The site descends from the street and is privileged with dynamic natural views toward a creek below and beyond. To incorporate the existing landscape into the daily life of the residents, the house steps down to the natural topography. A continuous and jogging retaining wall from outside to inside embeds the structure below natural grade at the front with flush transitions at its rear facade. All indoor spaces open up to a central courtyard which terraces down to the tree canopy, creating a readily visible and occupiable transitional space between man-made and nature. The courtyard scheme is simplified by two wings representing common and private zones - connected by a glass dining “bridge." This transparent volume also visually connects the front yard to the courtyard, clearing for the prospect view, while maintaining a subdued street presence. The staircase acts as a vertical “knuckle,” mediating shifting wing angles while contrasting the predominant horizontality of the house. Crips materiality and detailing, deep roof overhangs, and the one-and-half story wall at the rear further enhance the connection between outdoors and indoors, providing nuanced natural lighting throughout and a meaningful framed procession through the property. Photography Charles Davis Smith

Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized farmhouse l-shaped cement tile floor and beige floor eat-in kitchen idea in DC Metro with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, black cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island

On the exterior, the desire was to weave the home into the fabric of the community, all while paying special attention to meld the footprint of the house into a workable clean, open, and spacious interior free of clutter and saturated in natural light to meet the owner’s simple but yet tasteful lifestyle. The utilization of natural light all while bringing nature’s canvas into the spaces provides a sense of harmony. Light, shadow and texture bathe each space creating atmosphere, always changing, and blurring the boundaries between the indoor and outdoor space. Color abounds as nature paints the walls. Though they are all white hues of the spectrum, the natural light saturates and glows, all while being reflected off of the beautiful forms and surfaces. Total emersion of the senses engulf the user, greeting them with an ever changing environment. Style gives way to natural beauty and the home is neither of the past or future, rather it lives in the moment. Stable, grounded and unpretentious the home is understated yet powerful. The environment encourages exploration and an awakening of inner being dispelling convention and accepted norms. The home encourages mediation embracing principals associated with silent illumination. If there was one factor above all that guided the design it would be found in a word, truth. Experience the delight of the creator and enjoy these photos.

Shannon Malone © 2012 Houzz
Example of an eclectic home design design in Santa Barbara

The site descends from the street and is privileged with dynamic natural views toward a creek below and beyond. To incorporate the existing landscape into the daily life of the residents, the house steps down to the natural topography. A continuous and jogging retaining wall from outside to inside embeds the structure below natural grade at the front with flush transitions at its rear facade. All indoor spaces open up to a central courtyard which terraces down to the tree canopy, creating a readily visible and occupiable transitional space between man-made and nature. The courtyard scheme is simplified by two wings representing common and private zones - connected by a glass dining “bridge." This transparent volume also visually connects the front yard to the courtyard, clearing for the prospect view, while maintaining a subdued street presence. The staircase acts as a vertical “knuckle,” mediating shifting wing angles while contrasting the predominant horizontality of the house. Crips materiality and detailing, deep roof overhangs, and the one-and-half story wall at the rear further enhance the connection between outdoors and indoors, providing nuanced natural lighting throughout and a meaningful framed procession through the property. Photography Spaces and Faces Photography

The family's important "out-the-door" items and reminder notes are located in an ideal spot (making mornings a bit easier). Mary Parker Architectural Photography

Won 2013 AIANC Design Award
Inspiration for a transitional brown house exterior remodel in Charlotte with a metal roof

Designer Showhouse Meditation Room for The Holiday House 2019: Designed by Sara Touijer
Example of a mid-sized trendy guest carpeted and blue floor bedroom design in New York with white walls, a hanging fireplace and a plaster fireplace

Sea Ranch Images
Inspiration for a contemporary formal and open concept medium tone wood floor living room remodel in San Francisco with white walls, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace and no tv

JMMDS created a woodland garden for a contemporary house on a pond in a Boston suburb that blurs the line between traditional and modern, natural and built spaces. At the front of the house, three evenly spaced fastigiate ginkgo trees (Ginkgo biloba Fastigiata) act as an openwork aerial hedge that mediates between the tall façade of the house, the front terraces and gardens, and the parking area. New ledge-like stones are placed to bring the feel of the existing ledges into a new front garden bed. Photo: Bill Sumner.

tea room
Family room - family room idea in San Francisco

Inspiration for a small mediterranean open concept living room remodel in Houston with white walls

Tatami room dedicated for mediation and relaxation.
Sunroom - mid-sized asian bamboo floor and beige floor sunroom idea in New York with no fireplace and a standard ceiling

Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2015 Houzz
Inspiration for a rustic shed remodel in Dallas

Three 5,500sf homes and one 6,000sf home now sit on a very unique site in the historically designated Society Hill neighborhood. To the east sits 101 Walnut, a twelve story contemporary white residential tower, while to the west sits Bookbinder’s, a 5 story Greek Revival building and one of Philadelphia’s most significant landmarked historic sites. Between these two buildings, the Walnut St Estates mediates form, height, materiality and design concept. The project’s masonry and glass exterior is articulated by a delicate brick solar screen who’s proportions and color reference the contemporary influence to the east, while the underlying building form, height and mass of the project echo the scale and tonality of Bookbinders to the west. The home’s interior features walnut hardwood and limestone tile floors, walnut ceilings, custom millwork, and highly detailed stairs and railings. The 4/5 bedroom, 5 full and 2 half bath homes feature two car garage parking and in-law suite on the ground level with a classic piano nobile on the 2nd floor with a double height space in the front. A library and additional bedrooms sit on the 3rd floor while the master suite covers the entire 4th floor and circulates around an open sky garden. The roof lounge features two terraces and a second Poggenpohl kitchen making for an unparalleled entertaining space. The Walnut Street Estates project redefined expectations in the luxury home market of Philadelphia and it’s amenities, details and concepts are imitated throughout the city.

Built by Glenn Layton Homes in Paradise Key South Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Florida.
Example of a mid-sized beach style detached two-car garage design in Jacksonville

Photo of a traditional concrete paver formal garden in Dallas.

Our client was excited to get to work on his new place. We connected right here on Houzz and had so much fun working together on this project! Upstairs, a beautiful mediation space full of cozy pillows in varying shades of gray and green is complemented with crisp white bead board walls. Natural textures and reclaimed wood is used throughout the home to give it an organic clean feel. We loved the exposed beams in the kitchen and took advantage of the open airy feeling by adding darker toned barstools. A mix of materials for the dining table and chairs keeps it looking fresh and modern. Bursts of color in just the right places add excitement and depth to this super cozy home.

On the exterior, the desire was to weave the home into the fabric of the community, all while paying special attention to meld the footprint of the house into a workable clean, open, and spacious interior free of clutter and saturated in natural light to meet the owner’s simple but yet tasteful lifestyle. The utilization of natural light all while bringing nature’s canvas into the spaces provides a sense of harmony. Light, shadow and texture bathe each space creating atmosphere, always changing, and blurring the boundaries between the indoor and outdoor space. Color abounds as nature paints the walls. Though they are all white hues of the spectrum, the natural light saturates and glows, all while being reflected off of the beautiful forms and surfaces. Total emersion of the senses engulf the user, greeting them with an ever changing environment. Style gives way to natural beauty and the home is neither of the past or future, rather it lives in the moment. Stable, grounded and unpretentious the home is understated yet powerful. The environment encourages exploration and an awakening of inner being dispelling convention and accepted norms. The home encourages mediation embracing principals associated with silent illumination. If there was one factor above all that guided the design it would be found in a word, truth. Experience the delight of the creator and enjoy these photos.