This project is one of the most extensive TVL scopes to date! This house sits in a phenomenal site location in Golden and features a number of incredible and original architectural details. However, years of shifting had caused massive structural damage to the home on both the main and basement levels, resulting in shifting door frames, split drywall, and sinking floors. These shifts prompted the clients to seek remodeling assistance in the beginning of their renovation adventure. At first, the scope involved a new paint and lighting scheme with a focus on wall repair and structural improvement. However, the scope eventually evolved into a re-design of the entire home. Few spaces in this house were left untouched, with the remodeling scope eventually including the kitchen, living room, pantry, entryway and staircase, master bedroom, master bathroom, full basement, and basement bedrooms and bathrooms. Expanding the scope in this way allowed for a design that is cohesive space to space, and creates an environment that captures the essence of the family's persona at every turn. There are many stunning elements to this renovation, but a few favorites include the insanely gorgeous custom steel elements at the front entry, Tharp custom cabinetry in the kitchen and pantry, and unique stone in just about every room of the house. Our clients for this project are both geologists. This alone opened an entire world of unique interest in material that we have never explored before. From natural quartzite countertops that mimic mountain ranges to silky metallic accent tiles behind the bathtub, this project does not shy away from unique stone finds and accents. Conceptually, the clients' love for stone and natural elements is present just about everywhere: the dining room chandelier conceptually takes the form of stalactite, the island pendants are formed concrete, stacked stone adorns the large back wall of the shower, and a back-lit onyx art piece sits in a dramatic niche at the home's entry. We love the dramatic result of this renovation and are so thrilled that our clients can enjoy a home that truly reflects their passions for years to come!

Complete Hillside Backyard Renovation, El Paso – by GoDesigns This breathtaking backyard transformation in the historic area of El Paso, Texas, is a shining example of GoDesigns’ vision, expertise, and resilience. Situated on a challenging hillside property, the original backyard installed in 2005 was plagued by critical design flaws that led to a complete failure of the outdoor space. The existing negative edge pool, improperly installed with insufficient grade, drainage, and support, caused massive water loss and structural issues. The consequences were severe — the side rock wall broke in half, the backyard destabilized, and even a portion of the house was compromised. GoDesigns was brought in to turn crisis into opportunity. During the height of COVID-19, they launched Phase 1 of a multi-phase master plan to restore and reinvent the space. The entire backyard was demolished, including the compromised pool shell. The broken negative edge section was filled in, making way for a reimagined pool design. A new, reinforced pool structure was shot, finished with 5cm tumbled travertine coping, oversized mossrock boulders, new waterline tile, and a premium PebbleTec interior. Beneath the beauty lies smart engineering: GoDesigns replaced all plumbing and regraded the property, applying subsurface remediation and compaction techniques to ensure long-term stability. A new rocksalt steel reinforced concrete deck was poured, replacing the narrow wraparound layout with a spacious, functional outdoor living area. Now, the family enjoys ample room for chaise lounges, alfresco dining, and relaxing by the existing outdoor fireplace — luxuries they never had before. GoDesigns didn’t stop there. Advanced drainage systems — including underground piping, box drains, and planter drains — were installed to protect the integrity of the hillside. These systems are integrated into leveled planters that not only beautify the space but also reinforce the structure of the pool and surrounding terrain. Phase 2 focused on upgrading the patio directly outside the main house, while Phase 3 was the final touch — a lush landscape planting plan paired with elegant outdoor lighting to enhance ambiance and curb appeal. What was once a scene of despair is now a luxurious retreat — completed in thoughtfully timed phases over four years. Thanks to GoDesigns’ master planning and unwavering commitment, this hillside haven is a true testament to transformation. The clients are now looking forward to their next chapter: the front yard.

