A large open family room is anchored by a light brick fireplace and a custom built-in entertainment center. Wood trim frames large windows and white walls embrace the natural light. Archways provide subtle separation from the rest of the house while maintaining an open-concept feel.

When a world class sailing champion approached us to design a Newport home for his family, with lodging for his sailing crew, we set out to create a clean, light-filled modern home that would integrate with the natural surroundings of the waterfront property, and respect the character of the historic district. Our approach was to make the marine landscape an integral feature throughout the home. One hundred eighty degree views of the ocean from the top floors are the result of the pinwheel massing. The home is designed as an extension of the curvilinear approach to the property through the woods and reflects the gentle undulating waterline of the adjacent saltwater marsh. Floodplain regulations dictated that the primary occupied spaces be located significantly above grade; accordingly, we designed the first and second floors on a stone “plinth” above a walk-out basement with ample storage for sailing equipment. The curved stone base slopes to grade and houses the shallow entry stair, while the same stone clads the interior’s vertical core to the roof, along which the wood, glass and stainless steel stair ascends to the upper level. One critical programmatic requirement was enough sleeping space for the sailing crew, and informal party spaces for the end of race-day gatherings. The private master suite is situated on one side of the public central volume, giving the homeowners views of approaching visitors. A “bedroom bar,” designed to accommodate a full house of guests, emerges from the other side of the central volume, and serves as a backdrop for the infinity pool and the cove beyond. Also essential to the design process was ecological sensitivity and stewardship. The wetlands of the adjacent saltwater marsh were designed to be restored; an extensive geo-thermal heating and cooling system was implemented; low carbon footprint materials and permeable surfaces were used where possible. Native and non-invasive plant species were utilized in the landscape. The abundance of windows and glass railings maximize views of the landscape, and, in deference to the adjacent bird sanctuary, bird-friendly glazing was used throughout. Photo: Michael Moran/OTTO Photography

The journey to creating Promise Lane was marked by a commitment to detail and excellence, epitomized by the design of the home's entrance. This wasn't just any entrance; it was conceived as a covered balcony, a welcoming embrace to all who approached, characterized by a special timber frame beam that spoke volumes of the project's architectural integrity and aesthetic ambition. This design choice was not merely functional; it was symbolic, representing a gateway to innovation and sustainable living. The special timber frame beam, chosen for its robustness and visual appeal, became the cornerstone of this unique entrance. It supported not just the physical structure of the covered balcony but also the philosophical foundation of the entire project. The careful selection of timber, known for its durability and beauty, reflected a deeper appreciation for natural materials and a commitment to utilizing resources that complement the environment rather than detract from it. Beyond the beam, every part of the entrance was meticulously planned and executed. The attention to detail was paramount, from the selection of joinery that would ensure longevity and resist the elements, to the precise angles of the balcony that maximized the view while providing shelter and comfort. This entrance was designed to be more than a mere threshold; it was an invitation to a space where design and nature coalesce, where every detail contributes to a harmonious whole. The covered balcony, with its timber frame, serves as a serene lookout and a symbol of the home’s open-armed welcome. It’s a space that invites reflection, offering views of the surrounding landscape while standing as a testament to the craftsmanship and vision that define the Promise Lane project. Here, the fusion of traditional materials with modern design principles creates a timeless aesthetic that resonates with the values of sustainability and innovation that Happy Healthy Home holds dear. As the family who now resides in this house steps onto the covered balcony, they are enveloped in the craftsmanship and thoughtfulness that the entrance embodies. This space, with its special timber frame beam and attention to every detail, is more than an architectural feature; it is a manifestation of the care, creativity, and commitment that went into creating a home that is truly a haven, promising a future where design, sustainability, and beauty are in perfect harmony.

Located in the Catskill Mountains of Upstate New York, this stunning A-frame Cabin is the perfect retreat from busy city life. With 2,072 total square feet, the cabin has two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, two living spaces, a kitchen, an office, a laundry room, and a mudroom. This modern timber frame is sleek and stunning inside and out. The exterior is bold, with a striking contrast between the black metal roof and the warm tones of Douglas Fir wood siding. Large windows strategically placed on each side of the home highlight the surrounding landscape's beauty. Open the front door, and it's easy to imagine stepping into this cabin to unplug and reset. Upon entering the space, the classic white and natural wood combination gives a fresh, clean, calming vibe. The first floor features an open living space with a massive bank of windows letting natural light flood the room. The concealed (or hidden) kitchen design creates a clutter-free look. Right off the kitchen are sliding doors where you can step outside and relax on the ground-level deck. You'll find the primary bedroom and bath near the back of the home. The bathroom has a freestanding tub where you can truly soak in the beautiful views of the forest. Climb the floating stairs to the loft, passing beneath the web pendant light, and you'll find a guest bedroom on one side and additional living space to relax or create on the other. The desk space with a large lookout window is the perfect setting to spark creativity. A frameless glass railing in the loft is a unique touch that creates a great sense of spaciousness throughout the home. This A-Frame cabin is the perfect example of a minimalist aesthetic that allows nature to be the focal design element. The timber's natural warmth and texture play a key role in achieving biophilic design. Biophilic design is a philosophy and architectural practice that connects people with nature in built environments. It incorporates natural elements into spaces to improve health and well-being. Shown to improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance cognitive performance, incorporating wood is an important aspect to consider when designing your home. The structure type of this home is a timber frame. Timber frame construction relies on mortise and tenon (or wood-to-wood) joinery to bring everything together aesthetically and structurally. This traditional method is known for longevity and creates a strong and attractive space.

