Featuring an impressive red sandstone façade accented with durable exterior wood and powder coated brushed gold aluminum trims. This graceful home has an elegantly expressed massive main entry foyer to greet the guests. This home has been designed with Vastu Shastra in mind and has many dedicated areas to meet all the owners specific needs. Lots of entertainment zones for formal/informal gatherings, easy indoor/outdoor access. There is a delightful three story central atrium topped with a 5-sided glass-bottomed roof terrace water feature. This prismatic gem allows a soft filtered light refracting through the water to stream down through the core of the home. Augmenting the philosophy of Brahmasthan, a powerful zone of energy radiating through the open spaces of the home. The Roof Terrace has an exercise gym, spa and yoga rooms and an outdoor shady roof garden with lovely views of the Dubai Marina towers and Emirates Hills Golf Course, especially at night. There is a sizable service kitchen, an elevator and dumb waiter as well as basement staff accommodation for 6. The fully furnished basement has a 20 person theater, a games room, ample storage and also boasts an outdoor atrium open to sky above and connected by stairs to the patio party zones just off the main living room above. There is a side yard negative-edge swimming pool with waterfall and BBQ areas.

With the slope stabilized, our team addressed pool renovation. After draining the pool and removing the original liner, a poorly built concrete block wall was uncovered. The solution was to straighten the wall and fill the block in with concrete and steel rebars for strength. New vinyl covered stairs were then added, as well as new pipes, returns, skimmers, pump, filter and new liner was installed. After this, the pool was carefully backfilled and tamped. We compacted the soil back around the pool in three-inch lifts to allow for the immediate installation of new pavers around the pool. This compacting process is not done by many contractors. The idea is that using compacted soil the base will not settle, so you don’t have to wait to install a patio around a new pool. Many contractors still install concrete slabs under their patio. In our experience we find this does not work well. Settling still occurs under the slab allowing the patio to crack or settle. After the base materials were finished, we installed chestnut-hued durable pavers from Cambridge (Sahara). These particular pavers have little or no color fade and the random design pattern adds interest to the patio. The pavers’ protective coating means these clients will have a clean-lined modern look. Even after being subjected to snow plowing, de-icing salts and normal wear, they will keep their color and beautiful appearance.

Featuring an impressive red sandstone façade accented with durable exterior wood and powder coated brushed gold aluminum trims. This graceful home has an elegantly expressed massive main entry foyer to greet the guests. This home has been designed with Vastu Shastra in mind and has many dedicated areas to meet all the owners specific needs. Lots of entertainment zones for formal/informal gatherings, easy indoor/outdoor access. There is a delightful three story central atrium topped with a 5-sided glass-bottomed roof terrace water feature. This prismatic gem allows a soft filtered light refracting through the water to stream down through the core of the home. Augmenting the philosophy of Brahmasthan, a powerful zone of energy radiating through the open spaces of the home. The Roof Terrace has an exercise gym, spa and yoga rooms and an outdoor shady roof garden with lovely views of the Dubai Marina towers and Emirates Hills Golf Course, especially at night. There is a sizable service kitchen, an elevator and dumb waiter as well as basement staff accommodation for 6. The fully furnished basement has a 20 person theater, a games room, ample storage and also boasts an outdoor atrium open to sky above and connected by stairs to the patio party zones just off the main living room above. There is a side yard negative-edge swimming pool with waterfall and BBQ areas.

Featuring an impressive red sandstone façade accented with durable exterior wood and powder coated brushed gold aluminum trims. This graceful home has an elegantly expressed massive main entry foyer to greet the guests. This home has been designed with Vastu Shastra in mind and has many dedicated areas to meet all the owners specific needs. Lots of entertainment zones for formal/informal gatherings, easy indoor/outdoor access. There is a delightful three story central atrium topped with a 5-sided glass-bottomed roof terrace water feature. This prismatic gem allows a soft filtered light refracting through the water to stream down through the core of the home. Augmenting the philosophy of Brahmasthan, a powerful zone of energy radiating through the open spaces of the home. The Roof Terrace has an exercise gym, spa and yoga rooms and an outdoor shady roof garden with lovely views of the Dubai Marina towers and Emirates Hills Golf Course, especially at night. There is a sizable service kitchen, an elevator and dumb waiter as well as basement staff accommodation for 6. The fully furnished basement has a 20 person theater, a games room, ample storage and also boasts an outdoor atrium open to sky above and connected by stairs to the patio party zones just off the main living room above. There is a side yard negative-edge swimming pool with waterfall and BBQ areas.