Complete Hillside Backyard Renovation, El Paso – by GoDesigns This breathtaking backyard transformation in the historic area of El Paso, Texas, is a shining example of GoDesigns’ vision, expertise, and resilience. Situated on a challenging hillside property, the original backyard installed in 2005 was plagued by critical design flaws that led to a complete failure of the outdoor space. The existing negative edge pool, improperly installed with insufficient grade, drainage, and support, caused massive water loss and structural issues. The consequences were severe — the side rock wall broke in half, the backyard destabilized, and even a portion of the house was compromised. GoDesigns was brought in to turn crisis into opportunity. During the height of COVID-19, they launched Phase 1 of a multi-phase master plan to restore and reinvent the space. The entire backyard was demolished, including the compromised pool shell. The broken negative edge section was filled in, making way for a reimagined pool design. A new, reinforced pool structure was shot, finished with 5cm tumbled travertine coping, oversized mossrock boulders, new waterline tile, and a premium PebbleTec interior. Beneath the beauty lies smart engineering: GoDesigns replaced all plumbing and regraded the property, applying subsurface remediation and compaction techniques to ensure long-term stability. A new rocksalt steel reinforced concrete deck was poured, replacing the narrow wraparound layout with a spacious, functional outdoor living area. Now, the family enjoys ample room for chaise lounges, alfresco dining, and relaxing by the existing outdoor fireplace — luxuries they never had before. GoDesigns didn’t stop there. Advanced drainage systems — including underground piping, box drains, and planter drains — were installed to protect the integrity of the hillside. These systems are integrated into leveled planters that not only beautify the space but also reinforce the structure of the pool and surrounding terrain. Phase 2 focused on upgrading the patio directly outside the main house, while Phase 3 was the final touch — a lush landscape planting plan paired with elegant outdoor lighting to enhance ambiance and curb appeal. What was once a scene of despair is now a luxurious retreat — completed in thoughtfully timed phases over four years. Thanks to GoDesigns’ master planning and unwavering commitment, this hillside haven is a true testament to transformation. The clients are now looking forward to their next chapter: the front yard.

Complete Hillside Backyard Renovation, El Paso – by GoDesigns This breathtaking backyard transformation in the historic area of El Paso, Texas, is a shining example of GoDesigns’ vision, expertise, and resilience. Situated on a challenging hillside property, the original backyard installed in 2005 was plagued by critical design flaws that led to a complete failure of the outdoor space. The existing negative edge pool, improperly installed with insufficient grade, drainage, and support, caused massive water loss and structural issues. The consequences were severe — the side rock wall broke in half, the backyard destabilized, and even a portion of the house was compromised. GoDesigns was brought in to turn crisis into opportunity. During the height of COVID-19, they launched Phase 1 of a multi-phase master plan to restore and reinvent the space. The entire backyard was demolished, including the compromised pool shell. The broken negative edge section was filled in, making way for a reimagined pool design. A new, reinforced pool structure was shot, finished with 5cm tumbled travertine coping, oversized mossrock boulders, new waterline tile, and a premium PebbleTec interior. Beneath the beauty lies smart engineering: GoDesigns replaced all plumbing and regraded the property, applying subsurface remediation and compaction techniques to ensure long-term stability. A new rocksalt steel reinforced concrete deck was poured, replacing the narrow wraparound layout with a spacious, functional outdoor living area. Now, the family enjoys ample room for chaise lounges, alfresco dining, and relaxing by the existing outdoor fireplace — luxuries they never had before. GoDesigns didn’t stop there. Advanced drainage systems — including underground piping, box drains, and planter drains — were installed to protect the integrity of the hillside. These systems are integrated into leveled planters that not only beautify the space but also reinforce the structure of the pool and surrounding terrain. Phase 2 focused on upgrading the patio directly outside the main house, while Phase 3 was the final touch — a lush landscape planting plan paired with elegant outdoor lighting to enhance ambiance and curb appeal. What was once a scene of despair is now a luxurious retreat — completed in thoughtfully timed phases over four years. Thanks to GoDesigns’ master planning and unwavering commitment, this hillside haven is a true testament to transformation. The clients are now looking forward to their next chapter: the front yard.

This project is one of the most extensive TVL scopes to date! This house sits in a phenomenal site location in Golden and features a number of incredible and original architectural details. However, years of shifting had caused massive structural damage to the home on both the main and basement levels, resulting in shifting door frames, split drywall, and sinking floors. These shifts prompted the clients to seek remodeling assistance in the beginning of their renovation adventure. At first, the scope involved a new paint and lighting scheme with a focus on wall repair and structural improvement. However, the scope eventually evolved into a re-design of the entire home. Few spaces in this house were left untouched, with the remodeling scope eventually including the kitchen, living room, pantry, entryway and staircase, master bedroom, master bathroom, full basement, and basement bedrooms and bathrooms. Expanding the scope in this way allowed for a design that is cohesive space to space, and creates an environment that captures the essence of the family's persona at every turn. There are many stunning elements to this renovation, but a few favorites include the insanely gorgeous custom steel elements at the front entry, Tharp custom cabinetry in the kitchen and pantry, and unique stone in just about every room of the house. Our clients for this project are both geologists. This alone opened an entire world of unique interest in material that we have never explored before. From natural quartzite countertops that mimic mountain ranges to silky metallic accent tiles behind the bathtub, this project does not shy away from unique stone finds and accents. Conceptually, the clients' love for stone and natural elements is present just about everywhere: the dining room chandelier conceptually takes the form of stalactite, the island pendants are formed concrete, stacked stone adorns the large back wall of the shower, and a back-lit onyx art piece sits in a dramatic niche at the home's entry. We love the dramatic result of this renovation and are so thrilled that our clients can enjoy a home that truly reflects their passions for years to come!

