Originally built in 1990 the Heady Lakehouse began as a 2,800SF family retreat and now encompasses over 5,635SF. It is located on a steep yet welcoming lot overlooking a cove on Lake Hartwell that pulls you in through retaining walls wrapped with White Brick into a courtyard laid with concrete pavers in an Ashlar Pattern. This whole home renovation allowed us the opportunity to completely enhance the exterior of the home with all new LP Smartside painted with Amherst Gray with trim to match the Quaker new bone white windows for a subtle contrast. You enter the home under a vaulted tongue and groove white washed ceiling facing an entry door surrounded by White brick. Once inside you’re encompassed by an abundance of natural light flooding in from across the living area from the 9’ triple door with transom windows above. As you make your way into the living area the ceiling opens up to a coffered ceiling which plays off of the 42” fireplace that is situated perpendicular to the dining area. The open layout provides a view into the kitchen as well as the sunroom with floor to ceiling windows boasting panoramic views of the lake. Looking back you see the elegant touches to the kitchen with Quartzite tops, all brass hardware to match the lighting throughout, and a large 4’x8’ Santorini Blue painted island with turned legs to provide a note of color. The owner’s suite is situated separate to one side of the home allowing a quiet retreat for the homeowners. Details such as the nickel gap accented bed wall, brass wall mounted bed-side lamps, and a large triple window complete the bedroom. Access to the study through the master bedroom further enhances the idea of a private space for the owners to work. It’s bathroom features clean white vanities with Quartz counter tops, brass hardware and fixtures, an obscure glass enclosed shower with natural light, and a separate toilet room. The left side of the home received the largest addition which included a new over-sized 3 bay garage with a dog washing shower, a new side entry with stair to the upper and a new laundry room. Over these areas, the stair will lead you to two new guest suites featuring a Jack & Jill Bathroom and their own Lounging and Play Area. The focal point for entertainment is the lower level which features a bar and seating area. Opposite the bar you walk out on the concrete pavers to a covered outdoor kitchen feature a 48” grill, Large Big Green Egg smoker, 30” Diameter Evo Flat-top Grill, and a sink all surrounded by granite countertops that sit atop a white brick base with stainless steel access doors. The kitchen overlooks a 60” gas fire pit that sits adjacent to a custom gunite eight sided hot tub with travertine coping that looks out to the lake. This elegant and timeless approach to this 5,000SF three level addition and renovation allowed the owner to add multiple sleeping and entertainment areas while rejuvenating a beautiful lake front lot with subtle contrasting colors.

Originally built in 1990 the Heady Lakehouse began as a 2,800SF family retreat and now encompasses over 5,635SF. It is located on a steep yet welcoming lot overlooking a cove on Lake Hartwell that pulls you in through retaining walls wrapped with White Brick into a courtyard laid with concrete pavers in an Ashlar Pattern. This whole home renovation allowed us the opportunity to completely enhance the exterior of the home with all new LP Smartside painted with Amherst Gray with trim to match the Quaker new bone white windows for a subtle contrast. You enter the home under a vaulted tongue and groove white washed ceiling facing an entry door surrounded by White brick. Once inside you’re encompassed by an abundance of natural light flooding in from across the living area from the 9’ triple door with transom windows above. As you make your way into the living area the ceiling opens up to a coffered ceiling which plays off of the 42” fireplace that is situated perpendicular to the dining area. The open layout provides a view into the kitchen as well as the sunroom with floor to ceiling windows boasting panoramic views of the lake. Looking back you see the elegant touches to the kitchen with Quartzite tops, all brass hardware to match the lighting throughout, and a large 4’x8’ Santorini Blue painted island with turned legs to provide a note of color. The owner’s suite is situated separate to one side of the home allowing a quiet retreat for the homeowners. Details such as the nickel gap accented bed wall, brass wall mounted bed-side lamps, and a large triple window complete the bedroom. Access to the study through the master bedroom further enhances the idea of a private space for the owners to work. It’s bathroom features clean white vanities with Quartz counter tops, brass hardware and fixtures, an obscure glass enclosed shower with natural light, and a separate toilet room. The left side of the home received the largest addition which included a new over-sized 3 bay garage with a dog washing shower, a new side entry with stair to the upper and a new laundry room. Over these areas, the stair will lead you to two new guest suites featuring a Jack & Jill Bathroom and their own Lounging and Play Area. The focal point for entertainment is the lower level which features a bar and seating area. Opposite the bar you walk out on the concrete pavers to a covered outdoor kitchen feature a 48” grill, Large Big Green Egg smoker, 30” Diameter Evo Flat-top Grill, and a sink all surrounded by granite countertops that sit atop a white brick base with stainless steel access doors. The kitchen overlooks a 60” gas fire pit that sits adjacent to a custom gunite eight sided hot tub with travertine coping that looks out to the lake. This elegant and timeless approach to this 5,000SF three level addition and renovation allowed the owner to add multiple sleeping and entertainment areas while rejuvenating a beautiful lake front lot with subtle contrasting colors.

