Nautical-themed hybrid swimming pool with raised spa, sunshelf, slide, grotto, and pizza oven (September 2013) – Ask the Pool Guy and his team at Legendary Escapes recently unveiled the newest Legendary Escape, a stunning nautical-themed hybrid swimming pool. The hand-carved concrete waterfall, rock slide, and grotto are the focal point of this incredible project, and designer and builder Al Curtis has truly outdone himself this time. Behind the waterfall sits a grotto that seats 8-10 people comfortably. The waterfall, slide, and grotto area come complete with intricate details and additions that perfectly play into the project’s theme. An immense amount of creativity, talent, and skill is required to take ordinary materials like vinyl and concrete and turn them into the outstanding backyards that Curtis creates, but these details allow his creativity to shine in a different light. Curtis immerses himself completely in just one or two projects at a time, which allows him the opportunity to add those intricate details that take his extraordinary projects to the next level. Some of the details in the grotto area of this hybrid project include real ship portholes that open and close, as well as carvings and lanterns to add visual interest inside of the grotto. The project also includes a raised spillover spa and a sunshelf with a bubbling water feature. The sunshelf has steps leading into the main body of the pool, giving swimmers an easy entry point if they don’t feel the urge to jump off the top of the waterfall or take a ride down the hand-carved, hand-tiled slide. The shelf has just enough water to allow shallow wading or lounging, and the pebbled finish provides a perfect place to set a lounge chair without worrying about damaging the vinyl liner. With the spa nearby, this whole end of the pool is perfect for relaxing, talking, or watching the kids while they swim. This incredible hybrid swimming pool also includes a poolside pizza oven, so fresh, stone-fired pizza is never far away. The brick oven can cook a pizza in about 90 seconds, and produces authentic, outstanding pizzas. The homeowners have spent years perfecting their pizza crust and sauce recipes, as well as growing their own tomatoes and basil. The pizza oven adds another element of their own personality, and makes this project even more perfect for them. With a built-in countertop, it’s easy to get a couple of pies going at one time, or to prep ingredients for personal pizzas. The homeowners are very family-oriented and love to have friends and family over to their home. During the construction process, the Legendary Escapes crew met several friends and family members who stopped in for some quality time and to check out the progress of the pool. The finished product is a perfect place for entertaining, and it feels very comfortable and welcoming. With the sunshelf, spa, grotto, poolside seating, and the pool itself, there are plenty of different places to sit or soak and have conversations or splash around. Curtis is incredibly proud of this project, and he has high hopes for it. He was recently named a Master of Design by Pool & Spa News for a hybrid swimming pool he built in Brighton, MI. This new, nautical hybrid pool fits in beautifully with his portfolio, but also stands out as extraordinary. The team at Legendary Escapes anticipates positive feedback and recognition for this project, and looks forward to building more swimming pools that push the envelope and wow clients and fans.

Intentional. Elevated. Artisanal. With three children under the age of 5, our clients were starting to feel the confines of their Pacific Heights home when the expansive 1902 Italianate across the street went on the market. After learning the home had been recently remodeled, they jumped at the chance to purchase a move-in ready property. We worked with them to infuse the already refined, elegant living areas with subtle edginess and handcrafted details, and also helped them reimagine unused space to delight their little ones. Elevated furnishings on the main floor complement the home’s existing high ceilings, modern brass bannisters and extensive walnut cabinetry. In the living room, sumptuous emerald upholstery on a velvet side chair balances the deep wood tones of the existing baby grand. Minimally and intentionally accessorized, the room feels formal but still retains a sharp edge—on the walls moody portraiture gets irreverent with a bold paint stroke, and on the the etagere, jagged crystals and metallic sculpture feel rugged and unapologetic. Throughout the main floor handcrafted, textured notes are everywhere—a nubby jute rug underlies inviting sofas in the family room and a half-moon mirror in the living room mixes geometric lines with flax-colored fringe. On the home’s lower level, we repurposed an unused wine cellar into a well-stocked craft room, with a custom chalkboard, art-display area and thoughtful storage. In the adjoining space, we installed a custom climbing wall and filled the balance of the room with low sofas, plush area rugs, poufs and storage baskets, creating the perfect space for active play or a quiet reading session. The bold colors and playful attitudes apparent in these spaces are echoed upstairs in each of the children’s imaginative bedrooms. Architect + Developer: McMahon Architects + Studio, Photographer: Suzanna Scott Photography

This custom Enkeboll hood with it's gorgeous paneling,corbels and moldings are unmatched. The more you look into this photo the more the beautiful details jump out at you. The scene in the backsplash behind the range reminds you why you love this Tuscan style, while you're filling your pot with your pot filler, ting ready to make your family pasta.

