Inspired by the breathtaking natural beauty of New Zealand’s South Island, the Wanaka house plan by Schumacher Homes seamlessly unites award-winning architecture with nature. This sophisticated 2,842-square-foot floor plan is uniquely engineered to fit a sloped lot or hillside property, effortlessly blending into its scenic surroundings while maximizing views and footprint efficiency on rolling terrain. Boasting a striking contemporary exterior style accented by sleek mono-pitch roof lines and subtle Mid-Century Modern elements, this custom 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom layout is perfectly tailored for modern living. The heart of the home features an open-concept great room that shines brightly with streams of natural light pouring from a dramatic, two-story wall of windows. This expansive living area flows seamlessly into an integrated covered porch, creating the ultimate indoor-outdoor living experience for relaxing or entertaining. For a private retreat, the deluxe owner's suite includes a luxury primary bathroom designed to help you unwind, complete with an elegant freestanding soaking tub, a double vanity sink, and a spacious walk-in closet. Blending mountain modern elegance with smart architectural functionality, this plan delivers the perfect balance of style and structural design.

Striking bathroom brings the outdoors in with floor to ceiling window and an organic tile wall and features smart home automation to enhance the ambiance. In-ceiling speakers broadcast the music of your choice using a whole-home audio solution, powered by Control4. The recessed smart lighting lighting and accent lights are designed to create the perfect personalized ambiance, whether relaxing after a hard day or getting energized for a night out. Other automation options may include triggering tinted windows for privacy, ambient heating in the floor and placing a TV behind the mirror. Everything can be controlled from virtually anywhere using your Control4 app with a smart phone or tablet device.

Another fun Crestview project! This young couple wanted a back yard that reflected their bohemian-eclectic style and could add additional privacy from the ever climbing construction around them. A place for “hanging out and drinking coffee or beer in the backyard.” But what was most exciting, was the air stream they had just purchased and were in the process of restoring. With the end goal of using it as a guest home for family and friends, we were challenged with creating a space that was cohesive and connected this new living space with the rest of the yard. In the front we had another quark to fix. The sidewalk from their front door to the street suddenly stopped 5 feet from the curb, making a less than inviting entry for guests. So, creating a new usable entryway with additional curb appeal was a top priority. We managed the entertainment space by using modern poured concrete pad’s as a focal. A poured concrete wall serves as a bench as well as creates a visual anchor for the patio area. To soften the hard materials, small plantings of succulents and ground cover were planted in the spaces between the pads. For a backdrop, a custom Cedar Plank wall and trellis combined to soften the vertical space and add plenty of privacy. The trellis is anchored by a Coral Vine to add interest. Cafe style lighting was strung across the area create a sense of intimacy. We also completed the fence transition, and eliminated the grass areas that were not being utilized to reduce the amount of water waste in the landscape, and replaced these areas with beneficial plantings for the wildlife. Overall, this landscape was completed with a cohesive Austin-friendly design in mind for these busy young professionals! Caleb Kerr - http://www.calebkerr.com

Permits: Using our 3-D animation program before the Town's architectural review board was an enormous help in explaining our detailed plans.The Town board was in awe of what we showed them. This aided in getting the permit granted, and is one of the reasons all our permits were approved in a fairly timely fashion www.deckandpatio.com

Imagine stepping into a custom white coastal kitchen that effortlessly blends elegance with the relaxed, airy vibes of a seaside retreat. The space is bathed in natural light streaming through large windows, accentuating the crisp, clean lines and pristine white cabinetry that define the room. The kitchen, a focal point of the space, is topped with polished white marble veined with soft gray, resembling the swirling patterns of ocean waves. Its expansive surface offers ample space for food preparation, while bar stools invite guests to linger and chat. Stainless steel appliances gleam against the backdrop of rustic white bricks that stretch across the walls, adding a subtle industrial touch. The wide-plank flooring, brings a rustic element that complements the kitchen's coastal theme. In this custom white coastal kitchen, every detail has been carefully curated to evoke a sense of serenity and casual sophistication, making it a perfect retreat within your home, where the beauty of the coast meets the comfort of modern living.

