Artist/Blogger Laura Trevey - Home Office Direct Link: http://www.brightboldbeautiful.com/2010/04/19/art-studio-home-office/ Shop: http://www.lauratrevey.etsy.com Blog: http://www.brightboldbeautiful.com/ More of my Home Office here: http://www.brightboldbeautiful.com/2010/04/19/art-studio-home-office/ Paint color: Benjamin Moore - Spring Mint

Tucked away in the backwoods of Torch Lake, this home marries “rustic” with the sleek elegance of modern. The combination of wood, stone and metal textures embrace the charm of a classic farmhouse. Although this is not your average farmhouse. The home is outfitted with a high performing system that seamlessly works with the design and architecture. The tall ceilings and windows allow ample natural light into the main room. Spire Integrated Systems installed Lutron QS Wireless motorized shades paired with Hartmann & Forbes windowcovers to offer privacy and block harsh light. The custom 18′ windowcover’s woven natural fabric complements the organic esthetics of the room. The shades are artfully concealed in the millwork when not in use. Spire installed B&W in-ceiling speakers and Sonance invisible in-wall speakers to deliver ambient music that emanates throughout the space with no visual footprint. Spire also installed a Sonance Landscape Audio System so the homeowner can enjoy music outside. Each system is easily controlled using Savant. Spire personalized the settings to the homeowner’s preference making controlling the home efficient and convenient.

Hively Landscapes http://www.hivelylandscapes.com/ Project Entry: Residence on Fairfax Category: Residential $60,000 & Over Award Level: Bronze Project Description: Our clients, Lisa and Mark, approached us to design and install an outdoor living area at their residence. Their criteria were simple: they wished to install a pool and a partially shaded entertaining area, while eliminating the blacktopped parking area behind their residence. They emphasized the importance of preserving the view of the surrounding countryside from their second story windows and deck. They wished the project to be a good value - modest in cost, and not extravagant Lisa has an appreciation for gardening and wanted to care for her landscape on her own, but has limited time. The only request of Mark was a simple cooking area with both a charcoal and a gas grill, and a preparation counter. We suggested a few additional objectives: to create a secure yet dramatic and inviting entrance to the new living area, and to introduce the client to the benefits of creative landscape lighting. A challenge on this property, as on most projects, was to manage the additional stormwater resulting from the impervious paved areas as well as an addition to the home. Wherever possible, the new paving was sloped towards planting areas or lawn areas for natural infiltration. Where necessary, the paving was gently sloped to several floor drains. These drains, along with downspouts, were plumbed to a properly sized infiltration pit. Existing grades were carefully considered and modified as necessary. Another challenge was working around existing sanitary sewer lines, and leaving existing cleanouts accessible yet disguised within the planting areas. The project was designed around an existing water well, which had been abandoned years prior when the residence was connected to public water service. We recommended reactivating the well for landscape use This source was used to supply an outdoor hydrant and a drip irrigation system, which we designed and placed throughout the plantings. While the material choices for the segmental retaining wall and paving were conservative, we used design tricks to add interest. An area rug was created in the pergola area by utilizing a man-made flagstone material with a paver border. Columns with lanterns enhance the retaining wall. The client desired to not see plastic coping or concrete around the pool. We recommended a bullnose paver pool coping. This was installed by one of our own hardscaping crews, using colored mortar. Challenging curves and corners called for precise cuts in the coping and in the paving. A special feature of the new entrance is the gate, which we designed from stock components and had built at a local shop. Dogwood castings and a plasma-cut steel wildlife scene acknowledge Lisa and Mark's love of gardening and wildlife. All other components are aluminum (with recycled content), and the finished product was powder coated for durability. The flying birds were added to the wildlife scene in the shop to satisfy zoning requirements for maximum opening size. Repetition of the block columns and lanterns completes a very secure yet inviting entrance. Aluminum picket fencing was used in visible areas and to complement the gate. The rear and sides of the property received black wire mesh on the existing split rail fence, which was economical and satisfies security needs while blending into the rural surroundings. We designed a landscape planting that would result in color throughout the seasons and create a sense of enclosure without detracting from the desirable views. A large maple was relocated to another location on the property, and a pin oak was protected and preserved. The garden areas adjacent to the pool paving received weed control fabric and gravel, which keeps maintenance low and keeps the paving clean. Lisa has had to do very little pruning, weeding, or watering, and spends most of her gardening effort in planting colorful container gardens. Our clients greatly appreciate the birds and butterflies that have been attracted to the property. During the initial installation, footers for a future shade structure were precisely installed, inspected, and paved over. A custom-manufactured PVC pergola with retractable canopies and roll-down blinds was placed the following season. We recommended and installed a variety of landscape lighting, including lanterns on the columns and on the house (installed by others), and low voltage pathway lights. Low voltage rope lighting concealed in the rafters of the pergola produces a warm glow. We are proud of achieving all of the client's goals as well as several goals that we introduced to them_ We have received many compliments, and have worked with Mark and Lisa on several additional projects.

