As written in Northern Home & Cottage by Elizabeth Edwards Sara and Paul Matthews call their head-turning home, located in a sweet neighborhood just up the hill from downtown Petoskey, “a very human story.” Indeed it is. Sara and her husband, Paul, have a special-needs son as well as an energetic middle-school daughter. This home has an answer for everyone. Located down the street from the school, it is ideally situated for their daughter and a self-contained apartment off the great room accommodates all their son’s needs while giving his caretakers privacy—and the family theirs. The Matthews began the building process by taking their thoughts and needs to Stephanie Baldwin and her team at Edgewater Design Group. Beyond the above considerations, they wanted their new home to be low maintenance and to stand out architecturally, “But not so much that anyone would complain that it didn’t work in our neighborhood,” says Sara. “We were thrilled that Edgewater listened to us and were able to give us a unique-looking house that is meeting all our needs.” Lombardy LLC built this handsome home with Paul working alongside the construction crew throughout the project. The low maintenance exterior is a cutting-edge blend of stacked stone, black corrugated steel, black framed windows and Douglas fir soffits—elements that add up to an organic contemporary look. The use of black steel, including interior beams and the staircase system, lend an industrial vibe that is courtesy of the Matthews’ friend Dan Mello of Trimet Industries in Traverse City. The couple first met Dan, a metal fabricator, a number of years ago, right around the time they found out that their then two-year-old son would never be able to walk. After the couple explained to Dan that they couldn’t find a solution for a child who wasn’t big enough for a wheelchair, he designed a comfortable, rolling chair that was just perfect. They still use it. The couple’s gratitude for the chair resulted in a trusting relationship with Dan, so it was natural for them to welcome his talents into their home-building process. A maple floor finished to bring out all of its color-tones envelops the room in warmth. Alder doors and trim and a Doug fir ceiling reflect that warmth. Clearstory windows and floor-to-ceiling window banks fill the space with light—and with views of the spacious grounds that will become a canvas for Paul, a retired landscaper. The couple’s vibrant art pieces play off against modernist furniture and lighting that is due to an inspired collaboration between Sara and interior designer Kelly Paulsen. “She was absolutely instrumental to the project,” Sara says. “I went through two designers before I finally found Kelly.” The open clean-lined kitchen, butler’s pantry outfitted with a beverage center and Miele coffee machine (that allows guests to wait on themselves when Sara is cooking), and an outdoor room that centers around a wood-burning fireplace, all make for easy, fabulous entertaining. A den just off the great room houses the big-screen television and Sara’s loom— making for relaxing evenings of weaving, game watching and togetherness. Tourgoers will leave understanding that this house is everything great design should be. Form following function—and solving very human issues with soul-soothing style.

This ornate period style bathroom has received a new lease of life in this Kew home in Melbourne. The owners were keen to preserve some original features with the lead light windows being a beautiful backdrop as you soak in the bath or enjoy a shower. We also love the texture in the floor & wall tiles which have been laid in place of the original timber floors. The traditional brass finishes bring a homey luxury, pair well with the shaker style cabinetry. Wall-mounted vanities give more space to the room along with a sleek clean look, double vanity, undermount sinks and low-maintenance engineered stone. The wet room opens up this space featuring a large walk-in shower alongside a freestanding bathtub.

In this renovation, we redid the entire kitchen, ensuite, and main bathroom. Brand new quartz countertops were installed alongside custom cabinetry - white in the kitchen, and natural wood finish in the ensuite. A beautiful shower was installed in the ensuite bathroom, and custom shelving was added to the pantry as well as the mudroom. To finish it off, we added a fresh coat of paint to the walls, trim, and doors throughout the main floor, as well as refinished the hardwood flooring.

Blackdog Builders tore down the existing home on this property in Thayne's Canyon of Park City, UT. Working alongside the clients, we built this one-of-a-kind contemporary home from the ground up. This home includes many contrasting details. Black steel, marble, white cabinetry, and natural woods are seen throughout. Darryl Dobson Photography

J Hill Interiors was brought on to this project to select all construction materials, lighting, flooring, cabinetry, finishes and paint colors for all three homes. We worked alongside the developers and contractors by providing all material and finish schedules, floor plans and elevations to implement the design. Photographer: Andy McRory

A transitional custom home on a quiet Banbury-York Mills crescent, completed in 2018. The exterior carries a stone-and-stucco base with deep window reveals, illuminated portico, and a balanced two-story facade designed to age well alongside the neighbourhood. Interior layout and proportions support family living without leaning on showpiece elements.

We expanded the size of the existing area to create a spacious new zero entry walk in shower complete with rain head, body jets, handheld faucet, seating bench and full length niche using a combination of custom glass, pebble and ceramic tile. The sleek doorless entry provides an updated modern fee alongside the custom exposed shelving for an open atmosphere.

In the main bath, a large picture window provides a dramatic source of natural light alongside a soaking tub. Green tile details attracts ones eye and emphasizes the connection to the outdoors.

We expanded the size of the existing area to create a spacious new zero entry walk in shower complete with rain head, body jets, handheld faucet, seating bench and full length niche using a combination of custom glass, pebble and ceramic tile. The sleek doorless entry provides an updated modern fee alongside the custom exposed shelving for an open atmosphere.

