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

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.

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.

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

Immaculate, professional design and modern luxury are uniquely embodied in this five bedroom, 5.5 bath custom built home. A short distance to the shores of Lake Michigan, the Regency Wildwood takes advantage of a wide lot with a matching floor plan. Every detail was carefully selected and quality crafted. Enjoy gatherings in the generously-sized living/dining areas, graced by fireplaces and great views. A four-season room with expansive windows overlooking the terraced backyard provides a retreat for socializing after a business meeting in the richly decorated family office. A dry bar with wine cooler is centrally located for entertaining convenience. Warmer months allow for time on the patio with a built in fire pit, appreciating the great outdoors, no matter what mother nature has in mind. The first floor master suite has a large spa retreat bathroom and generous closet space. Three bedrooms and three full baths on the second floor provide ample space for family in addition to a bonus space ideal for a kid’s TV/playroom or living quarters for an aging parent adjacent to the elevator. Second floor laundry is convenient for Mom. The lower lever houses space for billiards, a game of poker, or movie night, ideal for entertaining. An additional bedroom and full bath give privacy from the main living area to a short-term or long-term visitor or family member.

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.

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.

Updated Spec Home: The Bathrooms The last stop on the main level of this Updated Spec Home are the Bathrooms. Every surface of the Guest Bath and Master Bath was touched- even some renovations in the Master bedroom. All I can say is thank goodness these two love wallpaper – we selected classic patterns for each bath that will stand the test of time! Guest Bathroom The Guest Bath also doubles as my mom’s bath. The footprint remained the same but we updated everything. A new vanity was chosen to give her that furniture look while still providing some storage – although there is a linen closet located just outside the bath. We topped it off with a beautiful mirror with great detail and an equally great light fixture. Also, we mixed the finishes in the bath between nickel and champagne, i.e., gold/silver mix. Mixing metals is perfectly acceptable and quite frankly way more interesting the everything matching. Updated Spec Home Bathrooms - Robin's Nest Interiors Updated Spec Home Bathrooms - Robin's Nest Interiors We found this amazing wallpaper with its subtle colors and pattern and selected a large square tile to coordinate for the floor. Yes, you can do a large tile in a small bath because it actually makes the space feel larger. For finishing touches, we had this gorgeous shower curtain made. Above the new toilet, we added interesting abstract artwork framed in a large mat so it would not clash with the wallpaper. Master Bathroom Originally, the Master Bath had a large garden tub as the focal point and a tiny stand up shower in the corner. We removed the garden tub, moved the shower to this area as the focal point and turned the tiny shower into a much needed linen closet. At this point, I know you are thinking, what about resale with no tub? There is a tub in the Guest Bath so the house will still be appealing to young families or bath lovers alike. © 2016 RealTourCast | Tim Furlong Jr. Tile selections came first – my sister fell in love with this gorgeous dark greige glass tile. We used it in the upper half of the shower while keeping the lower half light with this plank tile in a striated pattern. We carried the plank tile onto the floor for a seamless look. Updated Spec Home Bathrooms - Robin's Nest Interiors We replaced the two vanities with stock cabinetry that looks custom in a rich wood stain. Also, we found a gorgeous granite remnant for the countertop and finished off the vanity area with oversized mirrors, sleek lighting, and striking hardware.Updated Spec Home Bathrooms - Robin's Nest Interiors The wallpaper is absolutely perfect for this space – it adds an interesting backdrop without overpowering the room. Her fantastic artwork was able to fit in the niche next to the new toilet. This is one gorgeous bath! Updated Spec Home Bathrooms - Robin's Nest Interiors Coming Soon Spoiler Alert – my mom and sister have decided to update their Basement Family Room and add a small Powder Bath so look for Season 2 of the Updated Spec Home series! See the rest of this house through these links! Foyer & Great Room, Kitchen & Breakfast Area, Bedrooms, Guest Bedroom.

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.

Unmatched sophistication on Castle Point Terrace with world class New York City and Hudson River views. The innovative design of this unique home incorporates mid-century design characteristics for the 21st century; harmonious indoor/outdoor flow, expert use of organic materials & smart, elegant built-in cabinetry. Designed & built by award-winning Hoboken architect, John Nastasi, 907 Castle Point is in a class of its own. The sun-filled kitchen features a large Calacatta marble island with Wolf, SubZero and Viking appliances, built-in Mahogany banquette and distinctive pine ceilings. Completing the parlor floor is the formal living room, family room with built in entertainment center and convenient powder room. The rear yard, an extension of the living space, features an Ipé deck with glass railings, flamed limestone patio, pristine lawn, irrigated all season garden and a unique stainless steel plunge pool. Steel stair case leads to the garden level offering a private bedroom/office with powder room that is easily converted to a full bath for the perfect in-law or au pair suite. The top floor master retreat features dramatic windows, en-suite terrace, gas fireplace and sitting room with built-in mahogany wet bar. Rivaling many spas, the master bathroom features timeless teak vanity, oversized walk-in shower and freestanding concrete soaking tub with dramatic 3form organics backdrop. Additional fine details through this extraordinary home include 5+ bedrooms, 3 full baths , 2 half baths, hand scraped walnut floors, radiant heated floors throughout, security system with cameras, Elan sound system, blackout and sheer window treatments, recessed gallery lighting, floor outlets, full laundry room with laundry chute, and multi-zone HVAC system. Welcoming you at the end of Castle Point Terrace is Hoboken’s Elysian Park as well as easy access to NYC bus, ferry and private rental parking garages.

