“This design originated with the client’s desire to duplicate the warmth of Tuscan Architecture,” says Stolz. “The vision that South Coast Architects set forth was to create the feel of an old Tuscan Village as a private residence at their golf community, ‘The Hideaway’ in La Quinta, California. However, we had to keep in mind that we were still designing for a desert lifestyle, which meant an emphasis on indoor/outdoor living and capturing the spectacular views of the golf course and neighboring mountains,” Stolz adds. “The owners had spent a lot of time in Europe and knew exactly what they wanted when it came to the overall look of the home, especially the stone,” says Muth. “The mason ended up creating a dozen mock-ups of various stone profiles and blends to help the family decide what really worked for them. Ultimately, they selected Eldorado Stone’s Orchard Cypress Ridge profile that offers a beautiful blend of stone sizes and colors.” “The generous use of Eldorado Stone with brick detailing over the majority of the exterior of the home added the authenticity and timelessness that we were striving for in the design,” says Stolz. “Our clients want the very best, but if we can duplicate something and save money, what client would say no? That’s why we use Eldorado Stone whenever we can. It gives us the opportunity to save money and gives clients exactly the look they desire so we can use more of their budget in other areas.” Stolz explained that Eldorado Stone was also brought into the interior to continue that feel of authenticity and historical accuracy. Stone is used floor to ceiling in the kitchen for a pizza oven, as well as on the fireplace in the Great Room and on an entire wall in the master bedroom. “Using a material like Eldorado Stone allows for the seamless continuation of space” says Stolz. “Stone is what made the house so authentic-looking” says Muth. “It’s such an integral part of the house that it either was going to be a make or break scenario if we made the wrong choice. Luckily, Eldorado Stone really made it!” Eldorado Stone Profile Featured: Orchard Cypress Ridge with a khaki grout color (overgrout technique) Eldorado Brick Profile Featured: Cassis ModenaBrick with a khaki grout color (overgrout technique) Architect: South Coast Architects Website: www.southcoastarchitects.com Builder: Andrew Pierce Corporation, Palm Desert, CA Website: www. andrewpiercecorp.com Mason: RAS Masonry, Inc. Bob Serna, Corona, CA Phone: 760-774-0090 Photography: Eric Figge Photography, Inc.

These clients spent the majority of their time outside and entertained frequently, but their existing patio space didn't allow for larger gatherings. We added nearly 500 square feet to the already 225 square feet existing to create this expansive outdoor living room. The outdoor fireplace is see-thru and can fully convert to wood burning should the clients desire. Beyond the fireplace is a spa built in on two sides with a composite deck, LED step lighting, and outdoor rated TV, and additional counter space. The outdoor grilling area mimics the interior of the clients home with a kitchen island and space for dining. Heaters were added in ceiling and mounted to walls to create additional heat sources. To capture the best lighting, our clients enhanced their space with lighting in the overhangs, underneath the benches adjacent the fireplace, and recessed cans throughout. Audio/Visual details include an outdoor rated TV by the spa, Sonos surround sound in the main sitting area, the grilling area, and another landscape zone by the spa. The lighting and audio/visual in this project is also fully automated. To bring their existing area and new area together for ultimate entertaining, the clients remodeled their exterior breakfast room wall by removing three windows and adding an accordion door with a custom retractable screen to keep bugs out of the home. For landscape, the existing sod was removed and synthetic turf installed around the entirety of the backyard area along with a small putting green. Selections: Flooring - 2cm porcelain paver Kitchen/island: Fascia is ipe. Counters are 3cm quartzite Dry Bar: Fascia is stacked stone panels. Counter is 3cm granite. Ceiling: Painted tongue and groove pine with decorative stained cedar beams. Additional Paint: Exterior beams painted accent color (do not match existing house colors) Roof: Slate Tile Benches: Tile back, stone (bullnose edge) seat and cap

This master bathroom was a complete renovation.
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern master white tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile bathroom remodel in Nashville with an integrated sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, concrete countertops, a one-piece toilet and gray walls

Modern Penthouse Kansas City, MO ​ - High End Modern Design - Glass Floating Wine Case - Plaid Italian Mosaic - Custom Designer Closet Wesley Piercy, Haus of You Photography

