This home, located in the rolling scrub oak foothills of the Rocky Mountains, has its roots based in traditional Japanese architecture. Modified and adapted for the owner’s lifestyle, its influences draw upon the great traditions of Japanese woodwork and joinery. The central main space of the home has a wide open floor plan. This space and others in the house can be easily adapted, however, to provide a more intimate environment through the use of 85 shoji doors located throughout the home. The use of shoji at the transom areas help diffuse both artificial and natural light throughout the space creating a light and inviting feel any time of day or night. One unique feature is the stream that flows through the main space. Created with the use of indigenous rocks from the site and around Colorado, the stream provides a soothing background noise that permeates the entire residence. In Colorado’s arid climate, the additional humidity the stream adds to the home is another benefit. Probably the most notable aspect of the residence is the woodwork. Traditional Japanese woodwork often utilizes Yellow Cedar in its design, however due to its scarcity and limited availability locally, Clear Vertical Grain Fir (CVGF) was chosen and a viable substitute. All of the woodwork was designed and created locally in house. Much thought and care when into creating a look and feel of traditional Japanese joinery and woodwork. Of course, truly replicating the actual techniques was not feasible or practical for the entire residence but in a few areas we were very fortunate to be able to apply some very traditional methods and tools to the process. The entire project was a wonderful experience to be a part of. The research and techniques we discovered along the way continue to valuable lessons and guide us in our continuing projects.

This award-winning and intimate cottage was rebuilt on the site of a deteriorating outbuilding. Doubling as a custom jewelry studio and guest retreat, the cottage’s timeless design was inspired by old National Parks rough-stone shelters that the owners had fallen in love with. A single living space boasts custom built-ins for jewelry work, a Murphy bed for overnight guests, and a stone fireplace for warmth and relaxation. A cozy loft nestles behind rustic timber trusses above. Expansive sliding glass doors open to an outdoor living terrace overlooking a serene wooded meadow. Photos by: Emily Minton Redfield

Landscape images from The Bloedel Reserve, a world class estate garden open to the public on Bainbridge Island, Washington; Photo by Debra Prinzing
Photo of a traditional landscaping in Seattle.

Richard Leo Johnson
Inspiration for a small cottage gray one-story exterior home remodel in Atlanta

Mid-century modern living room with open plan and floor to ceiling windows for indoor-outdoor ambiance, redwood paneled walls, exposed wood beam ceiling, wood flooring and mid-century modern style furniture, in Berkeley, California. - Photo by Bruce Damonte.

Inspired by the Japanese "roten-buro" (outdoor bath), this master bath uses natural materials and textures to create the feeling of bathing out in nature. Designer: Fumiko Faiman. Photographer: Jeri Koegel.

Small coastal exterior home idea in Providence

The Laurel was a project that required a rigorous lesson in southern architectural vernacular. The site being located in the hot climate of the Carolina shoreline, the client was eager to capture cross breezes and utilize outdoor entertainment spaces. The home was designed with three covered porches, one partially covered courtyard, and one screened porch, all accessed by way of French doors and extra tall double-hung windows. The open main level floor plan centers on common livings spaces, while still leaving room for a luxurious master suite. The upstairs loft includes two individual bed and bath suites, providing ample room for guests. Native materials were used in construction, including a metal roof and local timber.

Raleigh, Wake County NC Hurst Home Company
Example of a classic gender-neutral medium tone wood floor kids' study room design in Raleigh with multicolored walls

The Laurel was a project that required a rigorous lesson in southern architectural vernacular. The site being located in the hot climate of the Carolina shoreline, the client was eager to capture cross breezes and utilize outdoor entertainment spaces. The home was designed with three covered porches, one partially covered courtyard, and one screened porch, all accessed by way of French doors and extra tall double-hung windows. The open main level floor plan centers on common livings spaces, while still leaving room for a luxurious master suite. The upstairs loft includes two individual bed and bath suites, providing ample room for guests. Native materials were used in construction, including a metal roof and local timber.

This stylish Coastal Farmhouse-inspired renovation features a brand new Foyer & Dining Room! Southern Hospitality meets divine entertainment in this vibrant space for guests to enjoy. Pay close attention to the details, textures, and playful prints woven throughout each space... this design showcases new architectural lighting fixtures, custom window treatments, and brand new furniture & decor creating the ultimate space to entertain.

The Laurel was a project that required a rigorous lesson in southern architectural vernacular. The site being located in the hot climate of the Carolina shoreline, the client was eager to capture cross breezes and utilize outdoor entertainment spaces. The home was designed with three covered porches, one partially covered courtyard, and one screened porch, all accessed by way of French doors and extra tall double-hung windows. The open main level floor plan centers on common livings spaces, while still leaving room for a luxurious master suite. The upstairs loft includes two individual bed and bath suites, providing ample room for guests. Native materials were used in construction, including a metal roof and local timber.

The Laurel was a project that required a rigorous lesson in southern architectural vernacular. The site being located in the hot climate of the Carolina shoreline, the client was eager to capture cross breezes and utilize outdoor entertainment spaces. The home was designed with three covered porches, one partially covered courtyard, and one screened porch, all accessed by way of French doors and extra tall double-hung windows. The open main level floor plan centers on common livings spaces, while still leaving room for a luxurious master suite. The upstairs loft includes two individual bed and bath suites, providing ample room for guests. Native materials were used in construction, including a metal roof and local timber.

The Laurel was a project that required a rigorous lesson in southern architectural vernacular. The site being located in the hot climate of the Carolina shoreline, the client was eager to capture cross breezes and utilize outdoor entertainment spaces. The home was designed with three covered porches, one partially covered courtyard, and one screened porch, all accessed by way of French doors and extra tall double-hung windows. The open main level floor plan centers on common livings spaces, while still leaving room for a luxurious master suite. The upstairs loft includes two individual bed and bath suites, providing ample room for guests. Native materials were used in construction, including a metal roof and local timber.

A seating corner with the armchair in Anacapa Flax, and with Coralshade Sea from Katerina Tana Collection LOOM on the Roman shades, and Abalone on the throw pillow. Blue Ground paint color from Farrow and Ball on the walls. Photo by Mark Lohman

Inspiration for a traditional backyard stone landscaping in Boston.

James R. Salomon Photography
This is an example of a traditional water fountain landscape in Portland Maine.

The master bedroom also features a built-in bench that was reupholstered in a favorite fabric by Pollack. The unlined roman blinds provide privacy and views at the same time. A mix of purple and blue throw pillows on the bench pull the color scheme together and a West Elm side table is the perfect spot for a book or a cheery arrangement of flowers. Photo Credit: Michael Partenio

The Laurel was a project that required a rigorous lesson in southern architectural vernacular. The site being located in the hot climate of the Carolina shoreline, the client was eager to capture cross breezes and utilize outdoor entertainment spaces. The home was designed with three covered porches, one partially covered courtyard, and one screened porch, all accessed by way of French doors and extra tall double-hung windows. The open main level floor plan centers on common livings spaces, while still leaving room for a luxurious master suite. The upstairs loft includes two individual bed and bath suites, providing ample room for guests. Native materials were used in construction, including a metal roof and local timber.