The existing landscape of this Queen Anne backyard contained a series of cramped, disconnected spaces on multiple levels with little space to spread out or entertain. We designed a new deck that allows a smooth flow from the adjacent kitchen to this generous and flexible outdoor space. Built-in bench seating, centered around a gas firepit, maximizes space and incorporates storage while integrated planters define the space into distinct but connected outdoor rooms. A lower platform provides ample space for grilling and an integrated stair connects the deck to the adjacent garage. We chose two shades of gray composite for the deck surface, a neutral palette that allows the vibrant planting scheme to pop. Photography by Miranda Estes.

After completing an interior remodel for this mid-century home in the South Salem hills, we revived the old, rundown backyard and transformed it into an outdoor living room that reflects the openness of the new interior living space. We tied the outside and inside together to create a cohesive connection between the two. The yard was spread out with multiple elevations and tiers, throughout which we used to create “outdoor rooms” with separate seating, eating and gardening areas that flowed seamlessly from one to another. We installed a fire pit in the seating area, built-in pizza oven, wok and bar-b-que in the outdoor kitchen, and a soaking tub on the lower deck. The concrete dining table doubled as a ping pong table and required a boom truck to lift the pieces over the house and into the back yard. The result is an outdoor sanctuary the homeowners can effortlessly enjoy year-round.

This closeup of the lower section of the stationary side panel draperies shows the Duralee linen print, the Robert Allen wide gimp trim on the leading edge, and the trouser break on these slightly "puddled" panels. Having the panels break at the floor allowed us to spread the panel a little wider toward the bottom, for softness to the overall shape.

After completing an interior remodel for this mid-century home in the South Salem hills, we revived the old, rundown backyard and transformed it into an outdoor living room that reflects the openness of the new interior living space. We tied the outside and inside together to create a cohesive connection between the two. The yard was spread out with multiple elevations and tiers, which we used to create “outdoor rooms” with separate seating, eating and gardening areas that flowed seamlessly from one to another. We installed a fire pit in the seating area; built-in pizza oven, wok and bar-b-que in the outdoor kitchen; and a soaking tub on the lower deck. The concrete dining table doubled as a ping-pong table and required a boom truck to lift the pieces over the house and into the backyard. The result is an outdoor sanctuary the homeowners can effortlessly enjoy year-round.

This Craftsman home gives you 4,151 square feet of heated living space spread across its three levels as follows: Total Living Area: 4,151 sq. ft. 1,439 sq. ft. Main Floor 1,725 sq. ft. Upper Floor 987 sq. ft. Lower Level

The homeowners of this lovely Mill Valley home desired a complete landscape renovation for outdoor living, in their serene setting below the redwoods. We updated the patio areas with natural bluestone, one for lounging and relaxing with a gas fire table and modern furniture. The other for dining. The stepping stones and stairways also used the same natural bluestone. The homeowners' wanted to replace the water-thirsty lawn and chose an artificial turf. Now this area of the landscape has zero maintenance, saves water, and provides a great surface for their active dog, and for the homeowner to practice archery. I designed the two patios with an "irregular edge" to break up the long rectangular shapes and also add visual interest to the design. Between the patios I specified a grey "Granitecrete" surface (similar to decomposed granite, but more durable). Chosen to contrast with the bluestone, it also provides a perfect surface for the BBQ/kitchen area. The homeowner had custom redwood benches with storage created as wall as raised planting beds and shelving for their collection of Protea plants. The Redwood trellis was added for a future outdoor TV screen. The posts will eventually be accented with the planted vines. A lower area in the landscape was designed for another destination in the landscape with a relaxing hanging hammock This area includes Leucadendron (Cone Bush) shrubs along the retaining walls and a Carex Pansa lawn; a CA native grass that spreads with very low water needs. A variety of low-water flowering plants, flowing ornamental grasses, screening shrubs and a few site-appropriate trees complete the landscape design.

Dating to the early 20th century, Craftsmen houses originated in southern California and quickly spread throughout the country, eventually becoming one of the early 20th century’s most beloved architectural styles. Holbrooke features Craftsman quality and Shingle style details and suits today’s homeowners who have vintage sensibilities as well as modern needs. Outside, wood shingles, dovecote, cupola, large windows and stone accents complement the front porch, which welcomes with attractive trim and columns. Step inside, the 1,900-square-foot main level leading from the foyer into a spacious 17-foot living room with a distinctive raised ceiling leads into a spacious sun room perfect for relaxing at the end of the day when work is done. An open kitchen and dining area provide a stylish and functional workspace for entertaining large groups. Nearby, the 900-square-foot three-car garage has plenty of storage for lawn equipment and outdoor toys. The upstairs has an additional 1,500 square feet, with a 17 by 17-foot private master suite with a large master bath and two additional family bedrooms with bath. Recreation rules in the 1,200-square-foot lower level, with a family room, 500-square-foot home theater, exercise/play room and an 11-by-14 guest bedroom for family and friends.

