Finding a home is not easy in a seller’s market, but when my clients discovered one—even though it needed a bit of work—in a beautiful area of the Santa Cruz Mountains, they decided to jump in. Surrounded by old-growth redwood trees and a sense of old-time history, the house’s location informed the design brief for their desired remodel work. Yet I needed to balance this with my client’s preference for clean-lined, modern style. Suffering from a previous remodel, the galley-like bathroom in the master suite was long and dank. My clients were willing to completely redesign the layout of the suite, so the bathroom became the walk-in closet. We borrowed space from the bedroom to create a new, larger master bathroom which now includes a separate tub and shower. The look of the room nods to nature with organic elements like a pebbled shower floor and vertical accent tiles of honed green slate. A custom vanity of blue weathered wood and a ceiling that recalls the look of pressed tin evoke a time long ago when people settled this mountain region. At the same time, the hardware in the room looks to the future with sleek, modular shapes in a chic matte black finish. Harmonious, serene, with personality: just what my clients wanted. Photo: Bernardo Grijalva

Converted from an existing Tuff Shed garage, the Beech Haus ADU welcomes short stay guests in the heart of the bustling Williams Corridor neighborhood. Natural light dominates this self-contained unit, with windows on all sides, yet maintains privacy from the primary unit. Double pocket doors between the Living and Bedroom areas offer spatial flexibility to accommodate a variety of guests and preferences. And the open vaulted ceiling makes the space feel airy and interconnected, with a playful nod to its origin as a truss-framed garage. A play on the words Beach House, we approached this space as if it were a cottage on the coast. Durable and functional, with simplicity of form, this home away from home is cozied with curated treasures and accents. We like to personify it as a vacationer: breezy, lively, and carefree.

We are a Houston based company with 20 years of swimming pool building experience. With Signature Pools, building your vision of a “dream pool” can become a reality. A custom pool is more than just a place to swim. Your pool can be built to accommodate a visual pallet for backyard entertaining, a play pool for kids of all ages, or a tranquil escape made for relaxing. Allowing Signature Pools of Texas to upgrade, create, or renovate your backyard pool opens the door to many possibilities.

Many people visit Orlando to watch Disney world in its amazing grandeur however it is important to find vacation homes that will provide appropriate accommodation to them. Prior to the visit, one should log on to the website and book vacation homes online to get the best deals. Villa near the Crescent Lake is a prominent Orlando vacation rental home that would go a long way in providing best results to the users. It is situated two miles south of highway which consists of different restaurants and shops in the close vicinity. Dwelling unit is equipped with all the modern amenities such as TV, internet, Hot tub and a warm pool where people can relax after a daylong sightseeing. Rooms, kitchens and the bathrooms are spacious so that people could relax without any hassles. Free parking is available along with the Dryer and the DVD players. Another option is villa number 4 comprising of 2 master bedrooms and large 55 inch TV screen in the lounge. All the rooms are equipped with ceiling fans and air conditioners so that temperature could be regulated according to the requirements and the specifications of the visitors. For kids Nintendo and Play station could become a wonderful distraction after experiencing the ride in the amusement parks located in close vicinity. A huge lounge and dining area offer amazing comfort to the visitors who can hog onto multiple cuisines as per their demands and preferences. Moreover large patio along with the full equipped modern kitchen will help prepare food of different varieties. Villa occupies a huge area that can accommodate about 16 families. Special facilities for kids like child crib, travel crib and crib bedding help the parents to relax when their children are playing ore sleeping. In order to protect kids, Alarms are installed on all the doors leading to the swimming pool. Easy access is provided to the disabled people and telephone facilities allow people to make free local calls. Villa has an inbuilt laundry area that could be used to wash the clothes. Orlando is wonderful city with different sources of entertainment such as Disney world and innumerable clubs to enjoy the night life. Upon arrival to the tourist destination, you can rest in any of the vacation homes and proceed next day for sightseeing. For relaxation near the pool, cushion furniture are provided to the users apart from the Jacuzzi and spa facilities.