This project is one of the most extensive TVL scopes to date! This house sits in a phenomenal site location in Golden and features a number of incredible and original architectural details. However, years of shifting had caused massive structural damage to the home on both the main and basement levels, resulting in shifting door frames, split drywall, and sinking floors. These shifts prompted the clients to seek remodeling assistance in the beginning of their renovation adventure. At first, the scope involved a new paint and lighting scheme with a focus on wall repair and structural improvement. However, the scope eventually evolved into a re-design of the entire home. Few spaces in this house were left untouched, with the remodeling scope eventually including the kitchen, living room, pantry, entryway and staircase, master bedroom, master bathroom, full basement, and basement bedrooms and bathrooms. Expanding the scope in this way allowed for a design that is cohesive space to space, and creates an environment that captures the essence of the family's persona at every turn. There are many stunning elements to this renovation, but a few favorites include the insanely gorgeous custom steel elements at the front entry, Tharp custom cabinetry in the kitchen and pantry, and unique stone in just about every room of the house. Our clients for this project are both geologists. This alone opened an entire world of unique interest in material that we have never explored before. From natural quartzite countertops that mimic mountain ranges to silky metallic accent tiles behind the bathtub, this project does not shy away from unique stone finds and accents. Conceptually, the clients' love for stone and natural elements is present just about everywhere: the dining room chandelier conceptually takes the form of stalactite, the island pendants are formed concrete, stacked stone adorns the large back wall of the shower, and a back-lit onyx art piece sits in a dramatic niche at the home's entry. We love the dramatic result of this renovation and are so thrilled that our clients can enjoy a home that truly reflects their passions for years to come!

This project is one of the most extensive TVL scopes to date! This house sits in a phenomenal site location in Golden and features a number of incredible and original architectural details. However, years of shifting had caused massive structural damage to the home on both the main and basement levels, resulting in shifting door frames, split drywall, and sinking floors. These shifts prompted the clients to seek remodeling assistance in the beginning of their renovation adventure. At first, the scope involved a new paint and lighting scheme with a focus on wall repair and structural improvement. However, the scope eventually evolved into a re-design of the entire home. Few spaces in this house were left untouched, with the remodeling scope eventually including the kitchen, living room, pantry, entryway and staircase, master bedroom, master bathroom, full basement, and basement bedrooms and bathrooms. Expanding the scope in this way allowed for a design that is cohesive space to space, and creates an environment that captures the essence of the family's persona at every turn. There are many stunning elements to this renovation, but a few favorites include the insanely gorgeous custom steel elements at the front entry, Tharp custom cabinetry in the kitchen and pantry, and unique stone in just about every room of the house. Our clients for this project are both geologists. This alone opened an entire world of unique interest in material that we have never explored before. From natural quartzite countertops that mimic mountain ranges to silky metallic accent tiles behind the bathtub, this project does not shy away from unique stone finds and accents. Conceptually, the clients' love for stone and natural elements is present just about everywhere: the dining room chandelier conceptually takes the form of stalactite, the island pendants are formed concrete, stacked stone adorns the large back wall of the shower, and a back-lit onyx art piece sits in a dramatic niche at the home's entry. We love the dramatic result of this renovation and are so thrilled that our clients can enjoy a home that truly reflects their passions for years to come!

