom has full corner views of the lake, or full light with privacy when desired. There is a walk out screened room that increases the space when the homeowners want morning coffee or evening sitting. The monochromatic color makes this smaller room feel open and expanding.

Our goal on this was to leave the area with as much open space as possible. This was because our client loves the view of the lake and property & wanted as much area for family & grand kids to be able to run around & enjoy. We met this challenge by installing large space of beautiful St. Augustine lawn grass. One request was to hide the view of neighbors property by utilizing native vegetation. This was achieved by varying different species of native trees (including 6 Oak species). The staggered placement & size of the trees resembled a native wooded barrier increasing solitude & bliss of privacy. Most trees used were hand picked specimens. Some trees were triple trunk & others were clusters of different trees. The largest was about a 1,200 Gallon container made up of Cypress, Red Oaks & Monterrey Oaks.

Originally from Hawaii, my clients wanted to incorporate the warmth and color of the islands into their California ranch home. Their requests: • Comfortable, serene, uncluttered design • Natural elements • Kitchen more open to dining • Arrangement to accommodate new flat-screen TV viewing Hosting constant visitors, my clients live in their kitchen and enjoy cooking. For Hawaiian colors, I used green quartz, glass tile and counters, iroko flooring, hemlock cabinets, and an unusual slate limestone. To create a lighter, more welcoming space I removed the wall between the dining room and kitchen and increased the entry wall length to create a better kitchen/dining/entry relationship. I added a wall between the family room and kitchen to house tall kitchen elements on one side and TV equipment on the other, as well as create a natural transition for the ceiling height changes. Features: • Ventilated drawers • Composting sink • Energy-efficient lighting • Silent hood and dishwasher When it came to their master bath, my clients requested: • Spa-feeling • Shower for two • Functional makeup area • Two sinks • Linen storage • Walk-in closet • Separate toilet compartment • Door to backyard for pool access. I rearranged the space for convenience and function and created an open shower with double rain and hand-showers, a shallow makeup counter (easy to get close to the mirror), plentiful storage, and seating. Shades of blue and green create a sense of “spa”. Blended textures of honed limestone countertops, slate, glass tile, large-format and mosaic porcelain tile, glass pebbles, granite tile, and ceramic tiles are earthy yet refined. Horizontal patterns create serenity. Storage: • Tall louvered linen cabinet • Flush medicine cabinets • His-and-her pullouts at each end of the vanity • Multiple shower niches • Function-packed walk-in closet • Toilet roll cabinet in toilet vestibule • Bedroom armoire Function: • Seating in shower • Seating in main bath • Convenient towel bars • Silent, powerful vent fans • Good lighting • Textured glass windows add light and privacy. Ed Gohlich photographer

Project Title: Modern Retreat - Basement Transformation Location: Hillsborough, NH Project Overview: Our recent basement transformation in Hillsborough showcases our expertise in creating multifunctional spaces that cater to the modern family’s needs. This extensive renovation turned an underused basement into a vibrant living area, complete with a home theater, a wet bar, and a fully equipped workout room. We focused on maximizing the space’s potential, implementing moisture-resistant materials and modern insulation techniques to ensure comfort and durability. Strategic lighting and contemporary decor choices brightened the previously dark space, making it an inviting area for entertainment and relaxation. Highlights: Installation of soundproofing and eco-friendly insulation for enhanced privacy and energy efficiency. Custom-designed wet bar and entertainment center as central features. Sleek, durable flooring choices tailored to high-traffic use and aesthetic appeal. Smart home technology integration for lights, sound, and security. This project not only significantly increased the usable living space of the home but also enhanced its overall value, proving that basements can be as luxurious and functional as any other part of a residence.

Having a great deal of space for outdoor living is wonderful. Your landscape, however compact or vast, can be transformed into a beautiful outdoor room that’s perfect for enjoying our mild southeastern weather. Perfect for entertaining and relaxing, outdoor living areas become an extension of your indoor living space. Outdoor living spaces offer comfort and increase property value with the development of quality outdoor components, furnishings and finishes. Our full-time, professional designers love the challenge of creating unique outdoor living areas that reflect the vision of the client. We specialize in combining privacy and intimacy in each outdoor room, while ensuring that the design offers architectural integrity and complements the main structures. A Simple Patio and Fire Pit, or an Outdoor Kitchen and Outdoor Fireplace? No matter the size of your dream outdoor room, Turf Tamer, Inc. delivers creative living spaces using the finest materials and the latest advancements in outdoor construction.

