Reimagined as a quiet retreat on a mixed-use Mission block, this former munitions depot was transformed into a single-family residence by reworking existing forms. A bunker-like concrete structure was cut in half to form a covered patio that opens onto a new central courtyard. The residence behind was remodeled around a large central kitchen, with a combination skylight/hatch providing ample light and roof access. The multiple structures are tied together by untreated cedar siding, intended to gradually fade to grey to match the existing concrete and corrugated steel.

Working with a very small footprint we did everything to maximize the space in this master bathroom. Removing the original door to the bathroom, we widened the opening to 48" and used a sliding frosted glass door to let in additional light and prevent the door from blocking the only window in the bathroom. Removing the original single vanity and bumping out the shower into a hallway shelving space, the shower gained two feet of depth and the owners now each have their own vanities!

Example of a mid-sized cottage galley porcelain tile enclosed kitchen design in New York with a single-bowl sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, wood countertops, blue backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island

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

The bathroom was redesigned to improve flow and add functional storage with a modern aesthetic. Natural walnut cabinetry brings warmth balanced by the subtle movement in the warm gray floor and wall tiles and the white quartz counters and shower surround. We created half walls framing the shower topped with quartz and glass treated for easy maintenance. The angled wall and extra square footage in the water closet were eliminated for a larger vanity. Floating vanities make the space feel larger and fit the modern aesthetic. The tall pullout storage at her vanity is one-sided to prevent items falling out the back and features shelves with acrylic sides for full product visibility. We removed the tub deck and bump-out walls with inset shelves for improved flow and wall space for towels. Now the freestanding tub anchors the middle of the room while allowing easy access to the windows that were blocked by the previous built-in.

A free-standing painting and drawing studio, distinctly contemporary but complementary to the existing historic shingle-style residence. Together the sequence from house to deck to courtyard to breezeway to studio interior is a choreography of movement and space, seamlessly integrating site, topography, and horizon. Images by Steve King Architectural Photography.

Picture Perfect House
Enclosed kitchen - mid-sized transitional medium tone wood floor and brown floor enclosed kitchen idea in Chicago with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, quartzite countertops, gray backsplash, stone slab backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and gray countertops

Transitional bathroom photo in Philadelphia

The bathroom was redesigned to improve flow and add functional storage with a modern aesthetic. Natural walnut cabinetry brings warmth balanced by the subtle movement in the warm gray floor and wall tiles and the white quartz counters and shower surround. We created half walls framing the shower topped with quartz and glass treated for easy maintenance. The angled wall and extra square footage in the water closet were eliminated for a larger vanity. Floating vanities make the space feel larger and fit the modern aesthetic. The tall pullout storage at her vanity is one-sided to prevent items falling out the back and features shelves with acrylic sides for full product visibility. We removed the tub deck and bump-out walls with inset shelves for improved flow and wall space for towels. Now the freestanding tub anchors the middle of the room while allowing easy access to the windows that were blocked by the previous built-in.

Photography by Joe Dodd
Design ideas for a large modern front yard landscaping in San Francisco.

APLD 2021 Silver Award Winning Landscape Design. Travertine stone for wall and stairway caps and stepping stones. Concrete retaining walls. This expansive back yard landscape with several mature oak trees and a stunning Golden Locust tree has been transformed into a welcoming outdoor retreat. The renovations include a wraparound deck, an expansive natural stone patio, stairways and pathways along with concrete retaining walls and column accents with dramatic planters. The pathways meander throughout the landscape... some with travertine stepping stones and gravel and those below the majestic oaks left natural with fallen leaves. Raised vegetable beds and fruit trees occupy some of the sunniest areas of the landscape. A variety of low-water and low-maintenance plants for both sunny and shady areas include several succulents, grasses, CA natives and other site-appropriate Mediterranean plants complimented by a variety of boulders. Dramatic white pots provide architectural accents, filled with succulents and citrus trees. Design, Photos, Drawings © Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

Built in the 1920's, this home's kitchen was small and in desperate need of a re-do (see before pics!!). Load bearing walls prevented us from opening up the space entirely, so a compromise was made to open up a pass thru to their back entry room. The result was more than the homeowner's could have dreamed of. The extra light, space and kitchen storage turned a once dingy kitchen in to the kitchen of their dreams.

Working with a very small footprint we did everything to maximize the space in this master bathroom. Removing the original door to the bathroom, we widened the opening to 48" and used a sliding frosted glass door to let in additional light and prevent the door from blocking the only window in the bathroom. Removing the original single vanity and bumping out the shower into a hallway shelving space, the shower gained two feet of depth and the owners now each have their own vanities!

Tim Bies
Small minimalist red two-story metal house exterior photo in Seattle with a shed roof and a metal roof

Bedroom with feature pendant lighting &sheer curtains. Winner Best Ecological Sustainable Design in Bayside 2015.As featured in Australian House & Garden October 2016 & The Herald Sun October 8 2016. Photo credit: Matthew Mallet

View into kitchen after removing wall (header visible above) separating old kitchen from views. Deck with BBQ and outdoor eating beyond. Hillside garden view south behind sink. I prefer the island to resemble a "table" with legs at the corners (prevents kids from bumping heads) downdraft hood eliminates exposed hood dropping from ceiling and blocking views.

The bathroom was redesigned to improve flow and add functional storage with a modern aesthetic. Natural walnut cabinetry brings warmth balanced by the subtle movement in the warm gray floor and wall tiles and the white quartz counters and shower surround. We created half walls framing the shower topped with quartz and glass treated for easy maintenance. The angled wall and extra square footage in the water closet were eliminated for a larger vanity. Floating vanities make the space feel larger and fit the modern aesthetic. The tall pullout storage at her vanity is one-sided to prevent items falling out the back and features shelves with acrylic sides for full product visibility. We removed the tub deck and bump-out walls with inset shelves for improved flow and wall space for towels. Now the freestanding tub anchors the middle of the room while allowing easy access to the windows that were blocked by the previous built-in.

For gentler slopes like this you can use bender boards to separate different plantings & mulch or gravel to help hold water & prevent soil erosion.
Photo of a transitional landscaping in Los Angeles.