This San Francisco home wanted to diffuse light from the upper levels down throughout the lower levels. Blank and Cables custom fabricated a floating staircase with a glass guardrail to spread light throughout the multi-level home. Blackened steel rides along the staircase in one continuous run to enhance the “floating effect” created from the wall anchored treads.

This impressive detached building is located in the heart of the bustling Dundas West strip, and presents a unique opportunity for creative live + work space. Designed by Kohn Shnier Architects, the building was completed in 2008 and has been owner-occupied ever since. Modern steel and concrete construction enable clear spans throughout, and the virtual elimination of bulkheads. The main floor features a dynamic retail space, that connects to a lower level with high ceilings – perfect as a workshop, atelier or as an extension of the retail. Upstairs, a spacious loft-like apartment is spread over 2 floors. The mainfloor includes a decadent chef’s kitchen finished in Corian, with a large eat-at island. The combined living & dining rooms connect with a large south-facing terrace with exceptional natural light and neighbourhood views. Upstairs, the master bathroom features abundant built-in closets, together with a generous ensuite bathroom. A second open space is presently used as a studio, but is easily converted to a closed 2nd bedroom. Parking is provided at the rear of the building, and the rooftop functions as a green roof. The finest materials have been used in this very special building, from anodized aluminium windows paired with black manganese brick, to high quality appliances and dual furnaces to provide adequate heating and fire separation between the retail and residential units. Photo by Tom Arban

The existing landscape of this Queen Anne backyard contained a series of cramped, disconnected spaces on multiple levels with little space to spread out or entertain. We designed a new deck that allows a smooth flow from the adjacent kitchen to this generous and flexible outdoor space. Built-in bench seating, centered around a gas firepit, maximizes space and incorporates storage while integrated planters define the space into distinct but connected outdoor rooms. A lower platform provides ample space for grilling and an integrated stair connects the deck to the adjacent garage. We chose two shades of gray composite for the deck surface, a neutral palette that allows the vibrant planting scheme to pop. Photography by Miranda Estes.

Builder: Mike Schaap Builders Photographer: Visbeen Architects, Inc. Strikingly modern, this dramatic design draws inspiration from the Prairie school as well as the “less-is-more” philosophy. With more than 2,500 square feet of living space spread out on three levels and walls of windows throughout, the design makes the most of the view. A contemporary-inspired floor plan revolves round a central living room with a dining, sitting and kitchen area to the left and study/office to the right. The second level is anchored by a central loft living area flanked by a master bedroom and two additional family rooms. The lower level houses a family room, exercise room and two additional bedrooms.

After completing an interior remodel for this mid-century home in the South Salem hills, we revived the old, rundown backyard and transformed it into an outdoor living room that reflects the openness of the new interior living space. We tied the outside and inside together to create a cohesive connection between the two. The yard was spread out with multiple elevations and tiers, which we used to create “outdoor rooms” with separate seating, eating and gardening areas that flowed seamlessly from one to another. We installed a fire pit in the seating area; built-in pizza oven, wok and bar-b-que in the outdoor kitchen; and a soaking tub on the lower deck. The concrete dining table doubled as a ping-pong table and required a boom truck to lift the pieces over the house and into the backyard. The result is an outdoor sanctuary the homeowners can effortlessly enjoy year-round.

This Craftsman home gives you 5,292 square feet of heated living space spread across its three levels as follows: 1,964 sq. ft. Main Floor 1,824 sq. ft. Upper Floor 1,504 sq. ft. Lower Level Higlights include the 2 story great room on the main floor. Laundry on upper floor. An indoor sports court so you can practice your 3-point shot. The plans are available in print, PDF and CAD. And we can modify them to suit your needs. Where do YOU want to build? Plan Link: http://www.architecturaldesigns.com/house-plan-73333HS.asp

This Craftsman home gives you 4,151 square feet of heated living space spread across its three levels as follows: Total Living Area: 4,151 sq. ft. 1,439 sq. ft. Main Floor 1,725 sq. ft. Upper Floor 987 sq. ft. Lower Level

