Perched on a ridge at the edge of a wooded expanse, this mid-century modern home was designed to embrace both the intimate connection to the forest and the expansive valley views beyond. The site—carefully chosen from the family’s 52-acre homestead in western Wisconsin—balances privacy and openness, placing the home at the meeting point of dense trees and rolling fields. The approach winds through the forest, offering only glimpses of the structure. Upon arrival, the parking area is subtly positioned below the main level, reinforcing the sense of discovery. As one ascends the entry walk, the house unfolds, revealing a dramatic view through the two-story living space, anchored by a brick fireplace that extends from floor to ceiling. The asymmetrical roofline lifts upward, accentuating the openness and maximizing natural light. Inside, warm materials define the interiors. Wood ceilings and floors, complemented by concrete-look tile, establish a natural, grounded aesthetic. Black wood-clad beams provide scale and structure, subtly delineating spaces within the open-plan layout. A wood lattice screen partially conceals the dining area from the foyer, offering both openness and privacy. The kitchen—designed for gathering—features a large island, a dedicated baking station, and a breakfast counter that catches morning light while serving as a pass-through to the adjacent patio. Two textured glass sliding panels allow the kitchen to be closed off when needed. Just beyond, a hidden gem: the home’s personal Tiki room, complete with a vintage mug collection and a full bar. To the east, the central fireplace marks the transition to more intimate spaces. A wide stair, integrated with the hearth, leads to the lower level, while a library with a corner window creates a quiet retreat, perfect for reading and taking in the valley beyond. The primary suite extends off this wing, featuring a spa-like bath with a textured tile walk-in shower, a soaking tub positioned for dramatic views, and a private balcony overlooking the landscape. The lower level is designed for family gatherings and extended stays. A secondary fireplace, echoing the materials of the main level, anchors a cozy living area with an adjacent kitchenette. Additional bedrooms and baths provide ample accommodations, while a hidden playhouse under the stair and a dedicated bunk room add playful touches for visiting grandchildren. The home is a balance of openness and enclosure, modernity and warmth—designed not only as a retreat but as a multigenerational gathering place, deeply connected to the land.

Moderate growing; reaches 20 to 25 ft. tall, 10 to 15 ft. wide. Full sun. Evergreen tree with pyramidal shape and smaller, dark green foliage with a rusty brown underside. 'Little Gem' has a very compact narrow form, making it useful for smaller gardens. It blooms at a very young age with primary bloom is in late spring then sporadic blooming throughout the summer. Large white flowers are fragrant and showy. 'Little Gem' is a popular choice for Georgia gardens.

This 1967 home has been transformed. LANTERN HOUSE is located at the edge of the forest, the edge of urbanity, where the glass and metal clad entry and stair volumes glow like lanterns in the night. The sloping, trapezoidal site posed challenges, resulting in a very unique geometry with a courtyard, a bridge, and a new stair tower link old to new. A new porch and foyer create a gradual entry sequence into the existing main house. A new roof form provides vaulted ceilings in an open plan concept. The primary living spaces are connected to private outdoor spaces for entertaining and everyday living, and the main addition contains a private master retreat with secluded access from the stair tower. The connection with nature is ever present throughout the house with intentionally placed glazing framing views to the surrounding trees.

This 1967 home has been transformed. LANTERN HOUSE is located at the edge of the forest, the edge of urbanity, where the glass and metal clad entry and stair volumes glow like lanterns in the night. The sloping, trapezoidal site posed challenges, resulting in a very unique geometry with a courtyard, a bridge, and a new stair tower link old to new. A new porch and foyer create a gradual entry sequence into the existing main house. A new roof form provides vaulted ceilings in an open plan concept. The primary living spaces are connected to private outdoor spaces for entertaining and everyday living, and the main addition contains a private master retreat with secluded access from the stair tower. The connection with nature is ever present throughout the house with intentionally placed glazing framing views to the surrounding trees.

