Pool - mid-sized coastal backyard concrete and custom-shaped natural pool idea in New Orleans

Living room - traditional living room idea in Other

We recently had the pleasure of completing a remarkable backyard makeover that presented us with some exciting challenges and opportunities for creativity. Our clients wanted to revamp their backyard, focusing on enhancing functionality and creating a low-maintenance, beautiful outdoor space. One of the main objectives was to expand the usable patio area without the need to tear out and pour new concrete. To achieve this, we carefully considered the existing patio curves, respecting their unique shape and making the entire area look intentionally designed. Additionally, drainage was a crucial concern. We took the initiative to install proper drainage solutions to prevent water pooling and ensure the longevity of the space. Our client, an MMA enthusiast, had a specific request to elevate his training experience. To accommodate this, we designed a raised platform with putting-green turf, providing the ideal spot for his Body Opponent bag while maintaining a clean and mud-free training area. For the plant-loving homeowner, we incorporated beautiful Austin limestone chopped block raised beds with a central irrigation system. This resulted in aesthetically pleasing and low-maintenance raised planters, adding vibrant greenery and a touch of nature to the backyard. We utilized the pallet of paver bricks they already had on hand to create practical hardscape walking pads, connecting different areas of the backyard while seamlessly blending with the design. Despite the challenges, we successfully turned their backyard into a fully functional and inviting outdoor retreat. The space now embraces their passions, meets their desires, and offers a tranquil escape for relaxation and enjoyment.

Design ideas for a traditional landscaping in Seattle.

Design ideas for a mid-sized modern backyard stone landscaping in Phoenix.

The Home A family heirloom full of warm memories passed down for generations to come greets you after opening the beautiful knotty alder front door. The rear staircase and separate back entrance allows for multi-generations to share this home. The Eagles Nest is a place for all to land. The five bedroom, four bath mountain modern plan offers several areas for relaxing and entertaining. Upon entering, you are welcomed by the warmth of the beams, hickory floors and inviting fireplace. The overall environment gently whispers, “come in, sit down and relax”. The back staircase off the kitchen leads you to a private oasis. The lower level is designed to serve two purposes. It can be a separate living quarter because of its private entrance, or an extension of the house for entertaining. The open floor plan maximizes square footage for all to enjoy and partake, or for one to find their own quiet space. The Builder We build your dreams is the heartfelt motto of Murphy’s Custom Homes, and that’s because we take great pride in crafting homes that reflect the individuality of the people who live in them. With more than 35 years of experience and passion, Murphy’s Custom Homes personally crafts clients’ dream homes by combining their ideas with our expert design team, experience, the environmental elements of the land, quality construction techniques and state-of-the-art products. We are committed to our clients’ satisfaction during every step of the homebuilding process — from the development of ideas and acquiring land — until the final celebration of walking through the front door and seeing those dreams fulfilled. View a full gallery of our work at murphyscustomhomes.com or call 719-488-8818. The Interior Design Inspired by nature’s palette and a touch of modern, the Eagles Nest is a calm haven of earth tones and casual elegance. The interior is an inviting blend of subtle neutrals and pops of color, combined with metals, textures, and fine finishes, creating a transitional rustic design. Entertain guests in the large downstairs rec room with a glass of wine at the built-in bar, or take on an opponent with a game of foosball. The homeowners joined forces with Caprice King at Upstage Furniture Consignments to paint the pallet of the home. Caprice King staged the home with additional furnishings and accessories, lending the home a designer’s touch while utilizing her spatial expertise and attention to detail.

Creating spaces for mini-golf, swimming, bocce ball, tennis, a patio, and a water feature requires thoughtful planning. When done properly, the result is functional as well as as aesthetically pleasing. Windsor's professional design staff follows careful design criteria when combining spaces for recreation, entertainment, and relaxation. This challenging site gave us the opportunity to transform an area beside the driveway into a putting green and bocce court. Reconfiguring the driveway and lawn made room for a restful sitting area to enjoy the beautiful sound of the waterfall and pond. This project earned Windsor Companies a Merit Award for Excellence in Landscape Design from the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association. Photos by Paul Crosby.

