The beautiful, old barn on this Topsfield estate was at risk of being demolished. Before approaching Mathew Cummings, the homeowner had met with several architects about the structure, and they had all told her that it needed to be torn down. Thankfully, for the sake of the barn and the owner, Cummings Architects has a long and distinguished history of preserving some of the oldest timber framed homes and barns in the U.S. Once the homeowner realized that the barn was not only salvageable, but could be transformed into a new living space that was as utilitarian as it was stunning, the design ideas began flowing fast. In the end, the design came together in a way that met all the family’s needs with all the warmth and style you’d expect in such a venerable, old building. On the ground level of this 200-year old structure, a garage offers ample room for three cars, including one loaded up with kids and groceries. Just off the garage is the mudroom – a large but quaint space with an exposed wood ceiling, custom-built seat with period detailing, and a powder room. The vanity in the powder room features a vanity that was built using salvaged wood and reclaimed bluestone sourced right on the property. Original, exposed timbers frame an expansive, two-story family room that leads, through classic French doors, to a new deck adjacent to the large, open backyard. On the second floor, salvaged barn doors lead to the master suite which features a bright bedroom and bath as well as a custom walk-in closet with his and hers areas separated by a black walnut island. In the master bath, hand-beaded boards surround a claw-foot tub, the perfect place to relax after a long day. In addition, the newly restored and renovated barn features a mid-level exercise studio and a children’s playroom that connects to the main house. From a derelict relic that was slated for demolition to a warmly inviting and beautifully utilitarian living space, this barn has undergone an almost magical transformation to become a beautiful addition and asset to this stately home.

Example of a classic bathroom design in Denver

The dining room at Stemwinder Camp is a beautiful expression of simple elegance, where thoughtful design and abundant natural sunlight create an inviting, timeless atmosphere. Large windows flood the space with light throughout the day, highlighting the clean lines and warm materials that define the home’s refined craftsman aesthetic. The sunlight enhances the room’s airy quality, making it feel both open and intimate—perfect for everyday meals or relaxed gatherings. True to the vision of the architects at Historical Concepts, the dining room balances contemporary simplicity with classic craftsman principles. Subtle detailing, well-proportioned architecture, and a restrained palette allow the natural surroundings of Balsam Mountain Preserve to take center stage. The result is a dining space that feels calm, bright, and effortlessly elegant—rooted in tradition, yet perfectly suited for modern mountain living.

This project is in a development called “The Preserve” in Panama City Beach. The house is Palladian and the landscape is Italianate to match the house. The landscape is very formal, with clipped boxwood hedges and lawn. I most enjoyed the creation of the design of the entry gate. I designed the wall, gates, pedestrian gate and gas lamps. Photographed by: Emerald Coast Real Estate Photography

This new 6400 s.f. two-story split-level home lifts upward and orients toward unobstructed views of Windy Hill. The deep overhanging flat roof design with a stepped fascia preserves the classic modern lines of the building while incorporating a Zero-Net Energy photovoltaic panel system. From start to finish, the construction is uniformly energy efficient and follows California Build It Green guidelines. Many sustainable finish materials are used on both the interior and exterior, including recycled old growth cedar and pre-fabricated concrete panel siding. Photo by: www.bernardandre.com

Looking at this home today, you would never know that the project began as a poorly maintained duplex. Luckily, the homeowners saw past the worn façade and engaged our team to uncover and update the Victorian gem that lay underneath. Taking special care to preserve the historical integrity of the 100-year-old floor plan, we returned the home back to its original glory as a grand, single family home. The project included many renovations, both small and large, including the addition of a a wraparound porch to bring the façade closer to the street, a gable with custom scrollwork to accent the new front door, and a more substantial balustrade. Windows were added to bring in more light and some interior walls were removed to open up the public spaces to accommodate the family’s lifestyle. You can read more about the transformation of this home in Old House Journal: http://www.cummingsarchitects.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Old-House-Journal-Dec.-2009.pdf Photo Credit: Eric Roth

This custom home was artfully designed by the architects at Historical Concepts. The “Stemwinder Camp” home is located in the beautiful Balsam Mountain Preserve community. Balsam Mountain Preserve is a private, gated, mountain, golf and equestrian community in the western North Carolina Mountains. The details and design of the craftsman style cottage provide every room with a sunny and bright interior. Stemwinder Camp incorporates many detailed elements that help create a contemporary feel while still maintaining the craftsman style principles. A modern, sleek bathroom featuring an elegant double vanity with clean lines and refined finishes adds both functionality and understated luxury to the space.

