Tucked away on a large, private lot, this home's landscape disguises the fact that it is in the middle of an urban neighborhood. The homeowner is an avid gardener, and the landscape is constantly evolving as he puts his touch on the plants and new phases of the master plan are implemented. The expansive back yard is unusual for the area and provides plenty of space for the family to play. A tiered deck makes the most of the sloped site, offering several distinct entertaining areas.

When a world class sailing champion approached us to design a Newport home for his family, with lodging for his sailing crew, we set out to create a clean, light-filled modern home that would integrate with the natural surroundings of the waterfront property, and respect the character of the historic district. Our approach was to make the marine landscape an integral feature throughout the home. One hundred eighty degree views of the ocean from the top floors are the result of the pinwheel massing. The home is designed as an extension of the curvilinear approach to the property through the woods and reflects the gentle undulating waterline of the adjacent saltwater marsh. Floodplain regulations dictated that the primary occupied spaces be located significantly above grade; accordingly, we designed the first and second floors on a stone “plinth” above a walk-out basement with ample storage for sailing equipment. The curved stone base slopes to grade and houses the shallow entry stair, while the same stone clads the interior’s vertical core to the roof, along which the wood, glass and stainless steel stair ascends to the upper level. One critical programmatic requirement was enough sleeping space for the sailing crew, and informal party spaces for the end of race-day gatherings. The private master suite is situated on one side of the public central volume, giving the homeowners views of approaching visitors. A “bedroom bar,” designed to accommodate a full house of guests, emerges from the other side of the central volume, and serves as a backdrop for the infinity pool and the cove beyond. Also essential to the design process was ecological sensitivity and stewardship. The wetlands of the adjacent saltwater marsh were designed to be restored; an extensive geo-thermal heating and cooling system was implemented; low carbon footprint materials and permeable surfaces were used where possible. Native and non-invasive plant species were utilized in the landscape. The abundance of windows and glass railings maximize views of the landscape, and, in deference to the adjacent bird sanctuary, bird-friendly glazing was used throughout. Photo: Michael Moran/OTTO Photography

Tucked away on a large, private lot, this home's landscape disguises the fact that it is in the middle of an urban neighborhood. The homeowner is an avid gardener, and the landscape is constantly evolving as he puts his touch on the plants and new phases of the master plan are implemented. The expansive back yard is unusual for the area and provides plenty of space for the family to play. A tiered deck makes the most of the sloped site, offering several distinct entertaining areas.

This Baton Rouge home, in The Settlement at Willow Grove, has a style inspired by a California Coastal vocabulary. It is a 2-story with 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths and a powder room. The square footage for the conditioned spaces is 4,340 sq ft and the total under roof is 5,343 sq ft. It is designed with the main living spaces having views and access to a comfortable side porch, patio and pool. The exterior style is cleverly woven into the interior design with architectural detailing and choices in finishes, fixtures and furnishings. As you enter the home through a steel and glass door unit, the coffered ceiling foyer opens to a stair and then leads you down a hallway with white oak beams that becomes the main circulation spine to most of the first-floor spaces in the house. One of those unique spaces is the wet bar that is integrated into a space below the stairs in such a way that the steps are expressed in the ceiling design. The kitchen, dining and living room form a great room with each space defined by white oak beams supported by corbelled pilasters. White oak accents are implemented throughout this area in cabinetry and in floating shelves on one entire wall in the living room. The kitchen features a large island and provides serving access to the side porch through counter height sliding window units. Access is also provided to a spacious butler pantry behind the kitchen. Along the main hallway, one can access the garage, a drop off area and the laundry room. Further down around the corner you’ll find the master suite with a beautifully appointed bathroom featuring a footed tub as the focal point with views through a large window to a small, landscaped area. The his and her closet is designed for each’s needs with an island. Upstairs you’ll find a large landing that can also serve as an exercise area and then find 2 more bedrooms, which share a bathroom. One of the bedrooms serves as a study but can also become a bedroom when needed with a murphy bed. This study/bedroom cantilevers off the corner of the house, providing spectacular views through a spray of windows to a community park down the street. A large playroom accessed of the landing is provided for family fun.

The Made to Last team kept much of the existing footprint and original feel of the cabin while implementing the new elements these clients wanted. To expand the outdoor space, they installed a composite wrap-around deck with picture frame installation, built to last a lifetime. Inside, no opportunity was lost to add additional storage space, including a pantry and hidden shelving throughout. Finally, by adding a two-story addition on the back of the existing A-frame, they were able to create a better kitchen layout, a welcoming entranceway with a proper porch, and larger windows to provide plenty of natural light and views of the ocean and rugged Thetis Island scenery. There is a guest room and bathroom towards the back of the A-frame. The master suite of this home is located in the upper loft and includes an ensuite and additional upstairs living space.