Northern Michigan is the ultimate getaway destination with serene views and abundance of outdoor recreation. This remote Up North house offers nothing short of that. With the nearest major town almost 45 minutes away, it was essential this vacation home offered all the amenities for entertainment and relaxation. Spire worked with the client to create the perfect lake house retreat with comfort and convenience during any season or weather. The living room with an attached game room is a versatile space that offers endless entertainment. A 65” TV was installed over the fireplace in the custom stone wall. The adjustable mount allows the TV to lower for comfortable viewing from either the couch or pool table. A pair of Meridian Audio DSP7200 custom color matched speakers equipped with a Meridian Audio 218 digital controller were strategically installed on each side of the fireplace. The floor-standing speakers compliment the natural stone while providing astonishingly life-like sound, perfect for streaming live concerts. The powerful audio extends to the upper level of the home. Spire installed B&W 700 series bookshelf speakers in the executive office and a Triad custom speaker bar in the master bedroom. These speakers are ideal for smaller rooms, while elevating the TV experience. The large living room windows offer beautiful lake views and ample lighting. Lutron Palladiom shades were installed to easily control the natural light in the living room, master bedroom and bathroom. They are custom designed and fully automated to let in the morning sun or achieve partial shading or complete privacy. Whether set on a schedule or controlled from an iPad, the shades operate quietly and seamlessly. The technology was designed to be enjoyed just as much indoors as outdoors. With the whole home audio system, high-quality sound can flow throughout the indoor rooms as well as the outdoor patio. While the location may be remote, Spire ensured the WiFi and network connection is strong both throughout the yard and inside the home. A Lutron HomeWorks QS system integrates the control of all the interior and exterior lighting including motion sensing for the exterior pathway. Since this is not a permanent residence, a control and security system was very important. A personalized Savant system was integrated for full home control of lighting, climate, entertainment and security from anywhere with a smart device . This includes the ability to control the multiple landscape light zones with timed scenes. The Doorbird cameras and chimes with the integration of camera feeds into the Savant Control provides remote communication with visitors at any of the exterior doors. Remote access also allows rebooting of all essential systems from any location.

This striking architectural focal point highlights a masterfully crafted, organic modern seating area. A custom-built fireplace features a smooth, curved white plaster surround that subtly curves toward the natural wood plank ceiling. The three-sided, see-through glass fireplace insert sits seamlessly above sleek gray custom base cabinetry, adding clean horizontal lines to the space. Hanging vertically as a centerpiece is an oversized, vertical abstract landscape canvas painting featuring rich tones of sunset gold, deep charcoal, and soft white. The intimate conversational arrangement includes two luxurious taupe leather reclining lounge chairs with modern star bases, a gray textured fabric sofa, and a low oval walnut coffee table topped with an organic ceramic floral vase. A matte black metal floor lamp provides subtle task lighting, while bright natural light streams in from a nearby picture window. Textured neutral carpeting and light white oak hardwood floors complete this beautifully balanced, high-end Scandinavian-inspired sanctuary.

Featuring an impressive red sandstone façade accented with durable exterior wood and powder coated brushed gold aluminum trims. This graceful home has an elegantly expressed massive main entry foyer to greet the guests. This home has been designed with Vastu Shastra in mind and has many dedicated areas to meet all the owners specific needs. Lots of entertainment zones for formal/informal gatherings, easy indoor/outdoor access. There is a delightful three story central atrium topped with a 5-sided glass-bottomed roof terrace water feature. This prismatic gem allows a soft filtered light refracting through the water to stream down through the core of the home. Augmenting the philosophy of Brahmasthan, a powerful zone of energy radiating through the open spaces of the home. The Roof Terrace has an exercise gym, spa and yoga rooms and an outdoor shady roof garden with lovely views of the Dubai Marina towers and Emirates Hills Golf Course, especially at night. There is a sizable service kitchen, an elevator and dumb waiter as well as basement staff accommodation for 6. The fully furnished basement has a 20 person theater, a games room, ample storage and also boasts an outdoor atrium open to sky above and connected by stairs to the patio party zones just off the main living room above. There is a side yard negative-edge swimming pool with waterfall and BBQ areas.

