The strongest feature of this design is the passage of natural sunlight through every space in the home. The grand hall with clerestory windows, the glazed connection bridge from the primary garage to the Owner’s foyer aligns with the dramatic lighting to allow this home glow both day and night. This light is influenced and inspired by the evergreen forest on the banks of the Florida River. The goal was to organically showcase warm tones and textures and movement. To do this, the surfaces featured are walnut floors, walnut grain matched cabinets, walnut banding and casework along with other wood accents such as live edge countertops, dining table and benches. To further play with an organic feel, thickened edge Michelangelo Quartzite Countertops are at home in the kitchen and baths. This home was created to entertain a large family while providing ample storage for toys and recreational vehicles. Between the two oversized garages, one with an upper game room, the generous riverbank laws, multiple patios, the outdoor kitchen pavilion, and the “river” bath, this home is both private and welcoming to family and friends…a true entertaining retreat.

For three years this Westlake Village couple lived in a house that die fiheir needs. With frequent houseguests staying for weeks at a time, the family needed more space, particularly in the cramped kitchen. So began their search for a new home. Though the couple viewed several residences, they realized nothing compared to the space and location of the house they already owned. The family knew JRP by reputation from friends who were JRP clients. After consulting with our team, the couple agreed a whole-home renovation was the way to the dream home they had been searching for. Inspired by top architectural magazines, the couple had a clear vision of how their home should look and feel: a clean, open, modern space with a mix of details that played to the family's lively spirit. The highlight of this new, open floorplan home is the gorgeous kitchen perfect for hosting. The unified palette is soft and beautiful. Clean, bright surfaces underpin strong visual elements such as polished quartz countertops, brushed oak floors, and glass tiles set in a herringbone pattern. A center-island breakfast bar now sits opposite a giant picture window and a show-stopping view of the Santa Monica mountains. Upstairs, the redesigned master bath is what dreams are made of. The double vanity and freestanding tub were rearranged to maximize space while the wood tile floors and stunning rock backsplash add an elemental feel. Now completely transformed, every detail of this transitional home creates the perfect atmosphere for relaxing and entertaining. Cabinets (Manufacturer, Door Style, Material, Color/Stain or Finish) - Dewils, Shaker Frameless, Maple, Just White - Dewils, Shaker Frameless, Maple, Fashion Grey - Dewils, Shaker Frameless, Maple, North Sea Countertops (Material Type - Manufacturer, Collection, Color) - Quartz – Vadara, Toledo, Calacatta Dorado Light Fixture (Type - Manufacturer, Collection, Color) - Dining Chandelier – Existing - Breakfast Area Pendant – 1213 Madison Collection, Polished Nickel/Royal Cut Crystal - Dining Wall Mount Sconce – Heart Sconce, Aged Iron with Natural Percale - Kitchen Island Pendant – Darlana, Polished Chrome - Master Bath Ceiling – Bling Flushmount - Master Bath Vanity – Robert Abbey Fine Lighting Double Shade Bath, Polished Nickel over Steel - Exterior – Primo Lanterns, The Yorkshire Electric Lantern, Custom Graphite Finish Plumbing Fixture (Type - Manufacturer, Color) - Freestanding Tub – Existing - Tubfiller – Existing - Master Bath Faucets – Existing - Kitchen Faucets – Hansgrohe, Chrome Sink (Type – Manufacturer, Material) - Undermount Single Bowl Kitchen– Kohler, Stainless Steel - Undermount Single Prep – Elkay, Stainless Steel - Undermount Bar Sink – Kohler, Stainless Steel - Ladena Undermount Lavatory – Kohler, Ceramic Hardware (Type – Manufacturer, Color) - Deadbolt – Emtek, Satin Nickel - Dummy - Emtek, Satin Nickel - Passage & Privacy - Emtek, Stainless Steel Color of wall: - Kitchen, Breakfast Area, Family Room – Dunn Edwards Edgecomb Grey - Master Bath – Dunn Edwards Foggy Day - Living and Dining – Dunn Edwards Winter Morning Tile (Location: Material Type – Manufacturer, Collection/Style, Color) - KITCHEN BACKSPLASH: Glass - Ann Sacks, Jute, Ecru/Gloss - MASTER BATH FLOORS, TUB ACCENT WALL, & HALL BATH FLOORS: Porcelain – Bedrosians, Tahoe, Frost/Glazed - ACCENT WALL BEHIND TUB: Mosaic – Daltile, Flat River Pebble, Creamy Sand - FIREPLACE FLOOR: Porcelain Tile - Agora Surfaces, Almeria, Lava/Matte Stone/Masonry (Location: Material Type – Manufacturer, Collection/Style, Color) - FIREPLACE: Stone Veneer – Eldorado, European Ledge, Zinc/Dry Stacked Wood Floor (Type – Manufacturer, Collection/Style, Color/Wash) - Siberian Oak – Provenza, Heirloom, Light Wire Brushed Windows/Exterior Doors (Type - Manufacturer) - 2 Wide Casement – Jeld-Wen - 3 Wide Casement – Jeld-Wen - Awning – Jeld-Wen - Single Casement – Jeld-Wen - Stationary – Jeld-Wen Photographer: Andrew Abouna