Traditional two-story brick exterior home idea in Chicago

The owners of this 520 square foot, three-level studio loft had a few requests for Turett's design tea,: use sustainable materials throughout; incorporate an eclectic mix of bright colors and textures; gut everything..but preserve two decorative tiles from the existing bathroom for nostalgic value. TCA drew on its experience with 'green' materials to integrate FSC-certified wood flooring and kitchen cabinets, recycled mosaic glass tiles in the kitchen and bathrooms, no-VOC paint and energy efficient lighting throughout the space. One of the main challenges for TCA was separating the different programmatic areas - ktichen, living room, and sleeping loft -- in an interesting way while maximizing the sense of space in a relatively small volume. The solution was a custom designed double-height screen of movable translucent panels that creates a hybrid room divider, feature wall, shelving system and guard rail. The three levels distinguished by the system are connected by stainless steel open riser stairs with FSC-certified treads to match the flooring. Creating a setting for the preserved ceramic pieces led to the development of this apartment's one-of-a-kind hidden gem: a 5'x7' powder room wall made of 126 six-inch tiles --each one unique--organized by color gradation. This complete renovation - from the plumbing fixtures and appliances to the hardware and finishes -- is a perfect example of TCA's ability to integrate sustainable design principles with a client's individual aims.

WHAT MAKES VILLA TERRA GREEN? 1. Rammed Earth and PISE Walls Beyond it’s beautiful qualities and “Old World” look, the rammed earth and PISE walls (pneumatically impacted stabilized earth) drastically reduce the use of trees for the initial wall framing lumber. And because this “Earth Structure” will far outlast any wood frame building, trees are again saved many times over, creating the foundation for the true model of sustainability. We have created a house that will essentially last forever, instead of having to be rebuilt every 50 to 75 years. The 18” thick PISE walls and concrete floors also provide thermal mass, an integral part of the passive solar design of the house. These features help keep the house naturally cooler in summer and retaining heat in winter, greatly reducing the heating and cooling loads and energy use. 2. High Content Fly Ash Concrete Foundation Use of high content (25%) fly ash (industrial waste byproduct) in place of Portland Cement results in reduction of energy consumption and green house gas emissions associated with Portland cement production (second only to petroleum in terms of carbon dioxide emissions). 3. Reclaimed Plumbing Fixtures All lavatory sinks and tubs were bought from salvage yards (tub is reportedly from the Jack Benny house in Hollywood). Reclaimed Carrara marble fountain has been made into the powder room sink. 4. Natural Daylighting Use of numerous skylights and high transom windows to reduce electrical lighting loads during the day. Natural daylighting also has documented benefits on mood, productivity, and enjoyment of the space. 5. Photo Voltaic Solar Panels Use of PV solar electric generation system to reduce electrical grid consumption, and bi-directional meter sends power back to the grid when it is needed most, on hot summer afternoons. 6. Hydronic Radiant Heat Floor Use of hydronic radiant floor heating system saves energy, is more efficient for residential heating, is more comfortable for inhabitants, and promotes superior indoor air quality over forced air systems. 7. Natural/Passive Ventilation Use of operable skylights operable high windows and ceiling fans, creates a natural convection current, thereby eliminating the need for an air conditioning system. 8. Passive Solar Design Use of extensive east and south facing glass, proper overhangs, high interior mass, deciduous grape vines on appropriately placed trellises, to passively heat the home in winter, and protect the house from unnecessary heat gain in summer. 9. Reclaimed Lumber - Douglas fir ceiling beams reclaimed from the Town & Country Village Shopping Center (now Santana Row) in San Jose. - Douglas fir ceiling decking reclaimed from the 118 year old Notre Dame High School in downtown San Jose. TJI joists reclaimed from the “Millenium Man” movie set in Alameda used for floor and roof framing. Redwood ceiling beams reclaimed from a Los Altos cabana/trellis. 10. Extensive Use of Other Reclaimed Materials Two antique reclaimed European stone fireplace mantles grace the family room and master bedroom fireplaces. Interior doors with glass knobs reclaimed from the original house located at the property. Two large terraces utilize used brick salvaged from at least 15 different locations. Courtyard fountain is tiled using recycled and restored ceramic tiles from a 1928 California Colonial house in Los Altos. Cabinet lumber from original house used for closet shelving. Plywood from crates that the windows and doors were delivered in were used to create garage shear walls. Foundation forms were salvaged and rip cut for use as interior stud walls. Garage doors were salvaged from a remodel project in Mountain View. 11. Ground Source Heat Pump - Ground source heat pump uses geothermal energy to heat the house and domestic water, greatly reducing natural gas and fossil fuel consumption. 12. Low VOC Paint Clay Plaster Wall Finishes VOC-free interior paint and stain finishes promotes healthy indoor air quality, reduces exacerbation of respiratory ailments such as asthma and lung cancer. Extensive use of American Clay Plaster integral color wall finish eliminates need for painted walls. 13. High Efficiency Windows Use of energy efficient dual pane thermal glazing with “Low e” coating at all doors and windows reduces heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter, cutting energy use. 14. Engineered Structural Lumber Extensive use of engineered lumber for structural framing and sheathing reduces cutting of old growth forests, and encourages use of “crop lumber”. 15. FSC Certified Mill Work Extensive use of FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified sustainable lumber products for cabinetry, hardwood flooring, trim, etc. further protects the environment through third party monitoring and certification of the entire supply chain. 16. Cotton Insulation Formaldehyde-free cotton insulation made from recycled blue jeans used extensively for attic insulation. photography by Frank Paul Perez