Sited perfectly and intuitively on a beautiful parcel of land, this Vermont contemporary home is complemented by an intricate roof design, appreciated from above. The long axis of the house faces south on the gently sloping site to bring midwinter daylight and passive solar gain deep into the 16 ft. wide main volume. Just 2.5 acres of the 17.5 acre lot was developed, to minimize disturbance to the site, to preserve many of the long-lived mixed hardwood and softwood trees, including the owners’ favorite, a yellow birch with golden curly bark, and to protect the natural wetlands and stream outflow. The fully accessible main level contains the living room, dining room, kitchen, primary bedroom and bath, and a lovely westerly screened porch. Connected to the main volume are a garage with three bays including a small studio and a workshop. The home prioritizes intuitive, organic and incredibly functional spaces combined with simple stylistic elements, hints of a mid-century modern American home.

Perched on a ridge at the edge of a wooded expanse, this mid-century modern home was designed to embrace both the intimate connection to the forest and the expansive valley views beyond. The site—carefully chosen from the family’s 52-acre homestead in western Wisconsin—balances privacy and openness, placing the home at the meeting point of dense trees and rolling fields. The approach winds through the forest, offering only glimpses of the structure. Upon arrival, the parking area is subtly positioned below the main level, reinforcing the sense of discovery. As one ascends the entry walk, the house unfolds, revealing a dramatic view through the two-story living space, anchored by a brick fireplace that extends from floor to ceiling. The asymmetrical roofline lifts upward, accentuating the openness and maximizing natural light. Inside, warm materials define the interiors. Wood ceilings and floors, complemented by concrete-look tile, establish a natural, grounded aesthetic. Black wood-clad beams provide scale and structure, subtly delineating spaces within the open-plan layout. A wood lattice screen partially conceals the dining area from the foyer, offering both openness and privacy. The kitchen—designed for gathering—features a large island, a dedicated baking station, and a breakfast counter that catches morning light while serving as a pass-through to the adjacent patio. Two textured glass sliding panels allow the kitchen to be closed off when needed. Just beyond, a hidden gem: the home’s personal Tiki room, complete with a vintage mug collection and a full bar. To the east, the central fireplace marks the transition to more intimate spaces. A wide stair, integrated with the hearth, leads to the lower level, while a library with a corner window creates a quiet retreat, perfect for reading and taking in the valley beyond. The primary suite extends off this wing, featuring a spa-like bath with a textured tile walk-in shower, a soaking tub positioned for dramatic views, and a private balcony overlooking the landscape. The lower level is designed for family gatherings and extended stays. A secondary fireplace, echoing the materials of the main level, anchors a cozy living area with an adjacent kitchenette. Additional bedrooms and baths provide ample accommodations, while a hidden playhouse under the stair and a dedicated bunk room add playful touches for visiting grandchildren. The home is a balance of openness and enclosure, modernity and warmth—designed not only as a retreat but as a multigenerational gathering place, deeply connected to the land.

This 1,800s.f. Passive House is designed to harmonize with its peaceful, wooded site. The interior is organized around a large south opening to a courtyard-like patio space; as a backdrop to this opening is a wall featuring walnut from trees harvested on site. As a Passive House, it uses about a tenth the heating energy of a built-to-code home. As a Source Zero house, monitored results show it uses 86% less energy overall including all household energy use and electric car charging. Indoor air quality and occupant health are a primary objective as well, so no-added-formaldehyde panel materials, no-VOC, non-toxic paints, and Greenguard certified sealants, caulks, and adhesives were used along with a continuous demand-controlled ventilation system to provide superior air quality.