This project was featured in Midwest Home magazine as the winner of ASID Life in Color. The addition of a kitchen with custom shaker-style cabinetry and a large shiplap island is perfect for entertaining and hosting events for family and friends. Quartz counters that mimic the look of marble were chosen for their durability and ease of maintenance. Open shelving with brass sconces above the sink create a focal point for the large open space. Putting a modern spin on the traditional nautical/coastal theme was a goal. We took the quintessential palette of navy and white and added pops of green, stylish patterns, and unexpected artwork to create a fresh bright space. Grasscloth on the back of the built in bookshelves and console table along with rattan and the bentwood side table add warm texture. Finishes and furnishings were selected with a practicality to fit their lifestyle and the connection to the outdoors. A large sectional along with the custom cocktail table in the living room area provide ample room for game night or a quiet evening watching movies with the kids. To learn more visit https://k2interiordesigns.com To view article in Midwest Home visit https://midwesthome.com/interior-spaces/life-in-color-2019/ Photography - Spacecrafting

Example of a small trendy single-wall laundry closet design in Austin with beige walls and a side-by-side washer/dryer

Two-tiered Island Counters - We created this transitional style kitchen for a client who loves color and texture. When she came to ‘g’ she had already chosen to use the large stone wall behind her stove and selected her appliances, which were all high end and therefore guided us in the direction of creating a real cooks kitchen. The two tiered island plays a major roll in the design since the client also had the Charisma Blue Vetrazzo already selected. This tops the top tier of the island and helped us to establish a color palette throughout. Other important features include the appliance garage and the pantry, as well as bar area. The hand scraped bamboo floors also reflect the highly textured approach to this family gathering place as they extend to adjacent rooms.

The design of this home was driven by the owners’ desire for a three-bedroom waterfront home that showcased the spectacular views and park-like setting. As nature lovers, they wanted their home to be organic, minimize any environmental impact on the sensitive site and embrace nature. This unique home is sited on a high ridge with a 45° slope to the water on the right and a deep ravine on the left. The five-acre site is completely wooded and tree preservation was a major emphasis. Very few trees were removed and special care was taken to protect the trees and environment throughout the project. To further minimize disturbance, grades were not changed and the home was designed to take full advantage of the site’s natural topography. Oak from the home site was re-purposed for the mantle, powder room counter and select furniture. The visually powerful twin pavilions were born from the need for level ground and parking on an otherwise challenging site. Fill dirt excavated from the main home provided the foundation. All structures are anchored with a natural stone base and exterior materials include timber framing, fir ceilings, shingle siding, a partial metal roof and corten steel walls. Stone, wood, metal and glass transition the exterior to the interior and large wood windows flood the home with light and showcase the setting. Interior finishes include reclaimed heart pine floors, Douglas fir trim, dry-stacked stone, rustic cherry cabinets and soapstone counters. Exterior spaces include a timber-framed porch, stone patio with fire pit and commanding views of the Occoquan reservoir. A second porch overlooks the ravine and a breezeway connects the garage to the home. Numerous energy-saving features have been incorporated, including LED lighting, on-demand gas water heating and special insulation. Smart technology helps manage and control the entire house. Greg Hadley Photography

The design of this home was driven by the owners’ desire for a three-bedroom waterfront home that showcased the spectacular views and park-like setting. As nature lovers, they wanted their home to be organic, minimize any environmental impact on the sensitive site and embrace nature. This unique home is sited on a high ridge with a 45° slope to the water on the right and a deep ravine on the left. The five-acre site is completely wooded and tree preservation was a major emphasis. Very few trees were removed and special care was taken to protect the trees and environment throughout the project. To further minimize disturbance, grades were not changed and the home was designed to take full advantage of the site’s natural topography. Oak from the home site was re-purposed for the mantle, powder room counter and select furniture. The visually powerful twin pavilions were born from the need for level ground and parking on an otherwise challenging site. Fill dirt excavated from the main home provided the foundation. All structures are anchored with a natural stone base and exterior materials include timber framing, fir ceilings, shingle siding, a partial metal roof and corten steel walls. Stone, wood, metal and glass transition the exterior to the interior and large wood windows flood the home with light and showcase the setting. Interior finishes include reclaimed heart pine floors, Douglas fir trim, dry-stacked stone, rustic cherry cabinets and soapstone counters. Exterior spaces include a timber-framed porch, stone patio with fire pit and commanding views of the Occoquan reservoir. A second porch overlooks the ravine and a breezeway connects the garage to the home. Numerous energy-saving features have been incorporated, including LED lighting, on-demand gas water heating and special insulation. Smart technology helps manage and control the entire house. Greg Hadley Photography