We were lucky to be contacted by a client who designed their own dream home directly abutting a stunning nature preserve. When the homeowners were considering making some adjustments to their property, maintaining the connection between the home and its natural surroundings was of the utmost importance. The couple wanted to create a space where they could drink in the beauty of the preserve. But what spurred the project was the need to make functional improvements. There was erosion on a hill sloping away from the house that needed to be addressed. Poor drainage saw rainwater was threatening the driveway and deck access on the side of the house. As careful thinkers, they came into this project brimming with creative ideas for how to transform the space into something functional and worthy of its surroundings. They called us to help tie the project together and execute it. Initial ideas were for a 3 or 4 season porch that would provide unmatched views of the surroundings, but with the functional aspects of the project, the dream porch was out of budget and still did not address the eroding hillside. Not to worry the team at Lotus was able to take inspiration from the couples’ ideas, and together, we developed a stunning space truly worthy of the nature preserve around it. PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS In landscaping, the importance of water management cannot be overstated. Our first job in the landscape design process was to improve the drainage for the site. Improved drainage protects not just the landscaping, but the home itself. In fact, estimates indicate that water problems are responsible for 85% of home repair expenses in the US annually. To ensure the drainage problems were fixed permanently, Lotus constructed a retaining wall to protect the foundation of the house. Once we fixed the broken drainage, we moved on to the slope at the side of the house. The hillside was badly eroding, making it another area of concern for the homeowners. Almost immediately, our team of experts saw the eroding hillside not as a problem, but as an opportunity. We fixed some grading issues and then planted the slope with native plants. These served a number of different functions: Native plants tied the home and its landscape to the nature preserve. The Ann Arbor area features a diverse and beautiful array of plant life and this was something the Lotus team and the homeowners were excited to celebrate. The plants’ root structure protects the integrity of the hillside. Plant roots act as anchors, gripping the earth and making the soil much more resistant to erosion. Native plants are especially good for this because they evolved alongside the native soil. Plants on the hillside provided privacy from the neighbors. Look, we love our neighbors. But sometimes, in those quiet moments life affords us all too infrequently, it is nice to have a bit of peace and quiet. While a fence could do the job just as well, a fence isn’t suited to every environment. When your backyard is a nature preserve, you want to feel as connected to the land as possible. Tall native plants add to the feeling of connectedness in a way a fence simply can’t. BEAUTIFUL RESULTS The couple had a deck and a walkout patio, but these spaces felt disconnected. Many of the solutions they put forward were attempts to address this separation. Working with our designers, we created a beautiful, tiered walkway that connected the deck and the walkout using modern bluestone from Rock Bottom Stone Supply, right here in Michigan. We added lighting features that would increase the feeling of connectivity between these spaces. We set out to create a space that would hover between the patio and the deck. This space would make our homeowners feel connected to the nature preserve around them while allowing them to feel creative and comfortable. To start, we made benches, stairs, and a built-in table. From there we finished with a cedar pergola that would give them shade in the summer months. We ended up making the pergola curved so it would relax into the space and provide a bit of the wow factor. We connected the deck and the walkout and paid homage to the slope and the preserve by installing still more native plants. All in all, the space completely rejuvenated the couple’s yard. It proved an elegant solution to a number of practical problems and served as a connection between the house and the stunning property onto which the house was built. At Lotus, we have proven our ability to provide similar solutions for many properties like this, but this one stands out. If for no other reason than to remind us, again and again, that nature and natural beauty are truly worth celebrating. Designer: Traven Pelletier Location: Brighton, Mi Materials: Limestone outcrop, bluestone patio, cedar pergola, all natural stone Vendors: Rock Bottom Stone supply in Burton, Michigan, Hobart stone in New York is bluestone supplier