This project is one of the most extensive TVL scopes to date! This house sits in a phenomenal site location in Golden and features a number of incredible and original architectural details. However, years of shifting had caused massive structural damage to the home on both the main and basement levels, resulting in shifting door frames, split drywall, and sinking floors. These shifts prompted the clients to seek remodeling assistance in the beginning of their renovation adventure. At first, the scope involved a new paint and lighting scheme with a focus on wall repair and structural improvement. However, the scope eventually evolved into a re-design of the entire home. Few spaces in this house were left untouched, with the remodeling scope eventually including the kitchen, living room, pantry, entryway and staircase, master bedroom, master bathroom, full basement, and basement bedrooms and bathrooms. Expanding the scope in this way allowed for a design that is cohesive space to space, and creates an environment that captures the essence of the family's persona at every turn. There are many stunning elements to this renovation, but a few favorites include the insanely gorgeous custom steel elements at the front entry, Tharp custom cabinetry in the kitchen and pantry, and unique stone in just about every room of the house. Our clients for this project are both geologists. This alone opened an entire world of unique interest in material that we have never explored before. From natural quartzite countertops that mimic mountain ranges to silky metallic accent tiles behind the bathtub, this project does not shy away from unique stone finds and accents. Conceptually, the clients' love for stone and natural elements is present just about everywhere: the dining room chandelier conceptually takes the form of stalactite, the island pendants are formed concrete, stacked stone adorns the large back wall of the shower, and a back-lit onyx art piece sits in a dramatic niche at the home's entry. We love the dramatic result of this renovation and are so thrilled that our clients can enjoy a home that truly reflects their passions for years to come!

This project is one of the most extensive TVL scopes to date! This house sits in a phenomenal site location in Golden and features a number of incredible and original architectural details. However, years of shifting had caused massive structural damage to the home on both the main and basement levels, resulting in shifting door frames, split drywall, and sinking floors. These shifts prompted the clients to seek remodeling assistance in the beginning of their renovation adventure. At first, the scope involved a new paint and lighting scheme with a focus on wall repair and structural improvement. However, the scope eventually evolved into a re-design of the entire home. Few spaces in this house were left untouched, with the remodeling scope eventually including the kitchen, living room, pantry, entryway and staircase, master bedroom, master bathroom, full basement, and basement bedrooms and bathrooms. Expanding the scope in this way allowed for a design that is cohesive space to space, and creates an environment that captures the essence of the family's persona at every turn. There are many stunning elements to this renovation, but a few favorites include the insanely gorgeous custom steel elements at the front entry, Tharp custom cabinetry in the kitchen and pantry, and unique stone in just about every room of the house. Our clients for this project are both geologists. This alone opened an entire world of unique interest in material that we have never explored before. From natural quartzite countertops that mimic mountain ranges to silky metallic accent tiles behind the bathtub, this project does not shy away from unique stone finds and accents. Conceptually, the clients' love for stone and natural elements is present just about everywhere: the dining room chandelier conceptually takes the form of stalactite, the island pendants are formed concrete, stacked stone adorns the large back wall of the shower, and a back-lit onyx art piece sits in a dramatic niche at the home's entry. We love the dramatic result of this renovation and are so thrilled that our clients can enjoy a home that truly reflects their passions for years to come!

Photo of a traditional hillside landscaping in New York.

A 6,000 square foot 2-story new home complex in Milpitas was designed to facilitate the owners’ large business parties and gatherings, to have rooms for the kids to come back to upstairs, and a ground floor master suite with a huge walk-in closet. Several separate structures make up the dwelling: The main house, 3-car garage with carport for overflow parking, and a separate entertainment and recreation building separated by a courtyard from the main house. The business activities include gatherings in the hundreds of people, so parking was maximized and guests can flow in through a separate gate to party in the courtyard and recreation building. Inside this structure is a wet bar, billiard room, workout gym and home theater. The main house ground floor has formal and informal living rooms, open kitchen and master suite with views and expansive windows in every direction. The house is sited on the crestline of a hill with views of the San Francisco Bay and private golf course below. The indoor-outdoor aspect of the house is further accentuated with outside living and dining areas. High ceilings and expansive glass walls dissolve the sense of enclosure taking advantage of the site’s openness and privacy. The owner’s suite is downstairs in anticipation of aging-in-place, and upstairs there are three bedrooms and four bathrooms plus a sitting area lounge and casual TV loft area. The house sits on one acre at the top of a low hill range overlooking Milpitas. The city was very cognizant of the importance of keeping a low profile at this crestline and required extensive story poles and photo evidence of the proper height and siting so as not to be seen from certain selected vantage points. GENERAL CONTRACTOR: JCD Builders Inc. LANDSCAPE DESIGN: Morf Chang Landscape Architecture / ODS Architecture PHOTOGRAPHS: Paul Dyer Photography

Jean Allsopp ( http://jeanallsopp.com/ )
Tuscan patio photo in Miami with no cover

After shot of this newly decorated pre teen boys bedroom in a transitional style
Kids' room - mid-sized transitional boy carpeted and beige floor kids' room idea in Miami with brown walls

AFTER - This is what redesign is all about... creating a better space without changing everything. We kept the costs down by using the existing furnishings, draperies, chandelier and millwork. We changed the wall color, added a more signifcant floral arrangement in the chandelier, repositioned the furnishings, reupholstered the seating (psst.... we didn't need to take them to a professional) and added some accessories.

