Keepin' it real, cool and crisp at the #CrispModernFarmhouse. Hangin'out with Audrey and her fam bam on the daily is a real treat! Audrey takes the traditional style coined "farmhouse" to a whole-nother level... Inside the #CrispCasa, her signature style-statement vibes can be found in every room; mixing in modern elements with a kiss of minimalist-chic, we're just glad we made the final cut, in every space! Shutter style: Polywood® Bright white. Louver size & finish: 3.5 in/smooth. Tilt Option: Hidden/Split Tilt. Photo & Style creds: Audrey @AudreyCrispInteriors https://www.instagram.com/audreycrispinteriors/

The design of this remodel of a small two-level residence in Noe Valley reflects the owner's passion for Japanese architecture. Having decided to completely gut the interior partitions, we devised a better-arranged floor plan with traditional Japanese features, including a sunken floor pit for dining and a vocabulary of natural wood trim and casework. Vertical grain Douglas Fir takes the place of Hinoki wood traditionally used in Japan. Natural wood flooring, soft green granite and green glass backsplashes in the kitchen further develop the desired Zen aesthetic. A wall to wall window above the sunken bath/shower creates a connection to the outdoors. Privacy is provided through the use of switchable glass, which goes from opaque to clear with a flick of a switch. We used in-floor heating to eliminate the noise associated with forced-air systems.

Keepin' it real, cool and crisp at the #CrispModernFarmhouse. Hangin'out with Audrey and her fam bam on the daily is a real treat! Audrey takes the traditional style coined "farmhouse" to a whole-nother level... Inside the #CrispCasa, her signature style-statement vibes can be found in every room; mixing in modern elements with a kiss of minimalist-chic, we're just glad we made the final cut, in every space! Shutter style: Polywood® Bright white. Louver size & finish: 3.5 in/smooth. Tilt Option: Hidden/Split Tilt. Photo & Style creds: Audrey @AudreyCrispInteriors https://www.instagram.com/audreycrispinteriors/

The design of this remodel of a small two-level residence in Noe Valley reflects the owner's passion for Japanese architecture. Having decided to completely gut the interior partitions, we devised a better-arranged floor plan with traditional Japanese features, including a sunken floor pit for dining and a vocabulary of natural wood trim and casework. Vertical grain Douglas Fir takes the place of Hinoki wood traditionally used in Japan. Natural wood flooring, soft green granite and green glass backsplashes in the kitchen further develop the desired Zen aesthetic. A wall to wall window above the sunken bath/shower creates a connection to the outdoors. Privacy is provided through the use of switchable glass, which goes from opaque to clear with a flick of a switch. We used in-floor heating to eliminate the noise associated with forced-air systems.

Designed a small backyard space that had just lawn and very poor drainage into a backyard retreat. The drainage was a major issue so multiple Lazer level drain lines run throughout the back tying into the drain system. We created a small stream on the main side of the back yard and a bubbler water ferature off of the clients bedroom. The ambiance from these water features has eliminated traffic noise. We created natural stone raised beds to eliminate the flat ba ck yardlook. The flagstone paths were chiseled one piece at a time for a perfect fit. Crushed granite is the filler. Irrigation, lighting, plants, and a custom built fence are also included.

The design of this remodel of a small two-level residence in Noe Valley reflects the owner's passion for Japanese architecture. Having decided to completely gut the interior partitions, we devised a better-arranged floor plan with traditional Japanese features, including a sunken floor pit for dining and a vocabulary of natural wood trim and casework. Vertical grain Douglas Fir takes the place of Hinoki wood traditionally used in Japan. Natural wood flooring, soft green granite and green glass backsplashes in the kitchen further develop the desired Zen aesthetic. A wall to wall window above the sunken bath/shower creates a connection to the outdoors. Privacy is provided through the use of switchable glass, which goes from opaque to clear with a flick of a switch. We used in-floor heating to eliminate the noise associated with forced-air systems.

This project features “found space” within the existing house. The original two story family room was too tall and out of scale with adjoining spaces, allowed noise from both floors to travel throughout the house, and was hard to heat and cool comfortably. Closing in and adding a second floor to the family room created two “new rooms”: an intimate and well scaled family room on the first floor, featuring a coffered ceiling, columns and built ins to create a level of detail missing from the original room; and a children’s play room on the second floor, which retains the slightly domed ceiling and octagon shape of the original family room to create a fun place for the children to play adjacent to their bedrooms. Thomas J. O'Neil

Keepin' it real, cool and crisp at the #CrispModernFarmhouse. Hangin'out with Audrey and her fam bam on the daily is a real treat! Audrey takes the traditional style coined "farmhouse" to a whole-nother level... Inside the #CrispCasa, her signature style-statement vibes can be found in every room; mixing in modern elements with a kiss of minimalist-chic, we're just glad we made the final cut, in every space! Shutter style: Polywood® Bright white. Louver size & finish: 3.5 in/smooth. Tilt Option: Hidden/Split Tilt. Photo & Style creds: Audrey @AudreyCrispInteriors https://www.instagram.com/audreycrispinteriors/

