Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This young family of four came in right after closing on their house and with a new baby on the way. Our goal was to complete the project prior to baby’s arrival so this project went on the expedite track. The beautiful 1920’s era brick home sits on a hill in a very picturesque neighborhood, so we were eager to give it the kitchen it deserves. The clients’ dream kitchen included pro-style appliances, a large island with seating for five and a kitchen that feels appropriate to the home’s era but that also is fresh and modern. They explicitly stated they did not want a “cookie cutter” design, so we took that to heart. The key challenge was to fit in all of the items on their wish given the room’s constraints. We eliminated an existing breakfast area and bay window and incorporated that area into the kitchen. The bay window was bricked in, and to compensate for the loss of seating, we widened the opening between the kitchen and formal dining room for more of an open concept plan. The ceiling in the original kitchen is about a foot lower than the rest of the house, and once it was determined that it was to hide pipes and other mechanicals, we reframed a large tray over the island and left the rest of the ceiling as is. Clad in walnut planks, the tray provides an interesting feature and ties in with the custom walnut and plaster hood. The space feels modern yet appropriate to its Tudor roots. The room boasts large family friendly appliances, including a beverage center and cooktop/double oven combination. Soft white inset cabinets paired with a slate gray island provide a gentle backdrop to the multi-toned island top, a color echoed in the backsplash tile. The handmade subway tile has a textured pattern at the cooktop, and large pendant lights add more than a bit of drama to the room. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Mike Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Photos by Jeff Fountain
Rustic one-story wood exterior home idea in Seattle

Transitional master white tile and subway tile bathroom photo in Philadelphia with an undermount sink, marble countertops, white countertops, recessed-panel cabinets, black cabinets and beige walls

Inspiration for a small coastal light wood floor dining room remodel in Other with white walls and no fireplace

“EURO-LAKEVIEW ESTATE” This beautifully wooded lake-side estate is owned by a very special couple who contacted the Fred Parker Company design-build team from the company’s Houzz.com professional website profile. The owners were interviewing design-build firms, and Custom Builder and AIBD Building Designer Ron Parker and ASID Interior Designer Lila Parker connected with this special couple on their first appointment. The couple was recently married and both had survived the loss of their spouse in years past. Ron and Lila accepted this as a very special opportunity to fulfill the owner’s dreams for this home through taking a fresh and very unique approach to this amazing residence and property. The incredible home was originally designed and built by the husband for his family. Ron and Lila understood the importance of honoring and respecting the significance of these memories. The wife had a beautifully restored home on White Rock Lake and desired for the design and feel of her existing home to be incorporated with the architecture and style of this home to be renovated. The Parker’s design / build team embraced this tremendous opportunity and were awarded the contracts for design and construction. Additions were created to expand the Kitchen and Dining Area overlooking the lake. A beautiful European style kitchen was designed to include flush inset and stained cabinets; quartz counters with a “waterfall effect” at the island and serving bar; significant cabinet and storage details; large and expansive Andersen Windows and Patio Doors, custom wood beams, and oversized porcelain tile flooring. The Family Area was redesigned with a custom entertainment center and new Andersen Doors and Windows. Other remodeling and interior design upgrades were completed in the home including converting the existing Dining Room and Butler’s Pantry into a Library and Reading Area, and remodeling the Powder Room to include a free-standing contemporary vanity. Changes and upgrades were also made to the Study and Master Bath. A large patio was built with stone retaining walls, borders, planters, and steps leading to the beautifully terraced yard. This project also included a quaint and refreshing detached Art Room addition with cathedral ceiling, nestled in the trees overlooking the lake. A new two-car garage addition with storage closets was also added to the existing garage. Due to the proximately of these additions to the lake, special permission and critical guidelines were required by the Corps of Engineers and local city building authorities. These legal requirements created design, engineering, and building challenges which were approved and completed as required. Ron and Lila Parker and the Fred Parker Company Design / Build Team are extremely proud of the work that was achieved to redesign, renovate, and update this amazing estate for this fine couple and their families. Ron’s personal mission statement “To meet or exceed the client’s expectations and end with a good relationship” was certainly tested but he believes this was respectively achieved as indicated by the client’s eloquent “Five-Star Houzz Review”.