The subtle changes begin as soon as you walk out the back door of the house. The existing decking had a lot of what we call "tweeners"; areas that are overly generous walkways, yet not large enough to house furniture. The awkwardly small bluestone patio was expanded to accommodate a generous seating area. This was done by pushing the step-down closer to the pool. Our talented stone mason carefully married the new bluestone into the existing portion of the patio, resulting in an imperceptible difference between the two. As you descend the new bluestone steps to the pool level, your bare feet will be thankful for the new smooth-finished, limestone-colored concrete, with a hand cut pattern carefully etched into it's surface. The old red brick decking was so hot that the owners could not walk around the pool with their bare feet. The brick coping was also replaced with an eased edge, Pennsylvania Premier Stone which matches the new step treads throughout the project. Between the house and the pool, a large raised planter was reconfigured, giving additional space to the pool deck for a shaded lounge chair area. Across the pool, a bank of rather tall painted brick retaining walls were cut down, shortened and moved. This lessened the visual impact of the walls (which were overwhelming in the space) and also opened up a new seating area, nestled under the arms of the massive Pecan tree at the back of the property. Rather than continuing solid decking around the entire pool, the area near these walls has been transformed to large stone stepper pads set in a sea of beautiful St. Augustine lawn. This creates a visually softened area that is still suited to setting tables and chairs when the guest list calls for additional seating. The spa area is possibly the most dramatic change on this project. Yet more raised planter walls divided this area into awkward spaces, unsuited for proper furniture placement. The planters were removed, new stone decks added, and once again expertly married into the existing decks, opening the area to house a large dining table and a newly built-in BBQ area. The spa itself was re-imagined with the bluestone coping and painted brick veneer. The most impressive addition though is the new handmade glazed tiles that surround the existing cast stone water feature. This water feature was almost unnoticeable against the painted brick wall, but now the dramatic arch and pop of color draw the eye to this quaint little corner of the property. Originally designed by one of the most notable landscape architects in town, this once impressive project had faltered in recent years. The pool and spa still functioned well, and the client wanted to keep it intact. In addition, they wanted to keep as much of the existing landscape as possible. But, the surrounding decks, walls and steps were fair game. At first glance, one might think that our changes were simple material changes. However, upon closer inspection, one can see the subtle-yet-transformative changes that came together to update this classic pool in a tasteful, timeless manner, as well as to improve the flow and usability of the deck areas, while softening the feel of this massive hardscape.

A transitional kitchen in white and gray tones.
Example of a large transitional galley dark wood floor open concept kitchen design in Toronto with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, beige backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, an undermount sink and granite countertops

Stephani Buchman
Inspiration for a modern basement remodel in Toronto

These clients wanted a total redo of their outdated bedroom. Having worked together before on the complete renovation of their family room, I was happy to deliver their dream for a master bedroom retreat. The custom wall paneling installation was the jumping off point for the rest of the design. Reflecting their love of antiques, but saving budget $$ for other areas, the iron headboard was purchased retail, then powder coated matte black giving us the look we wanted. I also created the triptych abstract framed art, sized to fit perfectly into the paneled wall squares. The diamond pattern bedspread is custom sized for their adjustable bed to drape just off the floor. The overall style is simple and elegant, in keeping with their clean uncluttered aesthetic. The bathroom was updated with a beautiful black and gold leaf patterned wallpaper that perfectly compliments their existing craftsman double vanity. I finished off the room with a light wall color that blends with the new carpeting.

Kitchen photo

Pinnacle Mountain Homes
Example of a transitional hallway design in Denver

Got Knots?! Rustic hickory wood includes a striking variety of knots. Clear coat finish (natural, no stain) lets hickory's wide variety of color tones jump out. Notice how deep-colored mineral streaks often accompany hickory's knots. Hickory is among the very densest woods used for cabinet-making, giving it the toughness to withstand very heavy use.

The clients sought a serene indoor-outdoor retreat to unwind, featuring a spa-like bath with disappearing walls, a spacious freestanding tub, and abundant natural light. The layout was reconfigured for functionality, privacy, and a calm, timeless design that blends harmoniously with the home's aesthetic, creating a perfect space for relaxation and family visits. Notable Products and Materials: Signature Custom Cabinetry, Colonial Door, Rift Cut White Oak, Stained Irish Cream / Countertop by Stoneville USA, White Calacatta Polished / Shower Wall - Cerim Exalt 12" x 24" Magic White Lucido, Porcelain Tile from Tile Shop / Flooring from Tile Shop - Concrete looking porcelain, Floor Gres Industrial Sage / Axis Modern Sconce Satin Nickel by Hammerton

Photo: Caroline Sharpnack © 2019 Houzz
Cottage chic living room photo in Nashville

Inspiration for a large coastal light wood floor, brown floor, vaulted ceiling and wood wall kitchen/dining room combo remodel in Other with white walls

Nick McCullough
This is an example of a traditional landscaping in Columbus.

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary master gray tile and porcelain tile mosaic tile floor alcove shower remodel in New York with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, concrete countertops, a two-piece toilet and gray walls

These homeowners had a relatively small space and a large wish list. This family of 5 needed some form of mudroom area, while still maintaining the laudry area. Relocationg the washer and dryer from under the window allowed me to give them folding space, a laundry sink, and the boot bench area for all of their coats and backpacks. Their is even a hanging space for clothes to drip dry or get hung before putting away. The powder room was also tiny. We knew we wanted to find something dramatic that worked with the office area that is immediately adjacent to it. That room is painted to most beatiful shade of blue. When we found this Farrow and Ball Lotus wallpaper, we knew we had the perfect starting point.

Large island style backyard stone and custom-shaped pool fountain photo in Charlotte

Enclosed kitchen - mid-sized 1950s u-shaped concrete floor and gray floor enclosed kitchen idea in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, metallic backsplash, mirror backsplash, stainless steel appliances, no island and black countertops