Perimeter overflow spa, granite blue stone lining and coping, Aquamatic Hydrolux cover, baja shelf, lautner knife edge pool, Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa, Paolo Benedetti, SWD, Master, Luxury Pool, innovative, slot edge pool, overflow pool, puddle pool, infinity pool, flooded deck pool

Photography credits: Scott Paterson
Trendy dining room photo in Miami

Photography credits: Scott Paterson
Trendy home design photo in Miami

​The Lightness vs Darkness theme carries throughout this project including never used materials and details to create this transitional gem in FlowerMound, TX. The axis and cross axis have stunning water and fire feature elements in the asymmetrical design. The black precise stacked slate spillway provides sound and visual effects and contrasts with the fire line burner visible from everywhere inside. This draws you out to enjoy the pool, and a lot more. The pool offered great places to hang out with the tanning ledge and built in bar stools and lots of room for the game of volleyball. The cross axis from the master bedroom draws the eye across the pool, through the black all tile vanishing edge spa, splitting the dual cabanas, through the fire pit, to gaze on the "Dark Planet" starburst light. The cabanas were divided into entertainment and dining. The graphite air slate, from Spain, covered the entertainment floating center and the cooking counter. Ivory Travertine in a stack bond pattern accented the cabanas, porch, fire pit and key areas blending with the coping and some veneers. The cabana steel roof matched the front home entry roof and helps unify the existing home with the additions. Details were important down the lighted and tiled vanishing edge channel for the spa. This project is one to be enjoyed any day of the week but it really is the shiny star every night. Project designed by Mike Farley. Photos by Mike & Laura Farley.

2019 Splash Award - Best Outdoor Living Space What's better than having a pool table next to your pool?!? The three tiered deck gives plenty of space for outdoor entertaining and sitting pool side. It even has sheer decent water features as an added bonus. Every detail counts including the custom round tanning ledge and benches.

Photography credits: Scott Paterson
Example of a trendy pool design in Miami

Originally built in 1990 the Heady Lakehouse began as a 2,800SF family retreat and now encompasses over 5,635SF. It is located on a steep yet welcoming lot overlooking a cove on Lake Hartwell that pulls you in through retaining walls wrapped with White Brick into a courtyard laid with concrete pavers in an Ashlar Pattern. This whole home renovation allowed us the opportunity to completely enhance the exterior of the home with all new LP Smartside painted with Amherst Gray with trim to match the Quaker new bone white windows for a subtle contrast. You enter the home under a vaulted tongue and groove white washed ceiling facing an entry door surrounded by White brick. Once inside you’re encompassed by an abundance of natural light flooding in from across the living area from the 9’ triple door with transom windows above. As you make your way into the living area the ceiling opens up to a coffered ceiling which plays off of the 42” fireplace that is situated perpendicular to the dining area. The open layout provides a view into the kitchen as well as the sunroom with floor to ceiling windows boasting panoramic views of the lake. Looking back you see the elegant touches to the kitchen with Quartzite tops, all brass hardware to match the lighting throughout, and a large 4’x8’ Santorini Blue painted island with turned legs to provide a note of color. The owner’s suite is situated separate to one side of the home allowing a quiet retreat for the homeowners. Details such as the nickel gap accented bed wall, brass wall mounted bed-side lamps, and a large triple window complete the bedroom. Access to the study through the master bedroom further enhances the idea of a private space for the owners to work. It’s bathroom features clean white vanities with Quartz counter tops, brass hardware and fixtures, an obscure glass enclosed shower with natural light, and a separate toilet room. The left side of the home received the largest addition which included a new over-sized 3 bay garage with a dog washing shower, a new side entry with stair to the upper and a new laundry room. Over these areas, the stair will lead you to two new guest suites featuring a Jack & Jill Bathroom and their own Lounging and Play Area. The focal point for entertainment is the lower level which features a bar and seating area. Opposite the bar you walk out on the concrete pavers to a covered outdoor kitchen feature a 48” grill, Large Big Green Egg smoker, 30” Diameter Evo Flat-top Grill, and a sink all surrounded by granite countertops that sit atop a white brick base with stainless steel access doors. The kitchen overlooks a 60” gas fire pit that sits adjacent to a custom gunite eight sided hot tub with travertine coping that looks out to the lake. This elegant and timeless approach to this 5,000SF three level addition and renovation allowed the owner to add multiple sleeping and entertainment areas while rejuvenating a beautiful lake front lot with subtle contrasting colors.

