The property is one of the original farm houses located on the main street of a small town. It has been in the family for many years and our client just inherited the property. They were trying to have balance of preserving the old while realizing modern day living has its benefits too. The house had a large addition added using mostly old style materials, but designed with function and modern day luxuries. Our goal was to carry that theme to the outside. Our first problem we had to address was how to transition between the first floor elevation changes. The lower room was the husband’s office. He stated in the future he may have clients over and it would be nice to have an area to sit outside. The wife’s main concern was to renew the four corner garden. She also felt it was very important to be able to see it from the kitchen area. Finally there was an old wishing well stuck right outside the kitchen. They both felt it would be neat to be able to incorporate this in some how. They wanted a patio area with a built in grill to accommodate there family and friends. They also wanted to keep a large play area for the kids. We were able to pull this off successfully. We addressed the first issue by having a small lower level flagstone area. This area is large enough for 1 to 2 people to sit comfortably. It also provides a transition from his office to the larger patio area. We installed a simple small gravel sitting area opposite of the main patio. This provides our client a secluded place to relax or do business. Mrs.... told me she is amazed how much her and her husband enjoys this area. It is so peaceful looking at the small creek over a glass of wine. We built a natural limestone retaining wall to create the patio terrace. The stone was chosen to extend the houses architectural elements into the landscape. Irregular broken flagstone was used to give it a more casual feel. We installed three Serviceberries into the patio terrace to replace some trees that were taken down during the remodeling. She was very concern that they would block the view of the four corner garden. We new they were crucial to nestle in the terrace, so we placed them for a couple days for her to decide. Fortunately she agreed they not only kept the view open, but helped frame the garden. The four corner garden was designed to be viewed from afar and experienced up close. We wanted the space to have some formal structure while keeping with the casual farm house feel. Another natural limestone retaining wall was created. This leveled the garden terrace and helped associate it with the rest of the property. The four corner garden is nestled into the existing woods edge. This provides three distinct experiences to entering the garden; a more formal from the driveway, an open feel from the lower lawn, and a more natural / casual experience from the wooded area. The Plymouth brown gravel was used for the center of the garden. This helped highlight the stone post that was found during construction. The gravel also brings the sense of sound into the garden space. Lamb’s ear was chosen as a fun way to get kids interest in horticulture. The balance of using the new to create the old feel is what makes this project a success. The property has already hosted a local historical society event and won an award for its preservation efforts. When Mrs.... can’t find her husband, she knows he is either reading the newspaper by the grill or resting in the hammock along the wood’s path.

Museum Newspaper 18"x18" polished porcelain by Peronda

Newspaper delivery basket from owner's childhood was found under parent's house and repurposed in bathroom. http://thesellablehome.blogspot.com/

Home Plan: Lauderdale
Family room - traditional open concept light wood floor family room idea in Columbus with a brick fireplace, a wall-mounted tv and gray walls

This nostalgic wallpaper makes a page from the classified section of the newspaper into a chic print for walls.
Staircase - country staircase idea in Boston

Commercial bathroom
Example of a minimalist home design design in Philadelphia

Mid-sized trendy freestanding desk porcelain tile home office photo in Phoenix with beige walls and no fireplace

Kathy Ma, Studio By Mak http://www.studiobymak.com/#/special/splash/studio-by-mak/

Vintage-style bathroom with fun wallpaper and an old-school toilet!
Mid-sized transitional 3/4 gray tile and ceramic tile concrete floor, black floor, single-sink and wallpaper sliding shower door photo in Columbus with shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, a two-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink, granite countertops, black countertops and a freestanding vanity

Catherine Nyugen
Example of an eclectic home design design in San Francisco

This new waterfront home is upgraded with architectural character. Custom furnishings and curated finds create a classically stylish backdrop to breezy barefoot living and frequent entertaining. Ocean views inspire the tranquil palette.

Keith Logan
Inspiration for an eclectic home office remodel in Calgary

This corner nook offers a perfect spot for a game of scrabble, or quiet time with the newspaper.
Dining room - contemporary dining room idea in Seattle

Four seasons tree designs at a newspaper office.

To accent the rustic natural feel desired we introduced two vertical distressed wood posts flanking a sink vanity. No purpose other than for fun and accepting accessory hook for hand towel storage. To maintain a light sense of design we kept the vanity sink open underneath in a furniture styled cabinet with legs. -- Preview First

Matthew Millman Photography
Inspiration for a large coastal master light wood floor bedroom remodel in San Francisco

This project encompasses the renovation of two aging metal warehouses located on an acre just North of the 610 loop. The larger warehouse, previously an auto body shop, measures 6000 square feet and will contain a residence, art studio, and garage. A light well puncturing the middle of the main residence brightens the core of the deep building. The over-sized roof opening washes light down three masonry walls that define the light well and divide the public and private realms of the residence. The interior of the light well is conceived as a serene place of reflection while providing ample natural light into the Master Bedroom. Large windows infill the previous garage door openings and are shaded by a generous steel canopy as well as a new evergreen tree court to the west. Adjacent, a 1200 sf building is reconfigured for a guest or visiting artist residence and studio with a shared outdoor patio for entertaining. Photo by Peter Molick, Art by Karin Broker

Ryan Garvin
Beach style home design photo in Orange County