This project was the result of the owner’s desire to install a swimming pool and outdoor living space inspired by tropical resorts they had visited on family vacations. The one element asked for specifically was a large waterfall spilling into the pool. The challenge for the designers was how to achieve the look the owner’s wished without the use of clichéd items such as thatched huts and tiki torches. The designers decided lush full plantings using plants found in the northeast region that met certain design criteria would be the primary way of giving the tropical feel. Boulder outcroppings, irregular stone paving and fire bowls along the back of the pool would complete the look. The property is located in a newer subdivision with homes on both sides and a school to the rear. A walkway connects the neighborhood and the school along one side. The desired privacy would be addressed by the placement of plants and trees around the perimeter in mounded beds. Placing the waterfall to the rear of the pool helped block the view of the school beyond. The township had restrictions on the amount of impervious material allowable on site. The patio was designed to the maximum allowable size with square footage going to where it would be most usable. Planting beds were cut into the patio to decrease unnecessary square footage, divide spaces, and allow for more places to add plants and trees. A rectangular swimming pool was chosen to make it easier to install an automatic pool cover. The pool was designed, with input from the landscape designers, and contracted separately by the owner. The landscape designers chose the location of pool and waterfall so that it was prominently placed to be the focal point of the backyard. The pool includes a curving sunbathing shelf running from end to end, finished in a lighter color to make it more visible, with removable umbrellas for shade and to add to the resort feel. To tie into the boulders used throughout the design, a large boulder was used as a substitute for a diving board. The yard sloped down towards the back of the property which required a large amount of soil to be added and large boulder retaining wall along the back. For the planting design, the designers choose to focus on plants with larger leaves, various leaf colors and textures, and plants with large flowers in bold colors. These plants were then arranged into a loose lush planting scheme mixed with more traditional northeast plants such as pines, grasses, and roses. Unique plants such as hardy bananas were added for their tropical and exotic look. The full planting beds help to nestle in and enclose the living space. Broken flagstone was chosen for the patio and intentionally left irregular at the edges. PA flagstone was avoided and a stone with gold and brown tones was chosen. Boulder outcroppings added to the natural and tropical theme. The fire pit was designed with a large built-in bench to increase the amount of seating. The designers chose a rounded smooth shape and incorporated the same stone as the pool coping for the caps and bench. For entertaining guests the outdoor kitchen was outfitted with a large gas grill, beverage taps, refrigerator, sink and a dedicated lobster cooker. The kitchen was finished with granite countertops and stainless steel cabinets. Two strategically placed fire bowls, along with the low voltage lighting, add additional interest to the space at night. While the designers were faced with many challenges the resulting design incorporated enough elements to achieve the desired look and feel. Using plants appropriate to the northeast that fit the design criteria and carefully choosing hardscaping materials was essential. The owner’s feel they now have their own tropical theme resort right in their Pennsylvania backyard.

The origin of these classic window coverings dates back to the 19th century, when they were actually used in the harsh environment of tropical plantations to manage light and heat. Shutters come in a wide variety of materials, colors and styles. They can increase energy efficiency, are easy to clean, and help the light control, privacy and limit sun damage. And, due to new real estate trends, home appraisers are likely to include the value of shutters when evaluating a home - making shutters a real return on investment for homeowners.

This Escondido area homeowner came to Specialty Home Improvement looking to build a living space for an aging relative. ADUs, also often known as “granny flats” or “in-law suites” are perfect for aging-in-place, short or long-term rentals, or for extra space on your property to increase the value of your home. The Challenge: Design an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and living space for an elderly relative on a fixed budget. The space is needed to provide as much complete independence and privacy for the relative as possible. The ADU also needed to fit a specific area in the backyard that did not impede on the existing outdoor entertainment area or pool. Since the area of the build is located in a warmer area of San Diego’s North County, summertime power consumption and indoor temperature were a concern. The Solution: For budget purposes, the shape of the unit was kept as a basic rectangle, since odd shapes and angles present challenges and additional costs to engineer and build. Since there was the possibility of guests or perhaps more than one person at a time using the ADU, the bathroom was given an independent entry. A closet was placed between the bathroom and the bedroom to help provide a sound buffer. Floors were designed as polished concrete to help maintain a cooler ambient temperature during the summer months. Light colors on the cabinets, walls, and ceilings along with dual paned vinyl windows provide ample light, temperature control, and ventilation.

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.

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.

The entire grounds of this Sherwood Park walkout basement home was constructed with gardening and the view in mind. To increase the amount of usable space extensive excavation of the backyard started the project. Careful consideration was taken to create an effortless path from the basement to hot tub and backyard. We used layers of wood retaining walls to support and complement the centerpiece flower bed and steps. The walls continue past the width of the home and connect to four tiers of garden space and flower beds on each side of the residence. The backyard view is a park and pond. A small privacy fence was installed to create a shaded area without taking away from the view.