The 722 Ash Street residence consists of a 1500 sf primary house with a contiguous 500 sf accessory dwelling. The project is set in the rich culture of North Lawrence, its rear property line abuts the Lawrence levee trail which runs for nine miles along the north bank of the Kansas River. North Lawrence is known for its quality soil, large trees, curbless streets and random size parcels before it breaks into larger farms further from the urban center. It is built on the typical orthogonal grid of American development, but it represents the older growth of the city prior to urban planners and zoning regulations. The rumble of freight trains and farm trucks in the shadows of the towering grain elevators are only blocks away. It is home to many who enjoy being only a bridge crossing away from Lawrence’s vibrant downtown but are far enough away to maintain their independence from many of the restrictions on living near the historic district. They can work in their large gardens and toiling in their garages and shops in a manner more rural than urban. The house on 722 Ash St. is imbued with the character of North Lawrence and the Levee Trail area. The design was inspired by the Midwestern farmstead vernacular of the region. These timeless vernacular qualities house all the accommodations necessary for modern, sustainable living. A unique feature of this house is the Accessory Dwelling Unit permitted in the zoning district. It is a small separate residence on the same lot that can be used for income property or for extended family members. It also supports the city of Lawrence’s goals of increased density close to downtown rather than continued sprawl into the countryside. The buildings use technology and common-sense design to reduce the building’s footprint and assure the owners low energy use and costs. A 4.9 Kw solar collection system is located on the only south facing gable and the super insulated envelopes (r-62 roof and r-35 walls) of all three forms easily exceeds the standards. Studio 804 continues their long standing pattern of maintaining the highest level of sustainable design while remaining contextually sensitive to the surrounding community. This house, like every Studio 804 project since 2008, is USGBC LEED Platinum Certified.

Primary bedroom.
Large transitional master light wood floor, tray ceiling and wallpaper bedroom photo in Toronto with beige walls

Primary Bathroom filled with natural lighting. Tree house bathrooms. JL Interiors is a LA-based creative/diverse firm that specializes in residential interiors. JL Interiors empowers homeowners to design their dream home that they can be proud of! The design isn’t just about making things beautiful; it’s also about making things work beautifully. Contact us for a free consultation Hello@JLinteriors.design _ 310.390.6849_ www.JLinteriors.design

A historic Spanish colonial residence (circa 1929) in Kessler Park’s conservation district was completely revitalized with design that honored its original era as well as embraced modern conveniences. The small kitchen was extended into the built-in banquette in the living area to give these amateur chefs plenty of countertop workspace in the kitchen as well as a casual dining experience while they enjoy the amazing backyard view. The quartzite countertops adorn the kitchen and living room built-ins and are inspired by the beautiful tree line seen out the back windows of the home in a blooming spring & summer in Dallas. Each season truly takes on its own personality in this yard. The primary bath features a modern take on a timeless “plaid” pattern with mosaic glass and gold trim. The reeded front cabinets and slimline hardware maintain a minimalist presentation that allows the shower tile to remain the focal point. The guest bath’s jewel toned marble accent tile in a fun geometric pattern pops off the black marble background and adds lighthearted sophistication to this space. Original wood beams, cement walls and terracotta tile flooring and fireplace tile remain in the great room to pay homage to stay true to its original state. This project proves new materials can be masterfully incorporated into existing architecture and yield a timeless result!

A majestic addition to a modest cape home Tucked into a tree-lined street in Rockland County, this once-modest gambrel cape was reimagined to meet the evolving needs of a growing family while preserving its familiar charm. The transformation includes a new two-car garage with a gambrel-roofed addition above, a welcoming front porch, and a complete interior and exterior renovation. Together, these elements bring a new sense of balance, presence, and grace — a modern evolution of classic suburban form. Inside, walls were opened and rooms reconnected to invite light and ease of movement. The kitchen, once small and uninviting, now anchors the first floor — a warm and generous hub where family life unfolds from morning to night. Living, dining, and work spaces flow naturally, supporting both connection and quiet. Above the new garage, a serene primary suite offers retreat and rhythm, gently elevated above the hum of daily life. With its expanded front porch, refined roofline, and carefully layered materials, the home feels renewed yet rooted — a timeless composition of family, comfort, and place.

