This recently retired client of ours wanted a complete backyard renovation to create a space she could enjoy in her retirement. A decorative sand-finish concrete patio was designed to provide adequate space for dining and relaxing. A fire pit area was created for her to enjoy evening gatherings under the stars. A 36″ Lunar firepit by Elementi was chosen as the focal point of the space. An 18″ high segmental Strassen block seat wall by Borgert Products was created to surround the firepit. Discrete low-voltage landscape lighting by Unique Lighting was installed under the capstones of the seat wall to enhance the space’s warm nighttime ambiance. An 11” octagonal patio umbrella by Shademaker was installed to provide shade for hot summer days. Our client’s AC condenser unit was relocated and screened to create a quieter yard. Downspouts were converted into underground drains. The planting selection for the project included a Russian Hawthorn tree, ‘Bowl of Beauty’ Peony, Red Hot Poker, ‘Arctic Fire’ Dogwood, ‘Panchito’ Manzanita, Dwarf Burning Bush, Variegated Iris, and ‘Stella d’Oro’ Daylily.

This recently retired client of ours wanted a complete backyard renovation to create a space she could enjoy in her retirement. A decorative sand-finish concrete patio was designed to provide adequate space for dining and relaxing. A fire pit area was created for her to enjoy evening gatherings under the stars. A 36″ Lunar firepit by Elementi was chosen as the focal point of the space. An 18″ high segmental Strassen block seat wall by Borgert Products was created to surround the firepit. Discrete low-voltage landscape lighting by Unique Lighting was installed under the capstones of the seat wall to enhance the space’s warm nighttime ambiance. An 11” octagonal patio umbrella by Shademaker was installed to provide shade for hot summer days. Our client’s AC condenser unit was relocated and screened to create a quieter yard. Downspouts were converted into underground drains. The planting selection for the project included a Russian Hawthorn tree, ‘Bowl of Beauty’ Peony, Red Hot Poker, ‘Arctic Fire’ Dogwood, ‘Panchito’ Manzanita, Dwarf Burning Bush, Variegated Iris, and ‘Stella d’Oro’ Daylily.

This 54" solid wood Brunswick’s Centennial game table (Chestnut Finish) features a man-made leather playing surface that resists spills, generous chip holders, and deep beverage holders with Brunswick coasters. Flipping the playing surface over reveals a dining top with beautiful inlays. A storage area underneath the table conveniently holds gaming accessories. Available in espresso, traditional cherry and chestnut finishes.

Pineapple Popsicle is a versatile re-blooming perennial that will fill your garden with clear yellow flowers spikes from June through October. Great for adding height and structure to a mixed border, container, or cut flower arrangement. Features Feature/Bloom Abundant yellow flowers rebloom summer through fall Evergreen or Deciduous herbaceous USDA Zones Hardy to -10°F USDA 6, 7, 8, 9 Sunset Zones 4-24 Special Features Attracts birds/butterfles, deer resistant, reblooming, dwarf, water-wise, fall blooming Landscape Use Border, bed, mass planting Exposure Full sun Bloom Season Summer, fall Dimension 14-26 in H x 25 in W Growth Rate Moderate to fast Plant Type herbaceous About the Collection Brought to you by the authority on Western gardening, the Sunset Western Garden Collection is an exclusive plant collection of top performing plants for the Western Gardener.

The wine and game room at Mountain Majestic by Fox Construction in Steamboat Springs features floor-to-ceiling wood wine racks, a custom octagonal game table, and leather club chairs. Decorative pendant lights, warm plaster walls, and built-in cigar storage create a rich, lodge-inspired entertaining space.

The eclectic living room features a mini bar with dark wood cabinets and a wine and beer fridge - an authentic man cave.
Example of an eclectic home bar design in Miami

Naperville, IL Residence by Charles Vincent George Architects www.cvgarchitects.com Photographs by Tony Soluri
Home bar - transitional home bar idea in Chicago

Two Birds Photography
Kids' room - transitional kids' room idea in Chicago

This week’s Home of the week is by Smith Custom Building and Design. This featured home is built on a 5 acre lot in the new cedar tree filled community also by Smith Custom Building and Design. This home has approximately 8,636 square feet of living space and 13,837 total. This house consists of five bedroom, six bathrooms and one-half bath. It also has an oversized kitchen with a butler's pantry, a game room, media room, library, poker room, wine cellar, office and guest quarters with their own living room and kitchen. The home has a 2,400 square foot back porch that wraps around and gives each room its own back porch space accessible by their custom double doors. This home also features a six-car garage. This home has been individually designed with the client's lifestyle in mind. Entering the modern farmhouse-style home, you are met by the grand formal dining room with a wine cellar big enough to hold all of your favorite wines. The library included floor-to-ceiling glass walls. The home has high ceilings throughout with custom trim work and each room has its own unique detail. You will find custom craft cabinets throughout with beautiful high end counter tops, a cast stone fireplace and cathedral-style groin vaulted ceilings down the primary wing. The owner of this unique custom home is willing to allow Smith Custom Building and Design to have future clients see the attention to detail and grand work of their custom home. If you are interested in touring this house, please schedule an appointment through our website, http://www.SmithCustomLLC.com or contact us at the number below. Smith Custom Building and Design gives you the option to sit down with the in-house Architect to design your dream house customized to the lifestyle you crave. Creating a one-of-a-kind custom home that meets your every need and want. These homes can be built on the customer's lots or on a lot Smith Custom Building and Design provides. Smith Custom Building and Design builds custom homes throughout the DFW and the surrounding areas with most of their homes being within 45 minutes of their office in Rockwall, Tx. You can find out more about Smith Custom Building and Design by visiting their website at www.SmithCustomLLC.com or by going to their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SmithCustomBuildingAndDesign/. For further information or to schedule an appointment please contact Smith Custom Building and Design at 903-229-1025. This Home of the Week is presented by the Dallas Builders Association. For information on the Association please visit www.dallasbuilders.com.

