The client’s brief was to create a space reminiscent of their beloved downtown Chicago industrial loft, in a rural farm setting, while incorporating their unique collection of vintage and architectural salvage. The result is a custom designed space that blends life on the farm with an industrial sensibility. The new house is located on approximately the same footprint as the original farm house on the property. Barely visible from the road due to the protection of conifer trees and a long driveway, the house sits on the edge of a field with views of the neighbouring 60 acre farm and creek that runs along the length of the property. The main level open living space is conceived as a transparent social hub for viewing the landscape. Large sliding glass doors create strong visual connections with an adjacent barn on one end and a mature black walnut tree on the other. The house is situated to optimize views, while at the same time protecting occupants from blazing summer sun and stiff winter winds. The wall to wall sliding doors on the south side of the main living space provide expansive views to the creek, and allow for breezes to flow throughout. The wrap around aluminum louvered sun shade tempers the sun. The subdued exterior material palette is defined by horizontal wood siding, standing seam metal roofing and large format polished concrete blocks. The interiors were driven by the owners’ desire to have a home that would properly feature their unique vintage collection, and yet have a modern open layout. Polished concrete floors and steel beams on the main level set the industrial tone and are paired with a stainless steel island counter top, backsplash and industrial range hood in the kitchen. An old drinking fountain is built-in to the mudroom millwork, carefully restored bi-parting doors frame the library entrance, and a vibrant antique stained glass panel is set into the foyer wall allowing diffused coloured light to spill into the hallway. Upstairs, refurbished claw foot tubs are situated to view the landscape. The double height library with mezzanine serves as a prominent feature and quiet retreat for the residents. The white oak millwork exquisitely displays the homeowners’ vast collection of books and manuscripts. The material palette is complemented by steel counter tops, stainless steel ladder hardware and matte black metal mezzanine guards. The stairs carry the same language, with white oak open risers and stainless steel woven wire mesh panels set into a matte black steel frame. The overall effect is a truly sublime blend of an industrial modern aesthetic punctuated by personal elements of the owners’ storied life. Photography: James Brittain

From Oak cabinets to an off white painted finish with glaze lines/pin striping. Island refinished to a black painted finish. Protective topcoat applied for the highest level of durability. Top Knobs cabinet pulls added to update cabinets. (CCFF is a distributor for Top Knobs cabinetry hardware.)

Looking for a hardwood floor that can handle heavy foot traffic, pets, and busy family life? This whole-first-level renovation showcases the incredible strength and beauty of natural wide plank hickory floors. Known for its distinct grain character and unmatched durability, hickory offers the perfect balance of rustic charm and modern longevity. A durable matte clear coat ensures maximum protection against daily wear without losing the wood's timeless, organic appeal.

Located on Jupiter Island. 2-Story custom-built residence. Combination of cedar shingle and flat lock seam copper roofs. Residence built around a single yellow flowering tree that had to be protected and maintained. Complete radius design; walls, ceilings, roof line, fascia, soffit. Custom terrazzo flooring with LED lighted inlays. Venetian plaster interiors, interior and exterior woodwork, millwork, cabinetry and custom stone work. Split level construction; main floor at street grade level, base floor at lower grade level due to significant lot topography.

This secluded single-family home in Great Falls, had a beautiful backyard setting. The owners recently built a gorgeous pool and surround deck on the right side of the house in their backyard. They inherited a rundown deck off of the kitchen patio doors. Our team designed a two-story outdoor living addition which offers the family everything that they can hope for in outdoor living. Our massive plan required excavation to make the lower level patio both attractive and functional for all kinds of outdoor activity. We excavated down two feet to create a nine-foot high patio, cut concrete walls to add French doors from to dark and unused side of the basement bringing improved use for the basement. The entire back wall was covered with matching brick veneer to entire front and side elevations. The roof of this patio was covered with EPDM roofing rolls to make the lower patio stay dry and protected. Steps away from pool sun deck, this flagstone covered patio turned into a prime space for entertainment. The built-in middle bar equipped with under counter beverage fridge and beer tab to make gatherings more exciting. The side steps built in with matching solid stone threads offered access to driveway and the second floor covered porch. The second floor is finished with porcelain floor tiles, stain grade ceiling panels, wrought iron rails, decorative recessed panel columns, hanging gorgeous ceiling fans steps away from the kitchen. Just outside of this covered porch, there is a deck with the same tile floor facing the pool area offering a breath taking view. Carefully selection of soft toned wood looking plank porcelain tiles compliment the knotty soft grey stain ceiling panels making this project one that shines even on rainy days. The custom-made spiral rod iron staircase offers an elegant second set of steps so that the upper level deck can reach into backyard and pool deck.

