Angie Seckinger
Example of a large classic enclosed vaulted ceiling living room design in DC Metro with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

INTERNATIONAL AWARD WINNER. 2018 NKBA Design Competition Best Overall Kitchen. 2018 TIDA International USA Kitchen of the Year. 2018 Best Traditional Kitchen - Westchester Home Magazine design awards. The designer's own kitchen was gutted and renovated in 2017, with a focus on classic materials and thoughtful storage. The 1920s craftsman home has been in the family since 1940, and every effort was made to keep finishes and details true to the original construction. For sources, please see the website at www.studiodearborn.com. Photography, Adam Kane Macchia and Timothy Lenz

This “Arizona Inspired” home draws on some of the couples’ favorite desert inspirations. The architecture honors the Wrightian design of The Arizona Biltmore, the courtyard raised planter beds feature labeled specimen cactus in the style of the Desert Botanical Gardens, and the expansive backyard offers a resort-style pool and cabana with plenty of entertainment space. Additional focal areas of landscape design include an outdoor living room in the front courtyard with custom steel fire trough, a shallow negative-edge fountain, and a rare “nurse tree” that was salvaged from a nearby site, sits in the corner of the courtyard – a unique conversation starter. The wash that runs on either side of the museum-glass hallway is filled with aloes, agaves and cactus. On the far end of the lot, a fire pit surrounded by desert planting offers stunning views both day and night of the Praying Monk rock formation on Camelback Mountain. Project Details: Landscape Architect: Greey|Pickett Architect: Higgins Architects Builder: GM Hunt Builders Landscape Contractor: Benhart Landscaping Interior Designer: Kitchell Brusnighan Interior Design Photography: Ian Denker