Function meets fashion in this relaxing retreat inspired by turn-of-the-century cottages. Perfect for a lot with limited space or a water view, this delightful design packs ample living into an open floor plan spread out on three levels. Elements of classic farmhouses and Craftsman-style bungalows can be seen in the updated exterior, which boasts shingles, porch columns, and decorative venting and windows. Inside, a covered front porch leads into an entry with a charming window seat and to the centrally located 17 by 12-foot kitchen. Nearby is an 11 by 15-foot dining and a picturesque outdoor patio. On the right side of the more than 1,500-square-foot main level is the 14 by 18-foot living room with a gas fireplace and access to the adjacent covered patio where you can enjoy the changing seasons. Also featured is a convenient mud room and laundry near the 700-square-foot garage, a large master suite and a handy home management center off the dining and living room. Upstairs, another approximately 1,400 square feet include two family bedrooms and baths, a 15 by 14-foot loft dedicated to music, and another area designed for crafts and sewing. Other hobbies and entertaining aren’t excluded in the lower level, where you can enjoy the billiards or games area, a large family room for relaxing, a guest bedroom, exercise area and bath. Photographers: Ashley Avila Photography Pat Chambers Builder: Bouwkamp Builders, Inc.

This Craftsman home gives you 5,292 square feet of heated living space spread across its three levels as follows: 1,964 sq. ft. Main Floor 1,824 sq. ft. Upper Floor 1,504 sq. ft. Lower Level Higlights include the 2 story great room on the main floor. Laundry on upper floor. An indoor sports court so you can practice your 3-point shot. The plans are available in print, PDF and CAD. And we can modify them to suit your needs. Where do YOU want to build? Plan Link: http://www.architecturaldesigns.com/house-plan-73333HS.asp

This condo was stuck in the 70s: dingy brown cabinets, worn out fixtures, and ready for a complete overhaul. What started as a bathroom update turned into a complete remodel of the condo. The kitchen became our main target, and as we brought it out of the 70s, the rest came with it. Our client wanted a home closer to their grandchildren, but to be comfortable and functional, it needed an update. Once we begin on a design plan for one space, the vision can spread across to the other rooms, up the walls, and down to the floors. Beginning with the bathroom, our client opted for a clean and elegant look: white quartz, subway tile, and floating shelves, all of which was easy to translate into the kitchen. The shower and tub were replaced and tiled with a perfectly sized niche for soap and shampoo, and a slide bar hand shower from Delta for an easy shower experience. Perfect for bath time with the grandkids! And to maximize storage, we installed floating shelves to hide away those extra bath toys! In a condo where the kitchen is only a few steps from the master bath, it's helpful to stay consistent, so we used the same quartz countertops, tiles, and colors for a consistent look that's easy on the eyes. The kitchen received a total overhaul. New appliances, way more storage with tall corner cabinets, and lighting that makes the space feel bright and inviting. But the work did not stop there! Our team repaired and painted sheetrock throughout the entire condo, and also replaced the doors and window frames. So when we're asked, "Do you do kitchens?" the answer is, "We do it all!"

Function meets fashion in this relaxing retreat inspired by turn-of-the-century cottages. Perfect for a lot with limited space or a water view, this delightful design packs ample living into an open floor plan spread out on three levels. Elements of classic farmhouses and Craftsman-style bungalows can be seen in the updated exterior, which boasts shingles, porch columns, and decorative venting and windows. Inside, a covered front porch leads into an entry with a charming window seat and to the centrally located 17 by 12-foot kitchen. Nearby is an 11 by 15-foot dining and a picturesque outdoor patio. On the right side of the more than 1,500-square-foot main level is the 14 by 18-foot living room with a gas fireplace and access to the adjacent covered patio where you can enjoy the changing seasons. Also featured is a convenient mud room and laundry near the 700-square-foot garage, a large master suite and a handy home management center off the dining and living room. Upstairs, another approximately 1,400 square feet include two family bedrooms and baths, a 15 by 14-foot loft dedicated to music, and another area designed for crafts and sewing. Other hobbies and entertaining aren’t excluded in the lower level, where you can enjoy the billiards or games area, a large family room for relaxing, a guest bedroom, exercise area and bath. Photographers: Ashley Avila Photography Pat Chambers Builder: Bouwkamp Builders, Inc.

Builder: Mike Schaap Builders Photographer: Visbeen Architects, Inc. Strikingly modern, this dramatic design draws inspiration from the Prairie school as well as the “less-is-more” philosophy. With more than 2,500 square feet of living space spread out on three levels and walls of windows throughout, the design makes the most of the view. A contemporary-inspired floor plan revolves round a central living room with a dining, sitting and kitchen area to the left and study/office to the right. The second level is anchored by a central loft living area flanked by a master bedroom and two additional family rooms. The lower level houses a family room, exercise room and two additional bedrooms.