The exterior of this villa style family house pops against its sprawling natural backdrop. The home’s elegant simplicity shown outwards is pleasing to the eye, as its welcoming entry summons you to the vast space inside. Richly textured white walls, offset by custom iron rails, bannisters, and chandelier/sconce ‘candle’ lighting provide a magical feel to the interior. The grand stairway commands attention; with a bridge dividing the upper-level, providing the master suite its own wing of private retreat. Filling this vertical space, a simple fireplace is elevated by floor-to-ceiling white brick and adorned with an enormous mirror that repeats the home’s charming features. The elegant high contrast styling is carried throughout, with bursts of colour brought inside by window placements that capture the property’s natural surroundings to create dynamic seasonal art. Indoor-outdoor flow is emphasized in several points of access to covered patios from the unobstructed greatroom, making this home ideal for entertaining and family enjoyment.

This home started out as a remodel of a family’s beloved summer cottage. A fire started on the work site which caused irreparable damage. Needless to say, a remodel turned into a brand-new home. We were brought on board to help our clients re-imagine their summer haven. Windows were important to maximize the gorgeous lake view. Access to the lake was also very important, so an outdoor shower off the mudroom/laundry area with its own side entrance provided a nice beach entry for the kids. A large kitchen island open to dining and living was imperative for the family and the time they like to spend together. The master suite is on the main floor and three bedrooms upstairs, one of which has built-in bunks allows the kids to have their own area. While the original family cottage is no more, we were able to successfully help our clients begin again so they can start new memories. - Jacqueline Southby Photography

Completed in 2015, this project incorporates a Scandinavian vibe to enhance the modern architecture and farmhouse details. The vision was to create a balanced and consistent design to reflect clean lines and subtle rustic details, which creates a calm sanctuary. The whole home is not based on a design aesthetic, but rather how someone wants to feel in a space, specifically the feeling of being cozy, calm, and clean. This home is an interpretation of modern design without focusing on one specific genre; it boasts a midcentury master bedroom, stark and minimal bathrooms, an office that doubles as a music den, and modern open concept on the first floor. It’s the winner of the 2017 design award from the Austin Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and has been on the Tribeza Home Tour; in addition to being published in numerous magazines such as on the cover of Austin Home as well as Dwell Magazine, the cover of Seasonal Living Magazine, Tribeza, Rue Daily, HGTV, Hunker Home, and other international publications. Featured on Dwell! https://www.dwell.com/article/sustainability-is-the-centerpiece-of-this-new-austin-development-071e1a55

A Carolee McCall Smith design, this new home took its inspiration from the old-world charm of traditional farmhouse style. Details of texture rather than color create an inviting feeling while keeping the decor fresh and updated. Painted brick, natural wood accents, shiplap, and rustic no-maintenance floors act as the canvas for the owner’s personal touches. The layout offers defined spaces while maintaining natural connections between rooms. A wine bar between the kitchen and living is a favorite part of this home! Spend evening hours with family and friends on the private 3-season screened porch. For those who want a master suite sanctuary, this home is for you! A private south wing gives you the luxury you deserve with all the desired amenities: a soaker tub, a modern shower, a water closet, and a massive walk-in closet. An adjacent laundry room makes one-level living totally doable in this house! Kids claim their domain upstairs where 3 bedrooms and a split bath surround a casual family room. The surprise of this home is the studio loft above the 3-car garage. Use it for a returning adult child, an aging parent, or an income opportunity. Included energy-efficient features are: A/C, Andersen Windows, Rheem 95% efficient furnace, Energy Star Whirlpool Appliances, tankless hot water, and underground programmable sprinklers for lanscaping.