The Estate by Build Prestige Homes is a grand acreage property featuring a magnificent, impressively built main residence, pool house, guest house and tennis pavilion all custom designed and quality constructed by Build Prestige Homes, specifically for our wonderful client. Set on 14 acres of private countryside, the result is an impressive, palatial, classic American style estate that is expansive in space, rich in detailing and features glamourous, traditional interior fittings. All of the finishes, selections, features and design detail was specified and carefully selected by Build Prestige Homes in consultation with our client to curate a timeless, relaxed elegance throughout this home and property. Build Prestige Homes oriented and designed the home to ensure the main living area, kitchen, covered alfresco areas and master bedroom benefitted from the warm, beautiful morning sun and ideal aspects of the property. Build Prestige Homes detailed and specified expansive, high quality timber bi-fold doors and windows to take advantage of the property including the views across the manicured grass and gardens facing towards the resort sized pool, guest house and pool house. The guest and pool house are easily accessible by the main residence via a covered walkway, but far enough away to provide privacy. All of the internal and external finishes were selected by Build Prestige Homes to compliment the classic American aesthetic of the home. Natural, granite stone walls was used throughout the landscape design and to external feature walls of the home, pool house fireplace and chimney, property boundary gates and outdoor living areas. Natural limestone floor tiles in a subtle caramel tone were laid in a modular pattern and professionally sealed for a durable, classic, timeless appeal. Clay roof tiles with a flat profile were selected for their simplicity and elegance in a modern slate colour. Linea fibre cement cladding weather board combined with fibre cement accent trims was used on the external walls and around the windows and doors as it provides distinctive charm from the deep shadow of the linea. Custom designed and hand carved arbours with beautiful, classic curved rafters ends was installed off the formal living area and guest house. The quality timber windows and doors have all been painted white and feature traditional style glazing bars to suit the style of home. The Estate has been planned and designed to meet the needs of a growing family across multiple generations who regularly host great family gatherings. As the overall design, liveability, orientation, accessibility, innovative technology and timeless appeal have been considered and maximised, the Estate will be a place for this family to call home for decades to come.

This bright and open kitchen–dining space blends modern luxury with a seamless indoor-outdoor connection. Soft natural light pours through the large sliding glass doors and multiple windows, highlighting the wide-plank hardwood floors and the bold mix of dark cabinetry and blue-gray tile backsplash. The spacious island anchors the kitchen with clean quartz surfaces and ample seating. Contemporary light fixtures—one sculptural and one linear—add artistic flair and define each zone within the open layout. The room flows effortlessly from kitchen to dining to outdoor living, making it ideal for everyday living and entertaining.