As written in Northern Home & Cottage by Elizabeth Edwards Sara and Paul Matthews call their head-turning home, located in a sweet neighborhood just up the hill from downtown Petoskey, “a very human story.” Indeed it is. Sara and her husband, Paul, have a special-needs son as well as an energetic middle-school daughter. This home has an answer for everyone. Located down the street from the school, it is ideally situated for their daughter and a self-contained apartment off the great room accommodates all their son’s needs while giving his caretakers privacy—and the family theirs. The Matthews began the building process by taking their thoughts and needs to Stephanie Baldwin and her team at Edgewater Design Group. Beyond the above considerations, they wanted their new home to be low maintenance and to stand out architecturally, “But not so much that anyone would complain that it didn’t work in our neighborhood,” says Sara. “We were thrilled that Edgewater listened to us and were able to give us a unique-looking house that is meeting all our needs.” Lombardy LLC built this handsome home with Paul working alongside the construction crew throughout the project. The low maintenance exterior is a cutting-edge blend of stacked stone, black corrugated steel, black framed windows and Douglas fir soffits—elements that add up to an organic contemporary look. The use of black steel, including interior beams and the staircase system, lend an industrial vibe that is courtesy of the Matthews’ friend Dan Mello of Trimet Industries in Traverse City. The couple first met Dan, a metal fabricator, a number of years ago, right around the time they found out that their then two-year-old son would never be able to walk. After the couple explained to Dan that they couldn’t find a solution for a child who wasn’t big enough for a wheelchair, he designed a comfortable, rolling chair that was just perfect. They still use it. The couple’s gratitude for the chair resulted in a trusting relationship with Dan, so it was natural for them to welcome his talents into their home-building process. A maple floor finished to bring out all of its color-tones envelops the room in warmth. Alder doors and trim and a Doug fir ceiling reflect that warmth. Clearstory windows and floor-to-ceiling window banks fill the space with light—and with views of the spacious grounds that will become a canvas for Paul, a retired landscaper. The couple’s vibrant art pieces play off against modernist furniture and lighting that is due to an inspired collaboration between Sara and interior designer Kelly Paulsen. “She was absolutely instrumental to the project,” Sara says. “I went through two designers before I finally found Kelly.” The open clean-lined kitchen, butler’s pantry outfitted with a beverage center and Miele coffee machine (that allows guests to wait on themselves when Sara is cooking), and an outdoor room that centers around a wood-burning fireplace, all make for easy, fabulous entertaining. A den just off the great room houses the big-screen television and Sara’s loom— making for relaxing evenings of weaving, game watching and togetherness. Tourgoers will leave understanding that this house is everything great design should be. Form following function—and solving very human issues with soul-soothing style.

"Before" - this is the kitchen before the renovation
Example of a kitchen design in Toronto

Matthew Hamel - Managing Partner & Director Of Marketing | Kitchens By Design, LLC
Inspiration for a large contemporary u-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Los Angeles with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