We are a Houston based company with 20 years of swimming pool building experience. With Signature Pools, building your vision of a “dream pool” can become a reality. A custom pool is more than just a place to swim. Your pool can be built to accommodate a visual pallet for backyard entertaining, a play pool for kids of all ages, or a tranquil escape made for relaxing. Allowing Signature Pools of Texas to upgrade, create, or renovate your backyard pool opens the door to many possibilities.

Koi ponds possess a unique beauty and can provide entertainment for the entire family. With a notoriously long life span, and a reputation for being personable fish, Koi make the ideal family pet. The mild climates of San Diego, Orange County and Riverside County are ideal for koi, goldfish or any sturdy freshwater fish that can withstand the fluctuating water temperatures of an outdoor pond. As with any live animals, Koi do require some maintenance, so for the busy homeowner water garden ponds are an excellent alternative.

Featuring an impressive red sandstone façade accented with durable exterior wood and powder coated brushed gold aluminum trims. This graceful home has an elegantly expressed massive main entry foyer to greet the guests. This home has been designed with Vastu Shastra in mind and has many dedicated areas to meet all the owners specific needs. Lots of entertainment zones for formal/informal gatherings, easy indoor/outdoor access. There is a delightful three story central atrium topped with a 5-sided glass-bottomed roof terrace water feature. This prismatic gem allows a soft filtered light refracting through the water to stream down through the core of the home. Augmenting the philosophy of Brahmasthan, a powerful zone of energy radiating through the open spaces of the home. The Roof Terrace has an exercise gym, spa and yoga rooms and an outdoor shady roof garden with lovely views of the Dubai Marina towers and Emirates Hills Golf Course, especially at night. There is a sizable service kitchen, an elevator and dumb waiter as well as basement staff accommodation for 6. The fully furnished basement has a 20 person theater, a games room, ample storage and also boasts an outdoor atrium open to sky above and connected by stairs to the patio party zones just off the main living room above. There is a side yard negative-edge swimming pool with waterfall and BBQ areas.

Photo: F. D. Richards, via Flickr, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic American Elderberry / Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis

Two years before this photo shoot, a Bloomington couple came to SYI wondering whether to renovate their dated bi-level or upgrade to a new house entirely: the classic love-it-or-list-it dilemma. The whole house needed to be touched, really: bathrooms and kitchen, lighting and flooring and paint everywhere, not to mention new furniture to fill in and improve the living spaces. We spent a year with this family, considering options that were less transformative but allowed for the whole house to be upgraded, as well as options that dramatically changed the main living space but meant the rest of the house would have to wait. Meanwhile, they kept an eye out for better digs in town: a house at their price point, that met their family's needs and matched their aesthetic without major construction. After a year of hunting, hemming and hawing: they pulled the trigger. Give us the whole enchilada in the kitchen and main living space, they said. There's no other house for us. The bathrooms and basement can wait. Make this space, where we spend all our time, a place we love to be. Walls and ceilings came down; clerestory windows went in. A stunning 4-panel sliding door-cum-window wall replaced two separate doors in two separate rooms, and the sun streaming in now gives this house in Indiana a California-like access to the outdoors. The central custom screen does triple duty: displaying the client's objets d'art, hiding an HVAC chase, and holding up the ceiling. The gas fireplace is completely new, with custom shelving on either side. Of course, in 2017, the kitchen anchors everything. Family Central, it features custom cabinetry, honed quartz, a new window wall, and a huge island. Materials are earthy and natural, lending a warm modern effect to the space. The medium stain of the wood and overall horizontality of the design are a nod to the home's era (1967), while white cabinetry and charcoal tile provide a neutral but crisp backdrop for the family's stunning and colorful art collection. The result: an ordinary bi-level is now an extraordinary home, unlike any other in Bloomington. Contractor: Rusty Peterson Construction Cabinetry: Tim Graber Furniture Photography: Gina Rogers

