This two-story traditional home plan will meet the needs of the modern family without sacrificing style. The stone, cedar and siding exterior creates low-maintenance curb appeal. Conveniently located through the garage entrance is a powder room, mudroom and utility room. Thoughtful details including shelves and cabinets in the mudroom promote easy living for even the busiest families. The great room's soaring two story ceiling adds elegance while custom-styled details including shelves and built-ins add practical storage space. The walk-in pantry is easily accessible from the kitchen and the nearby e-space is surrounded by windows. The large screen porch features a fireplace and is filled with natural light from two skylights. The master suite includes two walk-in closets, a tray ceiling and a bay window, the perfect space for a cozy sitting area. The master bath offers additional storage with shelves and space for linens. Upstairs, two spacious bedrooms share a bathroom with a large vanity space, a sun tunnel and built-in shelves for extra storage. A bonus room awaits expansion in this home plan.

A little bit farmhouse colonial and a little bit barn, this custom house to be built in western Connecticut uses our Full Exposure Wall Framing System throughout ( https://www.postandbeam.com/wall-framing-system). The Main Level is about 1900 sq. ft., and the front section is the central entry, the master bedroom suite to the left, and the laundry, mud room, half bath and kitchen on the right; all of these areas are under a conventionally framed flat ceiling/mid-floor system (conventional framing is by owner/contractor). A breezeway with a wood liner ceiling connects to the garage via the mudroom (the two-car garage is by owner/contractor). The rear ell of the main level is the great room under a cathedral Beamed Roof System ( https://www.postandbeam.com/roof-framing-system) with trusses, and a beamed screen porch abuts the great room. Upstairs is about 1200 sq. ft. under a Plaster and Accent Beam Roof System with two bedrooms on the left side sharing a full Jack-and-Jill bath. To the right of the central hallway is another bedroom suite with a full bath; the upstairs rear rooms are under cathedral ceilings. The full basement level is currently designed for storage and utilities.

New Additions to Hoover + Hill This project is a continuation of the renovation and updating work Flavin Architects had previously completed at the 1958 Wales house, designed by architect Henry Hoover and Walter Hill. Our clients, a young family, desired more space for guests, a home office, a yoga studio, and covered car parking. The challenge was to respect the architects’ original vision and not to interfere with the perfect cruciform plan of the house. To accomplish these goals, we converted the existing garage/workshop structure into a guest house and then designed a new, separate carport/storage building. The new carport building shares the low-slope gable of the original Hoover structure. The post and beam structure characteristic of Hoover’s design is updated through the use of galvanized steel posts and I beams. The galvanized beams cantilever to support a sheltered walkway leading from the parking to a guest house terrace defined in relationship to the three structures surrounding it. The terrace is paved in slate with a central rain garden. Wood lattice clads the carport, providing good ventilation and letting the building glow like a lantern at night. Our guest house renovation celebrates the unique structural timber ceiling of the original garage. We replaced opaque plywood trusses with a slender cable truss structurally engineered by Webb Structural Services. This cable truss allows for a view of the timber ceiling. A wall of glass facing the courtyard replaced the original garage door. A murphy bed in the rear room enables quick conversion from guest quarters to weight room.

This 2-story home includes a 3- car garage with mudroom entry, an inviting front porch with decorative posts, and a screened-in porch. The home features an open floor plan with 10’ ceilings on the 1st floor and impressive detailing throughout. A dramatic 2-story ceiling creates a grand first impression in the foyer, where hardwood flooring extends into the adjacent formal dining room elegant coffered ceiling accented by craftsman style wainscoting and chair rail. Just beyond the Foyer, the great room with a 2-story ceiling, the kitchen, breakfast area, and hearth room share an open plan. The spacious kitchen includes that opens to the breakfast area, quartz countertops with tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, attractive cabinetry with crown molding, and a corner pantry. The connecting hearth room is a cozy retreat that includes a gas fireplace with stone surround and shiplap. The floor plan also includes a study with French doors and a convenient bonus room for additional flexible living space. The first-floor owner’s suite boasts an expansive closet, and a private bathroom with a shower, freestanding tub, and double bowl vanity. On the 2nd floor is a versatile loft area overlooking the great room, 2 full baths, and 3 bedrooms with spacious closets.

