A 6,000 square foot 2-story new home complex in Milpitas was designed to facilitate the owners’ large business parties and gatherings, to have rooms for the kids to come back to upstairs, and a ground floor master suite with a huge walk-in closet. Several separate structures make up the dwelling: The main house, 3-car garage with carport for overflow parking, and a separate entertainment and recreation building separated by a courtyard from the main house. The business activities include gatherings in the hundreds of people, so parking was maximized and guests can flow in through a separate gate to party in the courtyard and recreation building. Inside this structure is a wet bar, billiard room, workout gym and home theater. The main house ground floor has formal and informal living rooms, open kitchen and master suite with views and expansive windows in every direction. The house is sited on the crestline of a hill with views of the San Francisco Bay and private golf course below. The indoor-outdoor aspect of the house is further accentuated with outside living and dining areas. High ceilings and expansive glass walls dissolve the sense of enclosure taking advantage of the site’s openness and privacy. The owner’s suite is downstairs in anticipation of aging-in-place, and upstairs there are three bedrooms and four bathrooms plus a sitting area lounge and casual TV loft area. The house sits on one acre at the top of a low hill range overlooking Milpitas. The city was very cognizant of the importance of keeping a low profile at this crestline and required extensive story poles and photo evidence of the proper height and siting so as not to be seen from certain selected vantage points. GENERAL CONTRACTOR: JCD Builders Inc. LANDSCAPE DESIGN: Morf Chang Landscape Architecture / ODS Architecture PHOTOGRAPHS: Paul Dyer Photography

Example of a mid-sized transitional freestanding desk dark wood floor and brown floor study room design in New York with beige walls and no fireplace

1900 meets 2023 in this historic Brooklyn brownstone overlooking a private backyard oasis. Honoring the home’s legacy is the black and white ¾” mosaic tile floor in an intricate border pattern around the cabinetry and balcony door. Fast-forward to the present with the cutting edge stainless steel waterfall island. Nostalgic touches abound. Cabinetry is white painted traditional inset construction with a graceful ogee inner profile. Double stacked wall cabinets take full advantage of the tall ceiling height, with triple panels and a shallow display cabinet at the hood elevation for added interest. A rolling library ladder provides convenient access to the upper storage. Polished nickel hinges, decorative hardware, faucets, and ladder rails get an updated twist with their pared-down shapes. Perennially popular marble countertops and white subway backsplash tiles further reinforce the period-correct theme. Then flipping the script are contemporary, black-trimmed windows, matte black metal dome pendants, and acrylic island stools. To supply some respite for the sea of white, walnut highlights the interiors of the mullion glass cabinets and the two open tray bases flanking the microwave drawer. The wood accent is repeated in the library ladder, which hangs at the ready and functions as a piece of art.

1900 meets 2023 in this historic Brooklyn brownstone overlooking a private backyard oasis. Honoring the home’s legacy is the black and white ¾” mosaic tile floor in an intricate border pattern around the cabinetry and balcony door. Fast-forward to the present with the cutting edge stainless steel waterfall island. Nostalgic touches abound. Cabinetry is white painted traditional inset construction with a graceful ogee inner profile. Double stacked wall cabinets take full advantage of the tall ceiling height, with triple panels and a shallow display cabinet at the hood elevation for added interest. A rolling library ladder provides convenient access to the upper storage. Polished nickel hinges, decorative hardware, faucets, and ladder rails get an updated twist with their pared-down shapes. Perennially popular marble countertops and white subway backsplash tiles further reinforce the period-correct theme. Then flipping the script are contemporary, black-trimmed windows, matte black metal dome pendants, and acrylic island stools. To supply some respite for the sea of white, walnut highlights the interiors of the mullion glass cabinets and the two open tray bases flanking the microwave drawer. The wood accent is repeated in the library ladder, which hangs at the ready and functions as a piece of art.

The Council Crest Residence is a renovation and addition to an early 1950s house built for inventor Karl Kurz, whose work included stereoscopic cameras and projectors. Designed by prominent local architect Roscoe Hemenway, the house was built with a traditional ranch exterior and a mid-century modern interior. It became known as “The View-Master House,” alluding to both the inventions of its owner and the dramatic view through the glass entry. Approached from a small neighborhood park, the home was re-clad maintaining its welcoming scale, with privacy obtained through thoughtful placement of translucent glass, clerestory windows, and a stone screen wall. The original entry was maintained as a glass aperture, a threshold between the quiet residential neighborhood and the dramatic view over the city of Portland and landscape beyond. At the south terrace, an outdoor fireplace is integrated into the stone wall providing a comfortable space for the family and their guests. Within the existing footprint, the main floor living spaces were completely remodeled. Raised ceilings and new windows create open, light filled spaces. An upper floor was added within the original profile creating a master suite, study, and south facing deck. Space flows freely around a central core while continuous clerestory windows reinforce the sense of openness and expansion as the roof and wall planes extend to the exterior. Images By: Jeremy Bitterman, Photoraphy Portland OR