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.

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.

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.

A mix of old reclaimed fence from site's old vertical fencing. Reused pieces cut to size and new cedar fencing added to increase fence height and length. Photo by Katrina Coombs

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.

The origin of these classic window coverings dates back to the 19th century, when they were actually used in the harsh environment of tropical plantations to manage light and heat. Shutters come in a wide variety of materials, colors and styles. They can increase energy efficiency, are easy to clean, and help the light control, privacy and limit sun damage. And, due to new real estate trends, home appraisers are likely to include the value of shutters when evaluating a home - making shutters a real return on investment for homeowners.

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.

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.

Primary client goals: a sustainable, low-maintenance house, primarily single-floor living, orientation to views, natural light to interiors, maximization of individual privacy, creation of a formal outdoor space for gardening, incorporation of a workshop for cars, generous indoor and outdoor social space for guests and parties. The home is be named for the numerous American Hollies scattered across the owner’s ten acres of high Piedmont land sloping dramatically to Lake Hartwell. Holly Hill, a retirement home for an architect and engineer whose hobbies are gardening and restoration of classic cars, is nestled into the site contours to maximize views of the lake and minimize impact on the site. Holly Hill is comprised of three wings joined by transparent bridges: An architect's wing facing a master garden to the east, an engineer’s wing with workshop and a central activity, living, dining wing. Similar to a radiator, the design increases the amount of exterior wall maximizing opportunities for natural ventilation during temperate months. Open and screened porches are strategically located to allow pleasant outdoor use at any time of day, particular season or, if necessary, insect challenge. Dramatic cantilevers allow the porches to project into the site’s beautiful mixed hardwood tree canopy. Guests arrive by vehicle with glimpses of the house and grounds through penetrations in the concrete wall enclosing the formal garden. Once parked they are led through the garden composed of pavers, a fountain, benches, sculpture and plants. Views of the lake can be seen through and below the bridges.

Built by Schumacher Homes, America's Largest Custom Home Builder, this stunning Charleston II American Tradition in Greenville, South Carolina, effortlessly balances traditional 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 an expansive, open-concept great room defined by classic wall paneling details and a custom iron railing that perfectly completes the home’s refined traditional style. This grand living space flows seamlessly into a chef-ready kitchen equipped with generous counter space, a large central island to gather around, and a giant walk-in pantry. To manage busy family schedules, an oversized laundry and mudroom zone has been upgraded with dramatic floor-to-ceiling tile, a custom bench locker, and integrated coat hooks to keep the home perfectly organized. 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 leads gracefully into the luxurious owner’s retreat, a private main-level 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 beamed cathedral ceiling that adds striking verticality and architectural detail. A smart split-bedroom layout ensures ultimate privacy for the entire family, keeping the additional secondary bedrooms situated on the completely opposite side of the residence so everyone can enjoy their own independent space.

This Mississauga Rd backyard is evidence of the increasing trend to have multiple outdoor living spaces in a single backyard. By combining a multi-level deck with a paver patio, outdoor kitchen, and fire pit, they can enjoy an “open floor plan” feeling in their outdoor space. With even the hot tub getting its own special location, the space will work for a variety of events and everyday functions.

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

Holly Hill, a retirement home, whose owner's hobbies are gardening and restoration of classic cars, is nestled into the site contours to maximize views of the lake and minimize impact on the site. Holly Hill is comprised of three wings joined by bridges: A wing facing a master garden to the east, another wing with workshop and a central activity, living, dining wing. Similar to a radiator the design increases the amount of exterior wall maximizing opportunities for natural ventilation during temperate months. Other passive solar design features will include extensive eaves, sheltering porches and high-albedo roofs, as strategies for considerably reducing solar heat gain. Daylighting with clerestories and solar tubes reduce daytime lighting requirements. Ground source geothermal heat pumps and superior to code insulation ensure minimal space conditioning costs. Corten steel siding and concrete foundation walls satisfy client requirements for low maintenance and durability. All light fixtures are LEDs. Open and screened porches are strategically located to allow pleasant outdoor use at any time of day, particular season or, if necessary, insect challenge. Dramatic cantilevers allow the porches to project into the site’s beautiful mixed hardwood tree canopy without damaging root systems. Guest arrive by vehicle with glimpses of the house and grounds through penetrations in the concrete wall enclosing the garden. One parked they are led through a garden composed of pavers, a fountain, benches, sculpture and plants. Views of the lake can be seen through and below the bridges. Primary client goals were a sustainable low-maintenance house, primarily single floor living, orientation to views, natural light to interiors, maximization of individual privacy, creation of a formal outdoor space for gardening, incorporation of a full workshop for cars, generous indoor and outdoor social space for guests and parties.