While the homeowners' choice to build their new ultra-insulated passive house on an urban infill lot made sense on many levels, it also led to some major challenges. A massive basalt outcrop dominated the site, resulting in the lot remaining vacant for decades as the neighborhood grew around it. The architect sited the home on top of the outcrop with retaining walls around the home to create a flat plane to build on. Even pushing the limits this way resulted in limited outdoor space, but the intimate courtyard areas provide make the most of what's available. A double-fall poured-concrete water feature is paired with a linear fire pit to create a dynamic statement in the main courtyard. It is visible from the main living areas and the master bedroom for year-round enjoyment. The lower fall drains into a catch basin hidden under the gravel walkway for a seamless look and less water loss.

Design objectives for the remodel were aimed at giving the kitchen a larger feel, more room for cooking and extra seating for entertaining: -Island with seating -Space for a larger range/cooking area -More storage with cabinets to the ceiling -Making the original dining room blend with the kitchen so it all feels like one space Design challenges to be solved: -Making the header between the kitchen and the old dining room make sense as we combined the two spaces -Avoid feeling crammed – a large island with seating still needed space for people walking around the space -Refrigerator location – the header and window placements needed to stay, so finding a new and functional place for the fridge was a priority -Add a large hood for wow-factor appeal Design solutions fell into place as the overall layout came together: -A large island to seat their four-person family comfortably. -Seating on two sides of the island improves conversation and has a great look. -Knocking out a dining room wall gave us more room for the island. The leftover part of the dining was perfect for a dry bar/beverage area. -The refrigerator needed to blend in and also be easily accessible. We removed the built-in pantry and used this space to house the refrigerator/freezer. Then we added tall pantry cabinets throughout the kitchen to make up for the loss of space. -A large metal hood broke up the space and made for a fun statement piece The new space is perfect for family time when the kids are back. It’s more conducive for being together, hanging out together, and entertaining with different friend groups together… the family simply spends more time together when they’re together in their new space. “It’s the design and the openness,” the mom says. “Everybody loves it and gathers around the island all the time. It’s the lighting, too – it’s brighter in here. It’s just more open. We love it!”

Design objectives for the remodel were aimed at giving the kitchen a larger feel, more room for cooking and extra seating for entertaining: -Island with seating -Space for a larger range/cooking area -More storage with cabinets to the ceiling -Making the original dining room blend with the kitchen so it all feels like one space Design challenges to be solved: -Making the header between the kitchen and the old dining room make sense as we combined the two spaces -Avoid feeling crammed – a large island with seating still needed space for people walking around the space -Refrigerator location – the header and window placements needed to stay, so finding a new and functional place for the fridge was a priority -Add a large hood for wow-factor appeal Design solutions fell into place as the overall layout came together: -A large island to seat their four-person family comfortably. -Seating on two sides of the island improves conversation and has a great look. -Knocking out a dining room wall gave us more room for the island. The leftover part of the dining was perfect for a dry bar/beverage area. -The refrigerator needed to blend in and also be easily accessible. We removed the built-in pantry and used this space to house the refrigerator/freezer. Then we added tall pantry cabinets throughout the kitchen to make up for the loss of space. -A large metal hood broke up the space and made for a fun statement piece The new space is perfect for family time when the kids are back. It’s more conducive for being together, hanging out together, and entertaining with different friend groups together… the family simply spends more time together when they’re together in their new space. “It’s the design and the openness,” the mom says. “Everybody loves it and gathers around the island all the time. It’s the lighting, too – it’s brighter in here. It’s just more open. We love it!”

