The renovation and a modern revamp of a grand Paddington terrace house for a large family meant that every space was carefully considered including the garden. The entry level of the residence was opened up and spilt into two levels with the garden doing the same to cater for the sloping nature of the site. Large Sliding doors at the rear open up onto a generous deck/ entertaining space. To one side is a floating style built in BBQ, designed to take up the least space its light stone benchtop contrasting beautifully against the charcoal boundary wall. The brief was a tricky one with the space having to accommodate off street parking for a 4WD size car, play space for children, adults entertaining, bin storage and plunge pool. The plunge pool was custom designed off one side of the deck (to allow for the car on the other) with a lockable sliding timber platform/ cover that when open is hidden under the deck. This meant no pool fences and a space that can be used as decking when not in use. At the rear of the pool a cluster of large contemporary cylinder pots with contrasting plantings provides extra greenery and hides a bin storage area. The pots were chosen over planting in-ground because they can be moved if needed making the space more flexible for the families needs. Three wide steps of the deck lead down to a multipurpose synthetic lawn area that functions as the kids play space or car-parking area. Two mature Kentia palms were replanted to add greenery and a canopy of fronds over. Bamboo adds further softness along the side boundary and will grow tall to screen the neighbours. A palette of charcoal, soft greys and whites has created a calming yet very functional space for a busy family.

The renovation and a modern revamp of a grand Paddington terrace house for a large family meant that every space was carefully considered including the garden. The entry level of the residence was opened up and spilt into two levels with the garden doing the same to cater for the sloping nature of the site. Large Sliding doors at the rear open up onto a generous deck/ entertaining space. To one side is a floating style built in BBQ, designed to take up the least space its light stone benchtop contrasting beautifully against the charcoal boundary wall. The brief was a tricky one with the space having to accommodate off street parking for a 4WD size car, play space for children, adults entertaining, bin storage and plunge pool. The plunge pool was custom designed off one side of the deck (to allow for the car on the other) with a lockable sliding timber platform/ cover that when open is hidden under the deck. This meant no pool fences and a space that can be used as decking when not in use. At the rear of the pool a cluster of large contemporary cylinder pots with contrasting plantings provides extra greenery and hides a bin storage area. The pots were chosen over planting in-ground because they can be moved if needed making the space more flexible for the families needs. Three wide steps of the deck lead down to a multipurpose synthetic lawn area that functions as the kids play space or car-parking area. Two mature Kentia palms were replanted to add greenery and a canopy of fronds over. Bamboo adds further softness along the side boundary and will grow tall to screen the neighbours. A palette of charcoal, soft greys and whites has created a calming yet very functional space for a busy family.

Sunday, May 31, 10:00 to 11:30am | Beverly Hills Coldwater Canyon Residence by Mark Tessier of Mark Tessier Landscape Architecture The expansive views from this mountaintop property are a defining feature of this residence. With a passion for modern architecture and art, the clients wanted their garden to reflect their aesthetic and honor the California lifestyle. To meet their needs, the firm crafted a series of family-friendly outdoor rooms for living and entertaining. To highlight the architecture, concrete provides a unifying thread to join spaces together and define structure—sometimes solid, in other places becoming eroded walls and gravel walkways. At the entry to this serene garden, a sculptural concrete bridge arches over a Koi pond and water feature. Quiet, meditative pathways lead to gathering spaces shaded by willow trees and guide guests by the pool to floating wood platforms with lounge seating. On a carpet of Ipe wood, open-air dining and entertaining at a custom designed laser-cut tile table is enjoyed under retractable steel shade structures. In the rear garden, the designer provided a place for the clients to socialize by an outdoor fireplace, swim in the pool, relax on floating platforms, and take in the views. Native plants are interspersed with the client’s favored planting palette, a diverse selection of succulents and exotic species. Photos by David Laurdison