Your backyard has untapped potential. While lush lawns and colorful flower beds create a beautiful foundation, it's the hardscaping elements that truly define how you use and enjoy your outdoor space. For homeowners looking to elevate their property, understanding the art and function of hardscaping is the first step toward creating a backyard that works as hard as it looks.
What Is Hardscaping, Really?
Hardscaping refers to the non-living, structural components of landscape design. Think stone patios, retaining walls, fire pits, walkways, pergolas, and outdoor kitchens. These elements provide the bones of your outdoor living area, creating flow, function, and visual interest that softscaping alone cannot achieve.
Unlike planting beds that change with the seasons, hardscaping offers permanence. A well-designed stone walkway or paver patio will last decades with minimal maintenance, making it one of the smartest investments a homeowner can make in their property.
Defining Your Outdoor Lifestyle
Before breaking ground, consider how you actually want to live outdoors. Do you envision hosting summer dinner parties? A built-in outdoor kitchen and dining patio might be your priority. Prefer quiet evenings by the fire? A custom fire pit with built-in seating becomes your focal point. Families with children often gravitate toward expansive patios that leave room for play while maintaining sophisticated design.
The best hardscaping designs start with a clear purpose. Every wall, walkway, and surface should serve the way you intend to use the space. When function leads, beauty follows naturally.
Materials That Last
Choosing the right materials matters. Natural stone offers timeless elegance and unique character but comes at a premium. Concrete pavers provide versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness, with styles that convincingly mimic stone or brick. For modern aesthetics, porcelain pavers deliver sleek lines and exceptional weather resistance.
Regardless of material, proper installation is non-negotiable. A poorly laid patio will shift, sink, and crack within a few seasons. That's why experienced homeowners know that hardscaping services from a qualified professional protect both the investment and the result.
Creating Visual Flow
Successful hardscaping connects your home to its surroundings. The transition from indoor to outdoor should feel intentional, not abrupt. Using complementary materials, repeating design motifs, and establishing clear pathways helps your backyard feel like a natural extension of your living space.
Retaining walls can terrace sloped yards into usable, dramatic spaces. Stepping stones can guide visitors through garden areas. A pergola can define an outdoor room without closing it off. Each element plays a role in the overall composition.
Starting Your Project
If you're considering a backyard transformation, begin with a site assessment and a professional design consultation. Experienced hardscaping professionals can identify drainage issues, recommend materials suited to your climate, and create a phased plan that fits your budget and timeline.
Hardscaping isn't just about aesthetics — it's about creating an outdoor environment that enhances how you live. With thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship, your backyard becomes the best room in the house.

Converted from an existing Tuff Shed garage, the Beech Haus ADU welcomes short stay guests in the heart of the bustling Williams Corridor neighborhood. Natural light dominates this self-contained unit, with windows on all sides, yet maintains privacy from the primary unit. Double pocket doors between the Living and Bedroom areas offer spatial flexibility to accommodate a variety of guests and preferences. And the open vaulted ceiling makes the space feel airy and interconnected, with a playful nod to its origin as a truss-framed garage. A play on the words Beach House, we approached this space as if it were a cottage on the coast. Durable and functional, with simplicity of form, this home away from home is cozied with curated treasures and accents. We like to personify it as a vacationer: breezy, lively, and carefree.

