For instance, that intricate panel, which you see when you click on the first photo, is a Paneled Sliding Wall hiding a secondary wall to the exterior. The lighted tray ceiling is a centerpiece. Our Master Carpenters installed the cabinetry and beer and wine fridge and appliances to perfection. Kitchen Remodeler: ED Enterprises, Inc. Photographer: Michael Alan Kaskel Pkotography

Villa Lumina, in Paphos, Cyprus, blends modern architecture and practicality with nature preservation. We made sure to harmonize nature with the modern style, integrating trees into the overall design for the house and terrace. The materials used, like stone, wood, and porcelain stoneware, not only match the Cypriot scenery but are also long-lasting and environmentally friendly. For instance, stone surfaces look nice and are able to withstand the elements well, whereas wood keeps the warmth inside. The villa has two separate parts - a spacious open plan kitchen, dining and living area, and a more secluded part containing a main bedroom, walk-in closet, kids' rooms, and private bathrooms. Entering the house leads to a courtyard which is connected to the terrace and pool area and extends the living space. Villa Lumina shows how to make living spaces that fulfill people's needs without hurting the environment. Size / 351 sq.m. Year / 2023 Location / Paphos, Cyprus

Driftwood Custom Home was constructed on vacant property between two existing houses in Chemainus, BC. This type of project is a form of sustainable land development known as an Infill Build. These types of building lots are often small. However, careful planning and clever uses of design allowed us to maximize the space. This home has 2378 square feet with three bedrooms and three full bathrooms. Add in a living room on the main floor, a separate den upstairs, and a full laundry room and this custom home still feels spacious! The kitchen is bright and inviting. With white cabinets, countertops and backsplash, and stainless steel appliances, the feel of this space is timeless. Similarly, the master bathroom design features plenty of must-haves. For instance, the bathroom includes a shower with matching tile to the vanity backsplash, a double floating vanity, heated tiled flooring, and tiled walls. Together with a flush mount fireplace in the master bedroom, this is an inviting oasis of space.

In June of 2015 an amazing sudden summer storm hit our area with violent winds, rain, and tornados. In the aftermath, my clients found, on top of losing 30 or so trees on their property overall, one had actually struck their home, piercing the roof in their great room. The great room was the very last room in their house that we hadn't done a complete overhaul in. Sure, we had tweaked it, purchased a few pieces of furniture, reworked the layout, but the colors and design were much the same as they had been for decades. Since things needed to be repaired and painted already, it was decided to jump in with both feet and totally rethink the room, change almost everything, and add architectural details that seemed to be missing in the original design from the 1980's. So not only were the color palette, rugs, and furnishings changed, but some very important architectural interest was added. For instance, a new, more elegant post was added at the back of the space, visually connecting the downstairs with the loft above. Also, three beaded beams have been added across the vaulted ceiling, as well as a large chandelier, giving warmth, light and visual heft to the peak and upper corners of the room. The fireplace was given a total facelift as well. New original artwork, which had inspired the palette for the space, is now highlighted inside a custom panel over a beautiful new mantel and fireplace surround. Even though this project started with something quite unexpected and scary, my clients tell me that the results are something that they just love and enjoy whether at home just the two of them, or entertaining extended family and friends. Photos by Laura Kicey

Photo: Susan J. Tweit shot in Redwood National Park in northern California, in a grove of coast redwood trees (Sequoia sempivirens).
This is an example of a landscaping in Denver.

In June of 2015 an amazing sudden summer storm hit our area with violent winds, rain, and tornados. In the aftermath, my clients found, on top of losing 30 or so trees on their property overall, one had actually struck their home, piercing the roof in their great room. The great room was the very last room in their house that we hadn't done a complete overhaul in. Sure, we had tweaked it, purchased a few pieces of furniture, reworked the layout, but the colors and design were much the same as they had been for decades. Since things needed to be repaired and painted already, it was decided to jump in with both feet and totally rethink the room, change almost everything, and add architectural details that seemed to be missing in the original design from the 1980's. So not only were the color palette, rugs, and furnishings changed, but some very important architectural interest was added. For instance, a new, more elegant post was added at the back of the space, visually connecting the downstairs with the loft above. Also, three beaded beams have been added across the vaulted ceiling, as well as a large chandelier, giving warmth, light and visual heft to the peak and upper corners of the room. The fireplace was given a total facelift as well. New original artwork, which had inspired the palette for the space, is now highlighted inside a custom panel over a beautiful new mantel and fireplace surround. Even though this project started with something quite unexpected and scary, my clients tell me that the results are something that they just love and enjoy whether at home just the two of them, or entertaining extended family and friends. Photos by Laura Kicey