Benefits of Plantation Shutters Plantation shutters offer advantages and benefits to homeowners over other window coverings including: • A permanent addition to a house: While they don't add much to the sale price and don't guarantee a return on investment, the curb appeal helps the house sell faster. The permanency of plantation shutters allows them to be included in appraisals. • Versatility: Many have the ability to open only halfway if desired. If you want to let in all the light, plantation shutters swing away from the window to grant an unobstructed view. • Insulation: When all louvers are closed, a good insulating barrier is created, trapping unwanted temperatures and saving you money on your energy bill. • Easy maintenance: With wide louvers, a simple wipe-down is often all that's needed. Vinyl shutters can be taken off their hinges and sprayed off for a major cleaning. • Elegance: The classic, yet modern look conveys a permanency like no other window dressing can. Whether painted or natural wood, they all have a look that says; welcome home. Wood vs. Faux Wood It's not hard to argue that natural wood is more appealing than vinyl or PVC. However, "faux wood," as it's sometimes called, has some advantages: • Price -- Faux wood shutters are often lower in price than real wood. • Weight -- Because some shutters are made "hollow core" (as opposed to vinyl-wrapped medium density fiberboard, MDF), they can be significantly lighter. • Moisture Resistance -- If you live in an area with high humidity, hollow faux wood or aluminum core will resist expanding and sagging. (MDF core louvers will tend to expand and crack as the material swells with moisture.) Natural wood is the choice for those who have a very healthy budget or for whom a specific appearance is a must. Among the advantages are: • Size -- Because wood plantation shutters are made of hardwood, they can be quite a bit larger than plastic or vinyl. Vinyl shutters larger than 29 inches may be prone to sag, so they need divider rails or other supports which can destroy the traditional look of a plantation shutter. • Natural -- While vinyl or plastic shutters can be painted to match any color scheme, the natural shades and finishes of the various species of wood have something for every look. • Classic -- While many plastic shutters can be made to look like real wood, the faux wood finishes can vary significantly depending on manufacturer and model. Up close, it can be easy to tell they're plastic. The warmth of natural wood is a classic feel that's impossible to beat. Popular Plantation Shutter Brands When you go to purchase your plantation shutters, brands names may offer a good representation of high-, mid-, and low-cost range of what's available. Which one you choose depends on your budget and your tastes. Hunter-Douglas and Norman Shutters produce three lines of plantation shutters in both real wood and faux wood styles. A higher-end product, Hunter-Douglas may be worth the cost for beauty and quality of workmanship. The Window Outfitters and Sunland produce a mid-cost line of shutters. The mid-range pricing may be for those who are balancing aesthetics with a budget. National franchise and or box stores may not offer an in-house expert or designer. Look to local companies that specialize in plantation shutters looking online may offer a low-cost brand for budget-minded DIYers. Available in both faux and real wood, the affordability combines with the visual appeal to make this a very popular choice for plantation shutters. Regardless of which line you go with, be sure to ask about frames. Generally all manufactures offer frame choices and may add to the cost, but they add an unsurpassed beauty and warmth to a room with plantation shutters. Plantation shutters look like similar to wooden blinds, but there are significant differences. Blinds are often narrow, made of aluminum or vinyl, and the slats tilt based on a gear and pulley mechanism and they hang in the window with cords. By contrast, plantation shutters have wide compound louvers that fit into a frame and are controlled by way of a wooden rod running up the middle. When not needed, they can be manufactured to swing back onto the wall. Options to are available to build a more contemporary look with a larger view with a “hidden tilt” feature. Cost of Plantation Shutters Nationally, the cost of plantation shutters, depending on their size and the material, whether or not they are custom arches and colors or stains, may vary. Most manufacturers want their shutters to be professionally installed to keep the warranty intact which is a benefit to the customer in the long run. They will usually have a limited lifetime warranty. Cost of Installation Costs for having plantation shutters installed by a contractor are a bit more predictable. Contractors who have installed plantation shutters before can quickly get accurate measurements and suggest which materials would work best in different rooms. For example, while natural wood may look beautiful in your living room, it might not be so practical in a bathroom where moisture will cause the wood to warp. The size, material, and quality of the shutter will have a significant effect on the cost. Contractors usually go through a shutter supplier and can get various sizes that are not normally available at home improvement stores. Hiring a professional team of knowledgeable suppliers and installers is a good choice. Here are some sample prices of the shutters most contractors use for standard-sized windows: In general, plantation shutters should cost approximately $20 to $26 per square foot. Labor costs depend on factors such as the contractor's workload, remoteness of the location, environment, and the contractor's overhead. Labor generally runs about $100 per hour and will be added to the shutter cost. • 16x20 -- Faux wood $120. Real wood $156 • 24x50 -- Faux wood $160. Real wood $208 • 36x54 -- Faux wood $270. Real wood $351 • 36x60 -- Faux wood $300 Real wood $390 • 42x72 -- Faux wood $420. Real wood $546 • 48x82 -- Faux wood $550. Real wood $715 DIY Plantation shutters can be purchased and installed by the homeowners. How much they cost will depend on size and material. Faux wood shutter’s cost depends on size and wooden shutter’s cost will depend on size and whether or not they are painted or stained. • Natural wood is $90-$600 depending on size. Many companies offer standard stained selection but custom color matching may be available from $175 -$250. • Faux wood will be from $120-$500. • Additional tools include: Hang Strips $4-$15 and about $4 for mounting hardware. Locks or closures can cost up to $15 for each shutter. Finally, if you order them online, you can expect to pay $30-$70 shipping per shutter or per set of shutters per window depending on the supplier. Keep in mind that even if you're handy with tools, installing shutters can be time-consuming if you've never done it before there is defiantly a learning curve.

Photography by Tre Dunham
Mid-sized craftsman two-story mixed siding gable roof idea in Austin

There is perhaps nothing more charming than an elegant old home in historic southern neighborhood. Our mission was to make this one modern-day livable while keeping the home's historic personality. It was in many ways a blank slate, as it was being completely renovated. It was small inside, but instead of adding indoor space, the client wanted outdoor spaces where he could live, relax, and entertain. The design played off the old world limestone and included connecting the garage to the home by creating a covered living area. Limestone walls and an Alabama blue fireplace gives the space structure while the reflecting pool and gravel patio added a subtle touch of glamor. The boxwoods create clean lines, while the hydrangeas contrasted those with structured chaos. The entry courtyard and front porch offer additional spots where the client unwinds at the end of the day in his lush, personal urban oasis.

