2018 HNA Awards Honorable Mention - Outdoor Living Features Contractor: Artisan Exteriors Producer: CST Pavers Designer: Joey Hafner Design: Slate pavers, in a rich Sierra Blend, coupled with Versa-Lok Standard wall units to create multiple outdoor living spaces; masterfully meeting the entertainment requirements of the homeowner. Pavers and wall units, through use of color and texture, provided both definition and an effortless flow – creating a true outdoor oasis. Quality of Construction and Craftsmanship: Expert workmanship is showcased in the precise paver and wall integration with the pool, spa and outdoor living features. Having a large entertainment space was a must for the homeowners, so the team carved out elevated areas to separate spaces for the pool deck, stage, spa and outdoor kitchen. Compatibility with Related Construction Materials and Systems: The pool and coping were in great condition but the existing aggregate concrete pool deck was dangerously damaged. Paver and wall units were selected to replace, complement and expand the outdoor living space. Curved steps, coming off the home’s morning room, were added for visual integration and a welcoming element. Construction Innovation: Vents and basement windows provided several obstacles to construction. To accommodate, designers opted to incorporate a raised patio on a pressure treated lumber frame and utilize the Silca System. To capitalize on the elevation, a portable spa was incorporated into the raised patio. Overall Excellence: What began as a refurbishment of an existing swimming pool; evolved into a total backyard transformation. Slate pavers and Versa-Lok wall units helped create an outdoor paradise for family and entertainment use with a new pool deck, raised fire pit, raised stage to host musicians, outdoor kitchen and more.

Elevation was the obstacle and motivation behind this grand pool setting. The multiple bodies of water at different elevations blend with the natural lake setting and appear to have always been present. Our design goal was to make it appear that the house was built around the pool. This was accomplished with massive engineering including over 60 piers, many beams, and a pump station all beneath the pool structure. The upper pool is a 9’ diving pool spilling over a 38’ long and 8’ tall water fall into the more shallow volleyball pool. More than 200 tons of stone were used on the pool alone. The pool and landscape design imitates the very best of nature’s environment, and is naturally inviting.

Our original client at this property (we now care for it on behalf of its second owner) desired a garden that would produce significant amounts of essential oils that he could process in his own copper still. As significant amounts of herbs must be processed in order to produce essential oil, this site’s primary obstacle was its lack of space. We designed a dense and stacked landscape in order to produce as much as possible. With sidewalk beds narrower than 3 feet and significant slope, it was critical that we build retaining walls and import large amounts of compost to the site. This site was completed in 14 working days.

This backyard is what Kids and Parents dream about! The yard was large, over grown, and lacked a clear definition of what the space was for. With two young, energetic girls, who love to explore, the owner wanted to keep it as natural as possible, but add several new elements. A fireplace was added to the patio area which created indoor-outdoor living. A small outdoor kitchen was added for entertaining. A large pool with Baja shelf , a Jacuzzi, and seats through out create an oasis as the focal point. The bike paths were defined by gravel. We removed two enormous trees and used them to mulch the entire yard. The trunks were used as a fun obstacle course. A shady area was kept for the tire swing and picnic area. And the finishing touch; handprints in the new sidewalk!

This project presented some challenges. The objective was to create a welcome entry to the home. The biggest obstacle was that the front door was not visually obvious when a guest arrived. We mitigated this issue by providing a stone wall forecourt which essentially moved the front door of the home up to the driveway where guests arrived. Given the need for parking close to the residence we designed the paved spaces with a cobble boarder and gravel inlay thereby creating a functional space that was also aesthetically pleasing.

Our overall design concept for the renovation of this space was to optimize the functional space for a family of five and accentuate the existing window. In the renovation, we eliminated a huge centrally located kitchen island which acted as an obstacle to the feeling of the space and focused on creating an elegant and balanced plan promoting movement, simplicity and precisely executed details. We held strong to having the kitchen cabinets, wherever possible, float off the floor to give the subtle impression of lightness avoiding a bottom heavy look. The cabinets were painted a pale tinted green to reduce the empty effect of light flooding a white kitchen leaving a softness and complementing the gray tiles. To integrate the existing dining room with the kitchen, we simply added some classic dining chairs and a dynamic light fixture, juxtaposing the geometry of the boxy kitchen with organic curves and triangular lights to balance the clean design with an inviting warmth.