Green Mountain Builders has recently completed a luxury whole home remodel in Bonita Bay, a magnificent award-winning country club community in Bonita Springs, Florida. The remodel focused on opening up the interior space by removing walls that closed off rooms, restricting an open-concept layout. With the dining room wall removed, the home now is bathed in additional sunlight. Opening up the closed area, also makes the home seem much larger. New flooring and paint throughout and a beautiful Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring enhance the beauty of this lovely golf course home. LVP is a wonderful wood-look flooring option that offers warmth and texture. The kitchen was completely renovated as were the bedrooms, including the master, and all bathrooms. Green Mountain creatively used shiplap boards in the family room effecting a stunning wall display. In addition, the lovely courtyard remodel has been updated to provide an outdoor space perfect for entertaining and family enjoyment.

A Fresh Traditional Kitchen AS SEEN ON: SEASON 3, EPISODE 3 OF MASTERS OF FLIP Soft pastels get a fresh, stylish update when paired with sparkling chandeliers and modern accents to create a space that shows why the party always ends up in the kitchen. In this one-wall style kitchen, we paired our classic Colorado doors with Driftwood enamel and traditional glass-front upper cabinets against a textured white backsplash. The centrepiece of the space is the large eat-at island in Sugar White. Featuring a charming farm sink and capable of comfortably seating four, it provides plenty of space to prep or mingle. Clever built-in additions, like an under-counter microwave unit, means that style is never sacrificed for function in this Kitchens by Foremost design! This pantry wall was custom designed for the space it’s in, making sure that every bit of space is properly utilized. Using the same Colorado doors in Sugar White enamel as in the main kitchen ensures that this addition fits seamlessly into the space. The top hinged cabinet, custom wine rack, and stem glass holder also allows this pantry pull double duty as a impromptu bar.

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 LEED Platinum certified house reflects the homeowner's desire for an exceptionally healthy and comfortable living environment, within a traditional neighborhood. INFILL SITE. The family, who moved from another area of Wellesley, sought out this property to be within walking distance of the high school and downtown area. An existing structure on the tight lot was removed to make way for the new home. 84% of the construction waste, from both the previous structure and the new home, was diverted from a landfill. ZED designed to preserve the existing mature trees on the perimeter of the property to minimize site impacts, and to maintain the character of the neighborhood as well as privacy on the site. EXTERIOR EXPRESSION. The street facade of the home relates to the local New England vernacular. The rear uses contemporary language, a nod to the family’s Californian roots, to incorporate a roof deck, solar panels, outdoor living space, and the backyard swimming pool. ZED’s careful planning avoided to the need to face the garage doors towards the street, a common syndrome of a narrow lot. THOUGHTFUL SPACE. Homes with dual entries can often result in duplicate and unused spaces. In this home, the everyday and formal entry areas are one and the same; the front and garage doors share the entry program of coat closets, mudroom storage with bench for removing your shoes, and a laundry room with generous closets for the children's sporting equipment. The entry area leads directly to the living space, encompassing the kitchen, dining and sitting area areas in an L-shaped open plan arrangement. The kitchen is placed at the south-west corner of the space to allow for a strong connection to the dining, sitting and outdoor living spaces. A fire pit on the deck satisfies the family’s desire for an open flame while a sealed gas fireplace is used indoors - ZED’s preference after omitting gas burning appliances completely from an airtight home. A small study, with a window seat, is conveniently located just off of the living space. A first floor guest bedroom includes an accessible bathroom for aging visitors and can be used as a master suite to accommodate aging in place. HEALTHY LIVING. The client requested a home that was easy to clean and would provide a respite from seasonal allergies and common contaminants that are found in many indoor spaces. ZED selected easy to clean solid surface flooring throughout, provided ample space for cleaning supplies on each floor, and designed a mechanical system with ventilation that provides a constant supply of fresh outdoor air. ZED selected durable materials, finishes, cabinetry, and casework with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and no added urea formaldehyde. YEAR-ROUND COMFORT. The home is super insulated and air-tight, paired with high performance triple-paned windows, to ensure it is draft-free throughout the winter (even when in front of the large windows and doors). ZED designed a right-sized heating and cooling system to pair with the thermally improved building enclosure to ensure year-round comfort. The glazing on the home maximizes passive solar gains, and facilitates cross ventilation and daylighting. ENERGY EFFICIENT. As one of the most energy efficient houses built to date in Wellesley, the home highlights a practical solution for Massachusetts. First, the building enclosure reduces the largest energy requirement for typical houses (heating). Super-insulation, exceptional air sealing, a thermally broken wall assembly, triple pane windows, and passive solar gain combine for a sizable heating load reduction. Second, within the house only efficient systems consume energy. These include an air source heat pump for heating & cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation, and high efficiency appliances. Lastly, photovoltaics provide renewable energy help offset energy consumption. The result is an 89% reduction in energy use compared to a similar brand new home built to code requirements. RESILIENT. The home will fare well in extreme weather events. During a winter power outage, heat loss will be very slow due to the super-insulated and airtight envelope– taking multiple days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. An engineered drainage system, paired with careful the detailing of the foundation, will help to keep the finished basement dry. A generator will provide full operation of the all-electric house during a power outage. OVERALL. The home is a reflection of the family goals and an expression of their values, beautifully enabling health, comfort, safety, resilience, and utility, all while respecting the planet. ZED - Architect & Mechanical Designer Bevilacqua Builders Inc - Contractor Creative Land & Water Engineering - Civil Engineering Barbara Peterson Landscape - Landscape Design Nest & Company - Interior Furnishings Eric Roth Photography - Photography