The Mid-Levels of Hong Kong Island is one of the most prominent luxury residential areas. This project - Estoril Court in Mid-Levels Central is one of the rare heritage mansions in Hong Kong with a "thousand-year lease," comprising a total of 240 units. The young couple, with their two daughters, have settled here. For the wide experience husband, the most important aspect of a home is that it carries the "depth of love." His wife's preferences and the children's interests were frequently mentioned during this project. "I hope the design can break through conventions and avoid falling into the trap of popular but clichéd styles. Kyle and I resonate deeply on this point; we both pursue a 'more personal expression.' Family life should be relaxing, natural, and bringing joy to my family members." This residence features a square layout and excellent natural lighting, with a practicality rate of nearly 90%. However, its over 40-year-old structure poses numerous constraints on renovations. Adhering to the existing structure and the wisdom of geomancy, Karv One Design has re-examined the relationship among the landscape, windows, and functional flow within the home. They have integrated practicality, beauty, and self-expression into every corner, enhancing the happiness of living. Once stepping into the living room, you are greeted by Hong Kong's most spectacular vistas. The ever-changing scenery of Victoria Harbour, both day and night, the immense skyscrapers of different banks and commercial buildings and the panoramic views of the Peak are all within sight. The expansive dimensions of the living room are a response to the surrounding environment, providing ample space for family bonding and companionship, while also allowing the breathtaking skyline views to seamlessly integrate into daily life. Unlike traditional whole-house decoration, the design of Hong Kong homes emphasizes collage and customization. The minimalist aesthetic of the space corresponds to the luxurious craftsmanship and time costs involved. Elements such as natural stone, artistic paint, parquet flooring, wood veneer, and leather have all been meticulously coordinated in terms of color and proportion, while a significant amount of storage space has been cleverly concealed within the walls. The study room is deliberately positioned to one side of the living room, embracing the gentle stretch of sunlight. The arched iron partition, exuding a vintage flavor and traces of time, not only serves as a natural divider of space but also becomes a highlight of the interior decoration with its unique artistic form, creating a serene yet stylish atmosphere. It ensures privacy without compromising on openness, allowing the home owner to work in the study room while still keeping an eye on the children playing in the living room. Custom-made artisanal furniture offers a whole new expression of comfort and practicality to the space. The Giorgetti HUG armchair combines a sculptural sense of form with a flowing sense of shape. When natural light filters in, a rich artistic atmosphere permeates and grows within, making the home a place of tranquility and peace of mind. The fireplace plays a significant role in the dining room. In the warm climate of Hong Kong, the fireplace rarely serves a practical purpose; it is designed to create a cozy atmosphere for family gatherings. During the winter Christmas season, it will be adorned with gifts wrapped in beautiful paper, serving as a nostalgic reminder of memories and expressions of love. The original open-plan layout of the master bedroom has been reconfigured and divided. The ultimate goal of the enclosed space is to provide comfort and ease of sleep. The pale green color is also carefully coordinated, focusing on creating a serene and pleasant atmosphere. The combination of "green," "wood," and "metal elements" is based on Feng Shui considerations, serving to stabilize and concentrate the energy flow. The children's room is simple yet cozy, where sunlight awakens the space and transparent glass windows bring in the ocean view. The palette of pale blue and white adds warmth and vitality to the space, inspiring children's boundless imagination about the unknown world and giving them the courage to see mountains, seas, and the world beyond. The unique, customized storage design is cleverly hidden within the space, blending handicraft and industrial design. Adorned with delicate textures such as rounded corners and layered elements, the craftsmanship is meticulous and exquisite, demonstrating exceptional ingenuity. It adds a sense of depth and artistry to the visual experience. The lighting system in the space brings more enjoyable experiences to "living as you desire." The smart system caters to various states of living scenarios at different times, as well as to the subtle needs of ambient temperature, brightness, and tactile atmosphere. Whether it's solo time or family moments, day or night, everyone has a comfortable place to be. The "Estoril Court" project is a full-service case that last for 12 months. We had hundreds of communications and exchanges with the home owner, and continuously coordinated and collaborated with the property management, on-site construction and installation workers, manufacturers, and various suppliers, striving for perfection in craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail in execution. Finally, seeing the satisfied expressions of the home owner and their family, we felt that it was an ideal conveyance.

When it comes to transforming your living space, choosing the right floor mat for the living room can make all the difference. Floor mats not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home but also provide comfort and functionality. The right rugs for the living room can serve as a unifying element, tying together various design aspects and color schemes. From plush area rugs to chic accent pieces, these rugs create a cozy atmosphere where family and friends gather to relax and enjoy each other’s company. Area rugs are versatile; they come in a myriad of styles, patterns, and sizes, allowing you to express your personal taste while adding warmth to your living room. Whether you prefer a contemporary geometric design or a classic Persian style, there's an area rug that can complement your decor perfectly. In addition to their visual appeal, rugs play a practical role in your home. They can help define spaces, especially in open-concept layouts, creating distinct areas for conversation, relaxation, and play. A well-placed rug can anchor your furniture arrangement, giving the room a sense of cohesion and purpose. Furthermore, rugs provide a soft surface underfoot, making your living space more inviting and comfortable. For those with children or pets, durable, stain-resistant rugs can be a lifesaver, combining style with practicality. While the living room is often the focal point of a home, bedroom rugs are equally important for creating a serene and restful environment. A soft, plush rug beside your bed can offer a comforting touch as you start and end your day, providing warmth and softness underfoot. Bedroom rugs also add an element of style, allowing you to layer textures and colors for a more dynamic look. Choosing the right rug for your bedroom can enhance the overall ambiance, making it a retreat where you can unwind. When selecting rugs for your living room or bedroom, consider the size, shape, and material that best suits your lifestyle. Larger area rugs can create a more expansive feel, while smaller rugs can add pops of color and pattern without overwhelming the space. Ultimately, whether you're seeking a stunning floor mat for the living room, stylish rugs to enhance your decor, or inviting bedroom rugs for a peaceful retreat, the choices are endless. Invest in quality pieces that reflect your personal style and elevate the overall ambiance of your spaces. By incorporating thoughtfully selected rugs into your home, you can create inviting environments that not only look beautiful but also feel warm and welcoming, perfect for making lasting memories with loved ones.