This project entailed updating a finished basement and boys' playroom that was underutilized and contained many design obstacles from lolly columns to mechanical equipment. The client wanted the space to blend with the eclectic old style of the rest of her home, and also wanted to incorporate a couple of existing custom millwork pieces. With three boys, all with varying interests from art to toy collections, the client needed this space to cater to their hobbies. Ultimately the clients received exactly what they wanted- a multifunctional space that all could enjoy that can only be defined as breathtaking. Photography: Maryland Photography Inc.

Located on a steep hill above downtown Ventura, this modern Spanish house features panoramic views of town with the ocean and Channel Islands beyond. While the views are amazing from a large front deck, the steep slope presented some constraints on the landscape design. Although the property is about a third-of-an-acre, the only useable and open garden space is a small (about 500 square feet) area to the West of the house. The house sits at the back of the property, and another steep hill on the neighboring property behind is held back by a tall retaining wall, leaving just enough room for a narrow, hardscaped patio in the back yard. Bright plantings along the back of the property delineate the home from the neighboring property, and we chose plantings to help stabilize the soil and further develop the Spanish garden look while creating a lush, inviting feel. Additionally, we added 52 pieces of pottery to soften and add interest to the back garden and patio areas. Succulents, herbs, and California natives fill the pottery along with bright, sweet-smelling, tropical-looking, and climate-appropriate plants. Slope stabilization was paramount for the front hill. Beyond that, finding plants that would thrive on the steep slope was the next obstacle. Finally, the aesthetics could be addressed, and we worked to find plants that meshed with the architecture—blending plants with white and orange to play off the red-tiled roofs and white-plastered walls that are emblematic of the Spanish style of this house as well as the predominate style of the neighborhood. The flattish area to the West was designed with the idea of creating a contemporary take on the parterre garden. Reminiscent of Mediterranean gardens, this vegetable and herb garden substitutes formal hedges with formal Corten steel planters to honor the modern Spanish architecture of the house. The citrus, herbs, and vegetables serve the foodie clients well.

Our original client at this property (we now care for it on behalf of its second owner) desired a garden that would produce significant amounts of essential oils that he could process in his own copper still. As significant amounts of herbs must be processed in order to produce essential oil, this site’s primary obstacle was its lack of space. We designed a dense and stacked landscape in order to produce as much as possible. With sidewalk beds narrower than 3 feet and significant slope, it was critical that we build retaining walls and import large amounts of compost to the site. This site was completed in 14 working days.

Transforming this open loft space into a functional and stylish family room was no small feat. Serving as both a central gathering area and a thoroughfare to other top-floor rooms, the layout presented unique challenges. Shweta boldly embraced these obstacles by enveloping the entire space in a rich, moody green hue, creating an illusion of greater expanse. With a keen eye for design, she meticulously zoned the room into distinct yet interconnected areas: a cozy seating ensemble, a captivating TV focal point, a practical hallway, and a custom-built bar. Remarkably, Shweta's DIY prowess came to the fore as she tackled every aspect of the project herself, from installing shiplap and a striking wallpaper mural to constructing the bespoke bar. To furnish this versatile space, she selected a sophisticated linen sectional complemented by laid-back bean bag chairs, while opting for ottomans over a traditional coffee table to maximize comfort and flexibility. The bar area cleverly incorporates storage solutions, ensuring the room remains uncluttered and adaptable to various styling preferences. A curated collection of thrifted artwork adorns the walls, infusing the space with character and a delightful blend of old and new.

Our original client at this property (we now care for it on behalf of its second owner) desired a garden that would produce significant amounts of essential oils that he could process in his own copper still. As significant amounts of herbs must be processed in order to produce essential oil, this site’s primary obstacle was its lack of space. We designed a dense and stacked landscape in order to produce as much as possible. With sidewalk beds narrower than 3 feet and significant slope, it was critical that we build retaining walls and import large amounts of compost to the site. This site was completed in 14 working days.