This 2-story home includes a 3- car garage with mudroom entry, an inviting front porch with decorative posts, and a screened-in porch. The home features an open floor plan with 10’ ceilings on the 1st floor and impressive detailing throughout. A dramatic 2-story ceiling creates a grand first impression in the foyer, where hardwood flooring extends into the adjacent formal dining room elegant coffered ceiling accented by craftsman style wainscoting and chair rail. Just beyond the Foyer, the great room with a 2-story ceiling, the kitchen, breakfast area, and hearth room share an open plan. The spacious kitchen includes that opens to the breakfast area, quartz countertops with tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, attractive cabinetry with crown molding, and a corner pantry. The connecting hearth room is a cozy retreat that includes a gas fireplace with stone surround and shiplap. The floor plan also includes a study with French doors and a convenient bonus room for additional flexible living space. The first-floor owner’s suite boasts an expansive closet, and a private bathroom with a shower, freestanding tub, and double bowl vanity. On the 2nd floor is a versatile loft area overlooking the great room, 2 full baths, and 3 bedrooms with spacious closets.

This traditional home exudes a sense of peace and harmony within the neighborhood while honoring cultural heritage. Its prominent screened front porch warmly welcomes guests, setting the tone for hospitality. Inside, the main floor features a formal living space adjacent to the stairwell, tastefully furnished to create an inviting atmosphere. The spacious master suite offers a sleek master bathroom with separate bathtub and shower, double vanity sinks, walk-in closet, and sitting area, providing a luxurious retreat. The well-equipped kitchen boasts a modern island, breakfast nook, butler's pantry, and eating bar, catering to both functionality and style. A ornate formal dining room with a fireplace adds elegance and is ideal for hosting family and friends. Additionally, a mudroom and modern powder room enhance convenience and practicality. Upstairs, a large and decorated media room awaits, providing entertainment for the whole family. The tastefully furnished bedrooms offer modern amenities, including a jack-and-jill bathroom design for shared convenience. Another modern bedroom with an exclusive bathroom design completes the upper floor, ensuring comfort and convenience for all residents.

For this project, the entire kitchen was designed around the “must-have” Lacanche range in the stunning French Blue with brass trim. That was the client’s dream and everything had to be built to complement it. Bilotta senior designer, Randy O’Kane, CKD worked with Paul Benowitz and Dipti Shah of Benowitz Shah Architects to contemporize the kitchen while staying true to the original house which was designed in 1928 by regionally noted architect Franklin P. Hammond. The clients purchased the home over two years ago from the original owner. While the house has a magnificent architectural presence from the street, the basic systems, appointments, and most importantly, the layout and flow were inappropriately suited to contemporary living. The new plan removed an outdated screened porch at the rear which was replaced with the new family room and moved the kitchen from a dark corner in the front of the house to the center. The visual connection from the kitchen through the family room is dramatic and gives direct access to the rear yard and patio. It was important that the island separating the kitchen from the family room have ample space to the left and right to facilitate traffic patterns, and interaction among family members. Hence vertical kitchen elements were placed primarily on existing interior walls. The cabinetry used was Bilotta’s private label, the Bilotta Collection – they selected beautiful, dramatic, yet subdued finishes for the meticulously handcrafted cabinetry. The double islands allow for the busy family to have a space for everything – the island closer to the range has seating and makes a perfect space for doing homework or crafts, or having breakfast or snacks. The second island has ample space for storage and books and acts as a staging area from the kitchen to the dinner table. The kitchen perimeter and both islands are painted in Benjamin Moore’s Paper White. The wall cabinets flanking the sink have wire mesh fronts in a statuary bronze – the insides of these cabinets are painted blue to match the range. The breakfast room cabinetry is Benjamin Moore’s Lampblack with the interiors of the glass cabinets painted in Paper White to match the kitchen. All countertops are Vermont White Quartzite from Eastern Stone. The backsplash is Artistic Tile’s Kyoto White and Kyoto Steel. The fireclay apron-front main sink is from Rohl while the smaller prep sink is from Linkasink. All faucets are from Waterstone in their antique pewter finish. The brass hardware is from Armac Martin and the pendants above the center island are from Circa Lighting. The appliances, aside from the range, are a mix of Sub-Zero, Thermador and Bosch with panels on everything.