Nestled in the hills of Orinda, California, this 1951 residence is one of only seven extant homes, now known as “The Magnificent Seven”, designed by architect Olof Dahlstrand, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright. With its low-slung rooflines, natural materials, and deep integration with the sloping landscape, the home is a pristine example of mid-century modern design inspired by Wright’s organic principles. Over the years, prior homeowners have emphasized preservation, ensuring that the house remained relatively untouched. Each owner has respected the original architecture and stayed true to Dahlstrand’s intent. When a family of five—two college-aged sons and a middle school-aged daughter—acquired the property, they were captivated by its history, legacy of care, and architectural significance. While they appreciated Dahlstrand’s original vision, they also recognized the need to adapt the home for contemporary living while preserving its design integrity. The remodel was conceived as a thoughtful response to the past—an effort to bring the house into the 21st century without compromising its soul. The primary mandate was to maintain architectural continuity while improving the functionality, comfort, and livability for a modern family. The design team—architects and contractor alike—worked with a shared reverence for the original architecture, allowing that mindset to guide even the most technical or pragmatic decisions. A key objective was to increase natural light in the kitchen—a departure from Wrightian principles of enclosed, intimate cooking spaces—while maintaining the home’s architectural language. The kitchen was reconfigured to foster a stronger connection to adjacent living spaces while retaining the underlying concept of spatial separation. One of the most transformative architectural changes was the removal of a ridge beam that was originally planned to remain visible through the kitchen. During construction, the team collaborated on a better solution: a wide-flanged steel beam concealed within the roof envelope. This subtle move preserved the clean lines and ceiling continuity, a modern update carried out with utmost respect for the existing framework. The home’s original powder room, previously accessible only through the kitchen, was relocated for better flow and privacy. A new powder room was carved out of former kitchen cabinetry—a narrow, interior space that could have felt dark and enclosed. To avoid this, the design extended the line of original transom windows into the new powder room and added a skylight above the vanity. The result is a bright and airy space that feels consistent with the rest of the home. Other updates included the installation of new solid-core interior doors with veneers carefully matched to the original mahogany, enhancing the continuity of the interiors. Even smaller decisions, such as placing the door knobs at 42 inches high, mirrored the original proportions. Every choice reflected a shared belief between the architect, contractor, and client: that new work should serve the integrity of the old. The home’s extensive interior redwood millwork and paneling was meticulously restored. Where new materials were introduced—such as the replacement redwood soffit paneling—the contractor took pains to find finish nails that matched the original, rather than using modern equivalents. This level of craftsmanship and collaboration defined the project. It extended even to the detailing of a blind door to the new powder room, which had to disappear into the existing redwood board-and-batten wall. It was a team effort: the owner found a suitable handle, the architects devised the custom in-swing mechanism, and the contractor executed it so the door aligned precisely with the battens. Throughout, the homeowners were deeply engaged in the design process. One, a meticulous design enthusiast, focused on aesthetic integrity and historic detail. The other brought a practical and function-driven perspective, ensuring that new fixtures and materials would be durable and require minimal maintenance. While the home’s location posed no major site challenges, sustainability was a key concern. The team upgraded the roof insulation, installed solar panels with battery storage, and added ductless mini-split cooling systems. Lighting was another area where modern technology was woven into a historic framework: new square LED fixtures echo the original custom perimeter soffit lights, maintaining the design language while offering advanced performance. A planned expansion of a bedroom into suite with a bathroom had to be shelved due to budget constraints and the high cost of below-grade foundation work. Still, the team focused their efforts on making the most of the existing footprint, resolving constraints through design ingenuity rather than adding square footage. This renovation represents a collaborative achievement in preserving and evolving a historically significant home. Every decision was shaped by a shared ethos among clients, architects, and contractor: to maintain the home’s architectural soul while updating it for contemporary life. The result is a timeless modernist residence that continues Olof Dahlstrand’s legacy, remaining grounded in nature, craftsmanship, and human-scale design. Klopf Architecture Team: John Klopf, AIA, Klara Kevane, Fernanda Bernardes
Interior Architectural Design: Klopf Architecture
Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao
Contractor: Don Larwood, Larwood Construction Photography: Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2022

The original house, built in 1989, was designed for the stunning sea views but not for the sun. The owners wanted a warmer, sunny house, with more transparency to enjoy the views from throughout the house. The bottom storey was modified and extended, while most of the upper storey was completely removed and rebuilt. The design utilises part of the original roof form and repeats it to create two roof structures. A flat roofed hallway axis separates them naturally into public and private wings. The use of flat and sloping ceilings creates a richness to the spaces. To maintain privacy while maximising sun, clerestorey windows were used. Double glazing and increased insulation were also added which has created a more comfortable home that maximises the views.