Designscapes of Long Island installs ClifRock specialty masonry features across Long Island. At Designscapes, we never want our customers to have to compromise their outdoor living space due to restrictions or expense obstacles. We install an engineered stone panel system that makes it possible to bring high-end outdoor living features and resort style environments to absolutely any property. We design, build and install outdoor kitchens, fire pits, fireplaces, swimming pool grottos and caves, waterfalls, wet bars, barbeques and so much more! If you can imagine it, we can build it. Call today!

Wardrobe & Sliding Doors by Komandor. We can create a closet anywhere in your home. All of our projects are made to measure according to your space…we do not use standard sizes…we use YOUR sizes. This space was a challenge with 2 different uneven floor heights & an obstruction on the wall. We designed & installed around the obstacles to create a beautiful white closet organizer with no hint of challenges anywhere!!

Not unlike other 1937 kitchens, this remodel required a solid amount of pre-planning to alleviate various old home obstacles and create a plan universal to 21st century living. The family residing within this home enjoys an artistic flair in life, thus the design reflects character. Yet they maintain a respect for the homes original era, thus throw-back design elements are integrated to achieve this functional and vibrant kitchen remodel. Karli Moore Photography, hard wood flooring, double basin farm house sink, baker center features super white granite, custom pale green and white shaker style cabinetry, white back splash subway tile - brick laid, under cabinet lighting warm white flexible LED light strip, corbel accents

XS residence is a living concept proposal for singles. The project is characterized by its L-shaped, elevated floor. The height differences on the floor as well as on the ceiling are the sole elements that define the space. The apartment is hence transparent, yet given the sense of rooms and corners. This former warehouse has existing pipes cutting through the interior at the entry where it resulted in stairs and undesirable, immediate climbs. By embracing the obstacle and extending it, the reading of the new, one bedroom apartment is as pure as lines (flows) and surfaces (spaces). The heart of the radial layout is a sunken gathering platform. This introvert space is embraced by the elevated floor, which serves as the extension of seating, The visitors thereby sit naturally facing each other and converse. The elevated outer ring is an active, fluid platform which receives visitors. At its height, the dinning guests have a great view toward the city skyline which is otherwise hindered. This space also creates a buffer to the exterior where neighbors pass by. The renovation removed the old flat ceiling, exposing the pitched roof structure to enhance the scale change of the space. The apartment is at its maximum height where activities and interactions take place and shrinks at the perimeter. It is an open layout with sense of spaces and intimacy.

The goal of this project was to create a flowing atmosphere but with a strong personality, avoiding the limitations of the characteristic box of walls of the house containers. Elica's OM range hood helped to provide a strong and elegant personality to the space. A captivating sensation, where the sigth of the space does not find any perceptive obstacle, a sort of open space without being a loft, an ideal room for living and working that has its basis on design but it is also comfortable and functional

Photo by Nick Reeves
Inspiration for a mid-sized craftsman u-shaped travertine floor open concept kitchen remodel in Orange County with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

The family liked having a general dining area as well as a formal dining room but wanted to change up the overall layout while opening up the kitchen. Design Objectives • Open up the space to the formal dining room and move the general dining area to be next to the living room • Give the space an expansive feel • Create multiple work areas • Create easy flow/walkways/continuity to allow a family of four to move about freely and complete different tasks in the space • Make the space adaptable for entertaining • Bring in more natural light Design Challenges • Work around obstacles like the fireplace in the dining room and structural fixtures between the dining room and the kitchen • Design a plan for a very big area that is proportional with no wasted space Design Solutions • A structural engineer was brought in to give options for relocating duct work and building a new header. • Combining the old kitchen and dining room resulted in a great new space that was very long. This allowed us to create new workspaces across two islands. • A contrasting color theme (bright perimeter cabinets and dark islands) helped ground the space, making it flow while still feeling intimate and inviting. The homeowners love their new space and report that the aesthetic and functional changes allow them to do more, both individually and together. As a hub for everything their busy lives entail – from day-to-day routines to a wide range of entertaining arrangements – their wide-open kitchen handles it all while keeping the space and the family connected.

When challenges arise, Green Bay Remodeling delivers solutions! This client called us ‘problem solvers’ after we transformed their space with precision and creativity. Watch how we tackled obstacles to create a home that exceeds expectations.