Gorgeous master bath finished with Dal-Tile's Fabrique porcelain tile in the color Noir Linen polished. Tile size is 12"x24" installed in a brick joint pattern. The floor boasts underfloor heating on a timed thermostat.

Chris Golden
Inspiration for a transitional carpeted living room remodel in Phoenix with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace

A fun, hip kitchen with a mid-century modern vibe. The homeowners wanted a kitchen to make them happy. We think you can't help but smile! NEXT Project Studio Jerry Voloski

Inspiration for a modern kitchen remodel in Los Angeles with flat-panel cabinets and light wood cabinets

The Whistle Hill Residence anchors a ten home modern development and introduces a refined contemporary language to the region. Clean lines, controlled massing, and expansive glazing allow the home to sit confidently within its wooded site while maintaining sensitivity to the natural landscape. Strategic elevation changes and selective steel framing create open spans and cantilevered forms without sacrificing envelope performance. Below grade, the design integrates a full wellness program—including a massage room, sauna, and locker area—supported by multi-zone mechanical controls, advanced vapor management, and acoustically isolated assemblies. The level also features a recreation area with a mini bar, poker lounge, and substantial built-in storage, all finished to create a warm, spa-like environment. On the main level, the open kitchen and living area transition seamlessly to a protected patio with retractable screens and high-performance sliders, enabling year-round indoor–outdoor living. A private master wing includes dual closets, an electric fireplace, an oversized walk-in shower, and a secluded patio. Supporting spaces such as the office with custom millwork, walk-in pantry, and mudroom with laundry are integrated along a clear circulation spine. The upper floors continue the home’s emphasis on clarity and light. Two third-floor bedrooms with walk-in closets share a spacious bath, while the rooftop level offers more than 1,500 square feet of engineered outdoor living space with sweeping woodland views and direct access to a greenhouse. With its performance-driven detailing, thoughtful spatial organization, and modern architectural expression, the Whistle Hill Residence establishes a new benchmark for contemporary residential design in the area. The project is a partnership with DHB Homes.

Custom leaded glass panel used for privacy and charm in small window of front entry door. Glass: clear textured glass (granite, 1/16" reed, beveled glue chip) and beveled glass Lead: 3/16" rounded Size: 1 @ ~8" x 18" x 1/4" thick *This product was commissioned and made-to-order. If you're interested in this design, let's chat! We can recreate it for you to your specified dimensions, or we can discuss any design changes you'd like, as well as additional options for materials (glass texture, color, lead size, etc.). Reach out to hello@legacyglass.com to get started!

The Whistle Hill Residence anchors a ten home modern development and introduces a refined contemporary language to the region. Clean lines, controlled massing, and expansive glazing allow the home to sit confidently within its wooded site while maintaining sensitivity to the natural landscape. Strategic elevation changes and selective steel framing create open spans and cantilevered forms without sacrificing envelope performance. Below grade, the design integrates a full wellness program—including a massage room, sauna, and locker area—supported by multi-zone mechanical controls, advanced vapor management, and acoustically isolated assemblies. The level also features a recreation area with a mini bar, poker lounge, and substantial built-in storage, all finished to create a warm, spa-like environment. On the main level, the open kitchen and living area transition seamlessly to a protected patio with retractable screens and high-performance sliders, enabling year-round indoor–outdoor living. A private master wing includes dual closets, an electric fireplace, an oversized walk-in shower, and a secluded patio. Supporting spaces such as the office with custom millwork, walk-in pantry, and mudroom with laundry are integrated along a clear circulation spine. The upper floors continue the home’s emphasis on clarity and light. Two third-floor bedrooms with walk-in closets share a spacious bath, while the rooftop level offers more than 1,500 square feet of engineered outdoor living space with sweeping woodland views and direct access to a greenhouse. With its performance-driven detailing, thoughtful spatial organization, and modern architectural expression, the Whistle Hill Residence establishes a new benchmark for contemporary residential design in the area. The project is a partnership with DHB Homes.

Home design - transitional home design idea in Wichita

Inspiration for a transitional home design remodel in Minneapolis