The design of this home was driven by the owners’ desire for a three-bedroom waterfront home that showcased the spectacular views and park-like setting. As nature lovers, they wanted their home to be organic, minimize any environmental impact on the sensitive site and embrace nature. This unique home is sited on a high ridge with a 45° slope to the water on the right and a deep ravine on the left. The five-acre site is completely wooded and tree preservation was a major emphasis. Very few trees were removed and special care was taken to protect the trees and environment throughout the project. To further minimize disturbance, grades were not changed and the home was designed to take full advantage of the site’s natural topography. Oak from the home site was re-purposed for the mantle, powder room counter and select furniture. The visually powerful twin pavilions were born from the need for level ground and parking on an otherwise challenging site. Fill dirt excavated from the main home provided the foundation. All structures are anchored with a natural stone base and exterior materials include timber framing, fir ceilings, shingle siding, a partial metal roof and corten steel walls. Stone, wood, metal and glass transition the exterior to the interior and large wood windows flood the home with light and showcase the setting. Interior finishes include reclaimed heart pine floors, Douglas fir trim, dry-stacked stone, rustic cherry cabinets and soapstone counters. Exterior spaces include a timber-framed porch, stone patio with fire pit and commanding views of the Occoquan reservoir. A second porch overlooks the ravine and a breezeway connects the garage to the home. Numerous energy-saving features have been incorporated, including LED lighting, on-demand gas water heating and special insulation. Smart technology helps manage and control the entire house. Greg Hadley Photography

The design of this home was driven by the owners’ desire for a three-bedroom waterfront home that showcased the spectacular views and park-like setting. As nature lovers, they wanted their home to be organic, minimize any environmental impact on the sensitive site and embrace nature. This unique home is sited on a high ridge with a 45° slope to the water on the right and a deep ravine on the left. The five-acre site is completely wooded and tree preservation was a major emphasis. Very few trees were removed and special care was taken to protect the trees and environment throughout the project. To further minimize disturbance, grades were not changed and the home was designed to take full advantage of the site’s natural topography. Oak from the home site was re-purposed for the mantle, powder room counter and select furniture. The visually powerful twin pavilions were born from the need for level ground and parking on an otherwise challenging site. Fill dirt excavated from the main home provided the foundation. All structures are anchored with a natural stone base and exterior materials include timber framing, fir ceilings, shingle siding, a partial metal roof and corten steel walls. Stone, wood, metal and glass transition the exterior to the interior and large wood windows flood the home with light and showcase the setting. Interior finishes include reclaimed heart pine floors, Douglas fir trim, dry-stacked stone, rustic cherry cabinets and soapstone counters. Exterior spaces include a timber-framed porch, stone patio with fire pit and commanding views of the Occoquan reservoir. A second porch overlooks the ravine and a breezeway connects the garage to the home. Numerous energy-saving features have been incorporated, including LED lighting, on-demand gas water heating and special insulation. Smart technology helps manage and control the entire house. Greg Hadley Photography

Greg Pinn, Vice President of Pinn Brothers Fine Homes of San Jose, California, brought his dream to fruition with the completion of his own French Country Chateau. The level of quality and the attention to detail found in every aspect of his residence is a tribute to the craftsmanship of the professionals who helped build it as well as the beautiful materials that made it possible. When selecting the stone and brick for the home’s exterior, Pinn and his fellow builders contructed a full-scale wall that had four different mockups of various stone profiles and colors before finalizing their selection. Upon taking all the possibilities into consideration, Eldorado’s Fieldledge and Limestone profiles in addition to the Bracciano RomaBrick proved to be just the product their team was looking for, all of which were installed using an overgrout technique. Having worked with Eldorado exclusively for close to 10 years on all of his projects, Pinn had Eldorado in mind when the architectural plans were in the beginning stages of development and felt confident from the get-go that Eldorado would be their stone and brick of choice. By working with Eldorado, Pinn was able to implement the look of natural stone in several places throughout the home. There was extensive use of both stone and brick on the retaining walls of his yard, around the pook, the outdoor living space, and on all the chimney stacks. He also dressed the majority of the home’s exterior in Eldorado’s stone and brick because of its affordability and ease of installation versus natural stone. An added bonus was that Pinn won’t have difficulty finding similar stones if need be like he would using stone from a quarry. He can rely on the consistency and availability of Eldorado, regardless of the amount of time that goes by. According to Pinn, Eldorado Stone made all the difference in the success of creating his very own French Country Chateau. Eldorado Stone Profile Featured: Austin Cream Limestone (20%), Custom Large Fieldledge (20%) and Custom Fieldledge (60%), both in Austin Cream color with an overgrout technique Eldorado Brick Profile Featured: Bracciano RomaBrick with an overgrout technique Builder: Pinn Brothers Fine Homes, San Jose, CA Architect: Knitter & Associates, Newport Beach, CA Website: www.knitter.com Landscape Architect: Robert Mowat & Associates, San Francisco, CA Website: www.rmalandscape.com Mason: San Marino Masonry, Anaheim, CA Website: www.vecompanies.com Design Consultant: Marni Leis, San Francisco, CA