Our clients were relocating from the upper peninsula to the lower peninsula and wanted to design a retirement home on their Lake Michigan property. The topography of their lot allowed for a walk out basement which is practically unheard of with how close they are to the water. Their view is fantastic, and the goal was of course to take advantage of the view from all three levels. The positioning of the windows on the main and upper levels is such that you feel as if you are on a boat, water as far as the eye can see. They were striving for a Hamptons / Coastal, casual, architectural style. The finished product is just over 6,200 square feet and includes 2 master suites, 2 guest bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, sunroom, home bar, home gym, dedicated seasonal gear / equipment storage, table tennis game room, sauna, and bonus room above the attached garage. All the exterior finishes are low maintenance, vinyl, and composite materials to withstand the blowing sands from the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Completed in 2015, this project incorporates a Scandinavian vibe to enhance the modern architecture and farmhouse details. The vision was to create a balanced and consistent design to reflect clean lines and subtle rustic details, which creates a calm sanctuary. The whole home is not based on a design aesthetic, but rather how someone wants to feel in a space, specifically the feeling of being cozy, calm, and clean. This home is an interpretation of modern design without focusing on one specific genre; it boasts a midcentury master bedroom, stark and minimal bathrooms, an office that doubles as a music den, and modern open concept on the first floor. It’s the winner of the 2017 design award from the Austin Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and has been on the Tribeza Home Tour; in addition to being published in numerous magazines such as on the cover of Austin Home as well as Dwell Magazine, the cover of Seasonal Living Magazine, Tribeza, Rue Daily, HGTV, Hunker Home, and other international publications. Featured on Dwell! https://www.dwell.com/article/sustainability-is-the-centerpiece-of-this-new-austin-development-071e1a55

Have you been dreaming of your custom, personalized bathroom for years? Now is the time to call the Woodbridge, NJ bathroom transformation specialists. Whether you're looking to gut your space and start over, or make minor but transformative changes - Barron Home Remodeling Corporation are the experts to partner with! We listen to our clients dreams, visions and most of all: budget. Then we get to work on drafting an amazing plan to face-lift your bathroom. No bathroom renovation or remodel is too big or small for us. From that very first meeting throughout the process and over the finish line, Barron Home Remodeling Corporation's professional staff have the experience and expertise you deserve! Only trust a licensed, insured and bonded General Contractor for your bathroom renovation or bathroom remodel in Woodbridge, NJ. There are plenty of amateurs that you could roll the dice on, but Barron's team are the seasoned pros that will give you quality work and peace of mind.

Completed in 2015, this project incorporates a Scandinavian vibe to enhance the modern architecture and farmhouse details. The vision was to create a balanced and consistent design to reflect clean lines and subtle rustic details, which creates a calm sanctuary. The whole home is not based on a design aesthetic, but rather how someone wants to feel in a space, specifically the feeling of being cozy, calm, and clean. This home is an interpretation of modern design without focusing on one specific genre; it boasts a midcentury master bedroom, stark and minimal bathrooms, an office that doubles as a music den, and modern open concept on the first floor. It’s the winner of the 2017 design award from the Austin Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and has been on the Tribeza Home Tour; in addition to being published in numerous magazines such as on the cover of Austin Home as well as Dwell Magazine, the cover of Seasonal Living Magazine, Tribeza, Rue Daily, HGTV, Hunker Home, and other international publications. Featured on Dwell! https://www.dwell.com/article/sustainability-is-the-centerpiece-of-this-new-austin-development-071e1a55

This mountain vacation residence places the living and sleeping space for a family of three on the main level with guest bedrooms, recreation rooms, and garage below. The sloped site allows approach and entry on the main level, achieving the appearance of a one-story house. The scheme is an L-shaped, open-plan building containing primary living space covered with a shed roof. This configuration forms a “courtyard” facing southeast, which contains the main entry. Intersected with the shed roof component the mudroom, bedroom, and master closet and bath are contained in “cabins” of stone with arced roofs. The roof support at the northwest corner has been eliminated to allow a sliding glass system which, when open, voids the corner of the family room. This allows the living space to extend onto an elevated concrete terrace overlooking the view. The result is a living environment that distinguishes public from private uses with form and space, provides outdoor areas of contrasting characteristics in a place of sharp seasonal contrast, and creates an image that blends with the landscape.