We took this small master bathroom from uncomfortable and crowded to spacious and open. We removed walls, relocated the toilet across the room and added a privacy half wall, installed a zero-threshold door-less extra-large walk-in tile shower with oil-rubbed bronze fixtures, a large tile niche and a beautiful tile accent row. We added a second vanity for increased storage and comfort. All of these changes allowed us to give these homeowners the master bathroom of their dreams!

Built by Schumacher Homes, America's Largest Custom Home Builder, this stunning Beverly II Modern Hill Country in Greensboro, North Carolina, effortlessly balances classic architectural details with modern elements. As a larger version of our extremely popular Beverly floor plan, this layout is expertly engineered with increased square footage to comfortably accommodate all of life's everyday needs. The absolute hub of the home is an open-concept deluxe kitchen featuring a large central kitchen island designed for eating, remote schoolwork, and daily cooking. This culinary space flows seamlessly into the great room and dining area, creating a bright, interconnected layout that serves as the perfect canvas for entertaining family and friends. This main-level living space transitions beautifully into a sunlit morning room designed to bring the day’s first light into the home. Just off the foyer, an adaptive flex room stands open to your interpretation—easily functioning as a sophisticated formal dining room, private flexible home office, or children's playroom. The thoughtful design acts as a premium private sanctuary when it is time to unwind. The massive primary owner's retreat offers a quiet escape from the daily grind, elevated by a show-stopping reserve cove ceiling that adds unique architectural detail and depth to the private space. The spa-like primary suite is further enhanced by a luxurious owner's bath, fully appointed with dual vanities and independent dual walk-in closets for optimal organization. Tucked away on the opposite side of the home, the secondary bedrooms ensure ultimate privacy for everyone in the household. Expanding the home's functional footprint, a massive bonus room over the garage serves as a versatile upper flex zone, providing the ideal setting for a family media room, home workout fitness studio, or dedicated children's playroom.

Dining room with pocket doors for privacy, or open for increased sense of space. This dining room is located of the new front entry, both of which used to be the formal living room at the front of the home. Photo by Andrew Snow Photography

The Motorized Bedroom Blackout Shades are convenient to use as you can control if your room is filled with light or completely dark, from the comfort of your bed. All movement is delievered quietly, so no noise will disturb your rest. Designed to be powerful, you will be able to also control larger windows, increasing opportunitied for motorization.

Built by Schumacher Homes, America's Largest Custom Home Builder, this stunning Charleston II Modern Farmhouse in Whitestown, Indiana, effortlessly balances classic architectural details with modern charm. Based on one of our most popular plans, the Charleston II maximizes spatial volume by increasing ceiling heights throughout both levels. The main living space boasts an expansive, open-concept floor plan featuring 10-foot ceilings throughout, which soar to a dramatic 12 feet across the central great room, kitchen, and bright morning room. Designed for seamless entertaining and effortless organization, the chef-ready kitchen is equipped with abundant counter space, a large central island to gather around, and a giant walk-in pantry. This dual-purpose pantry features a highly functional "messy kitchen" secondary prep zone, brilliantly engineered to keep cooking clutter, meal prep, and mess completely out of sight from the main living area. The thoughtful layout continues with a perfectly placed pocket office, offering a quiet, dedicated space to organize daily tasks or work from home. This pocket office flows gracefully into the luxurious owner’s retreat, a private sanctuary showcasing an expansive primary bath and two large walk-in closets. To elevate the primary suite's design aesthetic, the bedroom features a show-stopping ceiling accented with custom stained wood beams—meticulously finished to match the flooring—with integrated hidden lighting to cast a warm, indirect glow. A smart split-bedroom floor plan ensures ultimate privacy for the entire family, keeping the additional secondary bedrooms situated on the opposite side of the residence so everyone can enjoy their own independent space.