1900 meets 2023 in this historic Brooklyn brownstone overlooking a private backyard oasis. Honoring the home’s legacy is the black and white ¾” mosaic tile floor in an intricate border pattern around the cabinetry and balcony door. Fast-forward to the present with the cutting edge stainless steel waterfall island. Nostalgic touches abound. Cabinetry is white painted traditional inset construction with a graceful ogee inner profile. Double stacked wall cabinets take full advantage of the tall ceiling height, with triple panels and a shallow display cabinet at the hood elevation for added interest. A rolling library ladder provides convenient access to the upper storage. Polished nickel hinges, decorative hardware, faucets, and ladder rails get an updated twist with their pared-down shapes. Perennially popular marble countertops and white subway backsplash tiles further reinforce the period-correct theme. Then flipping the script are contemporary, black-trimmed windows, matte black metal dome pendants, and acrylic island stools. To supply some respite for the sea of white, walnut highlights the interiors of the mullion glass cabinets and the two open tray bases flanking the microwave drawer. The wood accent is repeated in the library ladder, which hangs at the ready and functions as a piece of art.

The open space plan on the main level of the Prairie Style home is deceiving of the actual separation of spaces. This home packs a punch with a private hot tub, craft room, library, and even a theater. The interior of the home features the same attention to place, as the natural world is evident in the use of granite, basalt, walnut, poplar, and natural river rock throughout. Floor to ceiling windows in strategic locations eliminates the sense of compression on the interior, while the overall window design promotes natural daylighting and cross-ventilation in nearly every space of the home. Glo’s A5 Series in double pane was selected for the high performance values and clean, minimal frame profiles. High performance spacers, double pane glass, multiple air seals, and a larger continuous thermal break combine to reduce convection and eliminate condensation, ultimately providing energy efficiency and thermal performance unheard of in traditional aluminum windows. The A5 Series provides smooth operation and long-lasting durability without sacrificing style for this Prairie Style home.

1900 meets 2023 in this historic Brooklyn brownstone overlooking a private backyard oasis. Honoring the home’s legacy is the black and white ¾” mosaic tile floor in an intricate border pattern around the cabinetry and balcony door. Fast-forward to the present with the cutting edge stainless steel waterfall island. Nostalgic touches abound. Cabinetry is white painted traditional inset construction with a graceful ogee inner profile. Double stacked wall cabinets take full advantage of the tall ceiling height, with triple panels and a shallow display cabinet at the hood elevation for added interest. A rolling library ladder provides convenient access to the upper storage. Polished nickel hinges, decorative hardware, faucets, and ladder rails get an updated twist with their pared-down shapes. Perennially popular marble countertops and white subway backsplash tiles further reinforce the period-correct theme. Then flipping the script are contemporary, black-trimmed windows, matte black metal dome pendants, and acrylic island stools. To supply some respite for the sea of white, walnut highlights the interiors of the mullion glass cabinets and the two open tray bases flanking the microwave drawer. The wood accent is repeated in the library ladder, which hangs at the ready and functions as a piece of art.

Builder: Boone Construction Photographer: M-Buck Studio This lakefront farmhouse skillfully fits four bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms in this carefully planned open plan. The symmetrical front façade sets the tone by contrasting the earthy textures of shake and stone with a collection of crisp white trim that run throughout the home. Wrapping around the rear of this cottage is an expansive covered porch designed for entertaining and enjoying shaded Summer breezes. A pair of sliding doors allow the interior entertaining spaces to open up on the covered porch for a seamless indoor to outdoor transition. The openness of this compact plan still manages to provide plenty of storage in the form of a separate butlers pantry off from the kitchen, and a lakeside mudroom. The living room is centrally located and connects the master quite to the home’s common spaces. The master suite is given spectacular vistas on three sides with direct access to the rear patio and features two separate closets and a private spa style bath to create a luxurious master suite. Upstairs, you will find three additional bedrooms, one of which a private bath. The other two bedrooms share a bath that thoughtfully provides privacy between the shower and vanity.