The exterior façade of the home is reminiscent of the 50’s with its mixed material aesthetic. The stacked stone veneer is complimented with the Shou Sugi Ban siding. The burned wood finish is an ancient Japanese technique that chars the wood, essentially wrapping it in carbon, adding protection and durability against mold, insects, and moisture related decay. This impressive burned wood finish is not only an indelible product but eye-catching as well. The horizontal and vertical orientation of the wood planks further emphasize the width and height of the structure. The subtle play of each material is simplistic and functional. The home is able to take full advantage of views with the use of Glo’s A7 triple pane windows and doors. The energy-efficient series boasts triple pane glazing, a larger thermal break, high-performance spacers, and multiple air-seals. The large picture windows frame the landscape while maintaining comfortable interior temperatures year-round. The strategically placed operable windows throughout the residence offer cross-ventilation and a visual connection to the sweeping views of Utah. The modern hardware and color selection of the windows are not only aesthetically exceptional, but remain true to the mid-century modern design.

Aqua Forte is a unique artisan technique where organic or intentional patterns are etched into natural stone using multiple etching and engraving methods. After the etching process the stones are hand colorized, gilded or glazed with natural and organic dyes and materials to deliver a uniquely beautiful result.

Richard Strimple
Elegant sunroom photo in DC Metro

St. Andrews Project — Primary Bathroom & Spa Retreat This St. Andrews primary bathroom is conceived as a private spa retreat, where material continuity, sculptural forms, and architectural restraint create a sense of understated luxury. The design intentionally avoids visual clutter, allowing the quality of the materials and precision of the detailing to define the space. The room is anchored by a dramatic marble-look stone that extends continuously across the shower enclosure and floor, creating a seamless visual envelope. The expressive veining introduces movement and natural variation, transforming what could otherwise be a minimal white bathroom into a richly layered composition. Carrying the stone through multiple surfaces also gives the room a sense of scale and architectural cohesion. The freestanding bathtub is treated as a sculptural object rather than simply a functional fixture. Its softly curved silhouette and vertically fluted exterior introduce an organic counterpoint to the linear geometry of the surrounding architecture. Positioned directly beneath the large black-framed window, the tub becomes a quiet focal point while taking advantage of abundant natural light and views toward the greenery beyond. Black-framed glass creates another important layer of contrast. The expansive shower enclosure and adjacent glazed opening establish a crisp graphic framework against the pale stone, while black plumbing fixtures and hardware reinforce the same architectural language. This repeated use of black creates visual continuity without overwhelming the light palette. The oversized window is particularly important to the atmosphere of the room. Instead of treating the bathroom as an enclosed, highly private environment, the design establishes a connection to nature, allowing daylight and greenery to become part of the experience. The result is a space that feels bright, open, and restorative. A restrained wooden stool introduces warmth and an organic material note against the stone and glass. Its natural finish prevents the monochromatic palette from feeling overly clinical, while the simple form complements the sculptural bathtub. The overall design is based on material continuity, contrast, and calm geometry. Veined stone provides movement, fluted surfaces provide texture, black metal provides definition, and natural wood introduces warmth. The result is a contemporary luxury bathroom that feels architectural, serene, and highly considered, more like a private wellness retreat than a conventional ensuite.