Two years before this photo shoot, a Bloomington couple came to SYI wondering whether to renovate their dated bi-level or upgrade to a new house entirely: the classic love-it-or-list-it dilemma. The whole house needed to be touched, really: bathrooms and kitchen, lighting and flooring and paint everywhere, not to mention new furniture to fill in and improve the living spaces. We spent a year with this family, considering options that were less transformative but allowed for the whole house to be upgraded, as well as options that dramatically changed the main living space but meant the rest of the house would have to wait. Meanwhile, they kept an eye out for better digs in town: a house at their price point, that met their family's needs and matched their aesthetic without major construction. After a year of hunting, hemming and hawing: they pulled the trigger. Give us the whole enchilada in the kitchen and main living space, they said. There's no other house for us. The bathrooms and basement can wait. Make this space, where we spend all our time, a place we love to be. Walls and ceilings came down; clerestory windows went in. A stunning 4-panel sliding door-cum-window wall replaced two separate doors in two separate rooms, and the sun streaming in now gives this house in Indiana a California-like access to the outdoors. The central custom screen does triple duty: displaying the client's objets d'art, hiding an HVAC chase, and holding up the ceiling. The gas fireplace is completely new, with custom shelving on either side. Of course, in 2017, the kitchen anchors everything. Family Central, it features custom cabinetry, honed quartz, a new window wall, and a huge island. Materials are earthy and natural, lending a warm modern effect to the space. The medium stain of the wood and overall horizontality of the design are a nod to the home's era (1967), while white cabinetry and charcoal tile provide a neutral but crisp backdrop for the family's stunning and colorful art collection. The result: an ordinary bi-level is now an extraordinary home, unlike any other in Bloomington. Contractor: Rusty Peterson Construction Cabinetry: Tim Graber Furniture Photography: Gina Rogers

A large circular driveway and serene rock garden welcome visitors to this elegant estate. Classic columns, Shingle and stone distinguish the front exterior, which leads inside through a light-filled entryway. Rear exterior highlights include a natural-style pool, another rock garden and a beautiful, tree-filled lot. Interior spaces are equally beautiful. The large formal living room boasts coved ceiling, abundant windows overlooking the woods beyond, leaded-glass doors and dramatic Old World crown moldings. Not far away, the casual and comfortable family room entices with coffered ceilings and an unusual wood fireplace. Looking for privacy and a place to curl up with a good book? The dramatic library has intricate paneling, handsome beams and a peaked barrel-vaulted ceiling. Other highlights include a spacious master suite, including a large French-style master bath with his-and-hers vanities. Hallways and spaces throughout feature the level of quality generally found in homes of the past, including arched windows, intricately carved moldings and painted walls reminiscent of Old World manors.

Constructed in two phases, this renovation, with a few small additions, touched nearly every room in this late ‘50’s ranch house. The owners raised their family within the original walls and love the house’s location, which is not far from town and also borders conservation land. But they didn’t love how chopped up the house was and the lack of exposure to natural daylight and views of the lush rear woods. Plus, they were ready to de-clutter for a more stream-lined look. As a result, KHS collaborated with them to create a quiet, clean design to support the lifestyle they aspire to in retirement. To transform the original ranch house, KHS proposed several significant changes that would make way for a number of related improvements. Proposed changes included the removal of the attached enclosed breezeway (which had included a stair to the basement living space) and the two-car garage it partially wrapped, which had blocked vital eastern daylight from accessing the interior. Together the breezeway and garage had also contributed to a long, flush front façade. In its stead, KHS proposed a new two-car carport, attached storage shed, and exterior basement stair in a new location. The carport is bumped closer to the street to relieve the flush front facade and to allow access behind it to eastern daylight in a relocated rear kitchen. KHS also proposed a new, single, more prominent front entry, closer to the driveway to replace the former secondary entrance into the dark breezeway and a more formal main entrance that had been located much farther down the facade and curiously bordered the bedroom wing. Inside, low ceilings and soffits in the primary family common areas were removed to create a cathedral ceiling (with rod ties) over a reconfigured semi-open living, dining, and kitchen space. A new gas fireplace serving the relocated dining area -- defined by a new built-in banquette in a new bay window -- was designed to back up on the existing wood-burning fireplace that continues to serve the living area. A shared full bath, serving two guest bedrooms on the main level, was reconfigured, and additional square footage was captured for a reconfigured master bathroom off the existing master bedroom. A new whole-house color palette, including new finishes and new cabinetry, complete the transformation. Today, the owners enjoy a fresh and airy re-imagining of their familiar ranch house. Photos by Katie Hutchison