When a world class sailing champion approached us to design a Newport home for his family, with lodging for his sailing crew, we set out to create a clean, light-filled modern home that would integrate with the natural surroundings of the waterfront property, and respect the character of the historic district. Our approach was to make the marine landscape an integral feature throughout the home. One hundred eighty degree views of the ocean from the top floors are the result of the pinwheel massing. The home is designed as an extension of the curvilinear approach to the property through the woods and reflects the gentle undulating waterline of the adjacent saltwater marsh. Floodplain regulations dictated that the primary occupied spaces be located significantly above grade; accordingly, we designed the first and second floors on a stone “plinth” above a walk-out basement with ample storage for sailing equipment. The curved stone base slopes to grade and houses the shallow entry stair, while the same stone clads the interior’s vertical core to the roof, along which the wood, glass and stainless steel stair ascends to the upper level. One critical programmatic requirement was enough sleeping space for the sailing crew, and informal party spaces for the end of race-day gatherings. The private master suite is situated on one side of the public central volume, giving the homeowners views of approaching visitors. A “bedroom bar,” designed to accommodate a full house of guests, emerges from the other side of the central volume, and serves as a backdrop for the infinity pool and the cove beyond. Also essential to the design process was ecological sensitivity and stewardship. The wetlands of the adjacent saltwater marsh were designed to be restored; an extensive geo-thermal heating and cooling system was implemented; low carbon footprint materials and permeable surfaces were used where possible. Native and non-invasive plant species were utilized in the landscape. The abundance of windows and glass railings maximize views of the landscape, and, in deference to the adjacent bird sanctuary, bird-friendly glazing was used throughout. Photo: Michael Moran/OTTO Photography

In this project in Chadds Ford, we provided a comprehensive renovation service, addressing framing, drywalling, and fireblocking as per code requirements. The master and second-floor bathrooms were overhauled with new fixtures, including vanities, toilets, and showers, alongside meticulous tile installations and lighting upgrades. Plumbing and electrical systems were updated throughout, while new trims and moldings were installed for a refreshed look. Windows and doors were replaced, and a new kitchen layout was implemented with updated cabinets, countertops, and fixtures, in line with the owner's preferences. Flooring and painting works were carried out across the property, while HVAC, roofing, and siding received necessary attention to ensure a complete transformation.

The Saint Elias Ukrainian Church Parish House uses key elements of the existing Church and Bell Tower designed by the late Robert Greenberg. As part of the larger Master Plan to be implemented in stages over the coming years, the objective with this project was to blend contemporary detailing and building technology with an already defined aesthetic of Western Ukrainian architecture. The solution is an example of old meets new. Architectural elements from the church, including post-and-beam construction, are juxtaposed with such details as double-height windows and an open staircase. Private areas are compact so that square footage is available for flexible common areas.

Ever heard some say “It has good bones?” Well, no one had ever said that about this house; it needed a major overhaul - “A TOTAL GUT.” It’s saving grace was: 1. It’s enthusiastic new homeowners. 2. The expansive and gorgeous views of Okanagan Lake. 
 We were asked to assist our clients with big-picture-planning for their newest investment property. Upon initial walk through of the home, it was immediately evident there were many previous ‘bandaid-type’ updates that it had gone through over the years. This house was in prime need of an overhaul inside and out: - multiple dropped Ceilings with layers of Plumbing add ons - wall to wall Carpet -a tired Bathtub directly inside the Master Bedroom - a “dreaded” Corner Kitchen Sink -multiple add ons involving three confusing front entry doors Discovering what was previously done and the quandary of why these things were done is always so interesting to discover and can be very overwhelming for clients. A big part of what we love most about Design is helping to propose new ideas to revitalize and improve all that has come before. It is one of the most challenging and rewarding parts of our work. Our Renovation Strategy began in Layout Design for optimizing Interior & Exterior flow, moving into Concept & Style Planning, Millwork and Finish Selections. We then created an ordered implementation sequence which would allow the homeowners to live on one floor while the other was being renovated Later they would move to the finished floor and renovate the remaining areas. Once complete, the home quickly sold and we look forwards to assisting these happy investors on their next endeavour.

Carlsbad Cottage underwent a remarkable transformation under the creative direction of Ginger Rabe Designs. The project encompassed a comprehensive redesign, incorporating various custom elements and meticulous attention to detail from designing, space planning to implementation. Kitchen: The kitchen received special attention, with a custom plastered hood adorned with a carefully selected wood beam that added coastal charm to the space. Marble countertops, fixtures, and hardware were chosen to harmonize with the overall design concept. The combination of materials and designs tied the kitchen's aesthetic together, blending the coastal-inspired feel with modern glamour.

