Media Center: The storage within the wall interlocks, strategically borrowing space from one side to serve the other. The Wall neatly conceals lighting above and disorganized audio-video components below with a speaker cloth access door that allows both sound and infrared to pass through. The back side echoes the projection and serves as a headboard for the sleeping area with storage above for linens and books. Photo by: Jonn Coolidge

Northern Michigan is the ultimate getaway destination with serene views and abundance of outdoor recreation. This remote Up North house offers nothing short of that. With the nearest major town almost 45 minutes away, it was essential this vacation home offered all the amenities for entertainment and relaxation. Spire worked with the client to create the perfect lake house retreat with comfort and convenience during any season or weather. The living room with an attached game room is a versatile space that offers endless entertainment. A 65” TV was installed over the fireplace in the custom stone wall. The adjustable mount allows the TV to lower for comfortable viewing from either the couch or pool table. A pair of Meridian Audio DSP7200 custom color matched speakers equipped with a Meridian Audio 218 digital controller were strategically installed on each side of the fireplace. The floor-standing speakers compliment the natural stone while providing astonishingly life-like sound, perfect for streaming live concerts. The powerful audio extends to the upper level of the home. Spire installed B&W 700 series bookshelf speakers in the executive office and a Triad custom speaker bar in the master bedroom. These speakers are ideal for smaller rooms, while elevating the TV experience. The large living room windows offer beautiful lake views and ample lighting. Lutron Palladiom shades were installed to easily control the natural light in the living room, master bedroom and bathroom. They are custom designed and fully automated to let in the morning sun or achieve partial shading or complete privacy. Whether set on a schedule or controlled from an iPad, the shades operate quietly and seamlessly. The technology was designed to be enjoyed just as much indoors as outdoors. With the whole home audio system, high-quality sound can flow throughout the indoor rooms as well as the outdoor patio. While the location may be remote, Spire ensured the WiFi and network connection is strong both throughout the yard and inside the home. A Lutron HomeWorks QS system integrates the control of all the interior and exterior lighting including motion sensing for the exterior pathway. Since this is not a permanent residence, a control and security system was very important. A personalized Savant system was integrated for full home control of lighting, climate, entertainment and security from anywhere with a smart device . This includes the ability to control the multiple landscape light zones with timed scenes. The Doorbird cameras and chimes with the integration of camera feeds into the Savant Control provides remote communication with visitors at any of the exterior doors. Remote access also allows rebooting of all essential systems from any location.

The Crescent Oak design highlights the versatility of the classic Pergola. Double layers of the Pergola beams subtly reinforce the structure’s integrity without diminishing the overall appearance. Each strategically placed cedar column complements the appearance of separate sections within the 400 square foot area. To brighten the backyard beyond floodlights were installed on both sides of the upper Pergola beam.

Accessed via three sliding door systems, the private courtyard stuns with strategic entertaining and relaxation zones—and an undulating wood and light installation along the property wall. Back inside, the home’s centrally located kitchen is a feat of inspired design, flaunting a 14-foot island with an integrated butcher block, a 7-foot-wide galley sink, a custom hood vent and a fully integrated Sub-Zero/Wolf appliances suite.

Contemporary townhouse centrally situated on one of Hoboken’s finest blocks. Meticulously renovated 2 years ago, this circa 1889 brick row house has been thoughtfully designed for today’s urban family. Currently configured as a 2 family home, the owner’s triplex features 3 bedrooms, den and 2½ bathrooms. Keeping future expansion in mind, the oversized 1 bedroom garden apartment can easily be recaptured to integrate with the main residence for a total of 3,000+ square feet of living space across 4 floors. The bright open parlor level features contemporary clean lines, working gas fireplace, half bath and a designer Scavolini kitchen with a Wolf and SubZero appliance suite, waterfall island and LaCantina doors opening the rear of the home to a stunning Ipe deck and private yard below – perfect for seamless indoor/outdoor entertaining. The second floor master suite features a step out balcony, large walk in closet and stunning bath with dual vanity, free standing soaking tub and steam shower. Completing the 2nd level is the den with working gas fireplace – perfect for a home office, nursery or fourth bedroom. The top floor features 2 bedrooms, a central family/playroom and bath. New EPDM rubber roof, Marvin windows, hardwood floors, central HVAC system and pre-wiring for sound and cable. Centrally located near NYC transportation, parks, schools and dining/nightlife. Sophisticated urban living at its best!

Creating an updated bathroom utilizing their expansive view was the homeowner's objective. The soaking tub's strategic location and the cut out wall in the custom shower achieved that goal. Complete customization of the cabinetry, frame-less shower door and magazine rack contributed to this bathroom's unique features. Outlets placed inside the medicine cabinets created clean sleek walls above the sinks. The integration of such quality manufacturers as Moen and Toto will yield a maintenance free bathroom for years to come.

Embracing minimalist design principles, this hallway exudes a calming atmosphere with its muted color palette and strategic lighting. Large windows seamlessly connect the indoors with nature, while strategically placed greenery enhances the overall sense of serenity. The smooth stone flooring and clean lines emphasize the space's modern appeal, providing a gentle transition between rooms.

The rustic porch of Mountain Lodge at Pinchot Forest showcases handcrafted timber columns and a native stone fireplace, creating an inviting outdoor living space. Living Stone Design + Build integrates sustainable IPE wood decking with low-profile LED lighting, framing unobstructed mountain vistas through strategically placed openings. The design features deep overhangs with exposed joinery and custom steel-and-cedar rocking chairs, blending rugged craftsmanship with modern comfort for four-season use.