In a wooded area of Lafayette, a mid-century home was re-imagined for a graphic designer and kindergarten teacher couple and their three children. A major new design feature is a high ceiling great room that wraps from the front to the back yard, turning a corner at the kitchen and ending at the family room fireplace. This room was designed with a high flat roof to work in conjunction with existing roof forms to create a unified whole, and raise interior ceiling heights from eight to over ten feet. All new lighting and large floor to ceiling Fleetwood aluminum windows expand views of the trees beyond. The existing home was enlarged by 700 square feet with a small exterior addition enlarging the kitchen over an existing deck, and a larger amount by excavating out crawlspace at the garage level to create a new home office with full bath, and separate laundry utility room. The remodeled residence became 3,847 square feet in total area including the garage. Exterior curb appeal was improved with all new Fleetwood windows, stained wood siding and stucco. New steel railing and concrete steps lead up to the front entry. Front and rear yard new landscape design by Huettl Landscape Architecture dramatically alters the site. New planting was added at the front yard with landscape lighting and modern concrete pavers and the rear yard has multiple decks for family gatherings with the focal point a concrete conversation circle with central fire feature. Everything revolves around the corner kitchen, large windows to the backyard, quartz countertops and cabinetry in painted and walnut finishes. The homeowners enjoyed the process of selecting Heath Tile for the kitchen backsplash and white oval tiles at the family room fireplace. Black brick tiles by Fireclay were used on the living room hearth. The kitchen flows into the family room all with views to the beautifully landscaped yards. The primary suite has a built-in window seat with large windows overlooking the garden, walnut cabinetry in a skylit walk-in closet, and a large dramatic skylight bouncing light into the shower. The kid’s bath also has a skylight slot with light angling downward over double sinks. More colorful tile shows up in these spaces, as does a geometric patterned tile in the downstairs office bath shower. The large yard is taken full advantage of with concrete paved walkways, stairs and firepit circle. New retaining walls in the rear yard helped to add more level usable outdoor space, with wood slats to visually blend them into the overall design. The end result is a beautiful transformation of a mid-century home, that both captures the client’s personalities and elevates the house into the modern age.

Jenna King
Inspiration for a cottage gray tile and subway tile porcelain tile powder room remodel in Milwaukee with an undermount sink and a two-piece toilet

The design of this home was driven by the owners’ desire for a three-bedroom waterfront home that showcased the spectacular views and park-like setting. As nature lovers, they wanted their home to be organic, minimize any environmental impact on the sensitive site and embrace nature. This unique home is sited on a high ridge with a 45° slope to the water on the right and a deep ravine on the left. The five-acre site is completely wooded and tree preservation was a major emphasis. Very few trees were removed and special care was taken to protect the trees and environment throughout the project. To further minimize disturbance, grades were not changed and the home was designed to take full advantage of the site’s natural topography. Oak from the home site was re-purposed for the mantle, powder room counter and select furniture. The visually powerful twin pavilions were born from the need for level ground and parking on an otherwise challenging site. Fill dirt excavated from the main home provided the foundation. All structures are anchored with a natural stone base and exterior materials include timber framing, fir ceilings, shingle siding, a partial metal roof and corten steel walls. Stone, wood, metal and glass transition the exterior to the interior and large wood windows flood the home with light and showcase the setting. Interior finishes include reclaimed heart pine floors, Douglas fir trim, dry-stacked stone, rustic cherry cabinets and soapstone counters. Exterior spaces include a timber-framed porch, stone patio with fire pit and commanding views of the Occoquan reservoir. A second porch overlooks the ravine and a breezeway connects the garage to the home. Numerous energy-saving features have been incorporated, including LED lighting, on-demand gas water heating and special insulation. Smart technology helps manage and control the entire house. Greg Hadley Photography

Teri Fotheringham
Example of a trendy kitchen design in Denver with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, blue backsplash, glass tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances

In a wooded area of Lafayette, a mid-century home was re-imagined for a graphic designer and kindergarten teacher couple and their three children. A major new design feature is a high ceiling great room that wraps from the front to the back yard, turning a corner at the kitchen and ending at the family room fireplace. This room was designed with a high flat roof to work in conjunction with existing roof forms to create a unified whole, and raise interior ceiling heights from eight to over ten feet. All new lighting and large floor to ceiling Fleetwood aluminum windows expand views of the trees beyond. The existing home was enlarged by 700 square feet with a small exterior addition enlarging the kitchen over an existing deck, and a larger amount by excavating out crawlspace at the garage level to create a new home office with full bath, and separate laundry utility room. The remodeled residence became 3,847 square feet in total area including the garage. Exterior curb appeal was improved with all new Fleetwood windows, stained wood siding and stucco. New steel railing and concrete steps lead up to the front entry. Front and rear yard new landscape design by Huettl Landscape Architecture dramatically alters the site. New planting was added at the front yard with landscape lighting and modern concrete pavers and the rear yard has multiple decks for family gatherings with the focal point a concrete conversation circle with central fire feature. Everything revolves around the corner kitchen, large windows to the backyard, quartz countertops and cabinetry in painted and walnut finishes. The homeowners enjoyed the process of selecting Heath Tile for the kitchen backsplash and white oval tiles at the family room fireplace. Black brick tiles by Fireclay were used on the living room hearth. The kitchen flows into the family room all with views to the beautifully landscaped yards. The primary suite has a built-in window seat with large windows overlooking the garden, walnut cabinetry in a skylit walk-in closet, and a large dramatic skylight bouncing light into the shower. The kid’s bath also has a skylight slot with light angling downward over double sinks. More colorful tile shows up in these spaces, as does a geometric patterned tile in the downstairs office bath shower. The large yard is taken full advantage of with concrete paved walkways, stairs and firepit circle. New retaining walls in the rear yard helped to add more level usable outdoor space, with wood slats to visually blend them into the overall design. The end result is a beautiful transformation of a mid-century home, that both captures the client’s personalities and elevates the house into the modern age.

The design of this home was driven by the owners’ desire for a three-bedroom waterfront home that showcased the spectacular views and park-like setting. As nature lovers, they wanted their home to be organic, minimize any environmental impact on the sensitive site and embrace nature. This unique home is sited on a high ridge with a 45° slope to the water on the right and a deep ravine on the left. The five-acre site is completely wooded and tree preservation was a major emphasis. Very few trees were removed and special care was taken to protect the trees and environment throughout the project. To further minimize disturbance, grades were not changed and the home was designed to take full advantage of the site’s natural topography. Oak from the home site was re-purposed for the mantle, powder room counter and select furniture. The visually powerful twin pavilions were born from the need for level ground and parking on an otherwise challenging site. Fill dirt excavated from the main home provided the foundation. All structures are anchored with a natural stone base and exterior materials include timber framing, fir ceilings, shingle siding, a partial metal roof and corten steel walls. Stone, wood, metal and glass transition the exterior to the interior and large wood windows flood the home with light and showcase the setting. Interior finishes include reclaimed heart pine floors, Douglas fir trim, dry-stacked stone, rustic cherry cabinets and soapstone counters. Exterior spaces include a timber-framed porch, stone patio with fire pit and commanding views of the Occoquan reservoir. A second porch overlooks the ravine and a breezeway connects the garage to the home. Numerous energy-saving features have been incorporated, including LED lighting, on-demand gas water heating and special insulation. Smart technology helps manage and control the entire house. Greg Hadley Photography

photos by Pedro Marti The owner’s of this apartment had been living in this large working artist’s loft in Tribeca since the 70’s when they occupied the vacated space that had previously been a factory warehouse. Since then the space had been adapted for the husband and wife, both artists, to house their studios as well as living quarters for their growing family. The private areas were previously separated from the studio with a series of custom partition walls. Now that their children had grown and left home they were interested in making some changes. The major change was to take over spaces that were the children’s bedrooms and incorporate them in a new larger open living/kitchen space. The previously enclosed kitchen was enlarged creating a long eat-in counter at the now opened wall that had divided off the living room. The kitchen cabinetry capitalizes on the full height of the space with extra storage at the tops for seldom used items. The overall industrial feel of the loft emphasized by the exposed electrical and plumbing that run below the concrete ceilings was supplemented by a grid of new ceiling fans and industrial spotlights. Antique bubble glass, vintage refrigerator hinges and latches were chosen to accent simple shaker panels on the new kitchen cabinetry, including on the integrated appliances. A unique red industrial wheel faucet was selected to go with the integral black granite farm sink. The white subway tile that pre-existed in the kitchen was continued throughout the enlarged area, previously terminating 5 feet off the ground, it was expanded in a contrasting herringbone pattern to the full 12 foot height of the ceilings. This same tile motif was also used within the updated bathroom on top of a concrete-like porcelain floor tile. The bathroom also features a large white porcelain laundry sink with industrial fittings and a vintage stainless steel medicine display cabinet. Similar vintage stainless steel cabinets are also used in the studio spaces for storage. And finally black iron plumbing pipe and fittings were used in the newly outfitted closets to create hanging storage and shelving to complement the overall industrial feel. Pedro Marti