We were hired to design a Northern Michigan home for our clients to retire. They wanted an inviting “Mountain Rustic” style that would offer a casual, warm and inviting feeling while also taking advantage of the view of nearby Deer Lake. Most people downsize in retirement, but for our clients more space was a virtue. The main level provides a large kitchen that flows into open concept dining and living. With all their family and visitors, ample entertaining and gathering space was necessary. A cozy three-season room which also opens onto a large deck provide even more space. The bonus room above the attached four car garage was a perfect spot for a bunk room. A finished lower level provided even more space for the grandkids to claim as their own, while the main level master suite allows grandma and grandpa to have their own retreat. Rustic details like a reclaimed lumber wall that includes six different varieties of wood, large fireplace, exposed beams and antler chandelier lend to the rustic feel our client’s desired. Ultimately, we were able to capture and take advantage of as many views as possible while also maintaining the cozy and warm atmosphere on the interior. This gorgeous home with abundant space makes it easy for our clients to enjoy the company of their five children and seven grandchildren who come from near and far to enjoy the home. - Jacqueline Southby Photography

Featuring a classic H-shaped plan and minimalist details, the Winston was designed with the modern family in mind. This home carefully balances a sleek and uniform façade with more contemporary elements. This balance is noticed best when looking at the home on axis with the front or rear doors. Simple lap siding serve as a backdrop to the careful arrangement of windows and outdoor spaces. Stepping through a pair of natural wood entry doors gives way to sweeping vistas through the living and dining rooms. Anchoring the left side of the main level, and on axis with the living room, is a large white kitchen island and tiled range surround. To the right, and behind the living rooms sleek fireplace, is a vertical corridor that grants access to the upper level bedrooms, main level master suite, and lower level spaces. Serving as backdrop to this vertical corridor is a floor to ceiling glass display room for a sizeable wine collection. Set three steps down from the living room and through an articulating glass wall, the screened porch is enclosed by a retractable screen system that allows the room to be heated during cold nights. In all rooms, preferential treatment is given to maximize exposure to the rear yard, making this a perfect lakefront home.

What a transformation! Originally, this master bath featured a large deck tub which was tucked in to the corner where the new wet area currently lies. The tub was walled in on practically all sides, and controlled too much of the baths underutilized square footage. By taking the tub out of the deck and relocating it against the far wall, we now could use the space in front of the tub for a large walk-in shower, creating a wet area. In addition, this move allowed us to use the space that had previously housed the small shower as a designated makeup counter.

Our clients are seasoned home renovators. Their Malibu oceanside property was the second project JRP had undertaken for them. After years of renting and the age of the home, it was becoming prevalent the waterfront beach house, needed a facelift. Our clients expressed their desire for a clean and contemporary aesthetic with the need for more functionality. After a thorough design process, a new spatial plan was essential to meet the couple’s request. This included developing a larger master suite, a grander kitchen with seating at an island, natural light, and a warm, comfortable feel to blend with the coastal setting. Demolition revealed an unfortunate surprise on the second level of the home: Settlement and subpar construction had allowed the hillside to slide and cover structural framing members causing dangerous living conditions. Our design team was now faced with the challenge of creating a fix for the sagging hillside. After thorough evaluation of site conditions and careful planning, a new 10’ high retaining wall was contrived to be strategically placed into the hillside to prevent any future movements. With the wall design and build completed — additional square footage allowed for a new laundry room, a walk-in closet at the master suite. Once small and tucked away, the kitchen now boasts a golden warmth of natural maple cabinetry complimented by a striking center island complete with white quartz countertops and stunning waterfall edge details. The open floor plan encourages entertaining with an organic flow between the kitchen, dining, and living rooms. New skylights flood the space with natural light, creating a tranquil seaside ambiance. New custom maple flooring and ceiling paneling finish out the first floor. Downstairs, the ocean facing Master Suite is luminous with breathtaking views and an enviable bathroom oasis. The master bath is modern and serene, woodgrain tile flooring and stunning onyx mosaic tile channel the golden sandy Malibu beaches. The minimalist bathroom includes a generous walk-in closet, his & her sinks, a spacious steam shower, and a luxurious soaking tub. Defined by an airy and spacious floor plan, clean lines, natural light, and endless ocean views, this home is the perfect rendition of a contemporary coastal sanctuary. PROJECT DETAILS: • Style: Contemporary • Colors: White, Beige, Yellow Hues • Countertops: White Ceasarstone Quartz • Cabinets: Bellmont Natural finish maple; Shaker style • Hardware/Plumbing Fixture Finish: Polished Chrome • Lighting Fixtures: Pendent lighting in Master bedroom, all else recessed • Flooring: Hardwood - Natural Maple Tile – Ann Sacks, Porcelain in Yellow Birch • Tile/Backsplash: Glass mosaic in kitchen • Other Details: Bellevue Stand Alone Tub Photographer: Andrew, Open House VC