Imbue Design
Inspiration for a small contemporary one-story metal exterior home remodel in Salt Lake City with a shed roof

The view from the balcony outside the cozy loft bedroom is simply breathtaking. The daylight-filled 22-ft. high living room space below is bathed in natural light that streams in from the oversized windows, highlighting the beautiful architectural details of the space. The open floor plan is perfect for entertaining guests, with ample space for seating areas, a dining table, and a kitchen that seamlessly blends into the living area. The large, open area is accented by a gently curved dividing wall, which creates a sense of separation while maintaining an open and inviting feel. The wall also serves a practical purpose, concealing a large bathroom that services the two loft bedrooms located above the living area, dressing area with large clothing closets and cabinets, and storage. The overall effect is both dramatic and comfortable, with a sense of openness that invites occupants to relax and unwind.

The inviting breakfast bar, perfectly positioned as the focal point of this setting, is complemented by a discreetly integrated pantry and nearby counters and cabinets, all tucked away while remaining just within reach, blending more naturally with the galley layout of this modern kitchen design. This clever arrangement ensures that everything you need, from morning snacks to gourmet essentials, is always close at hand without interrupting the natural flow. Start your day in a space where convenience reigns, making even the earliest hours feel effortlessly manageable. The easy accessibility of the pantry to the breakfast bar further simplifies your morning routine, letting you glide from preparation to relaxation with ease. As sunlight streams in and the kitchen’s calm ambiance sets the tone, every detail works in concert to chase away gloom and invite brightness, no matter the weather outside. This kitchen becomes both sanctuary and stage, a place where inspired organization brings renewed energy to every morning, and the promise of convenience makes every day a little brighter, right from the start.

Hidden in this near westside neighborhood of modest midcentury ranches is a multi-acre back yard that feels worlds away from the hustle of the city. These homeowners knew they had a gem, but their cramped and dim interior and lack of outdoor living space kept them from the full enjoyment of it. They said they wanted us to design them a deck and screen porch; we replied, "sure! but don't you want a better connection to that luscious outdoor space from the inside, too?" The whole back of the house was eventually transformed, inside and out. We opened up and united the former kitchen and dining, and took over an extra bedroom for a semi-open tv room that is tucked behind a built-in bar. Light now streams in through windows and doors and skylights that weren't there before. Simple, natural materials tie to the expansive yard and huge trees beyond the deck and also provide a quiet backdrop for the homeowners' colorful boho style and enviable collection of house plants. Contractor: Sharp Designs, Inc. Cabinetry: Richland Cabinetry Photographer: Sarah Shields

This exceptional family home on the Upper North Shore has been designed for all year round entertaining. The home flows easily from the front entrance through the open plan living rooms through to the kitchen and outdoor living areas. The kitchen has been cleverly divided to provide additional storage and allows room for a sizable, walk-in butler’s pantry. Fitted with an additional sink means food can be prepared and dishes stored out of sight when entertaining. Gitani Stone, Ancient Reef island bench, Sareen Stone mosaic splashback and pewter handles transform what is predominantly a white kitchen into a vibrant living and working space. Practicality and ease of use were a must for this kitchen: custom cabinetry was designed and manufactured in Art of Kitchens Mt Kuring-gai factory and fitted with the latest Blum internal hardware. Miele appliances are featured throughout the kitchen. The kitchen is beautifully lit with a combination of ambient, task, and general lighting: natural light streams through the large windows and french doors, LED ceiling lights enhance the natural lighting and under cabinet lighting provides task lighting. Art of Kitchens completed the interior kitchen, outdoor kitchen, bathrooms and custom bedroom joinery in this brand new Upper North Shore Meadowbank Home.

The pinnacle of modern living in our light-filled and exquisitely designed kitchen—a harmonious blend of aesthetics and practicality. Behold the breathtaking new modern two-tone kitchen, a culinary masterpiece seamlessly fusing style and functionality. The open kitchen design, adorned with chic open shelving, radiates a contemporary vibe, while Jenn-Air appliances take the cooking experience to unparalleled heights. Illuminated by natural light streaming through strategically added windows, this kitchen is a refreshing retreat. The raised flooring height creates a dedicated space for a dining table, making it an ideal setting for family meals or entertaining guests. Culinary adventures have just received a stylish upgrade for our delighted clients!

