Daylilies (Hemerocallis) have been used in Oriental cuisines for centuries. The young buds are edible, provided they are grown in uncontaminated, organic soil. They come in a wide variety of colours, ranging from brilliant reds to cool whites and even bicolours! The flowers could also be used as table decoration for a tropical theme, but remember that the individual flowers only last for a day! On the other hand, the plant as a whole has an extended period of bloom, spanning from July to September in our growing zone.

New kitchen for an old (100+ years!) house. This kitchen was last remodeled in the 70s and had dark laminate cabinets and a low sofit. The owners wanted more storage space, a brighter space, more room and a design in keeping with the style and period of the original home. The end result is definitely not a kitchen from 1900, but it fits the feel of the house, including reproducing the original crown molding.

For this 1890s historic home in Burlington’s hill section, homeowners needed to update a master bath last renovated in the 1950s. The goal was in incorporate modern, state-of-the-art amenities while restoring the style of the original architecture. Working within the confines of the room’s modest size, we were able to carve out space for a double walk-in shower, an air jetted chromatherapy tub with a custom mahogany deck and a charming vintage style console sink. The custom cabinetry, paneled wainscoting, doors and trim we designer for this project replicated the period millwork of the home, while the polished nickel fittings provided state-of-the-art function with vintage style. Above the tub we added an interior stained glass window that referenced other such period windows in the home.

For this 1890s historic home in Burlington’s hill section, homeowners needed to update a master bath last renovated in the 1950s. The goal was in incorporate modern, state-of-the-art amenities while restoring the style of the original architecture. Working within the confines of the room’s modest size, we were able to carve out space for a double walk-in shower, an air jetted chromatherapy tub with a custom mahogany deck and a charming vintage style console sink. The custom cabinetry, paneled wainscoting, doors and trim we designer for this project replicated the period millwork of the home, while the polished nickel fittings provided state-of-the-art function with vintage style. Above the tub we added an interior stained glass window that referenced other such period windows in the home.

This ipe deck will last 50+ years with no maintenance necessary. You can choose to seal it periodically and it will keep its natural color, or let it fade to a silver-gray hue.

Nantucket Island and traditional architecture was the inspiration for this kitchen redesign and renovation. All the cabinets along with the layout was design over a period of time with our client. We hand selected the finest quality finishes, appliances, and plumbing fixtures to make this kitchen last a lifetime.

The American Craftsman style grew in popularity at the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century. The style emphasized work done by hand over mass-production, keeping with a growing cultural ethos of that period. It focused on handmade, local and/or natural materials, simplicity and originality. Traditional Craftsman style homes would feature handcrafted stained or leaded glass, metalwork and wood. In 2017, the Craftsman is simplified and uncluttered but has kept its vigor for handcrafted, long-lasting elements. Unpretentious and comfortable, Craftsman homes are often low-profile, one-and-a-half stories that could be part of the landscape.

Bathroom design often focuses on the perfect paint color, plush towels, or chic accessories. Yet, the unsung hero of bathroom style — the door — remains a constant, setting the stage for your daily routines and personal retreat. The bathroom door is not just a functional element; it's a statement piece and a significant design feature that ties together the room's aesthetic. Unlike other elements you may refresh periodically, your bathroom door is a lasting investment that should harmonize with your bathroom and home's overall style.

For this 1890s historic home in Burlington’s hill section, homeowners needed to update a master bath last renovated in the 1950s. The goal was in incorporate modern, state-of-the-art amenities while restoring the style of the original architecture. Working within the confines of the room’s modest size, we were able to carve out space for a double walk-in shower, an air jetted chromatherapy tub with a custom mahogany deck and a charming vintage style console sink. The custom cabinetry, paneled wainscoting, doors and trim we designer for this project replicated the period millwork of the home, while the polished nickel fittings provided state-of-the-art function with vintage style. Above the tub we added an interior stained glass window that referenced other such period windows in the home.

For this 1890s historic home in Burlington’s hill section, homeowners needed to update a master bath last renovated in the 1950s. The goal was in incorporate modern, state-of-the-art amenities while restoring the style of the original architecture. Working within the confines of the room’s modest size, we were able to carve out space for a double walk-in shower, an air jetted chromatherapy tub with a custom mahogany deck and a charming vintage style console sink. The custom cabinetry, paneled wainscoting, doors and trim we designer for this project replicated the period millwork of the home, while the polished nickel fittings provided state-of-the-art function with vintage style. Above the tub we added an interior stained glass window that referenced other such period windows in the home.

The American Craftsman style grew in popularity at the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century. The style emphasized work done by hand over mass-production, keeping with a growing cultural ethos of that period. It focused on handmade, local and/or natural materials, simplicity and originality. Traditional Craftsman style homes would feature handcrafted stained or leaded glass, metalwork and wood. In 2017, the Craftsman is simplified and uncluttered but has kept its vigor for handcrafted, long-lasting elements. Unpretentious and comfortable, Craftsman homes are often low-profile, one-and-a-half stories that could be part of the landscape.