Located on Jupiter Island. 2-Story custom-built residence. Combination of cedar shingle and flat lock seam copper roofs. Residence built around a single yellow flowering tree that had to be protected and maintained. Complete radius design; walls, ceilings, roof line, fascia, soffit. Custom terrazzo flooring with LED lighted inlays. Venetian plaster interiors, interior and exterior woodwork, millwork, cabinetry and custom stone work. Split level construction; main floor at street grade level, base floor at lower grade level due to significant lot topography.

Ian Moore
Design ideas for a large contemporary drought-tolerant backyard gravel retaining wall landscape in San Francisco.

Fumed Antique Oak Natural finish
Brown, medium tone wood and large trendy oak smooth, 3/4 inch, matte and medium plank nail down, medium tone wood floor and beige floor great room photo in New York with protective coating, white walls and no fireplace

The design of this home was driven by the owners’ desire for a three-bedroom waterfront home that showcased the spectacular views and park-like setting. As nature lovers, they wanted their home to be organic, minimize any environmental impact on the sensitive site and embrace nature. This unique home is sited on a high ridge with a 45° slope to the water on the right and a deep ravine on the left. The five-acre site is completely wooded and tree preservation was a major emphasis. Very few trees were removed and special care was taken to protect the trees and environment throughout the project. To further minimize disturbance, grades were not changed and the home was designed to take full advantage of the site’s natural topography. Oak from the home site was re-purposed for the mantle, powder room counter and select furniture. The visually powerful twin pavilions were born from the need for level ground and parking on an otherwise challenging site. Fill dirt excavated from the main home provided the foundation. All structures are anchored with a natural stone base and exterior materials include timber framing, fir ceilings, shingle siding, a partial metal roof and corten steel walls. Stone, wood, metal and glass transition the exterior to the interior and large wood windows flood the home with light and showcase the setting. Interior finishes include reclaimed heart pine floors, Douglas fir trim, dry-stacked stone, rustic cherry cabinets and soapstone counters. Exterior spaces include a timber-framed porch, stone patio with fire pit and commanding views of the Occoquan reservoir. A second porch overlooks the ravine and a breezeway connects the garage to the home. Numerous energy-saving features have been incorporated, including LED lighting, on-demand gas water heating and special insulation. Smart technology helps manage and control the entire house. Greg Hadley Photography

Located on Jupiter Island. 2-Story custom-built residence. Combination of cedar shingle and flat lock seam copper roofs. Residence built around a single yellow flowering tree that had to be protected and maintained. Complete radius design; walls, ceilings, roof line, fascia, soffit. Custom terrazzo flooring with LED lighted inlays. Venetian plaster interiors, interior and exterior woodwork, millwork, cabinetry and custom stone work. Split level construction; main floor at street grade level, base floor at lower grade level due to significant lot topography.

HUNTER DOUGLAS DESIGNER SCREEN SHADES Hunter Douglas Designer Screen Shades are Made to Shade For excellent UV protection while maintaining your view of the outdoors, Hunter Douglas Designer Screen Shades are available in sturdy and easy-to-clean fabrics—perfect for your patio or sunroom. Hunter Douglas Designer Screen Shades are an innovative combination of sheer beauty and functional technology, offering visibility of the outdoors while protecting valuable furnishings from harmful UV rays indoors. Headrail Option UPGRADE YOUR LOOK Choose to upgrade to a variety of top treatments that conceal the fabric roll and clutch for a clean, attractive look. Complement or match your shade with a separate fabric for the top. Bottom Treatments DESIGN FLEXIBILITY Create a finished look with a wide choice of bottom treatment options. UV protection SUNSCREEN FOR YOUR VALUABLES Protect your furniture, flooring and artwork from fading with at least 75% protection from harmful UV rays. Platinum™ Technology CONTROL FROM YOUR PHONE OR TABLET Controlling your window treatments with a mobile device means you can set your blinds to movie mode, work mode, or 8 a.m. mode with the touch of a button, without leaving your seat. It’s effortless, fun and smart—with perfectly smooth operation. Lifetime Guarantee FOR LIFE Hunter Douglas products are designed and custom-assembled in the U.S. with the highest level of quality. But just in case, every window treatment from Hunter Douglas is covered by our lifetime limited guarantee. Read the Hunter Douglas Warranty to learn more. Sizes Available: Width: 12" to 192" Height: 12" to 144" Material/Color Options: 232 Combinations Available from Accent Window Fashions LLC (715) 355-0772 Hunter Douglas Designer Screen Shades with Standard Clutch Operated Continuous Loop Material: Melbourne 7% Color: Natural White Hunter Douglas Showcase Priority Dealer Hunter Douglas Certified Installer Hunter Douglas Certified Professional Dealer #Hunter_Douglas #Designer #Screen_Shades #Roller_Shades #Shades #Remote_Control #Home_Office #Den #Window_Treatments #HunterDouglas #Accent_Window_Fashions Copyright 2001-2014 Hunter Douglas, Inc. All rights reserved.

