The new perimeter lends some privacy from the surrounding neighbors. Westhauser Photography
Example of a mid-sized trendy backyard concrete partial sun patio design for summer in Milwaukee with a fire pit

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

Inspiration for a contemporary home office remodel in Salt Lake City

This project won in the 2013 Builders Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh Housing Excellence Award for Best Urban Renewal Renovation Project. The glass bowl was made in the glass studio owned by the owner which is adjacent to the residence. The mirror is a repurposed window. The door is repurposed from a boarding house. George Mendel

Shoot some hoops and practice your skills in your own private court. Stay fit as a family with this open space to work out and play together. Photos: Reel Tour Media

Shoot some hoops and practice your skills in your own private court. Stay fit as a family with this open space to work out and play together. Photos: Reel Tour Media

©Finished Basement Company
Example of a huge trendy look-out dark wood floor and brown floor basement design in Denver with gray walls, a ribbon fireplace and a tile fireplace

Large elegant open concept medium tone wood floor game room photo with gray walls and a wall-mounted tv

brian hugghins
Example of a trendy game room design in Dallas

Our designer has achieved a stylish look by combining dark cabinets and light-colored marbles.

Shoot some hoops and practice your skills in your own full regulation basketball half-court. Stay fit as a family with this open space to work out and play together. Photos: Reel Tour Media

Coffered ceiling adds volume and interest to a guest bedroom. Built-in wall valances permit blinds to retract fully out of view. Hardwood floor is barefoot friendly following pool use. Ceiling-mounted mini-split air conditioning system regulates temperature separately for each room.

Rick Lee Photo
Family room - rustic family room idea in Charleston

Inspired by the surrounding landscape, the Craftsman/Prairie style is one of the few truly American architectural styles. It was developed around the turn of the century by a group of Midwestern architects and continues to be among the most comfortable of all American-designed architecture more than a century later, one of the main reasons it continues to attract architects and homeowners today. Oxbridge builds on that solid reputation, drawing from Craftsman/Prairie and classic Farmhouse styles. Its handsome Shingle-clad exterior includes interesting pitched rooflines, alternating rows of cedar shake siding, stone accents in the foundation and chimney and distinctive decorative brackets. Repeating triple windows add interest to the exterior while keeping interior spaces open and bright. Inside, the floor plan is equally impressive. Columns on the porch and a custom entry door with sidelights and decorative glass leads into a spacious 2,900-square-foot main floor, including a 19 by 24-foot living room with a period-inspired built-ins and a natural fireplace. While inspired by the past, the home lives for the present, with open rooms and plenty of storage throughout. Also included is a 27-foot-wide family-style kitchen with a large island and eat-in dining and a nearby dining room with a beadboard ceiling that leads out onto a relaxing 240-square-foot screen porch that takes full advantage of the nearby outdoors and a private 16 by 20-foot master suite with a sloped ceiling and relaxing personal sitting area. The first floor also includes a large walk-in closet, a home management area and pantry to help you stay organized and a first-floor laundry area. Upstairs, another 1,500 square feet awaits, with a built-ins and a window seat at the top of the stairs that nod to the home’s historic inspiration. Opt for three family bedrooms or use one of the three as a yoga room; the upper level also includes attic access, which offers another 500 square feet, perfect for crafts or a playroom. More space awaits in the lower level, where another 1,500 square feet (and an additional 1,000) include a recreation/family room with nine-foot ceilings, a wine cellar and home office. Photographer: Jeff Garland

Example of a small minimalist loft-style medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room design in Toronto with white walls, no fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Matt verde army lacquered Plana Bed by Presotto Italia. Methacrylate foot with optional led lighting. It is supplied with an integrated self-bearing base with beech slats: 6 slats have rigidity regulators and 4 slats have different resistances for shoulder support. Manufactured By Presotto.

Zoning regulations imposed a major constraint: demolishing the original structure would have drastically reduced the allowable square footage for new construction. As a result, the design was developed entirely within the existing foundation. What could have been a limitation became a catalyst for innovation. The new structure was intentionally secondary to the main house, maintaining a clear hierarchy while expanding spatial and functional possibilities. The lots are now joined and the driveway services both structures

A stunning piece by Anish Kapoor. The dog is pretty good looking too. Photo: Art Gray
Inspiration for a modern ceramic tile entryway remodel in Los Angeles

Standard Features Comes in Log Media Viewing Area: 30” x 35-3/4” 35,000 BTU/hr Input –NG 35,000 BTU/hr Input –LP Efficiency: 79.55% - NG 78.43% - LP Canada P-4 Approved 73.52% - NG 72.94% LP Electronic Ignition (IPI) High Quality Lifetime Glass Fan Kit CFM Blower Remote Control –Full Function High-Low Regulator Engineer-Designed burner system Finish Trim Kit Standard Design Features Ember Bed Lighting Optional Features Ledgestone Refractory Lining Brick refractory lining Masonry refractory lining Enamel refractory lining