The client wanted a kitchen that created a warm and cozy feeling where family and friends would feel right at home. She sought a kitchen that was of the highest quality cabinetry and a designer that would really listen to her needs and wants. The Pewter glaze overtones on the cherry wood tie in with the distressed gray island; the Silestone Quartz Soapstone around the perimeter provides a neutral background, while the island has a more dramatic polished granite with cream, rose and brown tones to become a beautiful centerpiece. The cabinets are heavily detailed with beaded sides and backs, inset doors, chamfered corners wherever possible, toe valances and applied mouldings around the entire base to add a rich, handcrafted look. The heights of the cabinets vary to reduce uniformity, adding to the casual charm. An apron front sink also contributes to the country look. The desk is particularly fanciful with it’s mullion doors, French Country open shelves with beaded sides and back, curved and beaded valance and drawer with multiple drawerheads / applied molding. We also incorporated doors that come all the way to the counter to hide the usual home office clutter. The lower part of the desk includes many drawers of various sizes and even a special locking file drawer. The beautiful dark gray island boasts French Country open shelves with arched and beaded valances, a fluting detail on each corner of the cookbook shelves, toe details, lots of beadboard, and a variety of storage options for cooking utensils, pans, and serving dishes.

The 2024 Southern Living Idea House is a new build that fits perfectly into the lush countryside. Designer and architect Kirsten Schoettelkotte’s design was inspired by the historic farmsteads and traditional architectural styles of South Carolina’s Lowcountry. The home has a wide front porch, brick stairway, copper gutters, and a standalone carriage house. The house’s design blended the indoor and outdoor spaces to take full advantage of the surrounding natural environment. “[Nearly] every room in the house has a window, and that was intentional,” said Schoettelkotte. Multiple Marvin products from the Ultimate and Elevate collections were selected for the home. Their durability and customization ability were a perfect fit for the project. MARVIN PRODUCTS USED: Marvin Ultimate Inswing French Door Marvin Ultimate Multi-Slide Door Marvin Elevate Direct Glaze Windows Marvin Elevate Casement Windows Elevate Awning Windows Architecture Firm: MHK Architecture Builder: Dillard-Jones Interior Designer: Allison Elebash Interior Design Landscape: DesignWorks Photos: 22 Waves Creative

The cabana at 127 Augusta was designed as a luxurious all-season outdoor living space that seamlessly blends modern architecture, comfort, and functionality. Featuring expansive black-framed glass doors, polished concrete floors, warm natural wood cabinetry, and a sleek contemporary fireplace, this custom cabana delivers a refined indoor-outdoor experience with a clean, modern aesthetic. Inside, the open-concept layout was thoughtfully designed for entertaining and relaxation. Floor-to-ceiling glazing floods the interior with natural light while creating uninterrupted views of the pool and surrounding landscape. The custom lounge area is anchored by a modern fireplace feature wall, adding warmth and ambiance during cooler evenings and extending the usability of the space throughout multiple seasons. The integrated kitchenette and entertainment area feature custom wood millwork, built-in appliances, and minimalist finishes that complement the cabana’s contemporary design. Carefully selected materials, including polished concrete flooring and matte black architectural accents, provide durability, low maintenance, and timeless visual appeal. The transition between the interior cabana space and the outdoor pool area was intentionally designed to feel effortless, creating a resort-inspired atmosphere perfect for hosting guests, relaxing with family, or enjoying year-round backyard living. Every detail of this project reflects premium craftsmanship, modern design principles, and a focus on creating a sophisticated yet highly functional retreat. This project showcases luxury cabana construction, contemporary outdoor living design, modern pool house interiors, custom millwork, polished concrete flooring, indoor-outdoor entertaining spaces, and high-end backyard architecture at 127 Augusta.

The new Milgard Tuscany window above the sink, with its dual glaze, ensures energy efficiency while offering a picturesque view. The interior walls, painted in a clean white, further accentuate the kitchen island, painted in a soft baby blue, harmonizing with the light blue tiles, and creating a visually pleasing palette. This remodel isn't just about aesthetics; functionality is at its core. The kitchen island, seating four comfortably, is equipped with multiple outlets, perfect for the modern, multitasking San Jose household. The choice of matte brushed nickel for the cabinet knobs and pulls unifies the kitchen's design elements with a touch of understated elegance. A significant architectural change in this remodel is the removal of the wall separating the great room and kitchen. This strategic decision by May Construction has transformed the space into an open floor plan, fostering a sense of togetherness and fluidity. An exposed beam adorns the ceiling, subtly defining the kitchen and great room areas while maintaining an open, airy feel. May Construction has masterfully transformed a once segmented and dim space into an open, light-filled haven of modern luxury and efficiency. This San Jose kitchen and great room remodel is a testament to their commitment to quality, functionality, and aesthetic excellence. For those in San Jose and beyond looking to rejuvenate their homes, May Construction remains a beacon of innovation and craftsmanship in home remodeling.