The open space plan on the main level of the Prairie Style home is deceiving of the actual separation of spaces. This home packs a punch with a private hot tub, craft room, library, and even a theater. The interior of the home features the same attention to place, as the natural world is evident in the use of granite, basalt, walnut, poplar, and natural river rock throughout. Floor to ceiling windows in strategic locations eliminates the sense of compression on the interior, while the overall window design promotes natural daylighting and cross-ventilation in nearly every space of the home. Glo’s A5 Series in double pane was selected for the high performance values and clean, minimal frame profiles. High performance spacers, double pane glass, multiple air seals, and a larger continuous thermal break combine to reduce convection and eliminate condensation, ultimately providing energy efficiency and thermal performance unheard of in traditional aluminum windows. The A5 Series provides smooth operation and long-lasting durability without sacrificing style for this Prairie Style home.

The Council Crest Residence is a renovation and addition to an early 1950s house built for inventor Karl Kurz, whose work included stereoscopic cameras and projectors. Designed by prominent local architect Roscoe Hemenway, the house was built with a traditional ranch exterior and a mid-century modern interior. It became known as “The View-Master House,” alluding to both the inventions of its owner and the dramatic view through the glass entry. Approached from a small neighborhood park, the home was re-clad maintaining its welcoming scale, with privacy obtained through thoughtful placement of translucent glass, clerestory windows, and a stone screen wall. The original entry was maintained as a glass aperture, a threshold between the quiet residential neighborhood and the dramatic view over the city of Portland and landscape beyond. At the south terrace, an outdoor fireplace is integrated into the stone wall providing a comfortable space for the family and their guests. Within the existing footprint, the main floor living spaces were completely remodeled. Raised ceilings and new windows create open, light filled spaces. An upper floor was added within the original profile creating a master suite, study, and south facing deck. Space flows freely around a central core while continuous clerestory windows reinforce the sense of openness and expansion as the roof and wall planes extend to the exterior. Images By: Jeremy Bitterman, Photoraphy Portland OR

The Council Crest Residence is a renovation and addition to an early 1950s house built for inventor Karl Kurz, whose work included stereoscopic cameras and projectors. Designed by prominent local architect Roscoe Hemenway, the house was built with a traditional ranch exterior and a mid-century modern interior. It became known as “The View-Master House,” alluding to both the inventions of its owner and the dramatic view through the glass entry. Approached from a small neighborhood park, the home was re-clad maintaining its welcoming scale, with privacy obtained through thoughtful placement of translucent glass, clerestory windows, and a stone screen wall. The original entry was maintained as a glass aperture, a threshold between the quiet residential neighborhood and the dramatic view over the city of Portland and landscape beyond. At the south terrace, an outdoor fireplace is integrated into the stone wall providing a comfortable space for the family and their guests. Within the existing footprint, the main floor living spaces were completely remodeled. Raised ceilings and new windows create open, light filled spaces. An upper floor was added within the original profile creating a master suite, study, and south facing deck. Space flows freely around a central core while continuous clerestory windows reinforce the sense of openness and expansion as the roof and wall planes extend to the exterior. Images By: Jeremy Bitterman, Photoraphy Portland OR

1900 meets 2023 in this historic Brooklyn brownstone overlooking a private backyard oasis. Honoring the home’s legacy is the black and white ¾” mosaic tile floor in an intricate border pattern around the cabinetry and balcony door. Fast-forward to the present with the cutting edge stainless steel waterfall island. Nostalgic touches abound. Cabinetry is white painted traditional inset construction with a graceful ogee inner profile. Double stacked wall cabinets take full advantage of the tall ceiling height, with triple panels and a shallow display cabinet at the hood elevation for added interest. A rolling library ladder provides convenient access to the upper storage. Polished nickel hinges, decorative hardware, faucets, and ladder rails get an updated twist with their pared-down shapes. Perennially popular marble countertops and white subway backsplash tiles further reinforce the period-correct theme. Then flipping the script are contemporary, black-trimmed windows, matte black metal dome pendants, and acrylic island stools. To supply some respite for the sea of white, walnut highlights the interiors of the mullion glass cabinets and the two open tray bases flanking the microwave drawer. The wood accent is repeated in the library ladder, which hangs at the ready and functions as a piece of art.

This historic property within walking distance to downtown Andover, MA features a striking remodeled home. The clients undertook an extensive renovation of the house and grounds: the facade of the home and its historic character were carefully preserved, while the landscape of the home now features contemporary architectural updates to reflect the modern lifestyle of the clients. The design for the private backyard is more contemporary, reflecting the clients personal style and complementing the architectural updates of the home. The clients requested a new garage and driveway. Bluestone terraces are the focal point to this outdoor retreat within an quaint suburban locale.