This project features “found space” within the existing house. The original two story family room was too tall and out of scale with adjoining spaces, allowed noise from both floors to travel throughout the house, and was hard to heat and cool comfortably. Closing in and adding a second floor to the family room created two “new rooms”: an intimate and well scaled family room on the first floor, featuring a coffered ceiling, columns and built ins to create a level of detail missing from the original room; and a children’s play room on the second floor, which retains the slightly domed ceiling and octagon shape of the original family room to create a fun place for the children to play adjacent to their bedrooms. Thomas J. O'Neil

Terran Landscapes http://www.terranlandscapes.com Project Entry: Fishers Woodland Garden 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Theme Garden $15,000-$30,000 Award Level: Bronze Photo Description: We were contracted by the client to design a calming space for their staff to relax, take a walk, and enjoy a leisurely lunch as well as to provide their grandchildren a place to run and pick flowers. The space was originally dominated by large trees and had been overgrown with ivy, sumac and aggressive vines, providing an unwelcome, dark space with little color or visual appeal. The client requested a colorful blend of shrubs and perennials that would provide interest throughout the seasons, as well as provide privacy by screening the street traffic along Carisbrooke Road. Our goal was to create the privacy screen along the road by layering plants from the ground to the tree canopy. The theme was to let nature inspire the landscape, allowing a space that was originally woodland to become an enhanced version of itself, creating a beautiful habitat for birds and butterflies to excite the senses and satisfy all who enjoy the beauty of nature. We began by clearing the brush and removing all aggressive vines and ivy that jeopardized the health of the trees. We kept and transplanted all non- invasive or native plant material in the area to various locations throughout the property. Several yards of compost were then tilled into the soil and the existing trees fertilized to provide a rich growing environment. A few challenges occurred during the design process. It was decided that a new generator was to be installed in the woodland and due to a future addition to the house, we were forced to eliminate planned additional impervious pathway surfaces. We provided screening to hide the generator and buffer the noise, and created a meandering path and sitting area out of natural woodchips instead of the proposed bluestone to solve the impervious space issue. The woodchips add a sense of informality and invite the viewer to walk slowly through the space. The reduced noise from the additional screening of the generator allows for quiet reflection as chipmunks scurry and hummingbirds dart about between the flowers. Our plant palette consists of shady understory plants that thrive and flower vigorously from spring through fall. A tall, lush, evergreen backdrop of Ilex opaca and Prunus laurocerasus ‘Schipkaensis’ provides the screening and blends into a middle layer of ‘Ivory Halo’ dogwood, hydrangeas and winterberry hollies. Beautiful perennials and groundcovers bloom along the woodland path, providing a low visual layer of color and texture. Movement throughout the garden is provided by the graceful Calamagrostis brachytricha and Hakenchloa that soften the nearby hardscaping. The woodland floor is full of shade-loving Solomon’s seal, hosta, astilbe, ferns, bleeding heart, Tiarella and Aconitum. The street side of this woodland required plants with a preference for a little more sun and drought tolerance. A palette of oakleaf hydrangea, Agastache, Liatris and Rudbeckia softens the fence line and provides the desired color. As designed and installed, the woodland garden successfully provides the client’s family and office staff a quiet space where they can take a peaceful moment and enjoy nature. Photo Credit: Lisa C. Falls

This project features “found space” within the existing house. The original two story family room was too tall and out of scale with adjoining spaces, allowed noise from both floors to travel throughout the house, and was hard to heat and cool comfortably. Closing in and adding a second floor to the family room created two “new rooms”: an intimate and well scaled family room on the first floor, featuring a coffered ceiling, columns and built ins to create a level of detail missing from the original room; and a children’s play room on the second floor, which retains the slightly domed ceiling and octagon shape of the original family room to create a fun place for the children to play adjacent to their bedrooms. Thomas J. O'Neil

The home was purchased as a vacation property and needed to be completely remodeled inside and out. Being from New Jersey, the homeowners wanted to capture a tranquil, tropical look with as little maintenance as possible. We removed a lot of hardscape from the front yard, to soften the curb appeal and introduce color and texture. The homeowners wanted the backyard to be a retreat where they could sit and enjoy the space, and fully embrace the 'vacation' aspect of the home. We created a two-level deck and patio, with outdoor kitchen, retractable screen, and pergola for entertaining. Raised planters soften the space, and an accent wall buffers noise from the air conditioner. We re-roofed an existing tiki hut, where the homeowner practices yoga, and incorporated statues found on site. Full property landscape lighting and drip irrigation were introduced and we re-landscaped the entire yard. Photo by Pono Visual Expression

This project features “found space” within the existing house. The original two story family room was too tall and out of scale with adjoining spaces, allowed noise from both floors to travel throughout the house, and was hard to heat and cool comfortably. Closing in and adding a second floor to the family room created two “new rooms”: an intimate and well scaled family room on the first floor, featuring a coffered ceiling, columns and built ins to create a level of detail missing from the original room; and a children’s play room on the second floor, which retains the slightly domed ceiling and octagon shape of the original family room to create a fun place for the children to play adjacent to their bedrooms. Thomas J. O'Neil