Two years before this photo shoot, a Bloomington couple came to SYI wondering whether to renovate their dated bi-level or upgrade to a new house entirely: the classic love-it-or-list-it dilemma. The whole house needed to be touched, really: bathrooms and kitchen, lighting and flooring and paint everywhere, not to mention new furniture to fill in and improve the living spaces. We spent a year with this family, considering options that were less transformative but allowed for the whole house to be upgraded, as well as options that dramatically changed the main living space but meant the rest of the house would have to wait. Meanwhile, they kept an eye out for better digs in town: a house at their price point, that met their family's needs and matched their aesthetic without major construction. After a year of hunting, hemming and hawing: they pulled the trigger. Give us the whole enchilada in the kitchen and main living space, they said. There's no other house for us. The bathrooms and basement can wait. Make this space, where we spend all our time, a place we love to be. Walls and ceilings came down; clerestory windows went in. A stunning 4-panel sliding door-cum-window wall replaced two separate doors in two separate rooms, and the sun streaming in now gives this house in Indiana a California-like access to the outdoors. The central custom screen does triple duty: displaying the client's objets d'art, hiding an HVAC chase, and holding up the ceiling. The gas fireplace is completely new, with custom shelving on either side. Of course, in 2017, the kitchen anchors everything. Family Central, it features custom cabinetry, honed quartz, a new window wall, and a huge island. Materials are earthy and natural, lending a warm modern effect to the space. The medium stain of the wood and overall horizontality of the design are a nod to the home's era (1967), while white cabinetry and charcoal tile provide a neutral but crisp backdrop for the family's stunning and colorful art collection. The result: an ordinary bi-level is now an extraordinary home, unlike any other in Bloomington. Contractor: Rusty Peterson Construction Cabinetry: Tim Graber Furniture Photography: Gina Rogers

The strongest feature of this design is the passage of natural sunlight through every space in the home. The grand hall with clerestory windows, the glazed connection bridge from the primary garage to the Owner’s foyer aligns with the dramatic lighting to allow this home glow both day and night. This light is influenced and inspired by the evergreen forest on the banks of the Florida River. The goal was to organically showcase warm tones and textures and movement. To do this, the surfaces featured are walnut floors, walnut grain matched cabinets, walnut banding and casework along with other wood accents such as live edge countertops, dining table and benches. To further play with an organic feel, thickened edge Michelangelo Quartzite Countertops are at home in the kitchen and baths. This home was created to entertain a large family while providing ample storage for toys and recreational vehicles. Between the two oversized garages, one with an upper game room, the generous riverbank laws, multiple patios, the outdoor kitchen pavilion, and the “river” bath, this home is both private and welcoming to family and friends…a true entertaining retreat.

Ecosystem Ponds are the crown jewel of the Water Feature world. They soon become the centerpiece of your landscape. These low-maintenance, natural-looking water gardens work with Mother Nature, not against her, to stay clean and clear without using chemicals or UV sterilizers or anything artificial. The key is the symbiotic relationship between the Pond Fish, the beneficial bacteria, and the Aquatic Plants. There is no sound in nature quite as relaxing as moving, falling water. It soothes away your stress at the end of a long day and you instantly start to feel more relaxed. Watching the Koi and other Pond Fish gracefully swimming around and nibbling from the underwater rocks and gravel can be almost hypnotizing. A variety of birds come to drink and bathe in the stream and colorful dragonflies flit here and there on mosquito patrol. Water lilies bloom in almost every color you can imagine and you'll soon see that frogs really DO sit on lily pads! Having one of these Ponds in your landscape is like coming home every day to a private vacation retreat right in your own backyard! Texas Ponds and Water Features creates some of the most beautiful and natural looking Ecosystem Ponds and Water Gardens in the Austin and Central Texas area. We also work in the Houston, Southeast Texas area and almost anywhere in between. Working with only natural stone, our specialists craft waterfalls and ponds that look as if they had been carved by the hand of nature. Our two main pond guys have over 27 years of experience between them. We are at the Master level of Certified Aquascape Contractors--among the best in the world at what we do. Contact us today to get started on your own backyard paradise.