Sunday, May 31, 10:00 to 11:30am | Beverly Hills Coldwater Canyon Residence by Mark Tessier of Mark Tessier Landscape Architecture The expansive views from this mountaintop property are a defining feature of this residence. With a passion for modern architecture and art, the clients wanted their garden to reflect their aesthetic and honor the California lifestyle. To meet their needs, the firm crafted a series of family-friendly outdoor rooms for living and entertaining. To highlight the architecture, concrete provides a unifying thread to join spaces together and define structure—sometimes solid, in other places becoming eroded walls and gravel walkways. At the entry to this serene garden, a sculptural concrete bridge arches over a Koi pond and water feature. Quiet, meditative pathways lead to gathering spaces shaded by willow trees and guide guests by the pool to floating wood platforms with lounge seating. On a carpet of Ipe wood, open-air dining and entertaining at a custom designed laser-cut tile table is enjoyed under retractable steel shade structures. In the rear garden, the designer provided a place for the clients to socialize by an outdoor fireplace, swim in the pool, relax on floating platforms, and take in the views. Native plants are interspersed with the client’s favored planting palette, a diverse selection of succulents and exotic species. Photos by David Laurdison

This article is posted here with the consent of the author. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, view, or opinion of Crestron Electronics, Inc., or of any of its employees. Crestron Electronics is not responsible for, and does not verify the accuracy of, any of the information contained in this article. By Jeff Singer The “smart” revolution began several years ago with smartphones (a.k.a phones) and has extended in recent years to thermostats, doorbells, alarm systems, and kitchen appliances. Smart devices are so ubiquitous that the term “smart” is overused to the point that it is almost meaningless. Companies are eager to jump on the bandwagon and claim their products are “smart,” and consumers proudly claim they have a smart home because they have lighting control. Misconceptions about smart homes are prevalent and create confusion in the marketplace. This can have deleterious effects on businesses and underserve consumers. Here are seven of the most popular misconceptions about smart homes: 1. Apps are smart Apps are convenient and easy to use. Yes, it seems there’s an app for everything. People expect to be able to download an app and do just about anything. App developers and many companies do not disavow consumers of this myth. On the contrary, they promote this idea with carefully worded descriptions. The promise of having the world at your fingertips for $1.99 is very enticing. Although it sounds too good to be true, it is also too good to pass up for many people. This leads to undervaluing home control and disappointment when the apps don’t work, which undermines confidence in our industry. The fact is that apps are not smart. They do not control anything. They must connect to and communicate with a control system or cloud service that processes, prioritizes, and executes commands. That’s the real magic and what most people do not understand. 2. Smart devices work together With so many smart appliances and devices on the market today, it’s understandable that the average consumer might think that they actually communicate and work together. This is simply not the case. Smart devices are not that smart. They are designed and manufactured by different, often competing, companies. There are no national or industry standards governing these products. Even if they all operate using Wi-Fi® communications, that doesn’t mean they work together. Some companies promote a home control platform, which unites different devices from different companies – in theory. The platform is yet another third-party software totally dependent on other companies developing APIs and writing control modules for their hardware to run on that piece of software. The devices are not independently compatible. Also, when updates are made to either the hardware or the software, functionality may be affected for some period. That’s a nice way of saying the device or system won’t work and there’s no way of knowing for how long. 3. It’s a DIY project Which brings us to the next myth, which is that the average person can do it themselves. Unless you are a skilled professional, I would not advise taking on a smart home project. You want to make a light turn on and off with your Alexa® or Google Assistant™ virtual assistant software, go for it. A smart home takes much more planning and expertise. I have no problem changing a light bulb or hanging a light fixture in my dining room; however, I am not going to rewire my house. I may change the flush valve in my toilet, but I’m not going to replace the pipes in my house. You get it. Integrating devices and systems, establishing different zones, creating scenes, designing the UI with a balance between control, feedback, and simplicity – all takes experience and skill. 4. Need a programmer to make changes Early adopters may have experienced the pain of trying to make a simple change or update to their home control system. Years ago, if the cable provider changed the channel line-up, the homeowner would have to call the dealer or programmer to make an appointment for them to come out to the house to reprogram the system. The system wouldn’t work as expected until it was updated, which often took several days and beaucoup bucks. Not anymore. Technology has evolved so now it’s easy for system owners to change favorite channels, create scenes, rename buttons, update images, and more. While a professional is needed for the initial installation and setup, the system is easy to manage once it’s up and running. This makes life so much easier for both dealer and customer. 5. Tech becomes obsolete quickly Similar to updating the UI, updating firmware or hardware used to be a stressful process. A smart home should be intelligent enough to update itself. Apps don’t become obsolete. Updates are constantly pushed out from the cloud, making them better all the time. The same is true for a good smart home system. New features, functions, and device support gets added in the background consistently, so the system you installed (or purchased) yesterday gets better over time. Swapping out decorative elements, such as keypads, dimmers, and touch screens is also seamless. When a new device is added, all the settings are pulled down from the cloud and it just works. No system interruptions. No sunk costs. No imposing house calls. No surprise bills. 6. Lighting control saves energy and money Lighting control is one of the most popular smart systems, but it takes more than just one system to make a home smart. On the surface, it makes sense that if you dim the lights ten percent, then you save ten percent of energy costs. If the shades are raised during the day to take advantage of sunlight so the lights don’t need to be on (or at least not 100%), but that causes the room temperature to rise a few degrees, which triggers the air conditioner to run longer and more often, was energy usage (or cost) reduced? A smart home integrates all the various systems and technology to optimize comfort, convenience, safety, and sometimes energy. 7. Home technology is easy to hack Security is at the forefront of people’s minds these days. Personal identities are stolen; email accounts hacked; private photos publicized; and more. A smart home must outsmart those who don’t respect privacy. Crestron control systems adhere to the strictest security standards. The same Crestron control system that goes into a home is also installed in secure government and military facilities, global banking institutions, hospitals, and other mission critical applications. When installed correctly by a trained professional, a Crestron smart home is the gold standard for security, comfort, and convenience.