The Estate by Build Prestige Homes is a grand acreage property featuring a magnificent, impressively built main residence, pool house, guest house and tennis pavilion all custom designed and quality constructed by Build Prestige Homes, specifically for our wonderful client. Set on 14 acres of private countryside, the result is an impressive, palatial, classic American style estate that is expansive in space, rich in detailing and features glamourous, traditional interior fittings. All of the finishes, selections, features and design detail was specified and carefully selected by Build Prestige Homes in consultation with our client to curate a timeless, relaxed elegance throughout this home and property. Build Prestige Homes oriented and designed the home to ensure the main living area, kitchen, covered alfresco areas and master bedroom benefitted from the warm, beautiful morning sun and ideal aspects of the property. Build Prestige Homes detailed and specified expansive, high quality timber bi-fold doors and windows to take advantage of the property including the views across the manicured grass and gardens facing towards the resort sized pool, guest house and pool house. The guest and pool house are easily accessible by the main residence via a covered walkway, but far enough away to provide privacy. All of the internal and external finishes were selected by Build Prestige Homes to compliment the classic American aesthetic of the home. Natural, granite stone walls was used throughout the landscape design and to external feature walls of the home, pool house fireplace and chimney, property boundary gates and outdoor living areas. Natural limestone floor tiles in a subtle caramel tone were laid in a modular pattern and professionally sealed for a durable, classic, timeless appeal. Clay roof tiles with a flat profile were selected for their simplicity and elegance in a modern slate colour. Linea fibre cement cladding weather board combined with fibre cement accent trims was used on the external walls and around the windows and doors as it provides distinctive charm from the deep shadow of the linea. Custom designed and hand carved arbours with beautiful, classic curved rafters ends was installed off the formal living area and guest house. The quality timber windows and doors have all been painted white and feature traditional style glazing bars to suit the style of home. The Estate has been planned and designed to meet the needs of a growing family across multiple generations who regularly host great family gatherings. As the overall design, liveability, orientation, accessibility, innovative technology and timeless appeal have been considered and maximised, the Estate will be a place for this family to call home for decades to come.

7 Days to Complete, Total Cost Of Project: $4,700 Power washed entire building to clean all surfaces of loose dirt, dust, grime and contaminants Sanded to remove all loose paint Removed loose window putty and glazed windows with new material Trenched the entire perimeter to protect from water penetrating the building. Sprayed chemical solution to kill mold, mildew and prevent musty odors. Opened up stucco cracks, refilled and blended the texture to match existing stucco. Maliciously caulked around windows and where the stucco meets the under-hang. Covered project area with paper, plastic and canvas drops to catch paint drips,sprays and splatters Applied primer to repaired areas which insured uniform appearance and adhesion to the finish top coat. Sanded window sills and frames with multiple grits of sand paper to eliminate old paint and achieve a smooth paint ready surface. Applied two finish top coats on stucco,windows,doors,trim, gutters, railing and fascia