Design objectives for the remodel were aimed at giving the kitchen a larger feel, more room for cooking and extra seating for entertaining: -Island with seating -Space for a larger range/cooking area -More storage with cabinets to the ceiling -Making the original dining room blend with the kitchen so it all feels like one space Design challenges to be solved: -Making the header between the kitchen and the old dining room make sense as we combined the two spaces -Avoid feeling crammed – a large island with seating still needed space for people walking around the space -Refrigerator location – the header and window placements needed to stay, so finding a new and functional place for the fridge was a priority -Add a large hood for wow-factor appeal Design solutions fell into place as the overall layout came together: -A large island to seat their four-person family comfortably. -Seating on two sides of the island improves conversation and has a great look. -Knocking out a dining room wall gave us more room for the island. The leftover part of the dining was perfect for a dry bar/beverage area. -The refrigerator needed to blend in and also be easily accessible. We removed the built-in pantry and used this space to house the refrigerator/freezer. Then we added tall pantry cabinets throughout the kitchen to make up for the loss of space. -A large metal hood broke up the space and made for a fun statement piece The new space is perfect for family time when the kids are back. It’s more conducive for being together, hanging out together, and entertaining with different friend groups together… the family simply spends more time together when they’re together in their new space. “It’s the design and the openness,” the mom says. “Everybody loves it and gathers around the island all the time. It’s the lighting, too – it’s brighter in here. It’s just more open. We love it!”

Design objectives for the remodel were aimed at giving the kitchen a larger feel, more room for cooking and extra seating for entertaining: -Island with seating -Space for a larger range/cooking area -More storage with cabinets to the ceiling -Making the original dining room blend with the kitchen so it all feels like one space Design challenges to be solved: -Making the header between the kitchen and the old dining room make sense as we combined the two spaces -Avoid feeling crammed – a large island with seating still needed space for people walking around the space -Refrigerator location – the header and window placements needed to stay, so finding a new and functional place for the fridge was a priority -Add a large hood for wow-factor appeal Design solutions fell into place as the overall layout came together: -A large island to seat their four-person family comfortably. -Seating on two sides of the island improves conversation and has a great look. -Knocking out a dining room wall gave us more room for the island. The leftover part of the dining was perfect for a dry bar/beverage area. -The refrigerator needed to blend in and also be easily accessible. We removed the built-in pantry and used this space to house the refrigerator/freezer. Then we added tall pantry cabinets throughout the kitchen to make up for the loss of space. -A large metal hood broke up the space and made for a fun statement piece The new space is perfect for family time when the kids are back. It’s more conducive for being together, hanging out together, and entertaining with different friend groups together… the family simply spends more time together when they’re together in their new space. “It’s the design and the openness,” the mom says. “Everybody loves it and gathers around the island all the time. It’s the lighting, too – it’s brighter in here. It’s just more open. We love it!”

Design objectives for the remodel were aimed at giving the kitchen a larger feel, more room for cooking and extra seating for entertaining: -Island with seating -Space for a larger range/cooking area -More storage with cabinets to the ceiling -Making the original dining room blend with the kitchen so it all feels like one space Design challenges to be solved: -Making the header between the kitchen and the old dining room make sense as we combined the two spaces -Avoid feeling crammed – a large island with seating still needed space for people walking around the space -Refrigerator location – the header and window placements needed to stay, so finding a new and functional place for the fridge was a priority -Add a large hood for wow-factor appeal Design solutions fell into place as the overall layout came together: -A large island to seat their four-person family comfortably. -Seating on two sides of the island improves conversation and has a great look. -Knocking out a dining room wall gave us more room for the island. The leftover part of the dining was perfect for a dry bar/beverage area. -The refrigerator needed to blend in and also be easily accessible. We removed the built-in pantry and used this space to house the refrigerator/freezer. Then we added tall pantry cabinets throughout the kitchen to make up for the loss of space. -A large metal hood broke up the space and made for a fun statement piece The new space is perfect for family time when the kids are back. It’s more conducive for being together, hanging out together, and entertaining with different friend groups together… the family simply spends more time together when they’re together in their new space. “It’s the design and the openness,” the mom says. “Everybody loves it and gathers around the island all the time. It’s the lighting, too – it’s brighter in here. It’s just more open. We love it!”