Function meets fashion in this relaxing retreat inspired by turn-of-the-century cottages. Perfect for a lot with limited space or a water view, this delightful design packs ample living into an open floor plan spread out on three levels. Elements of classic farmhouses and Craftsman-style bungalows can be seen in the updated exterior, which boasts shingles, porch columns, and decorative venting and windows. Inside, a covered front porch leads into an entry with a charming window seat and to the centrally located 17 by 12-foot kitchen. Nearby is an 11 by 15-foot dining and a picturesque outdoor patio. On the right side of the more than 1,500-square-foot main level is the 14 by 18-foot living room with a gas fireplace and access to the adjacent covered patio where you can enjoy the changing seasons. Also featured is a convenient mud room and laundry near the 700-square-foot garage, a large master suite and a handy home management center off the dining and living room. Upstairs, another approximately 1,400 square feet include two family bedrooms and baths, a 15 by 14-foot loft dedicated to music, and another area designed for crafts and sewing. Other hobbies and entertaining aren’t excluded in the lower level, where you can enjoy the billiards or games area, a large family room for relaxing, a guest bedroom, exercise area and bath. Photographers: Ashley Avila Photography Pat Chambers Builder: Bouwkamp Builders, Inc.

Over the years, this Gladwyne home suffered numerous piecemeal renovations and modifications, and was in dire need of a cohesive vision. Seeing past this, the new owners purchased the property because of the home’s unique siting on the land. Abutting the eastern property line, they noticed the potential of a proper renovation which would unify the home and create expansive views across the 2 acre site to the west. Our office was commissioned to create a cohesive design which emphasized these ideas. This completed master bedroom and bathroom suite, marks the end of the first renovation phase. The master suite was expanded and focused around a new 16’ window overlooking the property. The bed is flanked at both sides with a sitting area and custom casework. The perpendicular floor boards define the space and pull the eye into the closet/bath. A composition of reflections distort boundaries, pulling outside inward and provide an evolving seasonal experience. For the lower floor renovation, the client requested the removal of all dividing walls to make the space as visually open as possible. To do this, the entire 2nd floor was temporarily propped up while the 1st floor structure was removed and a strategically designed new structural steel frame system was installed. The remaining central bearing wall also stabilizes the custom stair treads while the guardrails suspend the opposite end from the ceiling. The floor to ceiling glazing opens the views of the sprawling grounds and provides a casual sitting area. A sliding bright red wall divides the office / family room area and the rough sawn wood cabinetry maintain a handmade warm character to the contemporary design.