Kitchen pantry - mid-sized contemporary u-shaped terra-cotta tile and brown floor kitchen pantry idea in San Francisco with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, multicolored backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

This outdoor kitchen project started with a welded-aluminum frame wrapped in HardieBacker cement board. HardieBacker is a board, sort of like drywall, that allows us to adhere many different finishes to the exterior of the frame. In this instance the customers chose stacked stone as their preferred finish. For a countertop, they opted for Fusion quartzite. Appliances include an Alfresco grill, True beverage center, and Scotsman nugget ice maker.

Open shelves, cornices, top boards and the gently rounded edges discreetly emphasise the country cottage character of our rondo kitchen. Small playful details such as solid wood cookery book holders and niche elements complete the charming appearance of the rondo kitchen. The emphasis here is placed on manageability and functionality. For instance, there is a top cabinet with generous storage space for kitchen tools and other utensils concealed behind a practical roll door.

My client has been gardening for years. She asked me to help her fill in areas that were empty or skimpy. Much of her landscaping is perennials so my goal was to add structure through shrubs in areas that were mostly perennials. The shrubs compliment the perennials and provide winter interest. Some areas were empty but anchored by shrubs. In that instance I added perennials that were consistent with her colors, including repeating some already on site, and did well in the shade. We were able to divide some of her perennials on site to reduce the number of new plants that were needed.

Awarded by the Classical institute of art and architecture , the linnean house has a restrained and simple elevation of doors and windows. Nestled in the Forest Hills neighborhood of Washington, D.C., the Linnean House is classical in both plan and elevation throughout its award-winning house plans. The main mass, comprising of the most formal and public spaces, is a spatial triptych along a symmetrical main axis. Inside the luxury home, the limestone façade, simple but well-proportioned with classical elements, extends itself into both the entry portico and main foyer with consistent proportions and materiality. This introduction allows the flanking living and dining rooms to be perceived as separate pavilions, each equipped with eight equal-proportioned French doors symmetrical of the main axis. Beyond the classical spaces are two wings which lead to the master suite and a kitchen/family space, respectively. Both of which are situated to queue from the French door axis, a focal feature in the repeatedly published home design. At the entry foyer, the stark stone luxury architecture is warmed by two symmetrical wood armoire-like freestanding sculptural objects, a persistent theme throughout the luxury house. In the kitchen, for instance, stand four similar wood armoire objects at opposite corners that act as columns and help give this space a sense of boundary and enclosure. The master bath vanity, in similar fashion, is introduced as a central free-standing form anchoring itself as a notable presence in the space. Lastly, the wine room is designed as a series of free-standing heavy wood cavity walls spanned only by a hint of glass.

BLACK BOX nested within the original pared-down Master Bedroom. Photography by Beton Brut.
Inspiration for a closet remodel in Singapore

ISSUE After being faced with an unfortunate instance of water damage in their master bedrooms, the Tate's decided they wanted to change the complete look and feel of their home. They wanted to transition from an 5" wide acacia hardwood that was original to the home and installed in all rooms. They needed a resilient floor for their pets and children, but also wanted something neutral that would go well with any furnishings. SOLUTION Install a lighter color wood to brighten the space the space. Utilize a hardwood that has wider planks to make the space look bigger throughout. For comfort, the bedrooms and family room would remain carpet.

 The other Bathroom Floor tiles tips are to pick a grout shade those differences with the earth tile shade. For instance, if you are installing white flooring, you could use blue, light red or yellow grout for comparison. Be sure and apply sealers to grout lines in areas of heavy wear since sealers will secure and retain grout colors.

Example of a transitional bedroom design in Philadelphia

Part of the solution was to make things smaller that could be: for instance, A Miele 18" dishwasher on the island, a smaller sink, and knee-space for one person on each side of the island allowed all the function to happen in the island that was needed, but with the limited length available. Wall ovens were a must for this client who had been used to bending down to see what was cooking. A combi-microwave over a larger convection oven, both with side-swinging doors, make for dramatic looks but also optimum ergonomics.