Cauliflower-Kale Soup With Toasted Pine Nuts. Recipe in "The Vibrant Life: Eat Well, Be Well" by Amanda Haas (Chronicle Books, 2019). Photo by Erin Kunkel.

Airhome is a revolutionary whole home audio system that is designed to be a standard appliance of the modern home. It is elegantly mounted to a preferred wall in your home in any room of your choosing including the utility or mechanical room. All speakers throughout the home are architecturally installed in-ceilings and in-walls, and all the wires are terminated at the Airhome panel location. All the music and TV audio throughout the home is played from iPhone®, iPad®, computers, and Apple TV® using Apple's AirPlay® and your home Wi-Fi® Network. Airhome is extremely simple to use and install. It removes the need for any other traditional audio / video components in the home. Forget those old school entertainment centers as well as closets full of complex equipment. For wireless music in every room, all you need is Airhome.

Converted from an existing Tuff Shed garage, the Beech Haus ADU welcomes short stay guests in the heart of the bustling Williams Corridor neighborhood. Natural light dominates this self-contained unit, with windows on all sides, yet maintains privacy from the primary unit. Double pocket doors between the Living and Bedroom areas offer spatial flexibility to accommodate a variety of guests and preferences. And the open vaulted ceiling makes the space feel airy and interconnected, with a playful nod to its origin as a truss-framed garage. A play on the words Beach House, we approached this space as if it were a cottage on the coast. Durable and functional, with simplicity of form, this home away from home is cozied with curated treasures and accents. We like to personify it as a vacationer: breezy, lively, and carefree.

Improve your living room or bedroom begins with the perfect area rug—an essential element that enhances both style and functionality. A well-chosen rug not only anchors the room but also adds warmth, texture, and a touch of personality to your space. Whether you’re decorating a cozy bedroom or a spacious living room, selecting the right rug is crucial to achieving a harmonious and inviting atmosphere. Design and Style: The design of your area rug can dramatically influence the overall look of your space. For a luxurious touch, consider hand-tufted or hand-knotted rugs, which offer intricate patterns and rich textures. These rugs are often crafted with attention to detail, making them ideal for adding an elegant statement to any room. If you prefer a more modern approach, machine-woven rugs are a great choice. They come in a variety of vibrant patterns and colors and are built to withstand heavy foot traffic thanks to their heat-set fibers. For a versatile option, flat-woven rugs, such as kilims, provide a reversible design that fits seamlessly into both contemporary and traditional decor. Materials and Comfort: When selecting a rug, the material plays a significant role in both its appearance and comfort. Shag and flokati rugs are perfect for creating a plush, cozy environment. Their long, soft fibers add a layer of comfort underfoot, making your living room or bedroom feel more inviting. Hand-loomed rugs offer unique textures and artisanal quality, while braided and hand-hooked rugs add a charming, handcrafted touch. For practical maintenance, machine washable rugs are a smart choice. They allow for easy cleaning and help maintain a fresh look with minimal effort. Functionality and Practical Features: Beyond aesthetics, consider the functionality of your rug. Stain-resistant and water-resistant rugs are ideal for managing spills and stains, ensuring that your rug remains in good condition over time. Non-slip and adhesive backings are essential for safety, particularly on hardwood floors. These features prevent the rug from shifting and reduce the risk of slips and falls. Additionally, cushioned rugs enhance comfort, making your space not only stylish but also more enjoyable to relax in. Customization and Personalization: Add a unique touch to your space with custom or personalized rug options. An 8x10 area rug is a popular choice for covering large areas and can be tailored to fit specific dimensions or design preferences. Personalized features, such as fringe details or organic textures, allow you to create a rug that reflects your individual style and complements your existing decor. Versatility and Maintenance: The top 15 area rugs available today offer a diverse range of styles and features to suit various needs. From distressed designs that add character to contemporary patterns that offer a modern edge, there is a rug to match every aesthetic. Large rugs for living rooms and bedrooms can help define the space and create a cohesive look, while huge carpets can make a bold statement. Consider the practicality of each rug, ensuring that it not only enhances your decor but also withstands everyday use. In Summary: Selecting the ideal area rug involves finding a balance between style and practicality. Whether you opt for a luxurious hand-tufted design, a durable machine-woven option, or a versatile flat-woven style, the right rug will elevate your living room, bedroom, or any other space. By exploring various options and considering both design and functionality, you can find the perfect rug that transforms your space into a stylish, comfortable haven.