Studio Vlock’s gates and screens are hand-crafted out of corten steel, cold rolled steel, or stainless steel. Specifications These engaging and whimsical architectural elements serve to define exterior spaces and create a memorable sense of place. Gates are custom fit and well detailed to be swing type or sliding; incorporating handle, latch or lockset.

The new stairs, landing, cantilevered shelves and guest room. Robert Vente Photographer
Mid-sized elegant look-out concrete floor and brown floor basement photo in San Francisco with white walls and no fireplace

This young family gave us the joint task of creating a pool house and outdoor living in a very tight and limited space, between a retaining wall and their existing home. Additionally, the pool and spa as well as the pool house and kitchen had to incorporate cutting edge technology. The style of the pool house was dictated by the main house. We were tasked with complementing it in style and material. The pool house not only must function on its own, but also as a transitional structure to the absolutely fabulous landscaping provided by an internationally acclaimed landscape designer. Mirrors on the back wall reflect the beautiful landscaping. One is never without a view of the exterior. The front façade of the pool house has accordion glass panels that open up to amazing views of the swimming pool, spa and gardens. The spa is on axis with the center of the pool house, and the pergola and gate entrance with piers share the same materials as the pool house. The spa features a waterfall and has sea foam glass tile. There is also a waterfall in the pool and both waterfalls serve to mask surrounding noises and provide an idyllic setting. Sophisticated technology operates features of the pool house via remote control demands, and includes a drop down screen for movie and television viewing from the swimming pool. The pool house includes the outdoor kitchen, open dining area, the bar, seating area, a bathroom and changing room. Hidden in the alcove is an open air outdoor shower. The patterning of the boards applied horizontally to the interior walls and painted white give the structure a nautical look, provide durability and protect it from the elements. The interior vault is clad with stained bead board.

Builder: Falcon Custom Homes Interior Designer: Mary Burns - Gallery Photographer: Mike Buck A perfectly proportioned story and a half cottage, the Farfield is full of traditional details and charm. The front is composed of matching board and batten gables flanking a covered porch featuring square columns with pegged capitols. A tour of the rear façade reveals an asymmetrical elevation with a tall living room gable anchoring the right and a low retractable-screened porch to the left. Inside, the front foyer opens up to a wide staircase clad in horizontal boards for a more modern feel. To the left, and through a short hall, is a study with private access to the main levels public bathroom. Further back a corridor, framed on one side by the living rooms stone fireplace, connects the master suite to the rest of the house. Entrance to the living room can be gained through a pair of openings flanking the stone fireplace, or via the open concept kitchen/dining room. Neutral grey cabinets featuring a modern take on a recessed panel look, line the perimeter of the kitchen, framing the elongated kitchen island. Twelve leather wrapped chairs provide enough seating for a large family, or gathering of friends. Anchoring the rear of the main level is the screened in porch framed by square columns that match the style of those found at the front porch. Upstairs, there are a total of four separate sleeping chambers. The two bedrooms above the master suite share a bathroom, while the third bedroom to the rear features its own en suite. The fourth is a large bunkroom above the homes two-stall garage large enough to host an abundance of guests.

This 2-story home includes a 3- car garage with mudroom entry, an inviting front porch with decorative posts, and a screened-in porch. The home features an open floor plan with 10’ ceilings on the 1st floor and impressive detailing throughout. A dramatic 2-story ceiling creates a grand first impression in the foyer, where hardwood flooring extends into the adjacent formal dining room elegant coffered ceiling accented by craftsman style wainscoting and chair rail. Just beyond the Foyer, the great room with a 2-story ceiling, the kitchen, breakfast area, and hearth room share an open plan. The spacious kitchen includes that opens to the breakfast area, quartz countertops with tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, attractive cabinetry with crown molding, and a corner pantry. The connecting hearth room is a cozy retreat that includes a gas fireplace with stone surround and shiplap. The floor plan also includes a study with French doors and a convenient bonus room for additional flexible living space. The first-floor owner’s suite boasts an expansive closet, and a private bathroom with a shower, freestanding tub, and double bowl vanity. On the 2nd floor is a versatile loft area overlooking the great room, 2 full baths, and 3 bedrooms with spacious closets.