ActiveYards Arbor and Gate
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional full sun front yard mulch and vinyl fence formal garden in Raleigh for spring.

San Marino based clients were interested in developing a property that had been in their family for generations. This was an exciting proposition as it was one of the last surviving bayside double lots on the scenic Coronado peninsula in San Diego. They desired a holiday home that would be a gathering place for their large, close- knit family. San Marino based clients were interested in developing a property that had been in their family for generations. This was an exciting proposition as it was one of the last surviving bayside double lots on the scenic Coronado peninsula in San Diego. They desired a holiday home that would be a gathering place for their large, close-knit family. Facing the Back Bay, overlooking downtown and the Bay Bridge, this property presented us with a unique opportunity to design a vacation home with a dual personality. One side faces a bustling harbor with a constant parade of yachts, cargo vessels and military ships while the other opens onto a deep, quiet contemplative garden. The home’s shingle-style influence carries on the historical Coronado tradition of clapboard and Craftsman bungalows built in the shadow of the great Hotel Del Coronado which was erected at the turn of the last century. In order to create an informal feel to the residence, we devised a concept that eliminated the need for a “front door”. Instead, one walks through the garden and enters the “Great Hall” through either one of two French doors flanking a walk-in stone fireplace. Both two-story bedroom wings bookend this central wood beam vaulted room which serves as the “heart of the home”, and opens to both views. Three sets of stairs are discretely tucked away inside the bedroom wings. In lieu of a formal dining room, the family convenes and dines around a beautiful table and banquette set into a circular window bay off the kitchen which overlooks the lights of the city beyond the harbor. Working with noted interior designer Betty Ann Marshall, we designed a unique kitchen that was inspired by the colors and textures of a fossil the couple found on a honeymoon trip to the quarries of Montana. We set that ancient fossil into a matte glass backsplash behind the professional cook’s stove. A warm library with walnut paneling and a bayed window seat affords a refuge for the family to read or play board games. The couple’s fine craft and folk art collection is on prominent display throughout the house and helps to set an intimate and whimsical tone. Another architectural feature devoted to family is the play room lit by a dramatic cupola which beacons the older grandchildren and their friends. Below the play room is a four car garage that allows the patriarch space to refurbish an antique fire truck, a mahogany launch boat and several vintage cars. Their jet skis and kayaks are housed in another garage designed for that purpose. Lattice covered skylights that allow dappled sunlight to bathe the loggia affords a comfortable refuge to watch the kids swim and gaze out upon the rushing water, the Coronado Bay Bridge and the romantic downtown San Diego skyline. Architect: Ward Jewell Architect, AIA Interior Design: Betty Ann Marshall Construction: Bill Lyons Photographer: Laura Hull Styling: Zale Design Studio

Custom outdoor Screen Porch with Scandinavian accents, teak dining table, custom pillows, and amazing sconces and pendants
This is an example of a mid-sized rustic tile screened-in back porch design in Raleigh with a roof extension.

The American Craftsman style grew in popularity at the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century. The style emphasized work done by hand over mass-production, keeping with a growing cultural ethos of that period. It focused on handmade, local and/or natural materials, simplicity and originality. Traditional Craftsman style homes would feature handcrafted stained or leaded glass, metalwork and wood. In 2017, the Craftsman is simplified and uncluttered but has kept its vigor for handcrafted, long-lasting elements. Unpretentious and comfortable, Craftsman homes are often low-profile, one-and-a-half stories that could be part of the landscape.

The last update this bathroom had seen was in the 50's. We pulled the old formica counter and base and replaced it with one of the homeowners cabinets. We topped it with a remnant piece of black honed granite and then placed a wonderfully hefty marble vessel sink atop. The real splurge was a Brizo chrome faucet to help bring a bit of contemporary to space. The walls were in bad enough shape that it gave us license to throw a splash of wallpaper up to liven up the space. Classic dot tile round out the room and keep it feeling period. Photo~ Jared Saulnier

The American Craftsman style grew in popularity at the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century. The style emphasized work done by hand over mass-production, keeping with a growing cultural ethos of that period. It focused on handmade, local and/or natural materials, simplicity and originality. Traditional Craftsman style homes would feature handcrafted stained or leaded glass, metalwork and wood. In 2017, the Craftsman is simplified and uncluttered but has kept its vigor for handcrafted, long-lasting elements. Unpretentious and comfortable, Craftsman homes are often low-profile, one-and-a-half stories that could be part of the landscape.

The American Craftsman style grew in popularity at the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century. The style emphasized work done by hand over mass-production, keeping with a growing cultural ethos of that period. It focused on handmade, local and/or natural materials, simplicity and originality. Traditional Craftsman style homes would feature handcrafted stained or leaded glass, metalwork and wood. In 2017, the Craftsman is simplified and uncluttered but has kept its vigor for handcrafted, long-lasting elements. Unpretentious and comfortable, Craftsman homes are often low-profile, one-and-a-half stories that could be part of the landscape.