Not everyone would see the hidden beauty in the Yonkers property destined for the wrecking ball in 2000. But one family took the serious fixer-upper under their wing. Crumbling walls, overgrown maples (indeed, saplings were busting through the brick walls), and deer living in the basement was the state of affairs when Westover Landscape Design initially arrived on the scene. A year of intensive, meticulous, thoughtful renovation by the homeowner followed while the house was brought up to speed. When the last construction machine finally rumbled out, that’s when Robert Welsch and his crew began their odyssey. The goal was to honor the newly restored relic and deliver it into the future with fitting surroundings. “We wanted to bring that treasure back to life,” Robert Welsch explains. Working closely with the homeowner as well as the city of Yonkers to guide the restoration, their first feat was to install a proper drainage system with catchments capable of keeping storm water from the massive roof flowing away. Before anything was visible on the surface, extensive work was accomplished underground. Meanwhile, a plan was drafted to honor the era of the house. Westover chose bluestone as the primary path material for its easy maintenance and simplicity when laying the swank configuration of pathways around the house and outward to an entertaining pavilion. By cleverly hemming the bluestone with period brick that echoes the building material for the house for continuity, the result is a smart and sophisticated finish to a promenade that constantly draws the family and their pets outdoors. Brick was also used to rebuild the walled gardens for the much-needed privacy in a close-knit Yonkers community. And a graceful wrought iron gate enhances the arrival experience. But walls and gates were not the only element to screen and reveal views—plant selection was critical. Few landscapers would go the extra mile to find period perfect plants for a 19th Century restoration, but Robert Welsch saw the importance of authenticity in creating the mood. He repeated large trees—such as an exquisite London plane tree in the front yard—to balance the expression in the back. Recognizing the need for immediate stature, he selected a weeping willow to gain instant volume, giving the landscape a sense of deep roots. A weeping Camperdown elm adds sophisticated drama to the walled stroll gardens. Hydrangeas were incorporated for their billowy stature, easy maintenance, and long blooming season. Similarly, all the plants in residence play their part in the display that goes beyond the usual spring fling to extend throughout the growing season—offering visual interest even when they are not performing. From spring bulbs to autumn perennials, there is never a dull moment. Meanwhile, every step along the way was a collaboration working hand-in-hand with the homeowner and the city to make certain that the historic landmark status of the property was upheld and honored. The result goes beyond a landscape that is just old faithful. It adds life to the picture, creating a jewel-like setting for the newly proud house. In a word, it is sublime. By planting wisely and using sustainable elements, the restored house and its surroundings are ready for the next generation and beyond. This Yonkers gem remains meticulously groomed under the watchful eye and skill of Westover Landscape Design’s team of gardeners—It’s a keeper.

As written in Northern Home & Cottage by Elizabeth Edwards Sara and Paul Matthews call their head-turning home, located in a sweet neighborhood just up the hill from downtown Petoskey, “a very human story.” Indeed it is. Sara and her husband, Paul, have a special-needs son as well as an energetic middle-school daughter. This home has an answer for everyone. Located down the street from the school, it is ideally situated for their daughter and a self-contained apartment off the great room accommodates all their son’s needs while giving his caretakers privacy—and the family theirs. The Matthews began the building process by taking their thoughts and needs to Stephanie Baldwin and her team at Edgewater Design Group. Beyond the above considerations, they wanted their new home to be low maintenance and to stand out architecturally, “But not so much that anyone would complain that it didn’t work in our neighborhood,” says Sara. “We were thrilled that Edgewater listened to us and were able to give us a unique-looking house that is meeting all our needs.” Lombardy LLC built this handsome home with Paul working alongside the construction crew throughout the project. The low maintenance exterior is a cutting-edge blend of stacked stone, black corrugated steel, black framed windows and Douglas fir soffits—elements that add up to an organic contemporary look. The use of black steel, including interior beams and the staircase system, lend an industrial vibe that is courtesy of the Matthews’ friend Dan Mello of Trimet Industries in Traverse City. The couple first met Dan, a metal fabricator, a number of years ago, right around the time they found out that their then two-year-old son would never be able to walk. After the couple explained to Dan that they couldn’t find a solution for a child who wasn’t big enough for a wheelchair, he designed a comfortable, rolling chair that was just perfect. They still use it. The couple’s gratitude for the chair resulted in a trusting relationship with Dan, so it was natural for them to welcome his talents into their home-building process. A maple floor finished to bring out all of its color-tones envelops the room in warmth. Alder doors and trim and a Doug fir ceiling reflect that warmth. Clearstory windows and floor-to-ceiling window banks fill the space with light—and with views of the spacious grounds that will become a canvas for Paul, a retired landscaper. The couple’s vibrant art pieces play off against modernist furniture and lighting that is due to an inspired collaboration between Sara and interior designer Kelly Paulsen. “She was absolutely instrumental to the project,” Sara says. “I went through two designers before I finally found Kelly.” The open clean-lined kitchen, butler’s pantry outfitted with a beverage center and Miele coffee machine (that allows guests to wait on themselves when Sara is cooking), and an outdoor room that centers around a wood-burning fireplace, all make for easy, fabulous entertaining. A den just off the great room houses the big-screen television and Sara’s loom— making for relaxing evenings of weaving, game watching and togetherness. Tourgoers will leave understanding that this house is everything great design should be. Form following function—and solving very human issues with soul-soothing style.