Example of a large backyard second story metal railing outdoor kitchen deck design in Kansas City with no cover

This designer’s ideal is homeowners with a clear vision, set priorities, and values that align seamlessly with ours. These clients, an accomplished artist and the owner of a generational hops growing farm, were collaborative and trusting from the start. They conscientiously selected a team of Architect (Green Hammer), General Contractor (Cellar Ridge) and ATIID for furnishings and finishing touches. Each firm was able to meticulously manage their leg of the project, while collaborating wholistically with each other and the homeowners. The family farmhouse, lovingly named “Westwood,” was showing the wear one expects after serving a growing family for decades. The owner’s dream was to revive, open up, and breathe modern life into each space, while respecting the home’s heritage. One of our first collaborations was the light fixture that would grace the main two-story entry hall. HiiH Lights in Astoria, Oregon, was commissioned to bring “the function of light, the craft of paper, and the art of sculpture” to the home. Visiting the maker’s space – a massive barn on his coastal property – was such an inspiring adventure! Original work by the resident artist sets an ethereal tone in the space, and an antique bench handsomely blends the old with the new. A wall that divided the home’s living room and kitchen was removed, and the breezy and bright gathering room was born. Light walls, warm wood tones, cozy upholstery, clean lines and heritage elements create a welcoming atmosphere and invite lounging and conversation. The sun-drenched nook is the home’s main indoor dining area, with an extension table and sculpted chairs that are just right for family gatherings or morning rituals with the Sunday paper. The kitchen is a chef’s dream with every modern amenity, but its casual attitude is “let’s make a mess and eat!” The owner’s artwork graces the mantel over the new fireplace that was carved from a tree felled on the property, illustrating the thoughtful consideration of each element. The muted wool area rugs in the entryways and great room are hard-wearing for farm life, and the furniture’s classic lines, bold contrasting colors, deep seating and soft textures encourage cozy conversations or large group gatherings. The library is undoubtedly our favorite space in this home. Tucked in “speakeasy style” behind a hidden (wallpapered!) door in the moody wet bar, and drenched in deep green, the room offers a quiet retreat that hugs you in an embrace of books and family photos. The cozy settee nestled between the bookcases sits opposite a custom pair of modern cognac leather wing chairs. The area rug continues the storied look without the antique price tag with a piece from Loloi’s “Heritage Collection.” A little va-va-voom was requested for the powder bath and boy did we deliver! Custom wallpaper plays over original wainscotting and ceilings wrapped in more glorious green. The space evokes joy every time you open the door! A primary suite that would “transport us to another world” and be “classic yet modern, peaceful, collected and uncluttered” was a tall order. Our new furniture layout takes full advantage of the view of wine country hills and the Willamette River, welcomes fireside lounging, and serves as a calm respite for the lovely owners. Westwood Farmhouse truly was inspired by family, genuine love for home and graciousness for all who enter. Finishing the job was emotional for all involved because we were truly made to feel like part of the family. Photography by George Barberis

Stretching along a ledge in a sheltered canyon, this modern sanctuary was designed for empty‐nesters with a deep love of nature, art, and family. Carefully directed views and seamless indoor‐outdoor transitions create a multi‐generational retreat whose interior become one with the Eden‐esque landscape. Featuring two wings linked by a gallery, plus a stand‐alone guest house, the plan reflects the lot’s acute angles and challenging topography. Pocketing glass walls transform the primary living area into a peaceful open‐air pavilion. Curved overhangs echo the canyon’s contours, sheltering a three‐part table that extends outdoors. Cascading down the slope, the multilevel terrace includes a vanishing‐edge lap pool, an ultra‐private spa, and a naturalistic wading pool for grandchildren. A sweet surprise: the rooftop deck claims an amazing ocean view.The clients have an extensive outdoor sculpture collection that is integrated into the landscape and can be found when traversing the many paths, balconies and terraces across this spectacular property.

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.

Primary client goals: a sustainable, low-maintenance house, primarily single-floor living, orientation to views, natural light to interiors, maximization of individual privacy, creation of a formal outdoor space for gardening, incorporation of a workshop for cars, generous indoor and outdoor social space for guests and parties. The home is be named for the numerous American Hollies scattered across the owner’s ten acres of high Piedmont land sloping dramatically to Lake Hartwell. Holly Hill, a retirement home for an architect and engineer whose hobbies are gardening and restoration of classic cars, is nestled into the site contours to maximize views of the lake and minimize impact on the site. Holly Hill is comprised of three wings joined by transparent bridges: An architect's wing facing a master garden to the east, an engineer’s wing with workshop and a central activity, living, dining wing. Similar to a radiator, the design increases the amount of exterior wall maximizing opportunities for natural ventilation during temperate months. Open and screened porches are strategically located to allow pleasant outdoor use at any time of day, particular season or, if necessary, insect challenge. Dramatic cantilevers allow the porches to project into the site’s beautiful mixed hardwood tree canopy. Guests arrive by vehicle with glimpses of the house and grounds through penetrations in the concrete wall enclosing the formal garden. Once parked they are led through the garden composed of pavers, a fountain, benches, sculpture and plants. Views of the lake can be seen through and below the bridges.