Builder: Falcon Custom Homes Interior Designer: Mary Burns - Gallery Photographer: Mike Buck A perfectly proportioned story and a half cottage, the Farfield is full of traditional details and charm. The front is composed of matching board and batten gables flanking a covered porch featuring square columns with pegged capitols. A tour of the rear façade reveals an asymmetrical elevation with a tall living room gable anchoring the right and a low retractable-screened porch to the left. Inside, the front foyer opens up to a wide staircase clad in horizontal boards for a more modern feel. To the left, and through a short hall, is a study with private access to the main levels public bathroom. Further back a corridor, framed on one side by the living rooms stone fireplace, connects the master suite to the rest of the house. Entrance to the living room can be gained through a pair of openings flanking the stone fireplace, or via the open concept kitchen/dining room. Neutral grey cabinets featuring a modern take on a recessed panel look, line the perimeter of the kitchen, framing the elongated kitchen island. Twelve leather wrapped chairs provide enough seating for a large family, or gathering of friends. Anchoring the rear of the main level is the screened in porch framed by square columns that match the style of those found at the front porch. Upstairs, there are a total of four separate sleeping chambers. The two bedrooms above the master suite share a bathroom, while the third bedroom to the rear features its own en suite. The fourth is a large bunkroom above the homes two-stall garage large enough to host an abundance of guests.

This 2-story home includes a 3- car garage with mudroom entry, an inviting front porch with decorative posts, and a screened-in porch. The home features an open floor plan with 10’ ceilings on the 1st floor and impressive detailing throughout. A dramatic 2-story ceiling creates a grand first impression in the foyer, where hardwood flooring extends into the adjacent formal dining room elegant coffered ceiling accented by craftsman style wainscoting and chair rail. Just beyond the Foyer, the great room with a 2-story ceiling, the kitchen, breakfast area, and hearth room share an open plan. The spacious kitchen includes that opens to the breakfast area, quartz countertops with tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, attractive cabinetry with crown molding, and a corner pantry. The connecting hearth room is a cozy retreat that includes a gas fireplace with stone surround and shiplap. The floor plan also includes a study with French doors and a convenient bonus room for additional flexible living space. The first-floor owner’s suite boasts an expansive closet, and a private bathroom with a shower, freestanding tub, and double bowl vanity. On the 2nd floor is a versatile loft area overlooking the great room, 2 full baths, and 3 bedrooms with spacious closets.

This rustic style home on Hartwell Lake was designed and built for the owners to enjoy with family and friends during their active weekend lifestyle. The home was built on a narrow, deep lot that was semi-level on the roadside and steep on the lakeside. The back half of the lot heavily wooded with mature oak and poplar trees reducing the harsh sun’s heat gain on the home. The exterior utilizes fiber cement cedar shake and lap siding complimented by deep brown colors for the windows, soffit, trim and the large square columns. A nice balance of natural earth toned stacked stone rounds out the exterior materials completing the rustic casual lake living. The home 5400 SF is designed and built on thee levels each having a primary focus. The main level creates primary daily living for the owners. This level features an open plan with an entry, stair, dining, kitchen and living areas leading to a large lakeside screened porch. A master suite is privately tucked off its own hallway and allowing it to enjoy the lakeside as well with its own private deck. On the opposite side are two bedrooms, a study and a shared bathroom for each to utilize. An open carport for two vehicles was created with the motor court and connects to the mudroom/utility room giving the owners direct entry into their home. The upper level is for the grand children with an oversized bedroom, bathroom and loft area for play. The lower level is the considered the party level. Its primary feature is an elevated stage for the owner’s band opened to a large seating area, dining and kitchen for viewing and listening with direct access to another screened porch. Flanking each side is a theater and two additional bedrooms and bathrooms. Energy Efficient features include: • The majority of the lower level sunk into the site below grade • 6” thick walls utilizing advanced framing techniques • Foil covered roof sheathing • Extensive use of blown in cellulous • All windows & doors are double paned low E argon filed glass • Tank-less water heaters • Three separate high efficiency HVAC units with programmable thermostats and a fresh air ERV. Lastly the owner requested we make every effort to sound proof the home. Many materials and techniques gave a duel purpose and added to the energy efficiency. These items include: • 2x6 walls with staggered studs • Extensive use if rock wool acoustic batting • Tempered glass in all exterior doors and windows • ¼ thick Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) was installed on the top and bottom of the floor trusses and on all lower level walls. The combination of the design and detailing utilizing these specific materials enabled us to achieve a 5 Star Plus Energy Star Certification with a HERS Index Score of 50. This home received a the 2015 Pinnacle Award from the SC Home Builders Association for the “Best Achievement in Energy Efficiency” sponsored by the SC Department Commerce.