Effective residential construction project management is crucial in today’s fast-moving building industry. It means overseeing every step of building a home, from planning to finishing, to ensure projects are completed time, within budget, and with high quality. Unlike commercial projects, residential projects require special attention to meet homeowners' unique needs and wishes, requiring a customized approach from the beginning to the end. In 2025, the construction sector will use advanced technologies like AI and integrated project delivery (IPD) to streamline processes and improve stakeholder collaboration. However, project managers face significant challenges, including managing risks, maintaining quality control, and ensuring effective communication among team members. A WIP Report (Work-in-Progress Report) is a key tool that helps track a project's budget, progress, and resource use. It provides clear insights, making managing costs easier, avoiding delays, and making informed decisions. By adopting best practices and using modern construction management tools, project managers can overcome these challenges and deliver successful residential construction projects that meet client expectations and contribute to a sustainable future. This article provides a brief overview of residential construction project management, highlights its importance, and touches on the challenges faced by project managers while incorporating the latest trends and technologies in the field. Types of Residential Construction Management Here are the different types of Residential Construction Management: Single-Family Homes: These are standalone houses built for individual families. Managing these projects involves overseeing construction from planning to completion, ensuring that the home meets the owner's preferences and budget. Multi-Family Housing: This includes apartments, condominiums, and townhouses. Projects of this type require managing multiple units, often with shared facilities, and ensuring compliance with local building codes. Custom Home Building: This involves constructing homes tailored to specific client needs. Close collaboration with architects and designers is required to ensure the house reflects the owner's personality and preferences. Home Renovation and Remodeling: These projects focus on updating or expanding existing homes. They often involve working with subcontractors for specialized tasks like electrical or plumbing work. Components of Residential Construction Project Management Managing a residential construction project requires carefully coordinating people, materials, and timelines. A well-structured approach ensures efficiency, cost control, and high-quality results. Roles and Responsibilities A project manager plays a vital role in residential construction. They oversee every step from planning to completion and ensure the project stays on schedule, within budget, and meets quality standards. Project Manager’s Role in Home Construction The project manager is responsible for organizing tasks, managing resources, and solving problems that arise during construction. They coordinate between different teams, track progress, and ensure safety regulations are followed. Collaboration with Contractors, Architects, and Stakeholders Successful residential construction requires teamwork. Project managers work closely with architects to bring designs to new heights, coordinate with contractors to manage labor and materials, and keep stakeholders (such as homeowners and investors) informed about project updates. Client Communication and Expectations Management Clear communication with clients is essential. The project manager keeps homeowners updated on timelines, changes, and challenges. Setting realistic expectations and providing regular updates, they help avoid misunderstandings and keep the project running smoothly. Project Scope & Planning Practical project planning sets the foundation for a successful residential construction project. It ensures clear goals, minimizes risks, and keeps the project on track. Defining Project Objectives and Deliverables: Clearly outlining what needs to be done and what the final result should look like is essential. This involves setting specific, measurable goals that align with the homeowner's vision and budget. Managing Homeowner Expectations and Scope Creep: Homeowners often have changing needs or ideas. Effective project managers must manage these expectations to prevent "scope creep," which can delay projects and increase costs. This involves open communication and setting clear boundaries. Ensuring Compliance with Zoning Laws and Permits: Before construction begins, it's crucial to ensure that all necessary permits are obtained and that the project complies with local zoning laws. This step avoids costly fines and delays, ensuring the project moves forward smoothly. Budgeting & Cost Control Proper budgeting is essential for keeping residential construction projects financially viable. Effective cost management prevents overspending and ensures profitability. Accurate Cost Estimation for Residential Projects A precise cost estimate considers labor, materials, permits, and unexpected expenses. Using historical data and Sage 300 CRE for financial management improves accuracy and helps set realistic budgets. Budget Allocation and Tracking Allocating funds efficiently ensures that each phase of the project receives the necessary resources. Tracking expenses through Construction & Financial Dashboards allows for real-time monitoring and early detection of budget deviations. Preventing Budget Overruns Uncontrolled costs can derail a project. Regular financial reviews, automated alerts for overspending, and contingency planning help keep expenses in check and prevent financial strain. Scheduling & Timeline Management Timely project completion is crucial in residential construction. Effective scheduling minimizes delays and ensures a smooth workflow. Creating Detailed Project Schedules A structured schedule outlines all tasks, deadlines, and dependencies. Breaking down the project into phases, planning, execution, and finishing, helps maintain order and clarity. Preventing Delays & Meeting Deadlines Delays can result from labor shortages, weather conditions, or supply chain issues. To avoid problems, it’s good to check for risks ahead of time, add extra time to schedules, and keep everyone on the same page. Using Gantt Charts and Critical Path Methods CPM for Construction helps identify critical activities that directly impact project completion, while Gantt charts provide a visual timeline of tasks. Both tools optimize scheduling and improve efficiency. Residential Construction Project Management Phases Managing a residential construction project effectively requires a structured approach through various phases. Each phase plays a critical role in ensuring the project's success, from initial planning to completion. Pre-Construction Phase The pre-construction phase sets the foundation for a smooth and efficient building process. Proper planning at this stage helps prevent costly changes and delays later. Site Analysis & Approvals: A thorough site analysis assesses soil conditions, topography, and environmental factors. Feasibility studies evaluate project viability, including costs and regulatory compliance. Obtaining zoning approvals, permits, and other legal clearances is crucial before breaking ground. Selecting Materials and Procurement Strategies: Choosing the right materials impacts durability, sustainability, and cost efficiency. A well-planned procurement strategy, including bulk purchasing and reliable supplier partnerships, ensures timely delivery and cost savings. Using Sage 300 CRE for procurement management helps streamline material sourcing and financial planning. Construction Phase The construction phase transforms plans into reality. Effective coordination and strict quality control ensure a successful build. Resource Allocation and Workflow Coordination: Efficiently managing labor, equipment, and materials is key to maintaining progress. Using CPM for Construction, project managers can allocate resources strategically, prevent bottlenecks, and optimize workflows for timely completion. Project Closeout & Handover The final phase of residential construction project management is crucial for ensuring a smooth transition from construction to occupancy. Proper closeout procedures guarantee quality, client satisfaction, and long-term project success. Final Inspections and Quality Assurance: Before finishing the