A majestic addition to a modest cape home Tucked into a tree-lined street in Rockland County, this once-modest gambrel cape was reimagined to meet the evolving needs of a growing family while preserving its familiar charm. The transformation includes a new two-car garage with a gambrel-roofed addition above, a welcoming front porch, and a complete interior and exterior renovation. Together, these elements bring a new sense of balance, presence, and grace — a modern evolution of classic suburban form. Inside, walls were opened and rooms reconnected to invite light and ease of movement. The kitchen, once small and uninviting, now anchors the first floor — a warm and generous hub where family life unfolds from morning to night. Living, dining, and work spaces flow naturally, supporting both connection and quiet. Above the new garage, a serene primary suite offers retreat and rhythm, gently elevated above the hum of daily life. With its expanded front porch, refined roofline, and carefully layered materials, the home feels renewed yet rooted — a timeless composition of family, comfort, and place.

Creating several comfortable and functional outdoor rooms in this urban backyard was the primary goal. 1) A deck with outdoor kitchen elements and built in seating. 2) Bluestone terrace with fire pit sits 18" above the soccer-lawn. 3) The garage rooftop allows for complete separation and drinks in the garden. 4) Oh, the trampoline pad (under the tree canopy) - I believe that's what triggered this wonderful project!

Desert tranquility at its finest. Pulling from the hues surrounding her Joshua Tree home, artist Heather Day sculpted an airy minimalist primary bathroom with 3x12 Ceramic Tile in Ivory neatly stacked from floor to ceiling. DESIGN: Ryan Leidner PHOTOS: Margaret Austin Photography PRODUCT SHOWN: Ivory 3x12

Luis Ramirez
1950s patio photo in Los Angeles

This 3 bedroom, 3 ½ bath custom home has a great rustic in-the-woods feel, with spectacular timber frame beams, an a-frame open concept great room, and a focus on natural elements and materials throughout the home. The homeowners didn’t want to cut down any of the surrounding trees on the property and chose to orient the home so that the forest was the primary view. The end result is a true “cabin in the woods” experience. The home was designed with the master suite on the main floor, along with a dedicated exercise room, full laundry room and wrap-around sundeck. The ground floor features a spacious rec room, office, and the two additional bedrooms. The finishes throughout the home are high end but rustic, including K2 Stone, Alder cabinetry, granite countertops, oil-rubbed bronze hardware, free standing soaker tubs in the bathrooms, hickory hardwood flooring, timber framing inside and out, and Hardie plank siding with cedar shingles.

This 3 bedroom, 3 ½ bath custom home has a great rustic in-the-woods feel, with spectacular timber frame beams, an a-frame open concept great room, and a focus on natural elements and materials throughout the home. The homeowners didn’t want to cut down any of the surrounding trees on the property and chose to orient the home so that the forest was the primary view. The end result is a true “cabin in the woods” experience. The home was designed with the master suite on the main floor, along with a dedicated exercise room, full laundry room and wrap-around sundeck. The ground floor features a spacious rec room, office, and the two additional bedrooms. The finishes throughout the home are high end but rustic, including K2 Stone, Alder cabinetry, granite countertops, oil-rubbed bronze hardware, free standing soaker tubs in the bathrooms, hickory hardwood flooring, timber framing inside and out, and Hardie plank siding with cedar shingles.

A majestic addition to a modest cape home Tucked into a tree-lined street in Rockland County, this once-modest gambrel cape was reimagined to meet the evolving needs of a growing family while preserving its familiar charm. The transformation includes a new two-car garage with a gambrel-roofed addition above, a welcoming front porch, and a complete interior and exterior renovation. Together, these elements bring a new sense of balance, presence, and grace — a modern evolution of classic suburban form. Inside, walls were opened and rooms reconnected to invite light and ease of movement. The kitchen, once small and uninviting, now anchors the first floor — a warm and generous hub where family life unfolds from morning to night. Living, dining, and work spaces flow naturally, supporting both connection and quiet. Above the new garage, a serene primary suite offers retreat and rhythm, gently elevated above the hum of daily life. With its expanded front porch, refined roofline, and carefully layered materials, the home feels renewed yet rooted — a timeless composition of family, comfort, and place.