Design objectives for the remodel were aimed at giving the kitchen a larger feel, more room for cooking and extra seating for entertaining: -Island with seating -Space for a larger range/cooking area -More storage with cabinets to the ceiling -Making the original dining room blend with the kitchen so it all feels like one space Design challenges to be solved: -Making the header between the kitchen and the old dining room make sense as we combined the two spaces -Avoid feeling crammed – a large island with seating still needed space for people walking around the space -Refrigerator location – the header and window placements needed to stay, so finding a new and functional place for the fridge was a priority -Add a large hood for wow-factor appeal Design solutions fell into place as the overall layout came together: -A large island to seat their four-person family comfortably. -Seating on two sides of the island improves conversation and has a great look. -Knocking out a dining room wall gave us more room for the island. The leftover part of the dining was perfect for a dry bar/beverage area. -The refrigerator needed to blend in and also be easily accessible. We removed the built-in pantry and used this space to house the refrigerator/freezer. Then we added tall pantry cabinets throughout the kitchen to make up for the loss of space. -A large metal hood broke up the space and made for a fun statement piece The new space is perfect for family time when the kids are back. It’s more conducive for being together, hanging out together, and entertaining with different friend groups together… the family simply spends more time together when they’re together in their new space. “It’s the design and the openness,” the mom says. “Everybody loves it and gathers around the island all the time. It’s the lighting, too – it’s brighter in here. It’s just more open. We love it!”

Design objectives for the remodel were aimed at giving the kitchen a larger feel, more room for cooking and extra seating for entertaining: -Island with seating -Space for a larger range/cooking area -More storage with cabinets to the ceiling -Making the original dining room blend with the kitchen so it all feels like one space Design challenges to be solved: -Making the header between the kitchen and the old dining room make sense as we combined the two spaces -Avoid feeling crammed – a large island with seating still needed space for people walking around the space -Refrigerator location – the header and window placements needed to stay, so finding a new and functional place for the fridge was a priority -Add a large hood for wow-factor appeal Design solutions fell into place as the overall layout came together: -A large island to seat their four-person family comfortably. -Seating on two sides of the island improves conversation and has a great look. -Knocking out a dining room wall gave us more room for the island. The leftover part of the dining was perfect for a dry bar/beverage area. -The refrigerator needed to blend in and also be easily accessible. We removed the built-in pantry and used this space to house the refrigerator/freezer. Then we added tall pantry cabinets throughout the kitchen to make up for the loss of space. -A large metal hood broke up the space and made for a fun statement piece The new space is perfect for family time when the kids are back. It’s more conducive for being together, hanging out together, and entertaining with different friend groups together… the family simply spends more time together when they’re together in their new space. “It’s the design and the openness,” the mom says. “Everybody loves it and gathers around the island all the time. It’s the lighting, too – it’s brighter in here. It’s just more open. We love it!”

Design objectives for the remodel were aimed at giving the kitchen a larger feel, more room for cooking and extra seating for entertaining: -Island with seating -Space for a larger range/cooking area -More storage with cabinets to the ceiling -Making the original dining room blend with the kitchen so it all feels like one space Design challenges to be solved: -Making the header between the kitchen and the old dining room make sense as we combined the two spaces -Avoid feeling crammed – a large island with seating still needed space for people walking around the space -Refrigerator location – the header and window placements needed to stay, so finding a new and functional place for the fridge was a priority -Add a large hood for wow-factor appeal Design solutions fell into place as the overall layout came together: -A large island to seat their four-person family comfortably. -Seating on two sides of the island improves conversation and has a great look. -Knocking out a dining room wall gave us more room for the island. The leftover part of the dining was perfect for a dry bar/beverage area. -The refrigerator needed to blend in and also be easily accessible. We removed the built-in pantry and used this space to house the refrigerator/freezer. Then we added tall pantry cabinets throughout the kitchen to make up for the loss of space. -A large metal hood broke up the space and made for a fun statement piece The new space is perfect for family time when the kids are back. It’s more conducive for being together, hanging out together, and entertaining with different friend groups together… the family simply spends more time together when they’re together in their new space. “It’s the design and the openness,” the mom says. “Everybody loves it and gathers around the island all the time. It’s the lighting, too – it’s brighter in here. It’s just more open. We love it!”