This terraced backyard was created as a renovation of a failing deck system. The plans included creating 3 distinct outside spaces that would serve as living & dining rooms throughout the year. The materials were chosen to be a juxtaposition of natural & man made form. The strong geometry of the space is reflected the linear layout of the stone retaining walls & the paving pattern of the concrete pavers. A rectangular gunite spa creates a focal point in the lower terrace & has an elegant, yet natural feel. Large weathered boulders were set into the steps & bench of the spa to give it a lagoon type feel. Core-ten steel was used to create a cascading waterfall, built into one of the custom field stone retaining walls. A core-ten fire pit ties the earth-tone color through the whole. A babbling stream bed transitions two of the levels of the site & creates a calming, Zen like sounds to the outdoor space.

This estate is surrounded by the hustle and bustle of a big city but you would never know it when enjoying this backyard oasis. The aquatic environment was designed and carefully constructed to architecturally blend with the existing natural beauty, mature trees and rolling topography. The dramatic pool sits between multiple trees, nestled into the rolling terrain, and embraces the organic limb structures of Live Oaks. These limbs were carefully considered while designing this environment and fluidly divide spaces and accentuate views. The pools include an upper diving pool with grotto, large waterfalls, resort size water lounge, infinity edge spa, steps up to an underground slide and a 32 linear foot disappearing water fall. This waterfall pulls guest to the equally stunning lower pool that is connected by a natural staircase that elegantly wraps around the pool and stream. The lower pool is a shallow play pool where the slide exits, has ample seating, includes another massive water lounge and is designed for volleyball and just having a great time. This awesome aquatic family entertaining environment also includes a fire pit, outdoor kitchen, bar, pizza oven, multiple televisions, kamado style gill, many elevations, dry creek beds, artisan crafted hand railing, custom slide, elegant lighting, surround sound audio design, and much more!! Photography: Daniel Driensky

An oversized sectional sofa is upholstered in plush ivory chenille subtly woven with fine grey threads, enveloping the seating area in a layer of refined softness and understated luxury. The neutral tonal variation and tactile weave introduce quiet texture and depth, allowing the sofa to feel both inviting and elegantly tailored within the broader interior palette. A custom area rug with a restrained pattern and nuanced coloration grounds the composition, its subtle texture becoming more visible as it anchors the sectional and defines the living space with quiet sophistication. This layered foundation enhances comfort while maintaining a cohesive, design-forward aesthetic. An oversized ottoman upholstered in soft faux shagreen introduces a refined, light-reflective surface that gently catches daylight streaming through the French doors. Its subtle sheen adds dimension and contrast against the matte textiles, reinforcing a balanced interplay of texture, tone, and natural light throughout the room.

This Highlands Ranch xeriscape transformation replaced struggling front-yard sod with a water-wise landscape designed for the property’s challenging Colorado conditions. Located on a highly exposed corner lot near open space, the yard faced intense sun, strong winds and recurring bare areas where traditional turf was difficult to maintain. Griffith Designs created a more resilient solution that improves curb appeal while reducing dependence on water-intensive grass. The mature ash tree was carefully preserved and incorporated as an established focal point. After removing the failing sod, new landscape edging was installed to define the redesigned beds. A decorative dry stream built with specialty rock, a defined stone border and large landscape boulders adds natural structure, visual movement and year-round interest. Native and drought-tolerant shrubs, perennials and ornamental grasses provide seasonal color, texture and movement, while architectural yucca gives the landscape a distinctive Colorado character. The irrigation system was adjusted to support the new water-wise plantings and protect the long-term health of the existing ash tree. Griffith Designs also prepared the landscape design and HOA submittal package, helping guide the project through review and approval. Although the expanded scope exceeded the original target budget, the options and costs were discussed in advance and approved by the homeowner. The completed front-yard renovation delivers a polished, HOA-compliant xeriscape that is better suited to the site and easier to maintain.