The design of this remodel of a small two-level residence in Noe Valley reflects the owner's passion for Japanese architecture. Having decided to completely gut the interior partitions, we devised a better-arranged floor plan with traditional Japanese features, including a sunken floor pit for dining and a vocabulary of natural wood trim and casework. Vertical grain Douglas Fir takes the place of Hinoki wood traditionally used in Japan. Natural wood flooring, soft green granite and green glass backsplashes in the kitchen further develop the desired Zen aesthetic. A wall to wall window above the sunken bath/shower creates a connection to the outdoors. Privacy is provided through the use of switchable glass, which goes from opaque to clear with a flick of a switch. We used in-floor heating to eliminate the noise associated with forced-air systems.

The window seat is a Manuel Canovas fabric (linen and jute). It was chosen for it's stripes, reminiscent of an old French beach chair. Ensuring that the noise levels were not distracting to the other parts of the building, an intricate acoustical ceiling panel was designed. Not noticeable to the untrained eye, these panels are covered with a metallic acoustical fabric, which balances the workspace sound. The AKDO tile from Housefitters was chosen for the stainless steel element and the warm neutral sand tones that remind us of the beautiful beaches of Nantucket, with a hint of stainless to reflect the contemporary feel.

The client purchased this property with grand plans of renovating the entire place; from top to bottom, and from inside to outside. And while the inside canvas was very generous and even somewhat forgiving, the outside space would be anything but. We wanted to squeeze in as much seating space as possible in their limited courtyard area, without encroaching on the already compact-sized pool. The first and most obvious solution was to get rid of the trees and shrubs that separated this house from its zero-lot-line neighbor. With the addition of Lueder limestone slabs, this alone would free up nearly 120 additional square feet, which happened to be the perfect amount of space for a mobile gas fire pit and sectional sofa. And all of this would make for the perfect place to enjoy the afternoon sunset with the implementation of a custom-built metal pergola standing above it all. The next problem we saw was that around the patio area, there were too many levels of steps and stairs, which meant that it would have been difficult to have any sort of traditional furniture arrangement. Randy knew that it only made sense to bring in a wood deck that could be mated to the highest level of the patio, thus creating gaining the most continuous amount of flat space that the client was wanting. But even so, that flat space would be limited to a tight "L-shape" around the pool. And knowing this, the client decided that the larger space would be more valuable to them than the spa, so they opted to have a portion of the deck built over it in order to allow for a more generous amount of patio space. And with the edge of the patio/deck dropping off almost 2 feet to the waterline, it now created the perfect opportunity to have a visually compelling raised wall that could be adorned with different hues of plank-shaped tiles. From inside the pool, the varying shades of brown were a great accent to the wood deck that sat just above. However, the true visual crowning jewel of this project would end up being the raised back wall along the fence, fully encased in a large format, 24x24 slate grey tile, complete with a custom stainless steel, square-tube scupper bank, installed at just the right height to create the perfect amount of water noise. But Randy wasn't done just yet. With two entirely new entertaining areas opened up at opposite ends of the pool, the only thing left to do now was to connect them. Knowing that he nor the client wanted to eliminate any more water space, he decided to bring a new traffic pattern right into the pool by way of two "floating", Lueder limestone stepper pads. It would be a visually perfect union of both pool and walking spaces. The existing steps and walkways were then cut away and replaced with matching Lueder limestone caps and steppers. All remaining gaps were then filled with Mexican beach pebble, which helped to promote a very "zen-like" feel in this outdoor space. The interior of the pool was coated with Wet Edge Primerastone "Blue Pacific Coast" plaster, and lit up with Pentair GloBrite LED pool lights. In the end, the client ended up gaining the additional entertaining and seating space that they needed, and the updated, modern feel that they loved.

The home was purchased as a vacation property and needed to be completely remodeled inside and out. Being from New Jersey, the homeowners wanted to capture a tranquil, tropical look with as little maintenance as possible. We removed a lot of hardscape from the front yard, to soften the curb appeal and introduce color and texture. The homeowners wanted the backyard to be a retreat where they could sit and enjoy the space, and fully embrace the 'vacation' aspect of the home. We created a two-level deck and patio, with outdoor kitchen, retractable screen, and pergola for entertaining. Raised planters soften the space, and an accent wall buffers noise from the air conditioner. We re-roofed an existing tiki hut, where the homeowner practices yoga, and incorporated statues found on site. Full property landscape lighting and drip irrigation were introduced and we re-landscaped the entire yard. Photo by Pono Visual Expression

Photo by Firewater Photography. Designed during previous position as Residential Studio Director and Project Architect at LS3P Associates Ltd.
This is an example of a large rustic partial sun courtyard water fountain landscape for spring.

Fine workmanship underscores the appeal of this foyer and custom staircase constructed on-site by MDI craftsmen. The amazing wood floors seen in the photo are a hand-scraped oak product crafted by out-of-state craftsmen. Big Cedar Lake, Southeastern, WI