project, a final inspection checks that everything meets safety rules and quality standards. Any problems need to be fixed quickly. Using Procore helps make inspections and tracking issues easier, ensuring a high-quality final product. Client Walkthrough and Support: A final check helps homeowners see the finished work, ask questions, and make sure it meets their expectations. This is also a chance to explain important home features and maintenance tips. Good communication here builds trust and strengthens relationships. Warranty Management and Feedback: Efficient warranty management ensures clients get quick help for any issues after construction. A clear process for tracking requests and keeping in touch with homeowners boosts satisfaction. Collecting feedback helps improve future projects. Using S-Curve Forecasting tracks performance trends and refines management strategies. Software for Residential Construction Project Management The integration of technology in residential construction project management has revolutionized the way projects are planned, executed, and monitored. Digital tools streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve communication, making them essential for modern construction firms. Importance of Digital Tools Investing in digital tools is crucial for construction firms as it transforms the industry by enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and collaboration across the entire project lifecycle. They also improve project management by streamlining processes, automating tasks, and facilitating real-time stakeholder communication. Top Construction Management Software for Residential Projects Several software solutions are available for managing residential construction projects: Procore: Known for its comprehensive project management features, including document management and collaboration tools. Sage 300 CRE: Offers robust accounting and financial management capabilities, ideal for large-scale construction projects. Buildertrend: Specializes in residential construction, providing tools for project scheduling, budgeting, and client communication. CoConstruct: Focuses on custom home building and remodeling, offering features for estimating, scheduling, and project management. WIP Reports: Useful for tracking work-in-progress and managing project finances effectively. Features Comparison and Best Use Cases: Procore: Best for large projects requiring extensive collaboration and document management. Sage 300 CRE: Ideal for firms needing robust financial management. Buildertrend: Suitable for residential builders focusing on client communication and project scheduling. CoConstruct: Perfect for custom home builders who need detailed estimating and scheduling tools. WIP Reports: Useful for firms needing to track project finances closely. How Software Improves Project Efficiency Construction management software significantly enhances project efficiency in several ways: Automating Accounting and Job Costing: Software like Sage 300 CRE automates financial tasks, reducing manual errors and improving budget tracking. Streamlining Document Management and Communication: Tools like Procore centralize documents and facilitate real-time communication among team members, reducing misunderstandings and delays. Mobile-Friendly Solutions for Real-Time Tracking: Mobile apps from platforms like Buildertrend allow for on-site access to project data, enabling real-time tracking and decision-making. These digital tools and software solutions are essential for modern residential construction project management, offering benefits such as improved efficiency, enhanced collaboration, and better financial control. Challenges in Residential Construction Project Management Residential construction projects face a variety of challenges that can impact their success. Here are some of the key issues project managers encounter: Managing Subcontractors and Labor Shortages One of the biggest challenges in residential construction is managing subcontractors and dealing with labor shortages. Subcontractors often have their own schedules and priorities, which can lead to delays if not coordinated properly. Additionally, labor shortages can slow down projects and increase costs due to the need for overtime or hiring temporary workers. Budget Overruns and Unexpected Costs Budget overruns are common in residential construction due to factors like material price fluctuations, unexpected site conditions, or changes in project scope. Effective budget management involves regularly monitoring expenses and having contingency plans for unexpected costs. Changing Construction and Eco Rules Construction and Eco Rules are always changing, so project managers need to keep up with the latest regulations. This involves following guidelines for saving energy, protecting the environment, and ensuring safety. Ignoring these rules can lead to fines, delays, or even stopping the project. Best Practices To ensure your residential construction projects run smoothly and successfully, follow these essential best practices: Setting Clear Project Goals and Milestones Clearly defining what you want to achieve is the first step to success. Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. This helps everyone involved understand what needs to be done and by when. For example, instead of saying "build a house," say "build a house with three bedrooms and two bathrooms within the next nine months." Stakeholder Collaboration Good communication is key to keeping everyone on the same page. Regular meetings with contractors, suppliers, and homeowners help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that everyone knows what's happening and what's next. This open dialogue also helps resolve issues quickly, preventing small problems from becoming big delays. Using Data-Driven Insights for Decision-Making Making decisions based on facts rather than guesses is crucial. Use data and analytics to understand project progress, identify potential issues early, and make informed decisions. For instance, if data shows that a particular material is consistently causing delays, you can plan ahead to avoid those delays in the future. Proactive Risk Management Strategies Things don't always go as planned, so being prepared is essential. Identify potential risks early and have a plan to manage them. This might include having backup suppliers, planning for weather conditions, or setting aside extra funds for unexpected expenses. Being proactive can prevent small issues from turning into major problems. Conclusion Effective residential construction project management requires careful planning, clear communication, and the right digital tools. From single-family homes to multi-family housing and custom projects, managing timelines, budgets, and quality is essential for success. By following best practices, using project management software, and staying ahead of industry trends, project managers can ensure smooth execution and client satisfaction despite challenges like labor shortages, budget overruns, and regulatory compliance; modern technology and strategic planning help mitigate risks. Construction firms can improve efficiency, enhance collaboration, and maintain financial control by adopting advanced tools like Procore, Sage 300 CRE, and Buildertrend. A well-managed project delivers a quality home and builds trust and long-term success in the industry. FAQs What is residential construction project management? It involves overseeing all aspects of building residential properties, from initial planning and design to construction and completion, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the desired quality standards. How can I prevent budget overruns in my construction project? Accurate cost estimation, continuous budget tracking, and having contingency plans for unexpected expenses are key strategies to prevent budget overruns. What are the main stages of a residential construction project? The primary stages include design, pre-construction, procurement, and construction. How does construction management software improve project efficiency? It streamlines processes like scheduling, budgeting, and communication, providing real-time data access and collaboration among stakeholders, which enhances overall project efficiency. How can I ensure my project complies with local building codes and regulations? Engage professionals familiar with local laws, obtain all necessary permits before starting, and conduct regular inspections to ensure adherence to building codes and regulations.