Stone and stucco combine to create an elegant European manor that calls upon the facades of long ago. A large arched portico welcomes guests in a grand fashion, and the foyer’s stunning staircase is a striking focal point in the entry. The dining room, great room and foyer are distinguished only by columns, granting an open feel to the first floor. The great room accesses a spacious rear porch and deck. The kitchen also exemplifies spaciousness and openness by using a large center island as the divider between the hearth and breakfast rooms. A screen porch with fireplace is accessed through the hearth room, while the breakfast room also accesses the porch. The master suite is truly remarkable with a large bedroom, his-and-her walk-in closets and a separate shower and tub combination. Upstairs, three large bedrooms have ceiling treatments and share two baths. A generous bonus room completes the second level.

This 2-story home includes a 3- car garage with mudroom entry, an inviting front porch with decorative posts, and a screened-in porch. The home features an open floor plan with 10’ ceilings on the 1st floor and impressive detailing throughout. A dramatic 2-story ceiling creates a grand first impression in the foyer, where hardwood flooring extends into the adjacent formal dining room elegant coffered ceiling accented by craftsman style wainscoting and chair rail. Just beyond the Foyer, the great room with a 2-story ceiling, the kitchen, breakfast area, and hearth room share an open plan. The spacious kitchen includes that opens to the breakfast area, quartz countertops with tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, attractive cabinetry with crown molding, and a corner pantry. The connecting hearth room is a cozy retreat that includes a gas fireplace with stone surround and shiplap. The floor plan also includes a study with French doors and a convenient bonus room for additional flexible living space. The first-floor owner’s suite boasts an expansive closet, and a private bathroom with a shower, freestanding tub, and double bowl vanity. On the 2nd floor is a versatile loft area overlooking the great room, 2 full baths, and 3 bedrooms with spacious closets.

Photography by Eirik Johnson
Example of a mid-sized trendy side yard deck design in Seattle with a fire pit and a roof extension

Builder: Falcon Custom Homes Interior Designer: Mary Burns - Gallery Photographer: Mike Buck A perfectly proportioned story and a half cottage, the Farfield is full of traditional details and charm. The front is composed of matching board and batten gables flanking a covered porch featuring square columns with pegged capitols. A tour of the rear façade reveals an asymmetrical elevation with a tall living room gable anchoring the right and a low retractable-screened porch to the left. Inside, the front foyer opens up to a wide staircase clad in horizontal boards for a more modern feel. To the left, and through a short hall, is a study with private access to the main levels public bathroom. Further back a corridor, framed on one side by the living rooms stone fireplace, connects the master suite to the rest of the house. Entrance to the living room can be gained through a pair of openings flanking the stone fireplace, or via the open concept kitchen/dining room. Neutral grey cabinets featuring a modern take on a recessed panel look, line the perimeter of the kitchen, framing the elongated kitchen island. Twelve leather wrapped chairs provide enough seating for a large family, or gathering of friends. Anchoring the rear of the main level is the screened in porch framed by square columns that match the style of those found at the front porch. Upstairs, there are a total of four separate sleeping chambers. The two bedrooms above the master suite share a bathroom, while the third bedroom to the rear features its own en suite. The fourth is a large bunkroom above the homes two-stall garage large enough to host an abundance of guests.