Convert the existing deck to a new indoor / outdoor space with retractable EZ Breeze windows for full enclosure, cable railing system for minimal view obstruction and space saving spiral staircase, fireplace for ambiance and cooler nights with LVP floor for worry and bug free entertainment

The Cicero is a modern styled home for today’s contemporary lifestyle. It features sweeping facades with deep overhangs, tall windows, and grand outdoor patio. The contemporary lifestyle is reinforced through a visually connected array of communal spaces. The kitchen features a symmetrical plan with large island and is connected to the dining room through a wide opening flanked by custom cabinetry. Adjacent to the kitchen, the living and sitting rooms are connected to one another by a see-through fireplace. The communal nature of this plan is reinforced downstairs with a lavish wet-bar and roomy living space, perfect for entertaining guests. Lastly, with vaulted ceilings and grand vistas, the master suite serves as a cozy retreat from today’s busy lifestyle. Photographer: Brad Gillette

Extraordinary 28-foot wide Queen Anne mansion perched on historic Hudson Street, one of Hoboken’s most coveted blocks. Custom built in 1901, this home has been respectfully restored to showcase the original features and thoughtfully renovated to include an elevator servicing all four levels of this exceptional 6,600+ square foot, 7+ bedroom, 5½ bathroom home. Anchored on a 40×100 foot lot with a timeless façade and storybook stone turret, 925 Hudson Street’s appeal is further enhanced by beautifully scaled rooms, balanced with intimate spaces thus transforming this house into a true family home. The parlor level takes careful consideration to function and flow beginning at the dramatic foyer, flanked by an original fireplace mantle and pocket doors. The drawing room opens to a formal dining room, elevator and powder room. At the rear of the home, the great room provides a flexible, family friendly space with dining nook and an open kitchen with access to the rear yard. Glittering with natural light, the second floor master retreat encompasses a lounge warmed by a working gas fireplace with original mantle and surround, sleeping quarters, dressing hall and en-suite bath. Luxurious and functional, the master bathroom is well appointed with an oversized marble steam shower with barrel ceiling, free standing Victoria + Albert volcanic limestone bath, radiant heat flooring and separate water closet. The remainder of the second and third floors are comprised of five additional bedrooms, home office, three full baths and crowned by an original oval sky light and wide top floor corridor featuring a full wet bar with stone counter and refrigerator. From the terraced front area with mature plantings, to the newly finished side and back yards, the 925 Hudson Street is surrounded by greenery and inviting outdoor spaces. The rear lawn features an Ipé deck, low maintenance SynLawn, fire and water features. An automatic drip irrigation system services the planting beds and the wall of Hornbeam trees provide beauty in every season. Ideal for au pair suite, guest quarters or revenue generating rental, the garden level includes a private 1,000 sq. ft., 2 bedroom 1 bath apartment with a separate entrance. This floor is further outfitted with ample built-in storage, wine closet, and laundry room. Truly a one of a kind home with intricate hardwood flooring, classic plaster moldings, soaring ceilings, original pocket doors, shutters, 3 decorative fireplace mantles and 3 working gas fireplaces, 7 zone central heating and cooling system and a state of the art Control4 fully automated home with security, sound, lighting and HVAC controls. Call today to schedule a private viewing. - See more at: 925hudson.com

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.

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.