platform deck w/oversized stairs leading to stamped concrete patio- we also completed the exposed aggregate sidewalk- but our pictures didn't turn out too great because it was a rainy day...

Sunday, May 31, 10:00 to 11:30am | Beverly Hills Coldwater Canyon Residence by Mark Tessier of Mark Tessier Landscape Architecture The expansive views from this mountaintop property are a defining feature of this residence. With a passion for modern architecture and art, the clients wanted their garden to reflect their aesthetic and honor the California lifestyle. To meet their needs, the firm crafted a series of family-friendly outdoor rooms for living and entertaining. To highlight the architecture, concrete provides a unifying thread to join spaces together and define structure—sometimes solid, in other places becoming eroded walls and gravel walkways. At the entry to this serene garden, a sculptural concrete bridge arches over a Koi pond and water feature. Quiet, meditative pathways lead to gathering spaces shaded by willow trees and guide guests by the pool to floating wood platforms with lounge seating. On a carpet of Ipe wood, open-air dining and entertaining at a custom designed laser-cut tile table is enjoyed under retractable steel shade structures. In the rear garden, the designer provided a place for the clients to socialize by an outdoor fireplace, swim in the pool, relax on floating platforms, and take in the views. Native plants are interspersed with the client’s favored planting palette, a diverse selection of succulents and exotic species. Photos by David Laurdison

