We used: Custom cherry cabinetry in Arts & Crafts Shaker style by Kabinart in Boulder and Espresso stains. Liberty Hardware Venetian bronze 1-1/2" cabinet knobs. KitchenAid Architect II Series 22 CF counter-depth French door refrigerator. KitchenAid Architect Series II 27" convection single wall oven. KitchenAid 36" 6-burner dual fuel freestanding commercial-style range. KitchenAid Architect II Series 24" dishwasher. Sharp Insight Pro Series 24" built-in microwave drawer (Model #KB6524PS). Crystorama Solaris 12" wide pendant lights in English bronze. Granite countertops in Brown Fantasy. 3"x6" polished marble backsplash. Paint colors: Walls: Glidden Silver Cloud 30YY 63/024 Ceilings/Trims/Doors: Glidden Swan White GLC23 Robert B. Narod Photography

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional front yard water fountain landscape in Minneapolis.

The Villages Florida Backyard putting green.
Photo of a traditional landscaping in Orlando.

The new stairs, landing, cantilevered shelves and guest room. Robert Vente Photographer
Mid-sized elegant look-out concrete floor and brown floor basement photo in San Francisco with white walls and no fireplace

Photo: Caela McKeever © 2015 Houzz

Photo by Pete Veilleux, East Bay Wilds. 'Island Pink' yarrow (Achillea millefolium 'Island Pink') with woolly blue curls (Trichostema lanatum).

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.

Nestled in the heart of Jackson Heights this large condo went from dark, old and drab to bright, contemporary and fab. It’s designed with a neutral pallet, incorporating pops of color throughout and occasional instances of distressed leather and reclaimed wood for warmth and character. The large, light-flooded living space home to both the living room and dining room is perfect for entertaining which is very important to the client. The living room provides 3 different seating options all with very different experiences but the same comfort and luxury. The seating is accompanied by Aged Brass and Shagreen nesting coffee tables and Marble side tables for resting a cocktail or kicking up one’s feet while enjoying a movie on the oversized wall mounted television. The low profile walnut media console is the perfect addition of warmth to the space. With so many amazing furniture and decor pieces, it’s hard to play favorite but we think the oversized photograph imported from Morocco is the real showstopper. Right off of the living room, the dining room is simple, clean, warm and elegant. The brass and glass globe linear chandelier shines bright above a farm-style solid wood table for 8. Brass framed antique mirror, potted succulents with quartz crystal, and a gallery wall showcasing special moments make this space perfect for the family to gather around while enjoying a home cooked meal made in the Galley Chef's Kitchen nearby. White cabinets and a cream colored pearlescent herringbone backsplash keep the narrow kitchen space open and airy. Navy base cabinets with brass hardware throughout add a touch of elegance and personality. Carrying the theme of clean and contemporary with a touch of warmth, reclaimed shelving above the farmhouse apron sink showcase some of the client’s favorite glassware and artifacts from travel. But what would a chef’s kitchen be without commercial grade appliances? The Cafe Series appliances from GE are nothing short of amazing and robust; and for the client who cooks - these appliances place a cherry on top .

This small kitchen packs a powerful punch. By replacing an oversized sliding glass door with a 24" cantilever which created additional floor space. We tucked a large Reid Shaw farm sink with a wall mounted faucet into this recess. A 7' peninsula was added for storage, work counter and informal dining. A large oversized window floods the kitchen with light. The color of the Eucalyptus painted and glazed cabinets is reflected in both the Najerine stone counter tops and the glass mosaic backsplash tile from Oceanside Glass Tile, "Devotion" series. All dishware is stored in drawers and the large to the counter cabinet houses glassware, mugs and serving platters. Tray storage is located above the refrigerator. Bottles and large spices are located to the left of the range in a pull out cabinet. Pots and pans are located in large drawers to the left of the dishwasher. Pantry storage was created in a large closet to the left of the peninsula for oversized items as well as the microwave. Additional pantry storage for food is located to the right of the refrigerator in an alcove. Cooking ventilation is provided by a pull out hood so as not to distract from the lines of the kitchen.

Is all this space upstairs just for storing Christmas decorations? The owners had three teenagers who were constantly Is all this space upstairs just for storing Christmas decorations? this space up here is just for storing Christmas decorations over the only TV downstairs, and they needed a solution that didn’t involve expanding their already cramped property. When we went up to see the attic, we immediately saw the potential: good ceiling height, ample floor space, and those beautiful angled roof lines just waiting to be celebrated. What we created is a stunning additional room that became the family’s favorite gathering place. The transformation demonstrates how thoughtful design can turn a neglected space into something extraordinary. Those dramatic skylights weren’t originally there; we cut into the roof structure and installed them to flood the space with natural light, transforming what could have felt like a cramped attic into a spacious and luminous retreat. The angled roof lines, which could have been a challenge, became architectural features that give the room character and visual interest. The focal point is that modern linear fireplace surrounded by elegant gray tiles and custom-built shelving. We designed the media wall to accommodate a large-screen TV while also providing storage for the family’s massive collection of books and vinyl records. Side cabinets keep clutter hidden, while open shelving showcases items worth displaying. This conversion required significant structural work. We reinforced the floor joists to support varying loads, remember, attics are typically built only to support insulation and the occasional storage box, not furniture or people. We added proper air conditioning ducts extending from the main system, upgraded the electrical system with multiple circuits for media equipment, and installed that stylish white railing system that meets regulations and maintains the feeling of spaciousness. The construction photos tell the real story: what began as an unfinished space with exposed subfloor and construction debris has become this elegant sanctuary. Those casement windows on either side create cross-ventilation, essential for an upper-floor space on the California coast.

Rock waterfall pond and stream in this tropical backyard in Florida by Matthew Giampietro
This is an example of a large traditional backyard stone water fountain landscape in Miami.

Inspiration for a large traditional backyard water fountain landscape in Boston.

Exterior, brick, lime, limewash, painted brick, architectural finish

Project Overview Transforming an underutilized attic or second-story layout into a luxurious, functional sanctuary requires a seamless blend of architectural ingenuity and fine craftsmanship. For this home in Melrose, MA, Godfrey Design-Build designed and executed a stunning master suite addition that maximizes square footage, introduces abundant natural light, and preserves the home's character with rich, structural details. Design Features & Highlights Architectural Timber Beams: The vaulted ceilings feature gorgeous, exposed dark wood accent beams that draw the eye upward, adding rustic warmth and a sense of grand scale to the bedroom. Feature Brick Accent Wall: A striking, floor-to-ceiling brick veneer accent wall anchors the room, offering a textured, historic loft feel that perfectly complements the rich hardwood flooring. Custom Built-In Storage & Bench: To maximize the unique rooflines and eave spaces, we integrated seamless, minimalist white cabinetry and wardrobes alongside a cozy window bench—offering ample storage without cluttering the floor plan. Abundant Natural Light: Strategically placed double-hung windows flood the entire master suite with daylight while offering serene views of the Melrose neighborhood. Feature Brick Accent Wall: A striking, floor-to-ceiling brick veneer accent wall anchors the room, offering a textured, historic loft feel that perfectly complements the rich hardwood flooring.

Granite stream with driftwood waterfall.
This is an example of a mid-sized tropical partial sun backyard gravel water fountain landscape in Kansas City for summer.

Get the look of wood flooring with the application of tile. This product is great for bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens, but also works in living rooms, patio areas, or walls.

The rain gardens in action! This is after a heavy rain and you can see they have filled up nicely, keeping water on the property where it is needed. The water will slowly percolate through the soil and be taken up by the plants.