After finalizing the layout for their new build, the homeowners hired SKP Design to select all interior materials and finishes and exterior finishes. They wanted a comfortable inviting lodge style with a natural color palette to reflect the surrounding 100 wooded acres of their property. http://www.skpdesign.com/inviting-lodge SKP designed three fireplaces in the great room, sunroom and master bedroom. The two-sided great room fireplace is the heart of the home and features the same stone used on the exterior, a natural Michigan stone from Stonemill. With Cambria countertops, the kitchen layout incorporates a large island and dining peninsula which coordinates with the nearby custom-built dining room table. Additional custom work includes two sliding barn doors, mudroom millwork and built-in bunk beds. Engineered wood floors are from Casabella Hardwood with a hand scraped finish. The black and white laundry room is a fresh looking space with a fun retro aesthetic. Photography: Casey Spring

The existing kitchen was a small 7.5 x 11.5 area with inadequate heating and limited natural light, available through an awkward peninsula dividing the kitchen from a previous family room addition. The design concept was to create a larger, brighter and more open space integrated with an outdoor deck (not shown) off the family room, creating a family and guest gathering space within the overall kitchen area. The layout was centered around a large “island-table” with seating for seven; extensive countertop space and separate cooktop and ovens allow for family member participation in meal preparation. The design theme was contemporary, with warm, muted colors and textures. Cabinets were an engineered veneer grey oak with slab door style and obscured glass in the upper cabinets. Countertops are neutral quartz, flooring a natural oak, 5” plank engineered hardwood.

When I came to this property not only was the landscape a scrappy mess the property also had some very real grading and drainage issues that were jeopardizing the safety of this house. As recent transplants from New Jerseys to Southern California these clients were in awe of all the plants they were seeing in their neighborhood. Living on the water at the Ventura harbor they wanted to be able to take full advantage or the outdoor lifestyle and cool ocean breeze. Being environmentally conscious citizens, these clients were very concerned that their garden was designed with sustainability as a leading factor. As they said in our initial consultation, “Would want or garden be part of the solution not part of the problem.” This property is the last house on the bottom of a gently sloping street. All the water from the neighbor’s houses drain onto this property. When I came into this project the back yard sloped into the house. When it would rain the water would pool up against the house causing water damage. To address the drainage we employed several tactics. Firstly, we had to invert the slope in the back yard so that water would not pool against the house. We created a very minor slope going away from the house so that water drains away but so the patio area feels flat. The back of the back yard had an existing retaining wall made out of shabby looking slump stone. In front of that retaining wall we created a beautiful natural stone retaining wall. This retain wall severs many purposes. One it works as a place to put some of the soil removed from the grading giving this project a smaller carbon foot print (moving soil of a site burns a lot of fossil fuel). The retaining wall also helps obscure the shabby existing retaining wall and allows for planting space above the footing from the existing retaining wall. The soil behind the ne retaining wall is slightly lower than the top of the wall so that when the run on water on from the neighbor’s property flows it is slowed down and absorbed before it has a chance to get near the house. Finally, the wall is at a height designed to serve as overflow seating as these clients intend to have occasional large parties and gatherings. Other efforts made to help keep the house safe and dry are that we used permeable paving. With the hardscape being comprised of flag stone with gravel in-between water has a chance to soak into the ground so it does not flow into spots where it will pool up. The final element to help keep the house dry is the addition of infiltration swales. Infiltration swales are depressions in the landscape that capture rain water. The down spouts on the sides of the houses are connected to pipe that goes under the ground and conveys the water to the swales. In this project it helps move rain water away from the house. In general, these Infiltration swales are a powerful element in creating sustainable landscapes. These swales capture pollutants that accumulate on the roof and in the landscape. Biology in the soil in the swales can break down these pollutants. When run of watered is not captured by soil on a property the dirty water flows into water ways and then the ocean were the biology that breaks down the pollutants is not as prolific. This is particularly important in this project as it drains directly into the harbor. The water that is absorbed in to the swales can replenish aquafers as well as increasing the water available to the plants planted in that area recusing the amount of water that is needed from irrigation. When it came to the planting we went with a California friendly tropical theme. Using lots of succulents and plants with colorful foliage we created vibrant lush landscape that will have year around color. We planted densely (the images in the picture were taken only a month after installation). Taller drought tolerant plants to help regulate the temperature and loss of water from the plants below them. The dense plantings will help keep the garden, the house and even the neighborhood cooler on hot days, will provide spaces for birds to enjoy and will create an illusion of depth in a somewhat narrow space. Today this garden is a space these homeowners can fully enjoy while having the peace of mind that their house is protected from flooding and they are helping the environment.