Trendy bathroom photo in New York

Located in, Summit Park, Park City UT lies one of the most efficient houses in the country. The Summit Haus – designed and built by Chris Price of PCD+B, is an exploration in design and construction of advanced high performance housing. Seeing a rising demand for sustainable housing along with rising Carbon emissions leading to global warming, this house strives to show that sensible, good design can create spaces adequate for today’s housing demands while adhering to strict standards. The house was designed to meet the very rigid Passiv House rating system – 90% more efficient than a typical home in the area. The house itself was intended to nestle neatly into the 45 degree sloped site and to take full advantage of the limited solar access and views. The views range from short, highly wooded views to a long corridor out towards the Uinta Mountain range towards the east. The house was designed and built based off Passiv Haus standards, and the framing and ventilation became critical elements to maintain such minimal energy requirements. Zola triple-pane, tilt-and-turn Thermo uPVC windows contribute substantially to the home’s energy efficiency, and takes advantage of the beautiful surrounding of the location, including forrest views from the deck off of the kitchen. Photographer: City Home Collective

Fozzy knows we can’t reach him up on the highest cat shelf in the catio! While renovating our 1920s vintage bungalow we wanted a special place for the cats so we added a screened-in porch also known as the cat porch as it's designed to please the indoor cats and keep them entertained all day. Two cat doors on either side of our front door lead out to the screened front porch so that everyone can come and go as they please. There are also walkways, corner platforms, and a sisal rope fireman's pole so they can climb up and down it like a tree and use it for a scratch post.

Large farmhouse white two-story concrete fiberboard house exterior idea in Chicago with a shingle roof

The master bedroom is drenched with light from the large back windows and a series of stacked awning windows. The master bath is located off to the side. Reclaimed wood flooring is used throughout. http://www.kipnisarch.com Cable Photo/Wayne Cable http://selfmadephoto.com

Gregory Maka
Home studio - industrial light wood floor home studio idea in New York with white walls

The pool area and natural fieldstone stepping stones that lead the way up to the overlook. The entire slope is landscaped with a mix of hydrangeas, knockout roses and assorted perennials.