Award winning contemporary bathroom for the 2018 Design Awards by Westchester Home Magazine, this master bath project was a collaboration between Scott Hirshson, AIA of Hirshson ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN and Rita Garces, Senior Designer of Bilotta Kitchens of NY. The client had two primary objectives. First and foremost, they wanted a calm, serene environment, balancing clean lines with quiet stone and soft colored cabinets. The design team opted for a washed oak, wood-like laminate in a flat panel with a horizontal grain, a softer palette than plain white yet still just as bright. Secondly, since they have always used the bathtub every day, the most important selection was the soaking tub and positioning it to maximize space and view to the surrounding trees. With the windows surrounding the tub, the peacefulness of the outside really envelops you in to further the spa-like environment. For the sinks and faucetry the team opted for the Sigma Collection from Klaffs. They decided on a brushed finish to not overpower the soft, matte finish of the cabinetry. For the hardware from Du Verre, they selected a dark finish to complement the black iron window frames (which is repeated throughout the house) and then continued that color in the decorative lighting fixtures. For the countertops and flooring Rita and Scott met with Artistic Tile to control the variability of the Dolomite lot for both the cut stone and slab materials. Photography by Stefan Radtke. Bilotta Designer: Rita Garces with Scott Hirshson, AIA of Hirshson ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN

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.

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.

Come by 6148 Beeler Court in Beeler Park neighborhood this weekend! This gorgeous Modern Infinity Vive 1 home offers upgrades and custom features throughout, including the open-concept main floor living and gourmet kitchen with oversized island. Check out the finished basement bar, primary ensuite soaker tub, home office, and mountain views from this corner lot home in Central Park. 5 br 5 ba :: 4,522 sq ft :: $1,500,000 #ArtOfHomeTeam #BeelerPark #CentralPark #eXpRealty #DenverHomes

This visually simple, modern solution is unique within its suburban context, and gives this family the custom landscape of their dreams. The homeowners’ wish list included a modern design and clearly defined spaces: a larger dining patio, firepit patio, hot tub, and a 4-season sport court (which gets flooded for ice hockey in the winter). Circulation and screening were key in Ground One’s landscape design. A sport court could overwhelm the entire backyard, so it was raised three feet above the primary backyard to physically separate different spaces, and minimize its visual impact. Rectangular bluestone in a running bond pattern was used in all the gathering spaces (dining, firepit, hot tub). Bluestone walls reinforce a simple material palette. A larger dining patio was installed near the house for greater entertaining flexibility. Plank paver paths connect to a private hot tub area and allow kids to don hockey gear and enter the sport court without messing up the house. The firepit patio is at the back of the property, nestled into the existing hillside under a large oak and below the sport court terrace. Plantings reinforce the geometry of each gathering space, provide focal points, and create layers of screening and separation from any given vantage point. Hardy species were selected for their low-maintenance requirements and various seasons of interest. Landscape lighting was incorporated to provide way finding between the patios, accent various hardscape elements, and highlight the trees.

This designer’s ideal is homeowners with a clear vision, set priorities, and values that align seamlessly with ours. These clients, an accomplished artist and the owner of a generational hops growing farm, were collaborative and trusting from the start. They conscientiously selected a team of Architect (Green Hammer), General Contractor (Cellar Ridge) and ATIID for furnishings and finishing touches. Each firm was able to meticulously manage their leg of the project, while collaborating wholistically with each other and the homeowners. The family farmhouse, lovingly named “Westwood,” was showing the wear one expects after serving a growing family for decades. The owner’s dream was to revive, open up, and breathe modern life into each space, while respecting the home’s heritage. One of our first collaborations was the light fixture that would grace the main two-story entry hall. HiiH Lights in Astoria, Oregon, was commissioned to bring “the function of light, the craft of paper, and the art of sculpture” to the home. Visiting the maker’s space – a massive barn on his coastal property – was such an inspiring adventure! Original work by the resident artist sets an ethereal tone in the space, and an antique bench handsomely blends the old with the new. A wall that divided the home’s living room and kitchen was removed, and the breezy and bright gathering room was born. Light walls, warm wood tones, cozy upholstery, clean lines and heritage elements create a welcoming atmosphere and invite lounging and conversation. The sun-drenched nook is the home’s main indoor dining area, with an extension table and sculpted chairs that are just right for family gatherings or morning rituals with the Sunday paper. The kitchen is a chef’s dream with every modern amenity, but its casual attitude is “let’s make a mess and eat!” The owner’s artwork graces the mantel over the new fireplace that was carved from a tree felled on the property, illustrating the thoughtful consideration of each element. The muted wool area rugs in the entryways and great room are hard-wearing for farm life, and the furniture’s classic lines, bold contrasting colors, deep seating and soft textures encourage cozy conversations or large group gatherings. The library is undoubtedly our favorite space in this home. Tucked in “speakeasy style” behind a hidden (wallpapered!) door in the moody wet bar, and drenched in deep green, the room offers a quiet retreat that hugs you in an embrace of books and family photos. The cozy settee nestled between the bookcases sits opposite a custom pair of modern cognac leather wing chairs. The area rug continues the storied look without the antique price tag with a piece from Loloi’s “Heritage Collection.” A little va-va-voom was requested for the powder bath and boy did we deliver! Custom wallpaper plays over original wainscotting and ceilings wrapped in more glorious green. The space evokes joy every time you open the door! A primary suite that would “transport us to another world” and be “classic yet modern, peaceful, collected and uncluttered” was a tall order. Our new furniture layout takes full advantage of the view of wine country hills and the Willamette River, welcomes fireside lounging, and serves as a calm respite for the lovely owners. Westwood Farmhouse truly was inspired by family, genuine love for home and graciousness for all who enter. Finishing the job was emotional for all involved because we were truly made to feel like part of the family. Photography by George Barberis