Nestled in a wooded area in the Pacific Northwest, the 1800 sf Passive Cedar Haus was built as a retirement home. The Artisans Group designed the layout of the home, mindful of aging in place, and working to ensure that the home blended in with the surrounding natural beauty. The project meets a complex program, with an unheated sleeping porch for a master bedroom, a screened porch, a 600 sf caretakers apartment/mother in law unit, large wood shop, plus a two car carport. The home seamlessly integrates a floating cedar tongue and groove roof with large sheltering overhangs, clerestory windows, and language of cedar slats for privacy screens and doors inside and out. The warm, natural materials of wood and cork for the interior palette are punctuated by lively accents and stunning fixtures. This ultra energy efficient home relies on extremely high levels of insulation, air-tight detailing and construction, and the implementation of high performance, custom made European windows and doors by Zola Windows. Zola’s ThermoPlus Clad line, which boasts R-11 triple glazing and is thermally broken with a layer of patented German Purenit®, was selected for the project. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the main living area, gives an expansive view of the surrounding Northwest forest. The tops of these windows reveal the interior cedar clad and the up-swept soffits on the home’s exterior, creating a floating ceiling effect. Slatted spruce wood fly-overs break up the vertical areas of the great room and define separate areas that would otherwise feel like an overwhelmingly expansive space. Photography by: Cheryl Ramsay of Ramsay Photography

This house was designed for a couple and their son. One of the design program requirements was to have two master suites on the main level. They enjoy cooking and entertaining so the public and food prep. areas are functional, attractive and conducive to people gathering around. Consequently, the square footage of the main level is large. The house is also on a very steep slope which didn't help with the required footprint. In order to minimize the related costs of building with this site condition, the footprint of the house is long and not deep as it reaches down the slope. The scale of the existing homes in the neighborhood are unimposing. In order to play down the size as viewed from the street, the facade is broken up into several different masses with low sloping roofs. Once you're inside, the house opens up with 14 foot ceilings in the entry and living areas. The ceiling height of other spaces on the main level are 10 feet. Universal design was implemented on the main level to provide inherent accessibility for everyone. The lower level accommodates several guest rooms and baths, an exercise room, a guest den with wet bar and a man cave. Another design program requirement was to make the house as maintenance-free as possible. Exterior materials include stucco, Pennsylvania Blue Stone and a new aluminum siding product called Longboard. The siding comes in many wood grain finishes and to everyone that has seen it, they think it's real wood. It's also made from heavy gauge aluminum so it doesn't ding like traditional aluminum siding. The roofs are metal standing seam. The house is energy efficient. It's fully insulated with spray foam insulation-lots of it. The exterior walls were designed with 2x6 studs and roof rafters are 2x12 to provide plenty of space for the insulation, exceeding the required R-values. Windows and doors of course are energy efficient as well. All lighting is LED. The decking around the exterior is locust, a very hard native wood which is naturally insect and rot resistant. The best part of the whole project are the owners who love their new home. They initially had plans to live in this house during the summer months and Florida during the winter. They are now seriously considering living here full-time.

Keeping your home safe is one of your essential responsibilities. That is because you will not appreciate someone walking into your home and making away with your property. There are various ways of improving home security, and from links such as https://www.officialtop5review.com/home-security-cameras/, you can find the perfect surveillance camera for your home. It is, however, good to know that other than the surveillance cameras, you will need a plan B just in case, and your plan B can be; Getting a dog Dogs have been serving humans for thousands of years helping out in many ways but most importantly, security. Digs have high smelling and hearing senses that can help you locate a burglar within your home who has managed to go past your cameras unseen. Note that a dog will not only find the thief but also protect you and your property by attacking the burglar. The good thing with dogs is that they can secure your home and prevent ant robbery even if you are not there. Getting better locks There are all kinds of lock in the market today, from the old locks that were built by locksmiths to technology influenced digital locks. You should be capable of selecting the right locks because, like any other product in the market, there are both good and bad locks. Note that a digital lock can also be faulty, especially if you purchase your system from the wrong developer. Most digital locks can be integrated and can be synchronized to work with the alarm and surveillance cameras as well. You will also need to change your locks after a while to prevent someone from mastering how to access your home. Making the house look occupied all the time Burglars will not find it convenient breaking into a house that is occupied. In most cases, they are interested in the valuables and don’t want to be interfered with. That is why most of them will come in the night when everyone is asleep or wait until no one is around. However, if you keep your home lively like it is always buzzing with activities, burglars will want to keep away for fear of getting caught. Conclusion Other security measures that have been used by many people include using alarms that are motion sensors. It is although proper to know that security systems can have their weaknesses hence for a more secure home, you will require to implement more than two security measures.

Tucked away on a large, private lot, this home's landscape disguises the fact that it is in the middle of an urban neighborhood. The homeowner is an avid gardener, and the landscape is constantly evolving as he puts his touch on the plants and new phases of the master plan are implemented. A sunny patch on the perimeter of the yard is home to the vegetable garden. Raised beds cut across the slope for easier planting and access.

