The design of this home was driven by the owners’ desire for a three-bedroom waterfront home that showcased the spectacular views and park-like setting. As nature lovers, they wanted their home to be organic, minimize any environmental impact on the sensitive site and embrace nature. This unique home is sited on a high ridge with a 45° slope to the water on the right and a deep ravine on the left. The five-acre site is completely wooded and tree preservation was a major emphasis. Very few trees were removed and special care was taken to protect the trees and environment throughout the project. To further minimize disturbance, grades were not changed and the home was designed to take full advantage of the site’s natural topography. Oak from the home site was re-purposed for the mantle, powder room counter and select furniture. The visually powerful twin pavilions were born from the need for level ground and parking on an otherwise challenging site. Fill dirt excavated from the main home provided the foundation. All structures are anchored with a natural stone base and exterior materials include timber framing, fir ceilings, shingle siding, a partial metal roof and corten steel walls. Stone, wood, metal and glass transition the exterior to the interior and large wood windows flood the home with light and showcase the setting. Interior finishes include reclaimed heart pine floors, Douglas fir trim, dry-stacked stone, rustic cherry cabinets and soapstone counters. Exterior spaces include a timber-framed porch, stone patio with fire pit and commanding views of the Occoquan reservoir. A second porch overlooks the ravine and a breezeway connects the garage to the home. Numerous energy-saving features have been incorporated, including LED lighting, on-demand gas water heating and special insulation. Smart technology helps manage and control the entire house. Greg Hadley Photography

Carl Staub
Laundry room - contemporary laundry room idea in Cleveland

Landmark Photography
Large transitional l-shaped slate floor seated home bar photo in Minneapolis with solid surface countertops, gray backsplash and gray countertops

Stunning outdoor living with infinity edge pool and view overlooking the river. Alan Wycheck Photography
Inspiration for a rustic brown two-story stone house exterior remodel with a shingle roof

This Washington Park Residence sits on a bluff with easterly views of Lake Washington and the Cascades beyond. The house has a restrained presence on the street side and opens to the views with floor to ceiling windows looking east. A limited palette of concrete, steel, wood and stone create a serenity in the home and on its terraces. The house features a ground source heat pump system for cooling and a green roof to manage storm water runoff. Photo by Aaron Leitz

Lara Swimmer Photography http://www.swimmerphoto.com/
Urban built-in desk home office photo in Seattle with gray walls

This cluster of two cottage courts is the National Association of Home Builders 50+ Housing Award winner. The cottages are simple yet elegant and are geared toward todays 50+ lifestyle. The Cottages are located within the Village at Saluda River Club. A NAHB BALA award winning community also planned by Allison Ramsey Architects.

Living room - contemporary open concept living room idea in Minneapolis with a media wall

Residential Condominium Overlooking Michigan Avenue and Millennium Park, Gust Bedroom interior. Glen Lusby Interiors is a Luxe interiors+design Magazine National Gold List Firm & Designer on Call at the Design Center, Chicago Merchandise Mart. Call 773-761-6950 for your complimentary visit. Photography: Glen Lusby & Ross Carlson

Beautiful deck off the back of this home with a detached, screened in Gazebo with Eze Breeze. Light colored Trex Transcends composite decking and black aluminum rails help to round out this deck and gazebo that overlook the lake.

Edward C. Butera
Example of a large minimalist open concept marble floor living room design in Miami with beige walls, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv

Set upon an oversized and highly sought-after creekside lot in Brentwood, this ​two story home and full guest home exude a casual, contemporary farmhouse style and vibe. The main residence boasts 5 bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms, each ensuite with thoughtful touches that accentuate the home’s overall classic finishes. The master retreat opens to a large balcony overlooking the yard accented by mature bamboo and palms. Other features of the main house include European white oak floors, recessed lighting, built in speaker system, attached 2-car garage and a laundry room with 2 sets of state-of-the-art Samsung washers and dryers. The bedroom suite on the first floor enjoys its own entrance, making it ideal for guests. The open concept kitchen features Calacatta marble countertops, Wolf appliances, wine storage, dual sinks and dishwashers and a walk-in butler’s pantry. The loggia is accessed via La Cantina bi-fold doors that fully open for year-round alfresco dining on the terrace, complete with an outdoor fireplace. The wonderfully imagined yard contains a sparkling pool and spa and a crisp green lawn and lovely deck and patio areas. Step down further to find the detached guest home, which was recognized with a Decade Honor Award by the Los Angeles Chapter of the AIA in 2006, and, in fact, was a frequent haunt of Frank Gehry who inspired its cubist design. The guest house has a bedroom and bathroom, living area, a newly updated kitchen and is surrounded by lush landscaping that maximizes its creekside setting, creating a truly serene oasis.

This 6,500-square-foot one-story vacation home overlooks a golf course with the San Jacinto mountain range beyond. The house has a light-colored material palette—limestone floors, bleached teak ceilings—and ample access to outdoor living areas. Builder: Bradshaw Construction Architect: Marmol Radziner Interior Design: Sophie Harvey Landscape: Madderlake Designs Photography: Roger Davies

Tony Colangelo
Example of a transitional kitchen design in Vancouver

The new kitchen features custom shaker cabinets, quartz calacatta Laza countertops and backspace and light hardwood floors (all from Spazio LA Tile Gallery), two custom walnut veneer with recessed strip lights, bronze finish fixtures, apron sink and lighting fixtures from Restoration Hardware.

Screened porch overlooking backyard pool in a suburban home. The porch has screens in the summer and glass panels in the winter. The casual beachy feel is conveyed through the board and batten wall, Douglas fir ceiling beams, brick flooring and wicker furniture with blue and white striped cushions. Accents of red add a patriotic flavor.

Enclosed kitchen - mid-sized cottage u-shaped brick floor enclosed kitchen idea in Burlington with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, distressed cabinets, marble countertops, beige backsplash, ceramic backsplash, paneled appliances and an island

Contemporary Condominium Overlooking Michigan Avenue & Lake Michigan, Master bedroom. Glen Lusby Interiors is a Luxe interiors+design Magazine National Gold List Firm & Designer on Call at the Design Center, Chicago Merchandise Mart. Call 773-761-6950 for your complimentary visit. Photography: Ross Carlson Glen Lusby Interiors

The balcony and functional roof of this modern family home overlook the ocean. One can also enjoy the ocean from inside the home with its floor-to-ceiling windows.