miniki is the first kitchen system that transforms into an elevated sideboard after use. There is nothing there to betray the actual function of this piece of furniture. So the surprise is even greater when a fully functional kitchen is revealed after it’s opened. When miniki was designed, priority was given not only to an elegant form but above all to functionality and absolute practicality for everyday use. All the requirements of a kitchen are organized into the smallest of spaces. And space is often at a premium. Different modules are available to match all individual requirements. These modules can be combined to suit all tastes and so provide the perfect kitchen for all purposes. There are kitchens for all requirements – from the mini-kitchen with just one sink and some storage room for small offices to kitchenettes with, for instance, a fridge and two cooking zones, or a fully equipped eat-in kitchen with the full range of functions. This makes miniki a flexible, versatile, multi-purpose kitchen system. Simple to assemble and with its numerous combination options, the modules can be adapted swiftly and easily to any kind of setting. miniki facts module miniki : 3 modules – mk 1, mk 2, mk 3 : module dimensions 120 x 60 x 60 cm / 60 x 60 x 60 cm (H x W x D) : birch plywood with HPL laminate and sealed edges : 15 colors : mk 1 from 4,090 EUR (net plus devices) : mk 3 from 1,260 EUR (net) For further information see http://miniki.eu/en/home.html

Scott Buley, HTT&T, High Tech Turf & Trees, Rain Garden Nursery. We planted this landscape this past winter, when it was impractical to install an irrigation system. We are returning now to finally install sprinklers. In the meantime these unique traveling sprinklers we also sell, do a great job. In many instances these systems are all an owner needs in the Pacific Northwest. With our short dry-season, and nearly year-round rain, these travelers do a fantastic job. As a matter of fact, this is all they use at the Frank Lloyd Wright Gordon House in Silverton. We replanted their turf, and installed the new Turf Patio Frank Lloyd Wright envisioned. This sprinkler does it all. Amazing for such a small investment. It does require someone available to set it up in a few minutes, a few times week, June thru mid -September.

In this beautiful Houston remodel, we took on the exterior AND interior - with a new outdoor kitchen, patio cover and balcony outside and a Mid-Century Modern redesign on the inside: "This project was really unique, not only in the extensive scope of it, but in the number of different elements needing to be coordinated with each other," says Outdoor Homescapes of Houston owner Wayne Franks. "Our entire team really rose to the challenge." OUTSIDE The new outdoor living space includes a 14 x 20-foot patio addition with an outdoor kitchen and balcony. We also extended the roof over the patio between the house and the breezeway (the new section is 26 x 14 feet). On the patio and balcony, we laid about 1,100-square foot of new hardscaping in the place of pea gravel. The new material is a gorgeous, honed-and-filled Nysa travertine tile in a Versailles pattern. We used the same tile for the new pool coping, too. We also added French doors leading to the patio and balcony from a lower bedroom and upper game room, respectively: The outdoor kitchen above features Southern Cream cobblestone facing and a Titanium granite countertop and raised bar. The 8 x 12-foot, L-shaped kitchen island houses an RCS 27-inch grill, plus an RCS ice maker, lowered power burner, fridge and sink. The outdoor ceiling is tongue-and-groove pine boards, done in the Minwax stain "Jacobean." INSIDE Inside, we repainted the entire house from top to bottom, including baseboards, doors, crown molding and cabinets. We also updated the lighting throughout. "Their style before was really non-existent," says Lisha Maxey, senior designer with Outdoor Homescapes and owner of LGH Design Services in Houston. "They did what most families do - got items when they needed them, worrying less about creating a unified style for the home." Other than a new travertine tile floor the client had put in 6 months earlier, the space had never been updated. The drapery had been there for 15 years. And the living room had an enormous leather sectional couch that virtually filled the entire room. In its place, we put all new, Mid-Century Modern furniture from World Market. The drapery fabric and chandelier came from High Fashion Home. All the other new sconces and chandeliers throughout the house came from Pottery Barn and all décor accents from World Market. The couple and their two teenaged sons got bedroom makeovers as well. One of the sons, for instance, started with childish bunk beds and piles of books everywhere. "We gave him a grown-up space he could enjoy well into his high school years," says Lisha. The new bed is also from World Market. We also updated the kitchen by removing all the old wallpaper and window blinds and adding new paint and knobs and pulls for the cabinets. (The family plans to update the backsplash later.) The top handrail on the stairs got a coat of black paint, and we added a console table (from Kirkland's) in the downstairs hallway. In the dining room, we painted the cabinet and mirror frames black and added new drapes, but kept the existing furniture and flooring. "I'm just so pleased with how it turned out - especially Lisha's coordination of all the materials and finishes," says Wayne. "But as a full-service outdoor design team, this is what we do, and our all our great reviews are telling us we're doing it well."