This vacation home was created for an avid saltwater fisherman and his family. As a coastal property, care was taken to capture breezes and views, encouraging inhabitants to slow down and soak in the ambiance. At the same time, the building is designed to withstand storms and the corrosive effects of salt air. Awareness of natural elements, including being kind to other inhabitants of the property, is evident in selections like turtle friendly exterior specialty LED lighting. Careful compositions of color, material, opacity, and transparency create an exterior that is disciplined but playful. The building is layered in planes that accentuate shadow, forming a graceful backdrop to the palm trees, pool, and ocean beyond. The local coral stone used on the exterior is also seen inside, thus reinforcing a sense of place. Pops of saturated color balance the soothing palette of materials, art, and furnishings, never distracting from the breathtaking setting. High light from clerestories washes across interior surfaces and opens up views to the sky. The luminous volumes are easy-going and simple, but contain a few surprises. In the primary bath, the architect and client created a unique pattern of custom handmade tile.

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.

Large elegant master white tile and subway tile porcelain tile, beige floor and double-sink bathroom photo in Portland with shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, a one-piece toilet, white walls, a drop-in sink, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door, gray countertops and a built-in vanity

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

The Atherton House is a family compound for a professional couple in the tech industry, and their two teenage children. After living in Singapore, then Hong Kong, and building homes there, they looked forward to continuing their search for a new place to start a life and set down roots. The site is located on Atherton Avenue on a flat, 1 acre lot. The neighboring lots are of a similar size, and are filled with mature planting and gardens. The brief on this site was to create a house that would comfortably accommodate the busy lives of each of the family members, as well as provide opportunities for wonder and awe. Views on the site are internal. Our goal was to create an indoor- outdoor home that embraced the benign California climate. The building was conceived as a classic “H” plan with two wings attached by a double height entertaining space. The “H” shape allows for alcoves of the yard to be embraced by the mass of the building, creating different types of exterior space. The two wings of the home provide some sense of enclosure and privacy along the side property lines. The south wing contains three bedroom suites at the second level, as well as laundry. At the first level there is a guest suite facing east, powder room and a Library facing west. The north wing is entirely given over to the Primary suite at the top level, including the main bedroom, dressing and bathroom. The bedroom opens out to a roof terrace to the west, overlooking a pool and courtyard below. At the ground floor, the north wing contains the family room, kitchen and dining room. The family room and dining room each have pocketing sliding glass doors that dissolve the boundary between inside and outside. Connecting the wings is a double high living space meant to be comfortable, delightful and awe-inspiring. A custom fabricated two story circular stair of steel and glass connects the upper level to the main level, and down to the basement “lounge” below. An acrylic and steel bridge begins near one end of the stair landing and flies 40 feet to the children’s bedroom wing. People going about their day moving through the stair and bridge become both observed and observer. The front (EAST) wall is the all important receiving place for guests and family alike. There the interplay between yin and yang, weathering steel and the mature olive tree, empower the entrance. Most other materials are white and pure. The mechanical systems are efficiently combined hydronic heating and cooling, with no forced air required.

Award winning contemporary bathroom for the 2018 Design Awards by Westchester Home Magazine, this master bath project was a collaboration between Scott Hirshson, AIA of Hirshson ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN and Rita Garces, Senior Designer of Bilotta Kitchens of NY. The client had two primary objectives. First and foremost, they wanted a calm, serene environment, balancing clean lines with quiet stone and soft colored cabinets. The design team opted for a washed oak, wood-like laminate in a flat panel with a horizontal grain, a softer palette than plain white yet still just as bright. Secondly, since they have always used the bathtub every day, the most important selection was the soaking tub and positioning it to maximize space and view to the surrounding trees. With the windows surrounding the tub, the peacefulness of the outside really envelops you in to further the spa-like environment. For the sinks and faucetry the team opted for the Sigma Collection from Klaffs. They decided on a brushed finish to not overpower the soft, matte finish of the cabinetry. For the hardware from Du Verre, they selected a dark finish to complement the black iron window frames (which is repeated throughout the house) and then continued that color in the decorative lighting fixtures. For the countertops and flooring Rita and Scott met with Artistic Tile to control the variability of the Dolomite lot for both the cut stone and slab materials. Photography by Stefan Radtke. Bilotta Designer: Rita Garces with Scott Hirshson, AIA of Hirshson ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN

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.