Stepping stone pavers provide a walkway adjacent to the glass tile raised spill-over spa. The shimmering blue tile brings a brilliance in contrast to the Pearl Marble surfaces. Matte black and white tile offers additional contrast within the soothing waterfall wall. Images by Jimi Smith Photography.

The homeowner was used to functioning with a stacked washer and dryer. As part of the primary suite addition and kitchen remodel, we relocated the laundry utilities. The new side-by-side configuration was optimal to create a large folding space for the homeowner. Now, function and beauty are found in the new laundry room. A neutral black countertop was designed over the washer and dryer, providing a durable folding space. A full-height linen cabinet is utilized for broom/vacuum storage. The hand-painted decorative tile backsplash provides a beautiful focal point while also providing waterproofing for the drip-dry hanging rod. Bright brushed brass hardware pop against the blues used in the space.

Davidson Remodeling, general contractors in Redwood City, has been offering professional home additions services in Redwood City for more than a decade. In all these years, we are committed ourselves to pursue excellence. We offer specialized services for home additions. This commitment to excellence has helped us earn the trust of our clients. Call us today to know more! Home Addition in Redwood City, CA - http://www.davidsonremodeling.com/

This Alameda home addition brings a fresh, modern feel to the home with a bright and spacious bedroom addition. Vaulted ceilings and recessed lighting create an open, inviting atmosphere, while the arched doorway leads seamlessly to a stylish dual-vanity bathroom. We chose plush carpeting for added comfort and neutral tones to keep the design clean and contemporary. The window shutters offer privacy and enhance the modern aesthetic. Our Alameda home addition contractors focused on quality craftsmanship and attention to detail throughout the design and build. Alameda Home Addition - https://www.aduspecialistbayarea.com/home-addition/alameda/

Transform your living spaces with our expert services in bath remodeling, home remodeling, custom construction, additions, and general contracting. At Dream Coast Builders, we specialize in creating personalized and luxurious spaces that reflect your unique style. From modern bathroom transformations to comprehensive home remodels our skilled team is dedicated to bringing your vision to life. With a focus on quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional results in every project. As your trusted remodeling partner in Clearwater, FL, and Tampa, we offer a wide range of services tailored to meet your specific needs. Explore our portfolio of stunning bathroom remodels, showcasing the perfect blend of contemporary design and functionality. Our custom construction services extend beyond bathrooms, encompassing comprehensive home remodeling that elevates your entire living experience. Looking to expand your living space? Our expertise in additions and general contracting ensures seamless integration of new elements into your existing structure. Whether it's a stylish home addition or a complete transformation, we prioritize your satisfaction from concept to completion. As a reliable remodeling contractor, we understand the importance of turning your dreams into reality. Our services extend beyond traditional offerings, encompassing luxury bathroom remodels, innovative design ideas, and top-notch customer service. Located in Clearwater, FL, and serving the Tampa area, Dream Coast Builders is your go-to partner for all your remodeling needs. Elevate your living spaces with our expertise in bath remodeling, home remodeling, custom construction, additions, and general contracting. Experience the difference with Dream Coast Builders—where your vision meets our craftsmanship. Contact us today to embark on the journey of transforming your space into a true masterpiece. https://dreamcoastbuilders.com

Davidson Remodeling, general contractors in Redwood City, has been offering professional home additions services in Redwood City for more than a decade. In all these years, we are committed ourselves to pursue excellence. We offer specialized services for home additions. This commitment to excellence has helped us earn the trust of our clients. Call us today to know more! Home Addition in Redwood City, CA - http://www.davidsonremodeling.com/

