Derek Skalko
Example of a transitional open concept kitchen design in Denver with shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, matchstick tile backsplash and multicolored backsplash

Chuck Choi
Living room - modern white tile and subway tile living room idea in New York

The planning phase of this modern retreat was an intense collaboration that took place over the course of more than two years. While the initial design concept exceeded the clients' expectations, it also exceeded their budget beyond the point of comfort. The next several months were spent modifying the design, in attempts to lower the budget. Ultimately, the decision was made that they would hold off on the project until they could budget for the original design, rather than compromising the vision. About a year later, we repeated that same process, which resulted in the same outcome. After another year-long hiatus, we met once again. We revisited design thoughts, each of us bringing to the table new ideas and options. Each thought simply solidified the fact that the initial vision was absolutely what we all wanted to see come to fruition, and the decision was finally made to move forward. The main challenge of the site was elevation. The Southeast corner of the lot stands 5'6" above the threshold of the rear door, while the Northeast corner dropped a full 2' below the threshold of the door. The backyard was also long and narrow, sloping side-to-side and toward the house. The key to the design concept was to deftly place the project into the slope and utilize the elevation changes, without allowing them to dominate the yard, or overwhelm the senses. The unseen challenge on this project came in the form of hitting every underground issue possible. We had to relocate the sewer main, the gas line, and the electrical service; and since rock was sitting about 6" below the surface, all of these had to be chiseled through many feet of dense rock, adding to our projected timeline and budget. As you enter the space, your first stop is an outdoor living area. Smooth finished concrete, colored to match the 'Leuder' limestone coping, has a subtle saw-cut pattern aligned with the edges of the recessed fire pit. In small spaces, it is important to consider a multi-purpose approach. So, the recessed fire pit has been fitted with an aluminum cover that allows our client to set up tables and chairs for entertaining, right over the top of the fire pit. From here, it;s two steps up to the pool elevation, and the floating 'Leuder' limestone stepper pads that lead across the pool and hide the dam wall of the flush spa. The main retaining wall to the Southeast is a poured concrete wall with an integrated sheer descent waterfall into the spa. To bring in some depth and texture, a 'Brownstone' ledgestone was used to face both the dropped beam on the pool, and the raised beam of the water feature wall. The main water feature is comprised of five custom made stainless steel scuppers, supplied by a dedicated booster pump. Colored concrete stepper pads lead to the 'Ipe' wood deck at the far end of the pool. The placement of this wood deck allowed us to minimize our use of retaining walls on the Northeast end of the yard, since it drops off over three feet below the elevation of the pool beam. One of the most unique features on this project has to be the structure over the dining area. With a unique combination of steel and wood, the clean modern aesthetic of this structure creates a visual stamp in the space that standard structure could not accomplish. 4" steel posts, painted charcoal grey, are set on an angle, 4' into the bedrock, to anchor the structure. Steel I-beams painted in green-yellow color--aptly called "frolic"--act as the base to the hefty cedar rafters of the roof structure, which has a slight pitch toward the rear. A hidden gutter on the back of the roof sends water down a copper rain chain, and into the drainage system. The backdrop for both this dining area , as well as the living area, is the horizontal screen panel, created with alternating sizes of cedar planks, stained to a calm hue of dove grey.

Inspiration for a rustic patio remodel in Portland Maine with a fire pit

Cory Holland Photography
Photo of a traditional full sun backyard landscaping in Seattle.

Mariela Apollonio
Example of a large trendy gray two-story concrete flat roof design in Valencia

Trendy white tile and stone slab bathroom photo in Los Angeles with an undermount tub

Builder: John Kraemer & Sons, Inc. - Architect: Charlie & Co. Design, Ltd. - Interior Design: Martha O’Hara Interiors - Photo: Spacecrafting Photography

Example of a large arts and crafts wooden l-shaped medium tone wood floor staircase design in Indianapolis with beige walls and painted risers

photography by Rob Karosis
Patio - mid-sized traditional front yard stone patio idea in Portland Maine with a fire pit and no cover

Galina Coada Photography
Example of a mountain style one-story wood gable roof design in Atlanta

Inspiration for a contemporary one-story exterior home remodel in Portland with a shed roof

http://chrisandmalissa.com/
Inspiration for a rustic kitchen remodel in Seattle with a drop-in sink and wood countertops

This beautiful showcase home offers a blend of crisp, uncomplicated modern lines and a touch of farmhouse architectural details. The 5,100 square feet single level home with 5 bedrooms, 3 ½ baths with a large vaulted bonus room over the garage is delightfully welcoming.

For more photos of this project visit our website: https://wendyobrienid.com.

Facade improvement to replace 1950s stucco with traditional Victorian exterior, paint and details. Created new large ‘open plan’ out of two existing front rooms plus hallway.

Bill Timmerman Photography
Inspiration for a modern galley concrete floor open concept kitchen remodel in Phoenix with an undermount sink, open cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets and stainless steel appliances

Mid-Century Remodel on Tabor Hill This sensitively sited house was designed by Robert Coolidge, a renowned architect and grandson of President Calvin Coolidge. The house features a symmetrical gable roof and beautiful floor to ceiling glass facing due south, smartly oriented for passive solar heating. Situated on a steep lot, the house is primarily a single story that steps down to a family room. This lower level opens to a New England exterior. Our goals for this project were to maintain the integrity of the original design while creating more modern spaces. Our design team worked to envision what Coolidge himself might have designed if he'd had access to modern materials and fixtures. With the aim of creating a signature space that ties together the living, dining, and kitchen areas, we designed a variation on the 1950's "floating kitchen." In this inviting assembly, the kitchen is located away from exterior walls, which allows views from the floor-to-ceiling glass to remain uninterrupted by cabinetry. We updated rooms throughout the house; installing modern features that pay homage to the fine, sleek lines of the original design. Finally, we opened the family room to a terrace featuring a fire pit. Since a hallmark of our design is the diminishment of the hard line between interior and exterior, we were especially pleased for the opportunity to update this classic work.

Elegant study room photo in San Francisco

A beautiful Mamaroneck Tudor with its original tiny kitchen was badly in need of renovating. The homeowners shifted and enlarged the rear of the house to create a peaceful space with earthy toned charcoal grey Oak base cabinets and shiny back painted white wall cabinetry. Six integrated gas burners from Netherland's Pitt Cooking were fitted into the island, with Gaggenau’s tappenyaki grille for a efficient and beautiful integrated cooking and serving area. Floor tile, Ceramica Gazzini Urban Style. Oven by Bosch; refrigerator by SubZero; range hood by Futuro Futuro, Microwave by Wolf; countertops by Caesarstone in Organic White; Charlie stools by CB2; Sink by Franke; Faucet by Groehe; pulls by Topex-- Decorative Hardware Round Stainless Steel Tube.