Paul Dyer Photography
Example of a transitional patio design in San Francisco with no cover and a fireplace

We recently had the pleasure of completing a remarkable backyard makeover that presented us with some exciting challenges and opportunities for creativity. Our clients wanted to revamp their backyard, focusing on enhancing functionality and creating a low-maintenance, beautiful outdoor space. One of the main objectives was to expand the usable patio area without the need to tear out and pour new concrete. To achieve this, we carefully considered the existing patio curves, respecting their unique shape and making the entire area look intentionally designed. Additionally, drainage was a crucial concern. We took the initiative to install proper drainage solutions to prevent water pooling and ensure the longevity of the space. Our client, an MMA enthusiast, had a specific request to elevate his training experience. To accommodate this, we designed a raised platform with putting-green turf, providing the ideal spot for his Body Opponent bag while maintaining a clean and mud-free training area. For the plant-loving homeowner, we incorporated beautiful Austin limestone chopped block raised beds with a central irrigation system. This resulted in aesthetically pleasing and low-maintenance raised planters, adding vibrant greenery and a touch of nature to the backyard. We utilized the pallet of paver bricks they already had on hand to create practical hardscape walking pads, connecting different areas of the backyard while seamlessly blending with the design. Despite the challenges, we successfully turned their backyard into a fully functional and inviting outdoor retreat. The space now embraces their passions, meets their desires, and offers a tranquil escape for relaxation and enjoyment.

An early 1900s Craftsman bungalow in an historic Saratoga Springs neighborhood gets a kitchen overhaul, respectful of the home’s heritage. By combining natural materials–such as quarter-sawn oak cabinetry, soapstone countertops, and handcrafted ceramic and glass tile–with vintage style and finishes–such as inset cabinet doors with exposed hinges, burnished antique hardware, and reproduction pendant lighting–Teakwood created a timeless kitchen, resurrecting its Arts & Crafts roots. Photos by Scott Bergmann Photography.

This summer bring the vacation to your family! Try some of these activities to indulge in all your backyard has to offer for the perfect #staycation getaway: 1. Gone Camping! Grab your tent and sleeping backs and transform your backyard into a campsite. Take this time to bond as a family and stargaze. Make sure to bring s’mores supplies! 2. Scavenger Hunt! Set up a fun scavenger hunt in your own backyard, equipped with a treasure map and traps. 3. BBQ Cook-Off! Choose your partner and get to work developing a tasty bbq meal sure to beat your opponents. Tip: creativity is always key to scoring extra points with the judges. Is your backyard #staycation ready? Contact us for a complimentary consultation for an exterior lighting solution suited for your needs: http://bit.ly/2Esq01m