The owners of this 520 square foot, three-level studio loft had a few requests for Turett's design tea,: use sustainable materials throughout; incorporate an eclectic mix of bright colors and textures; gut everything..but preserve two decorative tiles from the existing bathroom for nostalgic value. TCA drew on its experience with 'green' materials to integrate FSC-certified wood flooring and kitchen cabinets, recycled mosaic glass tiles in the kitchen and bathrooms, no-VOC paint and energy efficient lighting throughout the space. One of the main challenges for TCA was separating the different programmatic areas - ktichen, living room, and sleeping loft -- in an interesting way while maximizing the sense of space in a relatively small volume. The solution was a custom designed double-height screen of movable translucent panels that creates a hybrid room divider, feature wall, shelving system and guard rail. The three levels distinguished by the system are connected by stainless steel open riser stairs with FSC-certified treads to match the flooring. Creating a setting for the preserved ceramic pieces led to the development of this apartment's one-of-a-kind hidden gem: a 5'x7' powder room wall made of 126 six-inch tiles --each one unique--organized by color gradation. This complete renovation - from the plumbing fixtures and appliances to the hardware and finishes -- is a perfect example of TCA's ability to integrate sustainable design principles with a client's individual aims.

Our PREMIUM SELECT Tumbled French Pattern Walnut Travertine Pavers are light brown in color. Although some variation in color is to be expected, it is overall consistent throughout. Our most popular product. Walnut Travertine French pattern consists of 8×8, 8×16, 16×16, 16×24 sizes. 1.25″ thick.

This gorgeous backyard project covered every square inch of this customer’s backyard and was nestled in to a tight backyard access without disturbing the existing trees or golf course. The customer had very contemporary and modern tastes and wanted that reflected in their pool and backyard design. A stunning 1” blue glass tiled raised planter box* with 5 water features gracefully separates this geometrically perfect Pebble Sheen swimming pool from the golf course it overlooks and green low-maintenance Southwest plants & floral separate the view. A dam wall separates the roomy therapeutic in-ground semi-circle spa from the pool area. The side of the pool closest to the home is a straight parallel line, with the opposing side geometrically rounded with both the raised pattern pavers and the wrought iron fence matching patterns precisely. The ( wireless EZ Touch remote operated ) pool equipment is on the side of the home allowing spacious deck space for those who enjoy this contemporary backyard. Of note, the same 1” glass tiles from the raised planter were used throughout the home’s interior to integrate outdoor & indoor elements.

With a compact form and several integrated sustainable systems, the Capitol Hill Residence achieves the client’s goals to maximize the site’s views and resources while responding to its micro climate. Some of the sustainable systems are architectural in nature. For example, the roof rainwater collects into a steel entry water feature, day light from a typical overcast Seattle sky penetrates deep into the house through a central translucent slot, and exterior mounted mechanical shades prevent excessive heat gain without sacrificing the view. Hidden systems affect the energy consumption of the house such as the buried geothermal wells and heat pumps that aid in both heating and cooling, and a 30 panel photovoltaic system mounted on the roof feeds electricity back to the grid. The minimal foundation sits within the footprint of the previous house, while the upper floors cantilever off the foundation as if to float above the front entry water feature and surrounding landscape. The house is divided by a sloped translucent ceiling that contains the main circulation space and stair allowing daylight deep into the core. Acrylic cantilevered treads with glazed guards and railings keep the visual appearance of the stair light and airy allowing the living and dining spaces to flow together. While the footprint and overall form of the Capitol Hill Residence were shaped by the restrictions of the site, the architectural and mechanical systems at work define the aesthetic. Working closely with a team of engineers, landscape architects, and solar designers we were able to arrive at an elegant, environmentally sustainable home that achieves the needs of the clients, and fits within the context of the site and surrounding community. (c) Steve Keating Photography