We took this small master bathroom from uncomfortable and crowded to spacious and open. We removed walls, relocated the toilet across the room and added a privacy half wall, installed a zero-threshold door-less extra-large walk-in tile shower with oil-rubbed bronze fixtures, a large tile niche and a beautiful tile accent row. We added a second vanity for increased storage and comfort. All of these changes allowed us to give these homeowners the master bathroom of their dreams!

Originally from Hawaii, my clients wanted to incorporate the warmth and color of the islands into their California ranch home. Their requests: • Comfortable, serene, uncluttered design • Natural elements • Kitchen more open to dining • Arrangement to accommodate new flat-screen TV viewing Hosting constant visitors, my clients live in their kitchen and enjoy cooking. For Hawaiian colors, I used green quartz, glass tile and counters, iroko flooring, hemlock cabinets, and an unusual slate limestone. To create a lighter, more welcoming space I removed the wall between the dining room and kitchen and increased the entry wall length to create a better kitchen/dining/entry relationship. I added a wall between the family room and kitchen to house tall kitchen elements on one side and TV equipment on the other, as well as create a natural transition for the ceiling height changes. Features: • Ventilated drawers • Composting sink • Energy-efficient lighting • Silent hood and dishwasher When it came to their master bath, my clients requested: • Spa-feeling • Shower for two • Functional makeup area • Two sinks • Linen storage • Walk-in closet • Separate toilet compartment • Door to backyard for pool access. I rearranged the space for convenience and function and created an open shower with double rain and hand-showers, a shallow makeup counter (easy to get close to the mirror), plentiful storage, and seating. Shades of blue and green create a sense of “spa”. Blended textures of honed limestone countertops, slate, glass tile, large-format and mosaic porcelain tile, glass pebbles, granite tile, and ceramic tiles are earthy yet refined. Horizontal patterns create serenity. Storage: • Tall louvered linen cabinet • Flush medicine cabinets • His-and-her pullouts at each end of the vanity • Multiple shower niches • Function-packed walk-in closet • Toilet roll cabinet in toilet vestibule • Bedroom armoire Function: • Seating in shower • Seating in main bath • Convenient towel bars • Silent, powerful vent fans • Good lighting • Textured glass windows add light and privacy. Ed Gohlich photographer

The homeowners had just purchased this home in El Segundo and they had remodeled the kitchen and one of the bathrooms on their own. However, they had more work to do. They felt that the rest of the project was too big and complex to tackle on their own and so they retained us to take over where they left off. The main focus of the project was to create a master suite and take advantage of the rather large backyard as an extension of their home. They were looking to create a more fluid indoor outdoor space. When adding the new master suite leaving the ceilings vaulted along with French doors give the space a feeling of openness. The window seat was originally designed as an architectural feature for the exterior but turned out to be a benefit to the interior! They wanted a spa feel for their master bathroom utilizing organic finishes. Since the plan is that this will be their forever home a curbless shower was an important feature to them. The glass barn door on the shower makes the space feel larger and allows for the travertine shower tile to show through. Floating shelves and vanity allow the space to feel larger while the natural tones of the porcelain tile floor are calming. The his and hers vessel sinks make the space functional for two people to use it at once. The walk-in closet is open while the master bathroom has a white pocket door for privacy. Since a new master suite was added to the home we converted the existing master bedroom into a family room. Adding French Doors to the family room opened up the floorplan to the outdoors while increasing the amount of natural light in this room. The closet that was previously in the bedroom was converted to built in cabinetry and floating shelves in the family room. The French doors in the master suite and family room now both open to the same deck space. The homes new open floor plan called for a kitchen island to bring the kitchen and dining / great room together. The island is a 3” countertop vs the standard inch and a half. This design feature gives the island a chunky look. It was important that the island look like it was always a part of the kitchen. Lastly, we added a skylight in the corner of the kitchen as it felt dark once we closed off the side door that was there previously. Repurposing rooms and opening the floor plan led to creating a laundry closet out of an old coat closet (and borrowing a small space from the new family room). The floors become an integral part of tying together an open floor plan like this. The home still had original oak floors and the homeowners wanted to maintain that character. We laced in new planks and refinished it all to bring the project together. To add curb appeal we removed the carport which was blocking a lot of natural light from the outside of the house. We also re-stuccoed the home and added exterior trim.