John Wilbanks Photography
Trendy living room photo in Seattle

http://nicecellingdesigns.blogspot.com The Copernican Revolution The Copernican revolution was one of the most important steps forward in the advancement of our knowledge of the universe. The notion that the Earth is not the center of the universe, but actually is a planet, like Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, and therefore, moves through the heavens, was considered to be insane by most people. This theory contradicts what the bible says and what the church had taught since the days of the early church fathers. That the Earth is the center of the universe was considered to be so obvious that it would be insane to say it wasn't so. Obviously, the sun, moon, planets, and stars revolve around the Earth. A corollary to the Copernican theory is that day and night are caused by the fact that the Earth spins. Well this can't be so, people said. If the Earth was spinning around from west to east at the necessary speed, we would feel it. Not understanding inertia, people, even educated people made the argument that if the Eartmovie spinning and you jumped straight up, you would land somewhat west of the spot you jumped from. Copernicus was certainly not the first to suggest that the Earth revolves around the sun. The idea had been discussed in ancient Greece, most notably by Aristarchus. There had even been a few European men who had suggested a sun-centered universe a century or so before Copernicus. What distinguishes Copernicus's account is his detailed mathematical analyses of the consequences of the Earth's motion around the sun. It was in large part, because his tables of the planets' positions differed significantly from the tables produced by an Earth-centered system, thus enabling his theory to be checked in the long run, that his theory was eventually accepted. The errors that accumulated in his heliocentric (sun-centered) system were much smaller than the errors that accumulated in the geocentric (Earth-centered) system. Of all of the great ideas in history, this notion, set forth by Nicholas Copernicus, in his book, De Revolutionibus Orbium Caelestium in 1543, was probably the most important, for its consequences were so far reaching. It set off a huge wave of controversy. At first it was just a ripple. But this ripple soon grew into a huge tidal wave of opposition to this heretical idea. In order to appreciate why this idea was so vehemently opposed, one needs to understand the official cosmology of the church and its reasons for promoting this cosmology. This cosmology was largely derived from Dante's Divine Comedy, which itself was, ironically, derived partly from Muslim teachings. The fact that the Earth is a sphere is taken for granted in Dante's work. It had been know since the time of Aristotle that the Earth is a sphere. (Actually it is a slightly distorted sphere, being fatter at the equator, but that discovery had to wait until Dominco Cassini) Circa 500BCE Aristotle set forth a clear and cogent argument for the spherical shape of the Earth. He pointed out that when ships disappear over the horizon, the main body of the boat disappears from view first, then the bottom of the mast, then the top. Also, people on ships see the bottoms of mountains disappear before the tops, as they sail away from the shore. This is a better argument than seeing the mast of a ship disappear after the bottom is no longer visible because it is hard to believe that the small ships of that time would be anything more than a dot on the horizon to a viewer on land. And why should there be a horizon at all if the Earth is flat? Aristotle also pointed out that when one city views a solar or lunar eclipse as occurring , say, thirty degrees above the eastern horizon, another city, farther east, would report the same eclipse as occurring higher in the sky. Cities much further west would report no eclipse at all. He pointed out the absurdity of believing that there were two separate eclipses on the same day, each visible by one city and not the other. Even with an Earth-centered solar system, it was obvious that this could not be so. And he also pointed out, that travelers have long known that the North Star gets higher in the sky as one travels in a northerly direction. It was probably common knowledge before Aristotle that the Earth is a sphere. He was merely able to present the evidence more clearly and concisely than anyone else. Dante paints a vivid picture of the universe, with the Earth at its center, hell being located in the very center of the Earth, and heaven, above. There are nine concentric spheres of hell, the innermost, being the most corrupt and horrible of them all, and the very center of the universe. Above the Earth's surface, there are nice concentric spheres of heaven. Why nine? First there are seven concentric spheres, one for each naked eye planet and one each for the sun and moon. Beyond that, there is the sphere of the stars. A ninth sphere was added by the Muslims to account for the precession of the equinoxes. The hero in Dante's story descends progressively through all of the spheres of the Earth until he is in the very pits of hell. He comes out on the other side of the Earth, where purgatory is located, and then he ascends progressively through all of the heavenly spheres until he reaches the last one, the very throne of God. This picture of the universe has man in an intermediary position, above the abode of the damned, yet within sight of heaven. This picture, with the demons below, the worst demon of all, Satan, in the very center, and the angels above, being progressively more angelic as one ascends through the heavenly spheres, places mankind in a precarious position, tempted by evil from below, inspired by divinity from above. This view of the universe was so congruent with Christian doctrine that it would not easily yield to a new view of the universe no matter how much evidence there may be in support of a new view. Ever since its publication, the cosmology of Dante's book had been an important part of the theology of the Church, both Catholic and Protestant. With mankind's position, balanced precariously between heaven and hell, it painted a vivid picture and reinforced the basic belief system of the church. Morality, cosmology, and theology were completely intertwined. At first the opposition came only from Protestant circles. One of the first to speak out against this new heresy was Martin Luther. He called Copernicus a fool, pointing out, that the biblical story of Joshua clearly states that Joshua commanded the sun to stand still, not the Earth. Other Protestants soon joined in. Calvin cited the opening verse of psalm 93-"The Earth is stabilized that it cannot be moved." Church officials began to search the bible with a fine tooth comb, looking for passages that "prove" Copernicus is wrong. Eventually the Catholic Church joined in the battle, banning Copernicus's book in the year 1610. Copernicus's heliocentric theory was so violently opposed, not so much because it contradicted the bible, which it does, but because it made nonsense out of the official theology of Christianity. After all, the bible clearly describes the world as being flat, and its true shape had been known centuries before Hebrew scribes began to write the Jewish Bible, or Old Testament, as it is called by Christians. This should have been a cause for some caution in using the bible to "prove" that the Earth is the center of the universe. The church officials knew good and well that the bible was never meant to be taken literally, but were not averse to using literal interpretations when it proved useful their argument. Here are the main objections to the heliocentric theory, as pointed out by the pope himself. If Earth is just another planet, circling the sun with the other planets, how can the Earth be a place of iniquity and sin, with devils below and angels above? He said that Copernicus's theory makes a mockery of the ascension of Christ, because if the Earth is orbiting the sun, how could Christ have ascended up to heaven? If the stars are not the lights of heaven, but actually other suns, as the theory suggests, then God, in His infinite goodness, would have created inhabitants on them too. How could Christ have died for the sins of all of the inhabitants of these other planets? Many Copernicans believed that the universe was infinite. This was one of the worst heresies of all. If the universe is infinite, then where can the throne of God be located? No wonder the pope said that the Copernican heresy is the greatest threat there has ever been to Christianity and should be wiped out at all costs. In 1610 Galileo went public with his own support of the heliocentric theory. He had observed that Venus goes through phases like the moon, and that these phases are in synch with its position relative to the sun. He also observed that Jupiter has four moons orbiting it, which contradicts an important argument of the Church. The opponents of the heliocentric theory said that the moon can't be orbiting the Earth at the same time the Earth orbits the sun because God would not make things so complicated, and no one disagreed that the moon orbits the Earth. The phases of Venus had been correctly predicted by supporters of the heliocentric theory before Galileo had observed them. And the moons of Jupiter made it clear that objects can be orbiting another object, which itself is in orbit around the sun. Galileo was put on trial and put under house arrest to effectively shut him up. The church considered him a big threat to their power because he was very vocal about the heliocentric theory and in fact had uncovered good evidence in its favor. Almost four centuries later, the Catholic Church officially apologized for the imprisonment of Galileo. Eventually most Protestant sects were persuaded by the evidence. By the middle of the seventeenth century the accumulating evidence was too great to ignore. But the Catholic Church held its ban until 1822 on any books that espoused the heliocentric theory or treated the Earth's motion as a reality. One objection to the heliocentric theory had been the lack of any observed stellar parallax. If the Earth orbits the sun, then the stars should shift their positions as the Earth moves in its orbit. If accurate measurements of a star's position are made six months apart, then a noticeable shift in the star's position should be apparent. Despite many attempts to view stellar parallax, none was seen. This bolstered the Church's argument against the heliocentric theory. For no parallax to be observed, the stars must be incredibly far away, and most people were not willing to believe that God would waste so much space by putting the stars so far apart. Measuring stellar parallax became the holy grail of astronomy. Though there was enough evidence for the heliocentric theory by mid seventeenth century to convince all but the most die-hard fanatics, stellar parallax was not observed until 1838. In principle, if a star's position is carefully measured at six month intervals, then the diameter of the Earth's orbit becomes a baseline from which simple trigonometry will give the distance to the star. It turns out that the stars are much farther away and farther apart from each other than almost anyone in the sixteenth or seventeenth century was willing to believe. I believe that the true implications of heliocentricity have not been fully realized by most people, especially those who are prone to believing a literal interpretation of religious scripture. The number of stars in the known universe is beyond our ability to comprehend. The number of planets, of course, is unknown, but is almost certainly an incredibly huge number. The Earth is an insignificant speck in an unimaginably vast universe.