Randy Jay Photography
Inspiration for a scandinavian home office remodel in Los Angeles

Example of a beach style bedroom design in Wilmington

This is the 2470 SF Island Cottage on Pilings. The house boasts a wrap around porch - part of which is screened, ground floor garage, 180 degree windows in the living room and dining room space, second floor bedroom roof decks, plus an observation loft. This house plan can be purchased at www.southerncottages.com.

Greg Premru
Example of a large classic two-story wood white patio design in Boston with a gambrel roof and a shingle roof

gorgeous details of this adjustable height dining table and hide on hair bar stool. Photo by Gerard Garcia @gerardgarcia
Inspiration for a small industrial concrete floor and gray floor kitchen/dining room combo remodel in New York

We met Sawyer Greenfield recently and were getting ready to announce him and his two brothers, Carter Wayne & Peter, as the Savvy Giving by Design - Ozarks (based in Bentonville, Arkansas) next recipient family any day. He's a little fighter and has already had to fight since December of 2018 when he was diagnosed with HLH, a rare severe systemic inflammatory syndrome. Treatment involved chemo (although HLH isn't cancer) and steroids over several months. He was finally given the thumbs up in May to finish treatment and be considered in remission. Then, while not feeling well at the end of June 2019, a routine check of how his blood work was looking turned into a diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. The prior HLH he had been treated for was actually masking the leukemia and when treatment ended it allowed the leukemia to spread quickly. He's now AGAIN facing treatment to fight harder than ever and his family is reeling with the news. There are no words to say how we feel for this amazing family right now!! Our aching hearts are holding on to the fact that Sawyer will be able to enjoy his new room while he goes through all that lies ahead of at least 2 years of treatment. Sawyer loves legos & minecraft so we are busy creating a design plan that blends those hobbies in a room he can grow with. We're asking for your help and support to make these rooms as special as the boys themselves. Be on the lookout for fund a needs in our Facebook Group Page as all the design selections are made and if you are moved to, please make a donation now to help us pay for some of the labor and materials we will need to pull it all together. The paypal link for our chapter is PayPal.Me/sgbdozarks and all donations are 100% used for the makeovers of children in our area and tax deductible.

Full-overlay Rustic Beech cabinets in the "Charleston" door style and "Briarwood" finish. Village Home Stores
Example of a large mountain style kitchen design in Chicago

Example of a huge trendy metal floating open staircase design in Minneapolis

Tom Walsh - twalsh@thomaswalshimagery.com
Example of a mid-sized classic 3/4 multicolored tile and stone tile multicolored floor alcove shower design in Denver with dark wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, beige walls, an undermount sink and granite countertops

Walls with thick plaster arches and simple tile designs feel very natural and earthy in the warm Southern California sun. Terra cotta floor tiles are stained to mimic very old tile inside and outside in the Spanish courtyard shaded by a 'new' old olive tree. The outdoor plaster and brick fireplace has touches of antique Indian and Moroccan items. An outdoor garden shower graces the exterior of the master bath with freestanding white tub- while taking advantage of the warm Ojai summers. The open kitchen design includes all natural stone counters of white marble, a large range with a plaster range hood and custom hand painted tile on the back splash. Wood burning fireplaces with iron doors, great rooms with hand scraped wide walnut planks in this delightful stay cool home. Stained wood beams, trusses and planked ceilings along with custom creative wood doors with Spanish and Indian accents throughout this home gives a distinctive California Exotic feel. Project Location: Ojai designed by Maraya Interior Design. From their beautiful resort town of Ojai, they serve clients in Montecito, Hope Ranch, Malibu, Westlake and Calabasas, across the tri-county areas of Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles, south to Hidden Hills- north through Solvang and more.Spanish Revival home in Ojai.

Inspiration for a modern landscaping in Wilmington.

This rustic mountain home is located with in the Big EZ of Big Sky, Montana. Set high up in the mountains, the views from the home are breath taking. Large glazing throughout the home captures these views no matter what room you are in. The heavy timbers, stone accents, and natural building materials give the home a rustic feel, which pairs nicely with the rugged, remote location of the home. We balanced this out with high ceilings, lots of natural lighting, and an open floor plan to give the interior spaces a lighter feel. Photos by Whitney Kamman

Landscape & Pool Design: Root Design Company Photo credits: Jessica Carr
Design ideas for a mediterranean landscaping in Austin.

Nestled in the trees on a hillside overlooking Lake Pend Oreille, this home has view of the Cabinet Mountains and Montana. A rooftop light monitor provides morning and late afternoon daylighting and ventilation to the upper level bridge and open plan below. Shed dormers add space to bedrooms tucked under the rusted metal roof. Exposed rafter tails, rough cedar shingles and cedar board and batten siding add interesting texture and rustic charm to this traditional craftsman Northwest mountain home

Susan Teare
This is an example of a mid-sized rustic partial sun backyard garden path in Burlington for summer.