Design objectives for the remodel were aimed at giving the kitchen a larger feel, more room for cooking and extra seating for entertaining: -Island with seating -Space for a larger range/cooking area -More storage with cabinets to the ceiling -Making the original dining room blend with the kitchen so it all feels like one space Design challenges to be solved: -Making the header between the kitchen and the old dining room make sense as we combined the two spaces -Avoid feeling crammed – a large island with seating still needed space for people walking around the space -Refrigerator location – the header and window placements needed to stay, so finding a new and functional place for the fridge was a priority -Add a large hood for wow-factor appeal Design solutions fell into place as the overall layout came together: -A large island to seat their four-person family comfortably. -Seating on two sides of the island improves conversation and has a great look. -Knocking out a dining room wall gave us more room for the island. The leftover part of the dining was perfect for a dry bar/beverage area. -The refrigerator needed to blend in and also be easily accessible. We removed the built-in pantry and used this space to house the refrigerator/freezer. Then we added tall pantry cabinets throughout the kitchen to make up for the loss of space. -A large metal hood broke up the space and made for a fun statement piece The new space is perfect for family time when the kids are back. It’s more conducive for being together, hanging out together, and entertaining with different friend groups together… the family simply spends more time together when they’re together in their new space. “It’s the design and the openness,” the mom says. “Everybody loves it and gathers around the island all the time. It’s the lighting, too – it’s brighter in here. It’s just more open. We love it!”

Design objectives for the remodel were aimed at giving the kitchen a larger feel, more room for cooking and extra seating for entertaining: -Island with seating -Space for a larger range/cooking area -More storage with cabinets to the ceiling -Making the original dining room blend with the kitchen so it all feels like one space Design challenges to be solved: -Making the header between the kitchen and the old dining room make sense as we combined the two spaces -Avoid feeling crammed – a large island with seating still needed space for people walking around the space -Refrigerator location – the header and window placements needed to stay, so finding a new and functional place for the fridge was a priority -Add a large hood for wow-factor appeal Design solutions fell into place as the overall layout came together: -A large island to seat their four-person family comfortably. -Seating on two sides of the island improves conversation and has a great look. -Knocking out a dining room wall gave us more room for the island. The leftover part of the dining was perfect for a dry bar/beverage area. -The refrigerator needed to blend in and also be easily accessible. We removed the built-in pantry and used this space to house the refrigerator/freezer. Then we added tall pantry cabinets throughout the kitchen to make up for the loss of space. -A large metal hood broke up the space and made for a fun statement piece The new space is perfect for family time when the kids are back. It’s more conducive for being together, hanging out together, and entertaining with different friend groups together… the family simply spends more time together when they’re together in their new space. “It’s the design and the openness,” the mom says. “Everybody loves it and gathers around the island all the time. It’s the lighting, too – it’s brighter in here. It’s just more open. We love it!”

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Bold. Elegant. Built to Last. Our Aluminum Pivot Doors transform any entrance into a true statement piece. Designed with advanced engineering and premium finishes, they combine stunning visuals with unmatched performance. What’s Included in the Set Prehung Door with Aluminum Frame: A ready-to-install system with a durable frame that ensures long-term stability and smooth pivot movement. Pivot System: Innovative pivot hinges that allow effortless opening and a striking architectural effect. Sleek Vertical Pull Bar: A long, modern handle that makes opening the door comfortable and stylish, adding an elegant accent to the design. High-Security Locking System: Heavy-duty lock with five precision-cut keys, protected by a reinforced armor plate for ultimate security. Aluminum Threshold: Designed for durability, weather resistance, and smooth transition between spaces. Premium Insulation: Built with energy efficiency in mind to reduce heat loss and noise penetration. Why Choose Our Pivot Doors? Architectural Statement: Oversized, dramatic design that elevates the look of any property. Strength & Security: Reinforced aluminum structure with armored lock protection gives you peace of mind. Luxury Experience: Smooth pivot motion and solid build provide a high-end feel every time you enter. Custom Options: Multiple finishes, glass inserts, and handle designs available. Bring the Future to Your Entrance Our Aluminum Pivot Doors are not just doors — they’re a gateway to modern living. With advanced features, premium security, and luxurious style, they create a first impression that lasts.