Davidson Remodeling, general contractors in Redwood City, has been offering professional home additions services in Redwood City for more than a decade. In all these years, we are committed ourselves to pursue excellence. We offer specialized services for home additions. This commitment to excellence has helped us earn the trust of our clients. Call us today to know more! Home Addition in Redwood City, CA - http://www.davidsonremodeling.com/

This Alameda home addition brings a fresh, modern feel to the home with a bright and spacious bedroom addition. Vaulted ceilings and recessed lighting create an open, inviting atmosphere, while the arched doorway leads seamlessly to a stylish dual-vanity bathroom. We chose plush carpeting for added comfort and neutral tones to keep the design clean and contemporary. The window shutters offer privacy and enhance the modern aesthetic. Our Alameda home addition contractors focused on quality craftsmanship and attention to detail throughout the design and build. Alameda Home Addition - https://www.aduspecialistbayarea.com/home-addition/alameda/

After the mud room addition, the dogs have their own personal bowls and a customized washing area for when they come in from outside. Plato Prelude cabinets provide plenty of cabinet space for dog food and other items. One golden retriever and four flat coated retrievers = a lot of food storage needs! Porcelain fired earth ceramics 18" field tile was installed for a durable floor. An LG Hi-Macs Volcanics Solid Surface material was used on the counter tops featuring built-in food bowls. Hooks were conveniently added for hanging leashes by the door. As if this was not enough, the dogs can exit the mud room and run into the fenced backyard with their own in-ground pool! The dogs love the new amenities but the homeowners have a spectacular kitchen, improved dining/coffee experience, an efficient flow from the kitchen to the backyard, and functional designs to make their life easier.

For those lucky enough to live lakeside in New Hampshire, warm evening summer breezes are best enjoyed from a comfortable screened porch. This summer camp underwent a drastic renovation and expansion so the family could enjoy life at the lake and offer year-round living to future generations. The project’s design especially focused around expanding the existing screened porch, where the family spends most of their time. Keeping the porch at the best viewing corner of the home, while expanding into a wrap-around style to best take in the water views, was important. Meticulous planning helped navigate the design around strict allowances for a residence with such close proximity to the water, per the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services. To make the camp a family cottage, there was a complete re-facing of the exterior, a mudroom addition and a dormer addition to create an office space open to living areas below. Extensive renovations to the interior resulted in a new kitchen for family to gather, reconfiguration to create a first-floor master suite and improved access to the exterior, especially the wrap-around porch. Now the home, and porch, can be enjoyed to the fullest by the owners, family and friends. Greg West