These beautiful Montana boulders are more like sculptures than boulders. It's nice to place them in strategic spots and integrate into the paving. They are perfect bench height and have some 'COOL' dendrites imprinted into their surfaces forever from who knows how long ago!

Cassiopeia Way Residence Architect: Locati Architects General Contractor: SBC Interior Designer: Jane Legasa Photography: Zakara Photography

Creating an updated bathroom utilizing their expansive view was the homeowner's objective. The soaking tub's strategic location and the cut out wall in the custom shower achieved that goal. Complete customization of the cabinetry, frame-less shower door and magazine rack contributed to this bathroom's unique features. Outlets placed inside the medicine cabinets created clean sleek walls above the sinks. The integration of such quality manufacturers as Moen and Toto will yield a maintenance free bathroom for years to come.

A sophisticated San Diego outdoor living space designed for both relaxation and entertaining. This modern patio features a custom-fabricated, oversized concrete fire pit with integrated basalt rock. The design includes bespoke wooden bench seating with built-in LED under-lighting to enhance the architectural lines at night. Professional hardscaping, drought-tolerant landscaping, and strategically placed accent lighting create a high-end, resort-style atmosphere that seamlessly extends the home's living space outdoors.

Northern Michigan is the ultimate getaway destination with serene views and abundance of outdoor recreation. This remote Up North house offers nothing short of that. With the nearest major town almost 45 minutes away, it was essential this vacation home offered all the amenities for entertainment and relaxation. Spire worked with the client to create the perfect lake house retreat with comfort and convenience during any season or weather. The living room with an attached game room is a versatile space that offers endless entertainment. A 65” TV was installed over the fireplace in the custom stone wall. The adjustable mount allows the TV to lower for comfortable viewing from either the couch or pool table. A pair of Meridian Audio DSP7200 custom color matched speakers equipped with a Meridian Audio 218 digital controller were strategically installed on each side of the fireplace. The floor-standing speakers compliment the natural stone while providing astonishingly life-like sound, perfect for streaming live concerts. The powerful audio extends to the upper level of the home. Spire installed B&W 700 series bookshelf speakers in the executive office and a Triad custom speaker bar in the master bedroom. These speakers are ideal for smaller rooms, while elevating the TV experience. The large living room windows offer beautiful lake views and ample lighting. Lutron Palladiom shades were installed to easily control the natural light in the living room, master bedroom and bathroom. They are custom designed and fully automated to let in the morning sun or achieve partial shading or complete privacy. Whether set on a schedule or controlled from an iPad, the shades operate quietly and seamlessly. The technology was designed to be enjoyed just as much indoors as outdoors. With the whole home audio system, high-quality sound can flow throughout the indoor rooms as well as the outdoor patio. While the location may be remote, Spire ensured the WiFi and network connection is strong both throughout the yard and inside the home. A Lutron HomeWorks QS system integrates the control of all the interior and exterior lighting including motion sensing for the exterior pathway. Since this is not a permanent residence, a control and security system was very important. A personalized Savant system was integrated for full home control of lighting, climate, entertainment and security from anywhere with a smart device . This includes the ability to control the multiple landscape light zones with timed scenes. The Doorbird cameras and chimes with the integration of camera feeds into the Savant Control provides remote communication with visitors at any of the exterior doors. Remote access also allows rebooting of all essential systems from any location.

Creating an updated bathroom utilizing their expansive view was the homeowner's objective. The soaking tub's strategic location and the cut out wall in the custom shower achieved that goal. Complete customization of the cabinetry, frame-less shower door and magazine rack contributed to this bathroom's unique features. Outlets placed inside the medicine cabinets created clean sleek walls above the sinks. The integration of such quality manufacturers as Moen and Toto will yield a maintenance free bathroom for years to come.

Creating an updated bathroom utilizing their expansive view was the homeowner's objective. The soaking tub's strategic location and the cut out wall in the custom shower achieved that goal. Complete customization of the cabinetry, frame-less shower door and magazine rack contributed to this bathroom's unique features. Outlets placed inside the medicine cabinets created clean sleek walls above the sinks. The integration of such quality manufacturers as Moen and Toto will yield a maintenance free bathroom for years to come.

Creating an updated bathroom utilizing their expansive view was the homeowner's objective. The soaking tub's strategic location and the cut out wall in the custom shower achieved that goal. Complete customization of the cabinetry, frame-less shower door and magazine rack contributed to this bathroom's unique features. Outlets placed inside the medicine cabinets created clean sleek walls above the sinks. The integration of such quality manufacturers as Moen and Toto will yield a maintenance free bathroom for years to come.

Close up of the grain matched walnut veneer. Also in the background are the custom walnut floating shelves with integrated LED lighting routered into the back of the shelf edge for some strategic uplighting highlights. Photos: SpartaPhoto - Alex Rentzis

This estate lot has a large pool enclosure at the back defined by a protective wrought iron fence. Extensive garden lighting illuminates both the front yard and backyard enclosure. Strategically placed Armour stone boulders help to integrate the changing levels.

Creating an updated bathroom utilizing their expansive view was the homeowner's objective. The soaking tub's strategic location and the cut out wall in the custom shower achieved that goal. Complete customization of the cabinetry, frame-less shower door and magazine rack contributed to this bathroom's unique features. Outlets placed inside the medicine cabinets created clean sleek walls above the sinks. The integration of such quality manufacturers as Moen and Toto will yield a maintenance free bathroom for years to come.