The design intent for this graceful contemporary home was an approach toward minimalism, yet ensuring that the practical needs of day-to-day life could still be satisfied. Situated on a plateau atop a steep hill, the floor plan and glass walls beautifully incorporated the outdoor environment into the primary living spaces. The grounds were carpeted with sage and lavender. This project was particularly rewarding for a contemporary home builder because it presented unique challenges during the design, engineering and construction phases. Access through the garage to the ground floor of the house required a two-story cut in the hillside. The hill had to be shored, an underground spring diverted, and a total dry environment created in the garage and basement floor areas, including the elevator shaft.

Inside, Forest Edge Retreat celebrates connection—to nature, light, and craftsmanship. Exposed beams, white walls, and wide-plank flooring create a sense of air and calm. Stone and walnut cabinetry add texture and depth, while a minimalist steel railing introduces a modern edge. The open kitchen, dining, and living spaces share unified sightlines and light, enhancing both comfort and flow. The primary suite overlooks the treetops, its restrained palette of neutrals and natural oak creating a serene retreat. In the bath, veined quartz and floating wood vanities meet black fixtures and frameless glass—elevating simplicity into luxury. Terraces and pathways extend the home’s living space outdoors, where architecture and landscape merge effortlessly. Forest Edge Retreat embodies CarsonSpeer Builders’ hallmark philosophy: precision, authenticity, and livable luxury. As a Paris Mountain modern home crafted by CarsonSpeer Builders in Greenville, SC, this residence is designed not only for its setting—it becomes part of it.

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 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.

The design team at Bel Atelier selected lovely, sophisticated colors throughout the spaces in this elegant Alamo Heights home. This wallpapered master bath vanity alcove is sheer perfection!

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 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

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

Inside, Forest Edge Retreat celebrates connection—to nature, light, and craftsmanship. Exposed beams, white walls, and wide-plank flooring create a sense of air and calm. Stone and walnut cabinetry add texture and depth, while a minimalist steel railing introduces a modern edge. The open kitchen, dining, and living spaces share unified sightlines and light, enhancing both comfort and flow. The primary suite overlooks the treetops, its restrained palette of neutrals and natural oak creating a serene retreat. In the bath, veined quartz and floating wood vanities meet black fixtures and frameless glass—elevating simplicity into luxury. Terraces and pathways extend the home’s living space outdoors, where architecture and landscape merge effortlessly. Forest Edge Retreat embodies CarsonSpeer Builders’ hallmark philosophy: precision, authenticity, and livable luxury. As a Paris Mountain modern home crafted by CarsonSpeer Builders in Greenville, SC, this residence is designed not only for its setting—it becomes part of it.

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.

Inside, Forest Edge Retreat celebrates connection—to nature, light, and craftsmanship. Exposed beams, white walls, and wide-plank flooring create a sense of air and calm. Stone and walnut cabinetry add texture and depth, while a minimalist steel railing introduces a modern edge. The open kitchen, dining, and living spaces share unified sightlines and light, enhancing both comfort and flow. The primary suite overlooks the treetops, its restrained palette of neutrals and natural oak creating a serene retreat. In the bath, veined quartz and floating wood vanities meet black fixtures and frameless glass—elevating simplicity into luxury. Terraces and pathways extend the home’s living space outdoors, where architecture and landscape merge effortlessly. Forest Edge Retreat embodies CarsonSpeer Builders’ hallmark philosophy: precision, authenticity, and livable luxury. As a Paris Mountain modern home crafted by CarsonSpeer Builders in Greenville, SC, this residence is designed not only for its setting—it becomes part of it.

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

Vein-cut travertine runs floor to ceiling and carries into the curbless shower behind frameless glass. A walnut vanity with an integrated stone basin and an arched brass mirror sit under a window looking into the trees.