This home is remarkable in many ways. It features a simple but unique design that maximizes the site and breathtaking views. The home was originally built by a family who owned a local mill and who had choice selection of the wood used in its construction. We were brought in to restore the integrity of the 40-year-old deck, ensuring the new one preserved the precise aesthetic of the original. The upper level features a cantilevered deck that wraps around the house without obscuring the view from the windows below. The structure of the deck was constructed of abnormally large rough-sawn fir joists milled to custom specifications. The joists run through the entire floor framing of the home and extend out as deck joists. Since the deck joists were so integral to the framing, preservation of the integrity of this structure was paramount. The original cedar deck boards were failing, but the beautiful fir joists were well-preserved and could be fortified. After demoing the existing deck, we carefully removed all signs of dry rot, then tested the integrity of the fir joists. To ensure the longevity of the new deck, we added joists as needed to improve rigidity and weather-sealed the tops of each one with joist tape and metal flashing. For the new decking, we decided on a very strong and durable solution, IPE wood, which we had milled to custom specifications to match the original boards. Working with this extremely hard wood has its challenges, but it was by far the best choice for this project. We honored the design of the original railing by crafting a near replica. Admittedly, we tweaked a few dimensions, enhanced details of the assembly and added a few custom accents.

Mark Pinkerton - vi360 Photography
Large trendy master gray tile and porcelain tile marble floor and white floor bathroom photo in San Francisco with beaded inset cabinets, gray cabinets, an undermount tub, a one-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops and white countertops

Featuring a custom-made transom, these traditional-inspired double iron doors showcase our Dark Bronze finish, insulated glass windows, and bespoke hardware to complement the home's exterior.

We replaced the glass in the wall cabinets with rain glass to obscure what's in storage.
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional galley light wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Other with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, wood countertops, white backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island

The existing deck on this home was rotting and was a place the homeowner’s avoided rather than enjoyed. They thought about adding a screened porch but didn’t want to obscure their view of the golf course. The solution: we installed elegant Mosquito Curtains which can be easily opened or closed as needed. The new pergola and deck are made from low-maintenance Fiberon Horizon deck boards, Duralife railings and Fypon column wraps. None of those products require painting! For a touch of natural beauty – the rafters are cedar which has been clear coated. Finally - this is a favorite gathering spot for this family. Photo: Erin Dougherty

Restore existing decorative concrete surfaces with a revolutionary overlay made with real cement that rolls on like paint but doesn’t obscure the original design or character. The surface is revitalized with a fresh finish to renew its beauty, or you can choose from 10 colors for a completely different look to update your yard. RenewKoat is a quick, clean application with very little mess or dust and you’ll be back on your concrete in no time.

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Sandblasted rain glass supported with cable system.
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Pier Bowl Real Estate
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Master Bathroom Remodel - customer wanted a make over for their bathroom after years of wear and tear. They didn't want new vanities because the cabinets were in good shape, so we just gave them a refresh with new paint and hardware. The new quartz countertops really set-off the space and we were able to run the same quartz throughout the wet areas. This bathroom got a larger shower with a bench, new freestanding oval tub with freestanding fixtures. We also replaced the window with a smaller 48"x48" Obscure glass window that allows for more light to come in because they won't need the blinds anymore! We removed the old entry doors and replaced with a new barn door that the customer is going to stain. Finally, the old tile floor was replace with a beautiful wood look tile that raises the look of the space. New paint on the walls and ceilings and it's another ecstatic customer.

Built on a dune overlooking Lake Michigan, this residence appears to emerge from the landscape. The project brief called for an artful house that promotes wellness and outdoor living. Rugged beauty and four-season adventure drew the owners to the area but presented challenges, including wildfire risk. The site needed a durable shelter that responsibly integrates with the environment. Clad in sand-colored stucco, the house will intentionally be obscured by grasses and junipers over time. Outdoor spaces are layered to match the undulating topography. A steel superstructure enables an ultra-thin roof with overhangs for passive solar design that withstand gale-force winds and heavy snow loads. A crushed-granite courtyard offers refuge on windy days. This space is enclosed by operable Cor-Ten panels that rotate open to reveal dune views or close for a cloistered experience. The courtyard is further defined by a deconstructed roof with an aperture that frames sky views. Expansive glazing and porcelain flooring unites interior and exterior, evoking a sense of inhabiting an infinity house. A screen porch, concealed by louvers, is a contemporary interpretation of a time-honored lake house vernacular. ​Layers of light and an edited palette of materials unify the interior and evoke a laid-back feeling of beach towns. On both levels, bronze glass walls artfully define rooms while preserving views.

Privacy was a requirement in this room with a water view. The solution: a sheer linen-look fabric from Fabricut, which would still allow light through, while obscuring the view into the room. Pinch pleated unlined custom draperies were made, while a traversing wood rod in a maple finish to match the trim in the room completes the look.

This kitchen transformation by StoneUnlimited Kitchen and Bath showcases how lowering a bar top can expand your space. Some of the features that this kitchen had prior to the renovation included: dark countertops, travertine style backsplash and a raised bar top that obscured the view. Installing Colonial Cream Granite brightened up the room; working in balance with the horizontal layout of the Dove Gray subway tile. The visual impact of lowering the bar top has opened up the kitchen, making it appear larger. The added working space and seating surrounding the counter, has made this eat-in kitchen a great space to gather. This Stoneunlimited Kitchen and Bath Remodel included: Countertops: Colonial Cream Granite with 1/4" Bevel edge supported by 4 traditional wood corbels Tile Backsplash: 3” x 6” glazed ceramic – Dove Gray Crackled subway tiles Cabinets: Pre-Existing cabinets were painted with Sherwin Williams Paint and hardware was replaced with Ascendra Pulls in brushed nickel finish

Pella Corporate
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