The antique printer cabinets have been fitted for duel gaming devices that can play each other or play opponent through the network.
Family room - mid-sized rustic open concept medium tone wood floor and brown floor family room idea in Nashville with beige walls, no fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Wrestling is this family’s sport. Applying lessons from the mat, this couple won their dream kitchen. Similar to pinning one’s opponent, the remodeling process takes visualization, determination, and keeping one’s eye on the prize. These clients came to us with a clear vision of their new kitchen. They knew what they wanted it to look like and how they needed the space to function for their family. Their goal was to transform an outdated floor plan that included a dark, small kitchen into a bright, open space with counters galore, an island with seating and room for a large dining table. The couple had recently purchased this home from the husband’s parents. This was where he was raised. The family home was very special to them and now it was time to make it ‘theirs’. Just as in focus as their vision, was their budget. They knew it was tight, but were willing to make reasonable concessions. Walls were removed, flooring changed and the new kitchen switched places with the dining area. This change allowed the sun porch to become more inviting, an unexpected bonus. Semi-custom cabinetry, in contrasting paint colors, and quartz counter tops brighten the space. The galley design with island seating makes cooking for the family and entertaining larger groups enjoyable. The entire process was smooth and the result aesthetically fabulous with all the function they desired. This project was one of our favorites because we were thrilled to be able to help provide this dream kitchen on a budget to some of the very nicest clients, a winning result for all. Matt Villano Photography