We were hired to design a Northern Michigan home for our clients to retire. They wanted an inviting “Mountain Rustic” style that would offer a casual, warm and inviting feeling while also taking advantage of the view of nearby Deer Lake. Most people downsize in retirement, but for our clients more space was a virtue. The main level provides a large kitchen that flows into open concept dining and living. With all their family and visitors, ample entertaining and gathering space was necessary. A cozy three-season room which also opens onto a large deck provide even more space. The bonus room above the attached four car garage was a perfect spot for a bunk room. A finished lower level provided even more space for the grandkids to claim as their own, while the main level master suite allows grandma and grandpa to have their own retreat. Rustic details like a reclaimed lumber wall that includes six different varieties of wood, large fireplace, exposed beams and antler chandelier lend to the rustic feel our client’s desired. Ultimately, we were able to capture and take advantage of as many views as possible while also maintaining the cozy and warm atmosphere on the interior. This gorgeous home with abundant space makes it easy for our clients to enjoy the company of their five children and seven grandchildren who come from near and far to enjoy the home. - Jacqueline Southby Photography

This project designed by Mike Farley, has a tailored and natural look with lots of boulders and Travertine decks and coping. There was an existing pool that was very formal that we removed before going organic with a cabana, fireplace and an outdoor kitchen. The house needed an addition with an entertainment media room, cigar room and pool bath. Privacy was achieved by adding a cabana on the north side with a full stone wall. The spa needed to be close to the master bedroom and have visibility of the flat screen television in the cabana. The spa is flush with the upper patio so not to block view of the pool. A natural boulder stream connects the pool and spa. To soften the house planting is between the cabana and house. Access to the cabana was located between the spa and the pool on the floating pad. Remote controlled fire features accent both ends of the boulders. Retaining walls were built behind the waterfall to bring the grade up so plantings looked more natural and waterfalls appeared to come out of the hillside. The cabana features were to create three zones. It doesn't matter the season or time of day this space provides the family's perfect outside setting to enjoy each other.

Take a look at the image of the living/dining space with doors opening to a pool beyond. This is an elegant, finely-appointed room with aged, hand-hewn beams, dormered clerestory windows, and radiant-heated limestone floors. But the real power of the space derives less from these handsome details and more from the wide opening centered on the pool. The occupants of the room feel like they’re poolside, even while inside. When they’re entertaining, it matters little whether guests are on the terrace or in the living room; it all feels like one great space. The four-wide bank of doors is designed so that the central two are hinged directly to the flanking ones. Thus, when opened, they are precisely aligned, it seems as if there are somehow only two doors, and the assembly appears less cluttered. A mechanized, roll-down screen descends from above to completely secure the opening against insects. When the screen is in use, the doors at the far ends are used for passage (a word of advice: make sure to devise a screening solution in any multi-door design). Two images from a seasonal lakefront cottage in East Haddam combine to make an even bolder statement. This three-story building has a master suite occupying the entire third floor.

The goal of this project was to replace a small single-story seasonal family cottage with a year-round home that takes advantage of the views and topography of this lakefront site while providing privacy for the occupants. The program called for a large open living area, a master suite, study, a small home gym and five additional bedrooms. The style was to be distinctly contemporary. The house is shielded from the street by the placement of the garage and by limiting the amount of window area facing the road. The main entry is recessed and glazed with frosted glass for privacy. Due to the narrowness of the site and the proximity of the neighboring houses, the windows on the sides of the house were also limited and mostly high up on the walls. The limited fenestration on the front and sides is made up for by the full wall of glass on the lake side, facing north. The house is anchored by an exposed masonry foundation. This masonry also cuts through the center of the house on the fireplace chimney to separate the public and private spaces on the first floor, becoming a primary material on the interior. The house is clad with three different siding material: horizontal longboard siding, vertical ribbed steel siding and cement board panels installed as a rain screen. The standing seam metal-clad roof rises from a low point at the street elevation to a height of 24 feet at the lakefront to capture the views and the north light. The house is organized into two levels and is entered on the upper level. This level contains the main living spaces, the master suite and the study. The angled stair railing guides visitors into the main living area. The kitchen, dining area and living area are each distinct areas within one large space. This space is visually connected to the outside by the soaring ceilings and large fireplace mass that penetrate the exterior wall. The lower level contains the children’s and guest bedrooms, a secondary living space and the home gym.