Having a hand-made TV lift cabinet in your home is the ultimate in bespoke luxury – so why not take that indulgence a step further by placing a gorgeous, handmade TV stand at the foot of your bed? Cabinet Tronix is a leading US manufacturer of the finest pop-up TV stands, and their specialist team of craftsmen can create tailor-made units which sit perfectly at the end of any bed. With a range of models and designer finishes to choose from, Cabinet Tronix can help give any bedroom that touch of A-list luxury that takes it from drab to fab. A poll by the National Sleep Foundation found that an overwhelming 71% of Americans have a TV in their bedroom – but many of them are wall-mounted or positioned precariously on dressers or other stands. The end-of-bed TV lift units at Cabinet Tronix are specifically crafted to store flat-screen televisions safely and securely, while also complementing the existing interior beautifully. With so many people choosing to bring a TV into their bedroom, why not ensure it’s positioned perfectly, with a unit built to your specifications? Trace McCullough, Director of Cabinet Tronix, says, “So many of us bring televisions into our bedroom so that we can catch up on our favorite shows or have movie marathons from the comfort of our own bed. Here at Cabinet Tronix, we say: if you’re going to have a TV in the bedroom, why not give it the platform it demands? Our handcrafted end-of-bed TV lift cabinet position television screens perfectly, with optimal viewing angles for those reclining against their pillows. Our stunning designs can also complement any existing bedroom space, whether you prefer a traditional look or a more contemporary style.” The Toscana end-of-bed TV lift unit is one of the most sought-after designs at Cabinet Tronix, and a real favorite in bedrooms across the US. The chic studded design makes the unit a real focal point within the room, and the telescopic TV lift offers smooth and silent operation – so when you’re having a late-night Netflix marathon, you won’t wake the other half! These end-of-bed cabinets have been specifically designed to look great from any angle – there are no trailing wires or fake back panels; just a 100% high quality cabinet that is worthy of being the centerpiece of any bedroom.

Andrew Latreille
Example of a large mid-century modern concrete floor and gray floor great room design in Vancouver with white walls and a standard fireplace

This modern waterfront home was built for today’s contemporary lifestyle with the comfort of a family cottage. Walloon Lake Residence is a stunning three-story waterfront home with beautiful proportions and extreme attention to detail to give both timelessness and character. Horizontal wood siding wraps the perimeter and is broken up by floor-to-ceiling windows and moments of natural stone veneer. The exterior features graceful stone pillars and a glass door entrance that lead into a large living room, dining room, home bar, and kitchen perfect for entertaining. With walls of large windows throughout, the design makes the most of the lakefront views. A large screened porch and expansive platform patio provide space for lounging and grilling. Inside, the wooden slat decorative ceiling in the living room draws your eye upwards. The linear fireplace surround and hearth are the focal point on the main level. The home bar serves as a gathering place between the living room and kitchen. A large island with seating for five anchors the open concept kitchen and dining room. The strikingly modern range hood and custom slab kitchen cabinets elevate the design. The floating staircase in the foyer acts as an accent element. A spacious master suite is situated on the upper level. Featuring large windows, a tray ceiling, double vanity, and a walk-in closet. The large walkout basement hosts another wet bar for entertaining with modern island pendant lighting. Walloon Lake is located within the Little Traverse Bay Watershed and empties into Lake Michigan. It is considered an outstanding ecological, aesthetic, and recreational resource. The lake itself is unique in its shape, with three “arms” and two “shores” as well as a “foot” where the downtown village exists. Walloon Lake is a thriving northern Michigan small town with tons of character and energy, from snowmobiling and ice fishing in the winter to morel hunting and hiking in the spring, boating and golfing in the summer, and wine tasting and color touring in the fall.

An Architectural and Interior Design Masterpiece! This luxurious waterfront estate resides on 4 acres of a private peninsula, surrounded by 3 sides of an expanse of water with unparalleled, panoramic views. 1500 ft of private white sand beach, private pier and 2 boat slips on Ono Harbor. Spacious, exquisite formal living room, dining room, large study/office with mahogany, built in bookshelves. Family Room with additional breakfast area. Guest Rooms share an additional Family Room. Unsurpassed Master Suite with water views of Bellville Bay and Bay St. John featuring a marble tub, custom tile outdoor shower, and dressing area. Expansive outdoor living areas showcasing a saltwater pool with swim up bar and fire pit. The magnificent kitchen offers access to a butler pantry, balcony and an outdoor kitchen with sitting area. This home features Brazilian Wood Floors and French Limestone Tiles throughout. Custom Copper handrails leads you to the crow's nest that offers 360degree views. Photos: Shawn Seals, Fovea 360 LLC