This exclusive guest home features excellent and easy to use technology throughout. The idea and purpose of this guesthouse is to host multiple charity events, sporting event parties, and family gatherings. The roughly 90-acre site has impressive views and is a one of a kind property in Colorado. The project features incredible sounding audio and 4k video distributed throughout (inside and outside). There is centralized lighting control both indoors and outdoors, an enterprise Wi-Fi network, HD surveillance, and a state of the art Crestron control system utilizing iPads and in-wall touch panels. Some of the special features of the facility is a powerful and sophisticated QSC Line Array audio system in the Great Hall, Sony and Crestron 4k Video throughout, a large outdoor audio system featuring in ground hidden subwoofers by Sonance surrounding the pool, and smart LED lighting inside the gorgeous infinity pool. J Gramling Photos

LAIR Architectural + Interior Photography
Inspiration for a rustic backyard landscaping in Dallas.

Roger Hill/Hill Construction
Example of a huge tuscan exterior home design in San Francisco

This eclectic media room is installed in a combination office, car museum, art museum in Santa Barbara county. A huge 103" plasma TV seemingly "floats" off the wall due to the blue LED backlighting, which is controlled via a Crestron color touchscreen and a Crestron-connected iPad. iPad control is the norm for nearly every project we do these days. A high-performance surround sound system features all in-wall and in-ceiling speakers, including in-wall subwoofers. All audio/video components are hidden from view in an adjacent space. Besides the audio video and lighting, we can control the motorized acoustic curtains in the back of the room, the climate system, and an office/museum-wide audio system. This casual media room space also doubles as a conference room audio system when the client holds office meetings...computers and laptops can be viewed on the huge display. photo by Berlyn Photography

This custom garage cabinetry system includes a high gloss red, black, and wire bronze finishes to achieve a modern high end car connoisseur look. The countertops were finished with a Mayan dyed copper metal laminate and all drawer boxes were lined with a black and red speckled vulcanized high impact rubber matting. Some added features include: integrated seating bench, personal beverage center, concealed hot/cold water retractable hose reel, and a wet/dry shop vacuum system. The TV was also equipped with its own high gloss surround cabinet with tiered picture frame to further accent the garage colors. The TV cabinet has LED back lighting to make the TV appear as though it is floating in space. Red and Black moulding were added to the upper soffit area to conceal a multi-color LED lighting for added ambiance. To finish things off two car lifts were installed for more "good boy" toys. Bill Curran/Closet Organizing Systems/Owner & Designer

Bedroom - modern dark wood floor bedroom idea in Phoenix with white walls

These homeowners wanted to maintain their home's existing tropical mediterranean vibes, so we enhanced their space with accenting multi-tone pavers. These paving stones are rich in color and texture, adding to the existing beauty of their home. Artificial turf was added in for drought tolerance and low maintenance. Landscape lighting flows throughout the front and the backyard. Lastly, they requested a water feature to be included on their private backyard patio for added relaxation and ambiance.

System Pavers offers fully integrated outdoor lighting systems that help showcase the beauty of your home and provide the secondary benefits of safety features while extending the hours of use of your outdoor living space. Our landscape lighting design experts will help you capture and enhance your home's nighttime curb appeal. Creating the perfect mood lighting for entertaining outdoors whether you're taking an evening swim in the pool, having a BBQ dinner on the patio, or just sitting on the balcony enjoying the outdoors is part of the process of design. We will look at all of your needs and help plan an outdoor living space that not only fits within your lifestyle, but your budget too, all while providing you with the most beautiful and functional outdoor LED lighting arrangement possible for your home.

Joseph shares a great picture of his Pro Dunk Silver Basketball System that is installed on his front yard driveway. His family loves their hoop. The playing area on their paved driveway is 26 feet wide and 22 feet deep. Their residence is located in Arlington, Virginia. This is a Pro Dunk Silver Basketball System that was purchased in November of 2012. It was installed on a 26 ft wide by a 22 ft deep playing area in Arlington, VA. Browse all of Joseph P's photos navigate to: http://www.produnkhoops.com/photos/albums/joseph-26x22-pro-dunk-silver-basketball-system-625/