Wild View Farm includes a new “Forever home” (we deconstructed an existing house with a 90% landfill diversion rate), and enhancements to several working barns. The 80 acre site was an original homestead farm from the 1890’s. Both its buildings and soil had become severely degraded. The owners are working to holistically restore this property and make it a model of modern regenerative farming. They are planting hundreds of trees, re-introducing livestock and working with Dryland Agroecology Research and High Plains Permaculture to restore the soil. The -51 HERS rated home is not just energy-efficient - it’s a model of “Regenerative design”. The deep green house design included multiple challenges – foremost was how to create a Passive Solar design that also took full advantage of the massive views to the West. We solved it with an L shaped building that optimized passive and active solar strategies on the south face, then actively protected the western facade with a giant covered porch and tuned glazing. The home’s leading-edge energy package includes a Ground source heat pump, a large roof-mounted solar PV array, battery back-up, EV chargers, and Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV), Energy Star Appliances and windows, a robust foam insulation shell and LED lighting. We also endeavored to craft a modern day interpretation of the farmhouse typology, with a low-slung simple gable-roofed form that would feel like it’s always been there. The exterior material palette of limestone, cementitious stucco and heavy timber gives it a rich Colorado Modern Farmhouse feel. The home is full of custom details like walls of vaulted glass to capture the sweeping mountain views, an AI Smart Home control system, a sleeping loft for kids and guests, a hard-working Butler’s Pantry, a gourmet outdoor kitchen, a pool & spa, a cozy office nook for reading, and a lovely built-in bench for morning coffee. Phase 2 of this project will include a Farmworker ADU and a full renovation of the existing historic barn. Built by Skycastle Construction. Interior Design by Kimball Modern and Rodwin Architecture. Landscaping by EDI. Photography by Dane Cronin Photo

This remodel started out as a simple deck replacement. Most, strike that, ALL remodels have a tendency to start out with a conclusion. They tell us they want a new this or that. Simple right? And insufficient for the task at hand. That's when we start digging. We started asking why. And we keep asking. We do that to uncover the real motivation and desires that need to be satisfied. It’s how we define a meaningful scope of work. Almost anyone can slap on a new countertop or replace an old deck. But if you want a new space that literally changes the way you live, that’s on a whole different level. After several lengthy conversations, these homeowners realized they wanted something that was more of a living space they could use most of the year. But they also wanted it to be integrated into the surrounding nature and reflect the unique eclectic architecture of the house. And of course, they love to entertain, so it had to be inviting, comfortable, and mosquito-free. Initial conclusion: we want a new deck. Final scope and design: we gave them a 3 ½ season bug-free porch with a panoramic view, a breeze on command, and a tree house to entertain in. The Sunspace venting panels (not glass) provide unobstructed views with collapsible screens in multiple configurations to control the amount of airflow into the porch. The 18 x 20 footprint is large enough for large gatherings. The decking inside is Dektek concrete tiles with a beautiful stunning glaze and remarkable durability. On the outside, it's Wolf synthetic decking made of 94% recycled materials.

The kids eye view. Little crown moulding detail is a nice touch under the counter top
Example of a beach style kitchen design in Orange County

The 2024 Southern Living Idea House is a new build that fits perfectly into the lush countryside. Designer and architect Kirsten Schoettelkotte’s design was inspired by the historic farmsteads and traditional architectural styles of South Carolina’s Lowcountry. The home has a wide front porch, brick stairway, copper gutters, and a standalone carriage house. The house’s design blended the indoor and outdoor spaces to take full advantage of the surrounding natural environment. “[Nearly] every room in the house has a window, and that was intentional,” said Schoettelkotte. Multiple Marvin products from the Ultimate and Elevate collections were selected for the home. Their durability and customization ability were a perfect fit for the project. MARVIN PRODUCTS USED: Marvin Ultimate Inswing French Door Marvin Ultimate Multi-Slide Door Marvin Elevate Direct Glaze Windows Marvin Elevate Casement Windows Elevate Awning Windows Architecture Firm: MHK Architecture Builder: Dillard-Jones Interior Designer: Allison Elebash Interior Design Landscape: DesignWorks Photos: 22 Waves Creative

We created a unique seaside inspired finish to be the back drop for our clients intended art sculpture.. The multiple layers of metallic plaster catch the light beautifully on many different angles and were a great compliment. Copyright © 2016 The Artists Hands