The Home A family heirloom full of warm memories passed down for generations to come greets you after opening the beautiful knotty alder front door. The rear staircase and separate back entrance allows for multi-generations to share this home. The Eagles Nest is a place for all to land. The five bedroom, four bath mountain modern plan offers several areas for relaxing and entertaining. Upon entering, you are welcomed by the warmth of the beams, hickory floors and inviting fireplace. The overall environment gently whispers, “come in, sit down and relax”. The back staircase off the kitchen leads you to a private oasis. The lower level is designed to serve two purposes. It can be a separate living quarter because of its private entrance, or an extension of the house for entertaining. The open floor plan maximizes square footage for all to enjoy and partake, or for one to find their own quiet space. The Builder We build your dreams is the heartfelt motto of Murphy’s Custom Homes, and that’s because we take great pride in crafting homes that reflect the individuality of the people who live in them. With more than 35 years of experience and passion, Murphy’s Custom Homes personally crafts clients’ dream homes by combining their ideas with our expert design team, experience, the environmental elements of the land, quality construction techniques and state-of-the-art products. We are committed to our clients’ satisfaction during every step of the homebuilding process — from the development of ideas and acquiring land — until the final celebration of walking through the front door and seeing those dreams fulfilled. View a full gallery of our work at murphyscustomhomes.com or call 719-488-8818. The Interior Design Inspired by nature’s palette and a touch of modern, the Eagles Nest is a calm haven of earth tones and casual elegance. The interior is an inviting blend of subtle neutrals and pops of color, combined with metals, textures, and fine finishes, creating a transitional rustic design. Entertain guests in the large downstairs rec room with a glass of wine at the built-in bar, or take on an opponent with a game of foosball. The homeowners joined forces with Caprice King at Upstage Furniture Consignments to paint the pallet of the home. Caprice King staged the home with additional furnishings and accessories, lending the home a designer’s touch while utilizing her spatial expertise and attention to detail.

Wrestling is this family’s sport. Applying lessons from the mat, this couple won their dream kitchen. Similar to pinning one’s opponent, the remodeling process takes visualization, determination, and keeping one’s eye on the prize. These clients came to us with a clear vision of their new kitchen. They knew what they wanted it to look like and how they needed the space to function for their family. Their goal was to transform an outdated floor plan that included a dark, small kitchen into a bright, open space with counters galore, an island with seating and room for a large dining table. The couple had recently purchased this home from the husband’s parents. This was where he was raised. The family home was very special to them and now it was time to make it ‘theirs’. Just as in focus as their vision, was their budget. They knew it was tight, but were willing to make reasonable concessions. Walls were removed, flooring changed and the new kitchen switched places with the dining area. This change allowed the sun porch to become more inviting, an unexpected bonus. Semi-custom cabinetry, in contrasting paint colors, and quartz counter tops brighten the space. The galley design with island seating makes cooking for the family and entertaining larger groups enjoyable. The entire process was smooth and the result aesthetically fabulous with all the function they desired. This project was one of our favorites because we were thrilled to be able to help provide this dream kitchen on a budget to some of the very nicest clients, a winning result for all. Matt Villano Photography