We are so excited about this stylish Houston patio addition! It's one of our most recent outdoor living space design projects - and one of our new favorites! We particularly love the rustic corner fireplace, the beautiful, vaulted pine ceiling and the Restoration Hardware furniture and accessories. "Even though this space has an outdoor kitchen - often the highlight of our projects - the focus here is beautiful, comfortable outdoor living," says Outdoor Homescapes of Houston owner Wayne Franks. "And I have to say, I think this is one of the most gorgeous spaces we've created for doing that - in style." "This project was special from the start, as we were creating this space for a friend of Wayne’s who had been a long time mentor to his boys growing up," adds Lisha Maxey, owner of LGH Designs in Houston (she coordinated furniture and finishes for the project). "This client was the principal of their high school and knew all of them very well and Wayne, too. This made it very personal, indeed, and we wanted everything to be perfect!" The 23- by 16-foot addition, located at the back of the house in Cypress, looks out onto a manmade lake in the homeowners' subdivision. The focal point? A 9-foot-8-inch-high-by-7-foot-wide corner fireplace in Earth Grey rustic ledgestone from Colorstone in Houston. The fireplace features a custom wooden mantel, stone bench seating and a 52-inch Sunbrite outdoor TV. Another highlight is the flooring - silver travertine tile laid out in a Versailles pattern. "We chose silver travertine in a 'Tumbled' color palette with variations of cream and brown," says Lisha. "So we had those two colors, plus grey, to pull from." The 7-foot-long, stucco outdoor kitchen island's countertops are also noteworthy - Absolute Black granite in a leathered finish offering a modern look and a dark grey hue that works perfectly with the color palette. The kitchen island also houses an RCS 30-inch grill and fridge. The seating area includes a sectional couch, coffee table, two swivel chairs and two ottomans - all from Restoration Hardware. "We used Restoration Hardware's Biscayne sectional, swivel chairs and ottomans in gray, with textured linen weave in Sand and cushions and peacock accent pillows in gray," says Lisha. The coffee table is made of solid teak with a concrete top - as is the matching side table. "We added a console table, also in teak, behind the sofa. And for accents, we added three Amalfi lanterns from Restoration Hardware in weathered zinc." A Sunbrella® Heathered area rug (in Gray) was added to anchor the space and visually tie it together. "The space as a whole leans towards a transitional style, in that it has many traditional cozy comforts and colors, but the furniture gives it a more contemporary look," says Lisha. "The idea from the beginning was to marry these two styles, as our clients wanted a look that would not age and be in vogue for years to come." On the exterior, you can see how we worked to make the addition blend with the existing home - matching the shingles and stucco and continuing the landscaping. 3D graphic renderings and a virtual video tour allowed the clients to know exactly what the space would look like beforehand. "It takes a lot of the guesswork out of the process," says Outdoor Homescapes' graphic designer, Kristy Buell Franks. "Floor plans and elevation drawings are good for giving an idea of the overall scope of the project, but it's the 3D renderings that really show what the space is going to look like." The 3D graphics and video tours also help immensely when choosing finishing materials and furniture, she says: "The clients' choices can be put into the design to allow the clients to see how the materials will work with the existing materials on the house and how the furniture will look in the space." What do you like about this space? Post a comment and let us know! URL http://www.outdoorhomescapes.com

A masterpiece of light and design, this gorgeous Beverly Hills contemporary is filled with incredible moments, offering the perfect balance of intimate corners and open spaces. A large driveway with space for ten cars is complete with a contemporary fountain wall that beckons guests inside. An amazing pivot door opens to an airy foyer and light-filled corridor with sliding walls of glass and high ceilings enhancing the space and scale of every room. An elegant study features a tranquil outdoor garden and faces an open living area with fireplace. A formal dining room spills into the incredible gourmet Italian kitchen with butler’s pantry—complete with Miele appliances, eat-in island and Carrara marble countertops—and an additional open living area is roomy and bright. Two well-appointed powder rooms on either end of the main floor offer luxury and convenience. Surrounded by large windows and skylights, the stairway to the second floor overlooks incredible views of the home and its natural surroundings. A gallery space awaits an owner’s art collection at the top of the landing and an elevator, accessible from every floor in the home, opens just outside the master suite. Three en-suite guest rooms are spacious and bright, all featuring walk-in closets, gorgeous bathrooms and balconies that open to exquisite canyon views. A striking master suite features a sitting area, fireplace, stunning walk-in closet with cedar wood shelving, and marble bathroom with stand-alone tub. A spacious balcony extends the entire length of the room and floor-to-ceiling windows create a feeling of openness and connection to nature. A large grassy area accessible from the second level is ideal for relaxing and entertaining with family and friends, and features a fire pit with ample lounge seating and tall hedges for privacy and seclusion. Downstairs, an infinity pool with deck and canyon views feels like a natural extension of the home, seamlessly integrated with the indoor living areas through sliding pocket doors. Amenities and features including a glassed-in wine room and tasting area, additional en-suite bedroom ideal for staff quarters, designer fixtures and appliances and ample parking complete this superb hillside retreat.

The homeowners opted for mis-matched chairs at the dining table, which offers a cozy contrast to the potential formality of the chandelier and wallpaper. Round tables make for great conversation and allow a few extra chairs to squeeze in to accommodate a larger group. The wallpaper was custom-made to complement the Murano glass chandelier.