Remember when we said the the Bluegrass Smart Home is made to impress? Well, the multiroom audio system does just that! Music can be streamed throughout the house from a mobile device, or from services such as Spotify, Pandora, and Grooveshark. Each person in the house has their own tastes and preferences, so our multiroom audio system is set up to deliver different sources simultaneously to different rooms. Alternatively, when entertaining or just moving around the house, the system can be set to play the same synchronized source to every room throughout the house. The best part? There’s no need to dig out your smartphone or tablet to change the song or adjust the volume. A simple 4 button switch on the wall lets you play, pause, adjust the volume and turn the music on and off.

While a formal swing set and play area ensure young kids have a spot of their own, as they age they prefer crunching gravel trails, hidden seating, and discovering fruits and veggies in the edible garden near a charming wooden shed. Photo: Lesly Hall Photography The trail, and a petite patio to the side of the shed create defensible space, protecting the wood shed and wood fence from a fire that might catch the other. If fire were near, cushions would be placed within the shed, and the shed window closed as additional precautions.

This basement renovation offered an enticing opportunity for this family with growing kids to maximize their living space and create functional areas that cater to evolving needs. Once used for storage, the kids now have a dedicated place to play and the parents have a lovely place to hang. In keeping with the integrity of the Brookline brownstone, we played up the gorgeous brick wall, and carried that theme into the newly created laundry room flooring. The laundry was moved from the first floor down to the basement, and matches the decor of the new bathroom to the right. There was dead space under the stairs, which created an opportunity to hide and keep toys organized. With thoughtful planning and design, this basement will grow alongside the family, providing versatile and adaptable spaces that accommodate changing lifestyles and preferences.

This 80 year old farm house was in need of an update. The kitchen and dining areas were cramped, dark and isolated from one another. The homeowner requested an open floor plan with more storage and space where her children could play while she was busy in the kitchen. Thompson Remodeling flipped the existing positions of the dining room and kitchen and removed walls to open up the space. The new kitchen has bright white cabinets, quartz countertops and an island with a butcher block counter. A custom banquette provides seating and a spot for the kids to play and do homework while its bench doubles as hidden storage. The wet bar in the dining space has loads of pantry space. The existing floors were very uneven, so we used a vinyl plank flooring that would allow more give for installation. It looks just like weathered pine and will offer very easy care for the busy family.

A happy couple wanted to convert their home office into a baby nursery, while still retaining the space as an occasional home office. They preferred a neutral space with the use of yellow and turquoise accents. A drop leaf table ensures that precious real estate in this small room is used cautiously. The bookcases provide ample much-needed storage. The rain of white, back and metallic gray polka dot wall stickers adds a playful touch to the otherwise neutral space.

This basement renovation offered an enticing opportunity for this family with growing kids to maximize their living space and create functional areas that cater to evolving needs. Once used for storage, the kids now have a dedicated place to play and the parents have a lovely place to hang. In keeping with the integrity of the Brookline brownstone, we played up the gorgeous brick wall, and carried that theme into the newly created laundry room flooring. The laundry was moved from the first floor down to the basement, and matches the decor of the new bathroom to the right. There was dead space under the stairs, which created an opportunity to hide and keep toys organized. With thoughtful planning and design, this basement will grow alongside the family, providing versatile and adaptable spaces that accommodate changing lifestyles and preferences.

Claremont Dream Home A Single Family New Construction Chicago, Illinois ​ Type: New Construction Location: Ravenswood Neighborhood, Chicago, IL ​ We had the pleasure of collaborating with a young family to shape their vision of a welcoming, laid-back home in this new construction home. AHD was hired at the early stages of construction to create a cohesive environment from the architectural finishes, lighting design to the furnishings and decor. ​ This project is a testament to the couple's diverse cultural influences, blending their English heritage with the rich tapestry of their travels through India. Through thoughtful design choices, we've sought to create an environment that not only reflects their personal style but also accommodates their evolving family needs. ​ Our focus has been on crafting a contemporary interior that prioritizes both comfort and durability, ensuring that every aspect of the space is not only inviting but also functional for their growing family. We selected bespoke furnishings, where craftsmanship takes center stage. Each piece was carefully curated to embody an organic biophilic aesthetic, creating a refreshing haven using earthy colors and genuine materials. ​ Our ultimate design intent was to create a space that is healthy, practical as well as aesthetically pleasing, tailored to the lifestyle and preferences of our clients.