The Home A family heirloom full of warm memories passed down for generations to come greets you after opening the beautiful knotty alder front door. The rear staircase and separate back entrance allows for multi-generations to share this home. The Eagles Nest is a place for all to land. The five bedroom, four bath mountain modern plan offers several areas for relaxing and entertaining. Upon entering, you are welcomed by the warmth of the beams, hickory floors and inviting fireplace. The overall environment gently whispers, “come in, sit down and relax”. The back staircase off the kitchen leads you to a private oasis. The lower level is designed to serve two purposes. It can be a separate living quarter because of its private entrance, or an extension of the house for entertaining. The open floor plan maximizes square footage for all to enjoy and partake, or for one to find their own quiet space. The Builder We build your dreams is the heartfelt motto of Murphy’s Custom Homes, and that’s because we take great pride in crafting homes that reflect the individuality of the people who live in them. With more than 35 years of experience and passion, Murphy’s Custom Homes personally crafts clients’ dream homes by combining their ideas with our expert design team, experience, the environmental elements of the land, quality construction techniques and state-of-the-art products. We are committed to our clients’ satisfaction during every step of the homebuilding process — from the development of ideas and acquiring land — until the final celebration of walking through the front door and seeing those dreams fulfilled. View a full gallery of our work at murphyscustomhomes.com or call 719-488-8818. The Interior Design Inspired by nature’s palette and a touch of modern, the Eagles Nest is a calm haven of earth tones and casual elegance. The interior is an inviting blend of subtle neutrals and pops of color, combined with metals, textures, and fine finishes, creating a transitional rustic design. Entertain guests in the large downstairs rec room with a glass of wine at the built-in bar, or take on an opponent with a game of foosball. The homeowners joined forces with Caprice King at Upstage Furniture Consignments to paint the pallet of the home. Caprice King staged the home with additional furnishings and accessories, lending the home a designer’s touch while utilizing her spatial expertise and attention to detail.

The Home A family heirloom full of warm memories passed down for generations to come greets you after opening the beautiful knotty alder front door. The rear staircase and separate back entrance allows for multi-generations to share this home. The Eagles Nest is a place for all to land. The five bedroom, four bath mountain modern plan offers several areas for relaxing and entertaining. Upon entering, you are welcomed by the warmth of the beams, hickory floors and inviting fireplace. The overall environment gently whispers, “come in, sit down and relax”. The back staircase off the kitchen leads you to a private oasis. The lower level is designed to serve two purposes. It can be a separate living quarter because of its private entrance, or an extension of the house for entertaining. The open floor plan maximizes square footage for all to enjoy and partake, or for one to find their own quiet space. The Builder We build your dreams is the heartfelt motto of Murphy’s Custom Homes, and that’s because we take great pride in crafting homes that reflect the individuality of the people who live in them. With more than 35 years of experience and passion, Murphy’s Custom Homes personally crafts clients’ dream homes by combining their ideas with our expert design team, experience, the environmental elements of the land, quality construction techniques and state-of-the-art products. We are committed to our clients’ satisfaction during every step of the homebuilding process — from the development of ideas and acquiring land — until the final celebration of walking through the front door and seeing those dreams fulfilled. View a full gallery of our work at murphyscustomhomes.com or call 719-488-8818. The Interior Design Inspired by nature’s palette and a touch of modern, the Eagles Nest is a calm haven of earth tones and casual elegance. The interior is an inviting blend of subtle neutrals and pops of color, combined with metals, textures, and fine finishes, creating a transitional rustic design. Entertain guests in the large downstairs rec room with a glass of wine at the built-in bar, or take on an opponent with a game of foosball. The homeowners joined forces with Caprice King at Upstage Furniture Consignments to paint the pallet of the home. Caprice King staged the home with additional furnishings and accessories, lending the home a designer’s touch while utilizing her spatial expertise and attention to detail.