This property was developed as a private horse training and breeding facility. A post framed horse barn design is connected to a 70' x 146' engineered steel indoor arena created a tee shaped building. The barn has nine stalls, wash/groom stalls, office, and support spaces on the first floor and a laboratory and storage areas on the second floor. The office and laboratory have windows into the indoor horse riding arena design. The riding arena is day lit from roll-up glass garage doors, translucent panel clerestories, and a translucent panel gable end wall. Site layout; driveways; an outdoor arena; pastures; and a storage building with a manure bunker were also included in the property development.

Framed by clean paver tiles and bordered in uniform grout lines, the in-ground pool uses a subtle gradient in tiling to visually deepen the center basin. The waterline features a linear mosaic trim that adds a precision finish between the interior surface and coping edge. Perimeter drainage is embedded beneath the patio surface to prevent runoff accumulation without interrupting the slab’s clean layout. A consistent light-stone deck finish surrounds the pool, extending to a lounge zone arranged with modern Adirondack-style seating in UV-resistant composite material. Adjacent turf is edged with structural concrete and transitions into a reinforced boat dock equipped with a covered lift system, enabling watercraft access without encroaching on poolside activities. Framing the boundary, slim-profile fencing and mature palm plantings add privacy without blocking the expansive water view. The entire layout emphasizes symmetry, unobstructed sightlines, and a balance of functional exterior zones in a luxury coastal setting.

Silent Sama Architectural Photography
Inspiration for a small contemporary three-story mixed siding flat roof remodel in Vancouver

An in-ground pool anchors the backyard layout, bordered by diagonally laid travertine pavers in a lightly textured finish. The pool edge features narrow-format coping stones, and the interior is surfaced with a reflective, aqua-toned tile blend that enhances water clarity under direct sun exposure. A gas fire bowl is installed at one corner, cast in concrete and slightly elevated for visual balance against the flat deck plane. Beyond the hardscape, a strip of manicured lawn separates the pool from the dock-facing garden. Palms of staggered heights are positioned to offer both shade and visual privacy without obstructing the open water view. Adjustable mesh lounge chairs are arranged along the sun deck, all oriented toward the bay. Low planter beds with symmetrical shrub groupings define the property edge while maintaining permeability. The outdoor zone combines hard material stability with layered softscaping for a balanced, resort-style residential profile.

Bridle Path Residence — Luxury Wellness Bathroom & Hydrotherapy Suite This Bridle Path Residence bathroom is conceived as a private hydrotherapy retreat, bringing a resort-like wellness experience into the home while maintaining the architectural detailing and craftsmanship of the residence. The design is less about creating a conventional bathroom and more about establishing a dedicated space for relaxation, recovery, and ritual. The hydrotherapy tub becomes the central sculptural element of the room. Its generous curved profile creates a soft, organic focal point against the highly detailed wall treatment, while the integrated jets and ergonomic form emphasize the room's wellness-driven purpose. Positioning the tub within the main architectural composition gives it the presence of a luxury amenity rather than treating it as a standard fixture. The walls are enveloped in a small-format decorative mosaic with an intricate, almost textile-like pattern. This repeated surface creates remarkable visual depth and gives the room a distinctly crafted quality. The subtle variation within the mosaic prevents the predominantly light palette from feeling flat, while its fine geometry provides a counterpoint to the smooth, sculptural tub. A particularly thoughtful feature is the integrated sauna viewing window, which creates a visual relationship between the hydrotherapy area and the warm timber sauna beyond. The opening turns the sauna into part of the overall composition and establishes a clear sequence of wellness experiences—hydrotherapy, heat, and showering—within one cohesive suite. The adjacent shower introduces a contrasting material language. Large-format marble-look surfaces create a cleaner, more serene backdrop, while the vertical patterned accent strip adds a strong decorative moment. This controlled use of pattern prevents the space from becoming visually overwhelming and gives the shower its own identity. The sauna itself introduces warmth through natural timber, creating an immediate sensory contrast with the cool, pale surfaces surrounding it. The wood adds depth and reinforces the feeling of a private spa retreat, while the glass enclosure maintains openness and allows the different wellness zones to remain visually connected. The flooring continues the decorative approach with a carefully patterned layout that complements the wall mosaic without simply repeating it. This creates a layered surface treatment in which scale, geometry, and texture work together to give the room a highly customized character. Even the circulation area is treated as part of the design experience. The glass door and open stair connection allow light to move through the space, while the traditional architectural detailing visible beyond the bathroom establishes continuity with the broader residence. The overall concept is residential wellness with an emphasis on craftsmanship and sensory experience. Decorative mosaic, natural timber, glass, stone-inspired surfaces, sculptural plumbing, and carefully integrated wellness features create a room that feels more like a private boutique spa than a conventional home bathroom.