A non-conforming, small lot coupled with strict environmental regulations demanded this waterfront house have a vertical orientation to the surrounding protected wetland preserve. Like a moored boat, this house sits at the wetland edge with 360 degree ribbon windows offering views of the spectacular wetlands. The house’s program is divided vertically: the basement is for child’s play, the main floor is the social center of the house, and the top floor is a master suite for the clients. A vertical core connects the levels, with an open-tread stair under an operable skylight allowing light, air and people to move throughout the house.

The master bathroom has a freestanding tub in a wet room shower. Black hexagonal floor tiles give a geometric pattern to the space. Frosted glass provides a modern touch of privacy.

This spacious, multi-level backyard in San Luis Obispo, CA, once completely underutilized and overtaken by weeds, was converted into the ultimate outdoor entertainment space with a custom pool and spa as the centerpiece. A cabana with a built-in storage bench, outdoor TV and wet bar provide a protected place to chill during hot pool days, and a screened outdoor shower nearby is perfect for rinsing off after a dip. A hammock attached to the master deck and the adjacent pool deck are ideal for relaxing and soaking up some rays. The stone veneer-faced water feature wall acts as a backdrop for the pool area, and transitions into a retaining wall dividing the upper and lower levels. An outdoor sectional surrounds a gas fire bowl to create a cozy spot to entertain in the evenings, with string lights overhead for ambiance. A Belgard paver patio connects the lounge area to the outdoor kitchen with a Bull gas grill and cabinetry, polished concrete counter tops, and a wood bar top with seating. The outdoor kitchen is tucked in next to the main deck, one of the only existing elements that remain from the previous space, which now functions as an outdoor dining area overlooking the entire yard. Finishing touches included low-voltage LED landscape lighting, pea gravel mulch, and lush planting areas and outdoor decor.

Example of a brown, medium tone wood and large classic oak smooth, 3/4 inch, natural and thin plank nail down, light wood floor and beige floor foyer design in New York with protective coating

The 5-year-old exterior deck & railing was replaced with new Azek composite decking, Railcraft® Aluminum railing (Rideau Brown), and recessed LED lighting above and below porch were added. Using the existing support columns saved time and money. the patio stones on the lower level were protected with plywood during construction. Design/Build Consultant — Courtney Walker Photography — Alyssa Lee

Originally Elder wood, Cabinets refinished to a factory smooth antique white painted finish with glaze. An old world aged effect was achieved on the cabinets by a shadowing technique unique to CCFF. A protective topcoat professionally sprayed to ensure the highest level of durability

Along with a hot tub set into a new multi-level deck, all the homeowners needed to have room to breathe was a fire pit and a television — no additional structure was required. Note: Today’s LED televisions can be properly encased to be theft-free. Encasing the television carefully will also ensure the proper internal temperature control/circulation to protect it. There are also televisions designed for outside use which resist rain, dust and other elements. www.deckandpatio.com

Located on Jupiter Island. 2-Story custom-built residence. Combination of cedar shingle and flat lock seam copper roofs. Residence built around a single yellow flowering tree that had to be protected and maintained. Complete radius design; walls, ceilings, roof line, fascia, soffit. Custom terrazzo flooring with LED lighted inlays. Venetian plaster interiors, interior and exterior woodwork, millwork, cabinetry and custom stone work. Split level construction; main floor at street grade level, base floor at lower grade level due to significant lot topography.