This loft is situated in the former International Tailoring Company Building in New York’s East Village. The clients bought a top-floor loft and an abandoned mechanical room directly above it. Our task was to combine the rooftop space with the loft to create a cohesive triplex apartment. We achieved this by carefully opening up the roof’s 100-year-old structural members to install a staircase connecting the existing loft to the additional upper two levels. On the main floor, the first run of the staircase is located in the apartment's entry and is made of a sculptural form of dark oak. The second run of the staircase is more open, allowing light from the top level's many windows to filter into the spaces below. The existing main loft was gut-renovated to create a more open space. The open kitchen/living space was strategically positioned to be surrounded by the building’s huge industrial steel windows, taking advantage of the apartment's high vantage over Union Square. Opposite the windows, custom woodwork serves to unify the kitchen with the living room. The built-in spans the full width of the apartment with dark textured oak panels concealing the appliances, the TV, and creating ample storage. The blackened steel paneled backsplash and chunky black granite countertops complete the dark color palette used in the kitchen. Throughout the apartment, a play of dark and light elements creates a distinctive atmosphere. In the open living areas, the light pouring in from the large windows contrasts with the dark colors selected for the built environment. The more private spaces, such as the bedroom, have a darker feel, with walls and ceilings painted in a deep purple that borders on black alongside more dark oak custom built-ins. The dining room functions as a bridge between the public and private spaces, with walls and ceiling painted in the same moody purple and a vintage mirrored tile accent wall reflecting natural light from the adjacent room’s windows. The middle floor, which has fewer windows, is painted bright white to enhance light in the home office located there.. On the penthouse level, panoramic views were achieved by installing new floor-to-ceiling sliding glass panels, supplementing the existing industrial steel windows, and opening onto an adjacent roof terrace. The top floor functions as a lounge overlooking the city and includes unique custom features, such as a steel multi-drop lighting fixture above the stairs, hanging glass and steel shelving, and a built-in wet bar. Here again, dark-colored finishes and materials are used as a counterpoint to the abundant light entering the space. A future plan for the apartment is to create a private roof garden on top of the penthouse with an outdoor stair connecting it to the roof terrace below.

Ryan Rosene
Inspiration for a mid-sized coastal master white tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile bathroom remodel in San Francisco with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a one-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink and solid surface countertops

This was a project where we worked together with the client and helped them remove/edit their belongings and then came alongside and added artwork, bedding and all accessories. This approach saves the client money because we are not having to rent furniture. They were able to leave all the basic furniture pieces and then we added the rest for a fresh and finished look.

Organized drama to start and end the day. We wrapped our Caesarstone countertop up into the backsplash, onto the shallow mirror ledge. Like many of the details in the house, we wanted lines and forms to dictate the design. Alongside the need for pure, cleanable, farmhouse function, the we appreciate the shadows and highlights created by the simple stone wrap.

This bathroom features some patterned black and white tile that looks like it was stenciled alongside white subway tile. The other other striking part of this bathroom is the authentic vintage American Standard sink from 1932 that my client found. The cabinet was custom built by Freedom Valley Cabinets (Freedom, IN) who do great work.

This ornate period style bathroom has received a new lease of life in this Kew home in Melbourne. The owners were keen to preserve some original features with the lead light windows being a beautiful backdrop as you soak in the bath or enjoy a shower. We also love the texture in the floor & wall tiles which have been laid in place of the original timber floors. The traditional brass finishes bring a homey luxury, pair well with the shaker style cabinetry. Wall-mounted vanities give more space to the room along with a sleek clean look, double vanity, undermount sinks and low-maintenance engineered stone. The wet room opens up this space featuring a large walk-in shower alongside a freestanding bathtub.

Built by Schumacher Homes, America's Largest Custom Home Builder, this stunning Charleston American Tradition showcase home highlights premium custom home building in Akron, Ohio. Featuring a thoughtfully designed 2,400 square-foot floor plan, this layout offers 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, perfectly balancing spacious open-concept living with private family areas. As one of our most popular and versatile home designs, the Charleston is celebrated for offering the latest in modern architectural design alongside clever, abundant storage solutions tailored for growing families.The heart of this custom home centers around a gourmet kitchen equipped with expansive counter space, a massive central kitchen island built for family gatherings, and a giant walk-in pantry that ensures everything has its place. Just off the main living area, a dedicated pocket office provides the perfect quiet space to organize household bills or work from home. This functional workspace transitions effortlessly into a luxurious owner's retreat, featuring an expansive master bedroom, two large walk-in closets, and a deluxe owner's bath complete with a custom tile shower. On the opposite side of the home, the additional bedrooms are intentionally zoned to give children or guests their own private, quiet spaces.The home’s unique interior and exterior architectural features elevate everyday living into a true luxury experience. Inside the open-concept great room, a dramatic double tray ceiling adds a unique, high-end design detail that emphasizes the height and airiness of the main living space. Extending your living area outdoors, a spacious rear covered porch offers a fantastic spot for seamless outdoor living, backyard dining, and weekend entertaining. From the elegant master suite to the welcoming layout, this Charleston American Tradition design is the ultimate reflection of quality Ohio craftsmanship and timeless style.

Jim Brady
Example of a large trendy master light wood floor bedroom design in San Diego with white walls and no fireplace

This bathroom features some patterned black and white tile that looks like it was stenciled alongside white subway tile. The other other striking part of this bathroom is the authentic vintage American Standard sink from 1932 that my client found. The cabinet was custom built by Freedom Valley Cabinets (Freedom, IN) who do great work.

This whole-home renovation honors traditional character while adding modern comfort, custom craftsmanship, and welcoming spaces designed for family gatherings. The bathrooms were designed as polished, practical retreats, with thoughtfully selected tile adding pattern, texture, and character alongside functional storage and layered lighting.