This Baton Rouge home, in The Settlement at Willow Grove, has a style inspired by a California Coastal vocabulary. It is a 2-story with 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths and a powder room. The square footage for the conditioned spaces is 4,340 sq ft and the total under roof is 5,343 sq ft. It is designed with the main living spaces having views and access to a comfortable side porch, patio and pool. The exterior style is cleverly woven into the interior design with architectural detailing and choices in finishes, fixtures and furnishings. As you enter the home through a steel and glass door unit, the coffered ceiling foyer opens to a stair and then leads you down a hallway with white oak beams that becomes the main circulation spine to most of the first-floor spaces in the house. One of those unique spaces is the wet bar that is integrated into a space below the stairs in such a way that the steps are expressed in the ceiling design. The kitchen, dining and living room form a great room with each space defined by white oak beams supported by corbelled pilasters. White oak accents are implemented throughout this area in cabinetry and in floating shelves on one entire wall in the living room. The kitchen features a large island and provides serving access to the side porch through counter height sliding window units. Access is also provided to a spacious butler pantry behind the kitchen. Along the main hallway, one can access the garage, a drop off area and the laundry room. Further down around the corner you’ll find the master suite with a beautifully appointed bathroom featuring a footed tub as the focal point with views through a large window to a small, landscaped area. The his and her closet is designed for each’s needs with an island. Upstairs you’ll find a large landing that can also serve as an exercise area and then find 2 more bedrooms, which share a bathroom. One of the bedrooms serves as a study but can also become a bedroom when needed with a murphy bed. This study/bedroom cantilevers off the corner of the house, providing spectacular views through a spray of windows to a community park down the street. A large playroom accessed of the landing is provided for family fun.

This Baton Rouge home, in The Settlement at Willow Grove, has a style inspired by a California Coastal vocabulary. It is a 2-story with 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths and a powder room. The square footage for the conditioned spaces is 4,340 sq ft and the total under roof is 5,343 sq ft. It is designed with the main living spaces having views and access to a comfortable side porch, patio and pool. The exterior style is cleverly woven into the interior design with architectural detailing and choices in finishes, fixtures and furnishings. As you enter the home through a steel and glass door unit, the coffered ceiling foyer opens to a stair and then leads you down a hallway with white oak beams that becomes the main circulation spine to most of the first-floor spaces in the house. One of those unique spaces is the wet bar that is integrated into a space below the stairs in such a way that the steps are expressed in the ceiling design. The kitchen, dining and living room form a great room with each space defined by white oak beams supported by corbelled pilasters. White oak accents are implemented throughout this area in cabinetry and in floating shelves on one entire wall in the living room. The kitchen features a large island and provides serving access to the side porch through counter height sliding window units. Access is also provided to a spacious butler pantry behind the kitchen. Along the main hallway, one can access the garage, a drop off area and the laundry room. Further down around the corner you’ll find the master suite with a beautifully appointed bathroom featuring a footed tub as the focal point with views through a large window to a small, landscaped area. The his and her closet is designed for each’s needs with an island. Upstairs you’ll find a large landing that can also serve as an exercise area and then find 2 more bedrooms, which share a bathroom. One of the bedrooms serves as a study but can also become a bedroom when needed with a murphy bed. This study/bedroom cantilevers off the corner of the house, providing spectacular views through a spray of windows to a community park down the street. A large playroom accessed of the landing is provided for family fun.

In this project in Chadds Ford, we provided a comprehensive renovation service, addressing framing, drywalling, and fireblocking as per code requirements. The master and second-floor bathrooms were overhauled with new fixtures, including vanities, toilets, and showers, alongside meticulous tile installations and lighting upgrades. Plumbing and electrical systems were updated throughout, while new trims and moldings were installed for a refreshed look. Windows and doors were replaced, and a new kitchen layout was implemented with updated cabinets, countertops, and fixtures, in line with the owner's preferences. Flooring and painting works were carried out across the property, while HVAC, roofing, and siding received necessary attention to ensure a complete transformation.

In this project in Chadds Ford, we provided a comprehensive renovation service, addressing framing, drywalling, and fireblocking as per code requirements. The master and second-floor bathrooms were overhauled with new fixtures, including vanities, toilets, and showers, alongside meticulous tile installations and lighting upgrades. Plumbing and electrical systems were updated throughout, while new trims and moldings were installed for a refreshed look. Windows and doors were replaced, and a new kitchen layout was implemented with updated cabinets, countertops, and fixtures, in line with the owner's preferences. Flooring and painting works were carried out across the property, while HVAC, roofing, and siding received necessary attention to ensure a complete transformation.

Located in Lake McCloud, in the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh. A master plan was designed to implement the project in two phases over several years. | Beall's Landscaping - Pittsburgh - Murrysville - Gibsonia - Greensburg