This Highlands Ranch xeriscape transformation replaced struggling front-yard sod with a water-wise landscape designed for the property’s challenging Colorado conditions. Located on a highly exposed corner lot near open space, the yard faced intense sun, strong winds and recurring bare areas where traditional turf was difficult to maintain. Griffith Designs created a more resilient solution that improves curb appeal while reducing dependence on water-intensive grass. The mature ash tree was carefully preserved and incorporated as an established focal point. After removing the failing sod, new landscape edging was installed to define the redesigned beds. A decorative dry stream built with specialty rock, a defined stone border and large landscape boulders adds natural structure, visual movement and year-round interest. Native and drought-tolerant shrubs, perennials and ornamental grasses provide seasonal color, texture and movement, while architectural yucca gives the landscape a distinctive Colorado character. The irrigation system was adjusted to support the new water-wise plantings and protect the long-term health of the existing ash tree. Griffith Designs also prepared the landscape design and HOA submittal package, helping guide the project through review and approval. Although the expanded scope exceeded the original target budget, the options and costs were discussed in advance and approved by the homeowner. The completed front-yard renovation delivers a polished, HOA-compliant xeriscape that is better suited to the site and easier to maintain.

Elevate your boardroom with this stunning fusion of natural materials and contemporary design. Each piece showcases substantial slabs of Black Walnut, prized for their deep grain and dramatic live edge that celebrates the wood's organic origin. The Defining Feature: Pearl White Epoxy River The table features a flowing pearl-white epoxy river with a high-gloss finish, its opalescent shimmer contrasting beautifully against the dark walnut like a frozen glacial stream. Practical Excellence for Professional Environments: Durable Surface: The cured epoxy is non-porous, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean Seamless Collaboration: Expansive surface designed for meetings, presentations, and creative work Effortless Maintenance: A simple wipe keeps the high-gloss finish pristine Heirloom Quality: Solid walnut construction ensures lasting stability An ideal choice for creative firms, tech startups, executive suites, or design-forward companies looking to make a memorable impression while providing a superior functional surface.

This Highlands Ranch xeriscape transformation replaced struggling front-yard sod with a water-wise landscape designed for the property’s challenging Colorado conditions. Located on a highly exposed corner lot near open space, the yard faced intense sun, strong winds and recurring bare areas where traditional turf was difficult to maintain. Griffith Designs created a more resilient solution that improves curb appeal while reducing dependence on water-intensive grass. The mature ash tree was carefully preserved and incorporated as an established focal point. After removing the failing sod, new landscape edging was installed to define the redesigned beds. A decorative dry stream built with specialty rock, a defined stone border and large landscape boulders adds natural structure, visual movement and year-round interest. Native and drought-tolerant shrubs, perennials and ornamental grasses provide seasonal color, texture and movement, while architectural yucca gives the landscape a distinctive Colorado character. The irrigation system was adjusted to support the new water-wise plantings and protect the long-term health of the existing ash tree. Griffith Designs also prepared the landscape design and HOA submittal package, helping guide the project through review and approval. Although the expanded scope exceeded the original target budget, the options and costs were discussed in advance and approved by the homeowner. The completed front-yard renovation delivers a polished, HOA-compliant xeriscape that is better suited to the site and easier to maintain.

This Highlands Ranch xeriscape transformation replaced struggling front-yard sod with a water-wise landscape designed for the property’s challenging Colorado conditions. Located on a highly exposed corner lot near open space, the yard faced intense sun, strong winds and recurring bare areas where traditional turf was difficult to maintain. Griffith Designs created a more resilient solution that improves curb appeal while reducing dependence on water-intensive grass. The mature ash tree was carefully preserved and incorporated as an established focal point. After removing the failing sod, new landscape edging was installed to define the redesigned beds. A decorative dry stream built with specialty rock, a defined stone border and large landscape boulders adds natural structure, visual movement and year-round interest. Native and drought-tolerant shrubs, perennials and ornamental grasses provide seasonal color, texture and movement, while architectural yucca gives the landscape a distinctive Colorado character. The irrigation system was adjusted to support the new water-wise plantings and protect the long-term health of the existing ash tree. Griffith Designs also prepared the landscape design and HOA submittal package, helping guide the project through review and approval. Although the expanded scope exceeded the original target budget, the options and costs were discussed in advance and approved by the homeowner. The completed front-yard renovation delivers a polished, HOA-compliant xeriscape that is better suited to the site and easier to maintain.