Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2015 Houzz
Shed - rustic shed idea in Dallas

The planning phase of this modern retreat was an intense collaboration that took place over the course of more than two years. While the initial design concept exceeded the clients' expectations, it also exceeded their budget beyond the point of comfort. The next several months were spent modifying the design, in attempts to lower the budget. Ultimately, the decision was made that they would hold off on the project until they could budget for the original design, rather than compromising the vision. About a year later, we repeated that same process, which resulted in the same outcome. After another year-long hiatus, we met once again. We revisited design thoughts, each of us bringing to the table new ideas and options. Each thought simply solidified the fact that the initial vision was absolutely what we all wanted to see come to fruition, and the decision was finally made to move forward. The main challenge of the site was elevation. The Southeast corner of the lot stands 5'6" above the threshold of the rear door, while the Northeast corner dropped a full 2' below the threshold of the door. The backyard was also long and narrow, sloping side-to-side and toward the house. The key to the design concept was to deftly place the project into the slope and utilize the elevation changes, without allowing them to dominate the yard, or overwhelm the senses. The unseen challenge on this project came in the form of hitting every underground issue possible. We had to relocate the sewer main, the gas line, and the electrical service; and since rock was sitting about 6" below the surface, all of these had to be chiseled through many feet of dense rock, adding to our projected timeline and budget. As you enter the space, your first stop is an outdoor living area. Smooth finished concrete, colored to match the 'Leuder' limestone coping, has a subtle saw-cut pattern aligned with the edges of the recessed fire pit. In small spaces, it is important to consider a multi-purpose approach. So, the recessed fire pit has been fitted with an aluminum cover that allows our client to set up tables and chairs for entertaining, right over the top of the fire pit. From here, it;s two steps up to the pool elevation, and the floating 'Leuder' limestone stepper pads that lead across the pool and hide the dam wall of the flush spa. The main retaining wall to the Southeast is a poured concrete wall with an integrated sheer descent waterfall into the spa. To bring in some depth and texture, a 'Brownstone' ledgestone was used to face both the dropped beam on the pool, and the raised beam of the water feature wall. The main water feature is comprised of five custom made stainless steel scuppers, supplied by a dedicated booster pump. Colored concrete stepper pads lead to the 'Ipe' wood deck at the far end of the pool. The placement of this wood deck allowed us to minimize our use of retaining walls on the Northeast end of the yard, since it drops off over three feet below the elevation of the pool beam. One of the most unique features on this project has to be the structure over the dining area. With a unique combination of steel and wood, the clean modern aesthetic of this structure creates a visual stamp in the space that standard structure could not accomplish. 4" steel posts, painted charcoal grey, are set on an angle, 4' into the bedrock, to anchor the structure. Steel I-beams painted in green-yellow color--aptly called "frolic"--act as the base to the hefty cedar rafters of the roof structure, which has a slight pitch toward the rear. A hidden gutter on the back of the roof sends water down a copper rain chain, and into the drainage system. The backdrop for both this dining area , as well as the living area, is the horizontal screen panel, created with alternating sizes of cedar planks, stained to a calm hue of dove grey.

Inspiration for a kids' room remodel in San Diego

Kitchen - mid-century modern kitchen idea in Los Angeles

Photographer: Jeff Johnson Third-time repeat clients loved our work so much, they hired us to design their Ohio home instead of recruiting a local Ohio designer. All work was done remotely except for an initial meeting for site measure and initial consult, and then a second flight for final installation. All 6,000 square feet was decorated head to toe by J Hill Interiors, Inc., as well as new paint and lighting.

Closet - traditional women's medium tone wood floor and brown floor closet idea in Atlanta with open cabinets and white cabinets

Home office photo in Boston

Example of a beach style entryway design in Minneapolis

Scott Hislop
Inspiration for a mediterranean home design remodel in Other

Inspiration for a scandinavian light wood floor and beige floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Birmingham with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Photo: Caela McKeever © 2017 Houzz
Design ideas for an eclectic landscaping in Seattle.

Example of a trendy kitchen design in Other

Photo: David Duncan Livingston
Inspiration for a dining room remodel in Sacramento

Danish home design photo in Birmingham

A bright and airy all-white bathroom.
Example of a large arts and crafts master white tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile and white floor bathroom design in Seattle with white cabinets, white countertops, a two-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink and recessed-panel cabinets

Large arts and crafts l-shaped light wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen photo in Detroit with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, brown cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, limestone backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and beige countertops

Home from college for the Summer???? What a wonderful place to sleep and wake up to the sounds of gentle waves lapping the rocks three stories below tour private deck! A vintage dresser and antique mirror fit perfectly in the alcove next to the closet. Soft aquamarine, shades of blues and beige, and dreamlike bedding create a sumptuous retreat.

Inspiration for a contemporary exterior home remodel in Birmingham

Mid-Century update to a home located in NW Portland. The project included a new kitchen with skylights, multi-slide wall doors on both sides of the home, kitchen gathering desk, children's playroom, and opening up living room and dining room ceiling to dramatic vaulted ceilings. The project team included Risa Boyer Architecture. Photos: Josh Partee