This custom home was artfully designed by the architects at Historical Concepts. The “Stemwinder Camp” home is located in the beautiful Balsam Mountain Preserve community. Balsam Mountain Preserve is a private, gated, mountain, golf and equestrian community in the western North Carolina Mountains. The details and design of the craftsman style cottage provide every room with a sunny and bright interior. Stemwinder Camp incorporates many detailed elements that help create a contemporary feel while still maintaining the craftsman style principles.

This is the original staircase and newel post. over the years the light was destroyed so we found a replacement that is a perfect match!
Large ornate wooden curved wood railing staircase photo in Other with wooden risers

Michael Moran/OTTO photography We took a predictable suburban spec house and transformed it into a unique home of enduring value and family-centered design. The existing footprint was expanded where it needed it most: in the family and kitchen area, creating a large square room with open views to a protected nature preserve abutting the property. An unexpected glass canopy and teak entry door are clues that what lies beyond is hardly commonplace. The design challenge was to infuse modern-day functionality and architectural quality into a spec house. Working in partnership with Gary Cruz Studio, we designed the pared down, art-filled interiors with the goal of creating comfortable, purposeful living environments. We also sought to integrate the existing pool and rear deck into the overall building design, extending the usable space outside as a screened-in porch, a dining terrace, and a seating area around a stone fire pit.

Bedroom - traditional bedroom idea in Denver

Cesar Rubio
Bathroom - mid-sized industrial white tile bathroom idea in San Francisco with a vessel sink, flat-panel cabinets, a wall-mount toilet, white walls and yellow cabinets

Coming Soon! Another elegant custom home we are building in The Preserve with a refined Modern Prairie style designed around our customer's lifestyle. https://thomassattlerhomes.com/

This historic 1840’s Gothic Revival home perched on the harbor, presented an array of challenges: they included a narrow-restricted lot cozy to the neighboring properties, a sensitive coastal location, and a structure desperately in need of major renovations. The renovation concept respected the historic notion of individual rooms and connecting hallways, yet wanted to take better advantage of water views. The solution was an expansion of windows on the water siding of the house, and a small addition that incorporates an open kitchen/family room concept, the street face of the home was historically preserved. The interior of the home has been completely refreshed, bringing in a combined reflection of art and family history with modern fanciful choices. Adds testament to the successful renovation, the master bathroom has been described as “full of rainbows” in the morning.

This custom home was artfully designed by the architects at Historical Concepts. The “Stemwinder Camp” home is located in the beautiful Balsam Mountain Preserve community, a private, gated mountain, golf, and equestrian enclave in the western North Carolina mountains. The thoughtful details and design of this craftsman-style cottage provide every room with a sunny, bright interior. In the living room, a beautiful yet subtle fireplace adds warmth and quiet elegance without overpowering the space. Stemwinder Camp incorporates carefully crafted elements that create a contemporary feel while honoring classic craftsman design principles.

Moon Canyon is a 1930s hunting cabin in the Mount Washington neighbourhood of Los Angeles, restored by NoNo Studio with the careful, unhurried attention of someone re-potting an ancient tree. Original cedar panelling, a 1970s stained glass insert, and decades of layered character were preserved and built around rather than swept away. The project was featured in Architectural Digest, Leibal, and Vogue Australia. Three of our pieces found their place within it. The Oak Lamp — a floor lamp with a hand turned white oak base made by Surcle Wood in Los Angeles and an elephant grass shade woven by SWOPA in northern Ghana — brings two LA and Ghanaian craft traditions into a single object. The Casita Lamp, a table lamp whose ceramic base is formed by celebrated Oaxacan potter Eligio Zárate Blanco and whose palm shade is woven by award-winning weaver Belén Perez Garcia using a technique passed down through generations of her family, sits quietly in the space with the same material honesty that runs through the whole restoration. A small one-off bedside lamp completes the picture. Each piece was chosen for a home where nothing is incidental. That is precisely the kind of space our work is made for. Interior design: NoNo Studio, Los Angeles Photography: William Jess Laird

This custom home was artfully designed by the architects at Historical Concepts. The “Stemwinder Camp” home is located in the beautiful Balsam Mountain Preserve community. Balsam Mountain Preserve is a private, gated, mountain, golf and equestrian community in the western North Carolina Mountains. The details and design of the craftsman style cottage provide every room with a sunny and bright interior. Stemwinder Camp incorporates many detailed elements that help create a contemporary feel while still maintaining the craftsman style principles.

The mahogany wood paneling in the Formal Library has been French polished by hand to create a visibly stunning finish that is also wonderful to touch. Historic New York City Townhouse | Renovation by Brian O'Keefe Architect, PC, with Interior Design by Richard Keith Langham

David Burroughs
Small elegant front porch photo in Baltimore with a roof extension