2018 HNA Awards Honorable Mention - Outdoor Living Features Contractor: Artisan Exteriors Producer: CST Pavers Designer: Joey Hafner Design: Slate pavers, in a rich Sierra Blend, coupled with Versa-Lok Standard wall units to create multiple outdoor living spaces; masterfully meeting the entertainment requirements of the homeowner. Pavers and wall units, through use of color and texture, provided both definition and an effortless flow – creating a true outdoor oasis. Quality of Construction and Craftsmanship: Expert workmanship is showcased in the precise paver and wall integration with the pool, spa and outdoor living features. Having a large entertainment space was a must for the homeowners, so the team carved out elevated areas to separate spaces for the pool deck, stage, spa and outdoor kitchen. Compatibility with Related Construction Materials and Systems: The pool and coping were in great condition but the existing aggregate concrete pool deck was dangerously damaged. Paver and wall units were selected to replace, complement and expand the outdoor living space. Curved steps, coming off the home’s morning room, were added for visual integration and a welcoming element. Construction Innovation: Vents and basement windows provided several obstacles to construction. To accommodate, designers opted to incorporate a raised patio on a pressure treated lumber frame and utilize the Silca System. To capitalize on the elevation, a portable spa was incorporated into the raised patio. Overall Excellence: What began as a refurbishment of an existing swimming pool; evolved into a total backyard transformation. Slate pavers and Versa-Lok wall units helped create an outdoor paradise for family and entertainment use with a new pool deck, raised fire pit, raised stage to host musicians, outdoor kitchen and more.

Photo: Paul Finkel
Inspiration for a huge contemporary courtyard concrete and rectangular pool remodel in Austin

Michael Gotowala founder of THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE by PREFERRED PROPERTIES CONNECTICUTWestport CT. WITH A LOVE of outdoor living, these Connecticut homeowners wanted to outfit their open-air area for maximum enjoyment. Envisioning a space especially for cooking, dining, and relaxing, they hired Michael Gotowala, principal designer and president of Preferred Properties Landscaping and Masonry, whose motto is to “live beyond the walls of your home outdoors.” Preparing their home so the owners could do just that, Gotowala got to work on an addition that allowed for a master bedroom and office walkout for private outdoor living. The heart of the outdoor area features a fireplace with arched stone bins, granite countertops, and an adult beverage center. To the right, a stone hot tub complements the stone courtyard and privacy walls, which are highlighted with fire jars. To the left of the addition is pool central. This section includes a fire pit with stone bench and L-shaped island against the house. element, visually connecting areas. The stone façade on the house matches that of the island, making the entire space appear larger. Stone steps at all the door openings have different heights to accommodate the pool and home addition. And Gotowala chose an artful mix of varieties that all complement each other: Noble hill yellow stone for the walls, Norwegian buff limestone for the pool deck and coping, and yellow river granite for the kitchen countertops. For more insight on this Fabulous outdoor living project in Westport, Ct. by Michael Gotowala founder of THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE by PREFERRED PROPERTIES go to www.OutdoorKitchenDesigner.com

Photography credits: Scott Paterson
Trendy home design photo in Miami

Photo: Paul Finkel
Photo of a huge contemporary full sun front yard concrete paver landscaping in Austin for summer.

Looking across the pool toward the Master bedroom. Pool was existing from 1960's, had been renovated in the 80's, but was in dire need of yet another renovation by the latest owners. We used poured concrete to accommodate the curved coping which is a Silver Gray flagstone.

Photography credits: Scott Paterson
Trendy kitchen photo in Miami

2019 Splash Award - Best Outdoor Living Space What's better than having a pool table next to your pool?!? The three tiered deck gives plenty of space for outdoor entertaining and sitting pool side. It even has sheer decent water features as an added bonus. Every detail counts including the custom round tanning ledge and benches.

This sanctuary brings the French Mediterranean to the midwest. Impeccable detail is highlighted with the masterful landscape architecture. Premium ORIJIN STONE Bluestone Blue Select Thermal natural stone can be found from the front entrance to the back pool. A custom Indiana Limestone fire surround created by ORIJIN adds a sculptural presence to the back veranda.

Photography credits: Scott Paterson
Trendy bathroom photo in Miami