Inspiration for a mid-sized full sun backyard formal garden for spring.

Photography by Michael Biondo
Kitchen/dining room combo - transitional light wood floor kitchen/dining room combo idea in New York with orange walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

The Control/Shift House is perched on the high side of the site which takes advantage of the view to the southeast. A gradual descending path navigates the change in terrain from the street to the entry of the house. A series of low retaining walls/planter beds gather and release the earth upon the descent resulting in a fairly flat level for the house to sit on the top one third of the site. The entry axis is aligned with the celebrated stair volume and then re-centers on the actual entry axis once you approach the forecourt of the house. The initial desire was for an “H” scheme house with common entertaining spaces bridging the gap between the more private spaces. After an investigation considering the site, program, and view, a key move was made: unfold the east wing of the “H” scheme to open all rooms to the southeast view resulting in a “T” scheme. The new derivation allows for both a swim pool which is on axis with the entry and main gathering space and a lap pool which occurs on the cross axis extending along the lengthy edge of the master suite, providing direct access for morning exercise and a view of the water throughout the day. The Control/Shift House was derived from a clever way of following the “rules.” Strict HOA guidelines required very specific exterior massing restrictions which limits the lengths of unbroken elevations and promotes varying sizes of masses. The solution most often used in this neighborhood is one of addition - an aggregation of masses and program randomly attached to the inner core of the house which often results in a parasitic plan. The approach taken with the Control/Shift House was to push and pull program/massing to delineate and define the layout of the house. Massing is intentional and reiterated by the careful selection of materiality that tracks through the house. Voids and relief in the plan are a natural result of this method and allow for light and air to circulate throughout every space of the house, even into the most inner core. Photography: Charles Davis Smith

The 7,600 square-foot residence was designed for large, memorable gatherings of family and friends at the lake, as well as creating private spaces for smaller family gatherings. Keeping in dialogue with the surrounding site, a palette of natural materials and finishes was selected to provide a classic backdrop for all activities, bringing importance to the adjoining environment. In optimizing the views of the lake and developing a strategy to maximize natural ventilation, an ideal, open-concept living scheme was implemented. The kitchen, dining room, living room and screened porch are connected, allowing for the large family gatherings to take place inside, should the weather not cooperate. Two main level master suites remain private from the rest of the program; yet provide a complete sense of incorporation. Bringing the natural finishes to the interior of the residence, provided the opportunity for unique focal points that complement the stunning stone fireplace and timber trusses. Photographer: John Hession

A couple wanted a weekend retreat without spending a majority of their getaway in an automobile. Therefore, a lot was purchased along the Rocky River with the vision of creating a nearby escape less than five miles away from their home. This 1,300 sf 24’ x 24’ dwelling is divided into a four square quadrant with the goal to create a variety of interior and exterior experiences while maintaining a rather small footprint. Typically, when going on a weekend retreat one has the drive time to decompress. However, without this, the goal was to create a procession from the car to the house to signify such change of context. This concept was achieved through the use of a wood slatted screen wall which must be passed through. After winding around a collection of poured concrete steps and walls one comes to a wood plank bridge and crosses over a Japanese garden leaving all the stresses of the daily world behind. The house is structured around a nine column steel frame grid, which reinforces the impression one gets of the four quadrants. The two rear quadrants intentionally house enclosed program space but once passed through, the floor plan completely opens to long views down to the mouth of the river into Lake Erie. On the second floor the four square grid is stacked with one quadrant removed for the two story living area on the first floor to capture heightened views down the river. In a move to create complete separation there is a one quadrant roof top office with surrounding roof top garden space. The rooftop office is accessed through a unique approach by exiting onto a steel grated staircase which wraps up the exterior facade of the house. This experience provides an additional retreat within their weekend getaway, and serves as the apex of the house where one can completely enjoy the views of Lake Erie disappearing over the horizon. Visually the house extends into the riverside site, but the four quadrant axis also physically extends creating a series of experiences out on the property. The Northeast kitchen quadrant extends out to become an exterior kitchen & dining space. The two-story Northwest living room quadrant extends out to a series of wrap around steps and lounge seating. A fire pit sits in this quadrant as well farther out in the lawn. A fruit and vegetable garden sits out in the Southwest quadrant in near proximity to the shed, and the entry sequence is contained within the Southeast quadrant extension. Internally and externally the whole house is organized in a simple and concise way and achieves the ultimate goal of creating many different experiences within a rationally sized footprint. Photo: Sergiu Stoian

In Seattle's Fremont neighborhood SCJ Studio designed a new landscape to surround and set off a contemporary home by Coates Design Architects. The narrow spaces around the tall home needed structure and organization, and a thoughtful approach to layout and space programming. A concrete patio was installed with a Paloform Bento gas fire feature surrounded by lush, northwest planting. A horizontal board cedar fence provides privacy from the street and creates the cozy feeling of an outdoor room among the trees. LED low-voltage lighting by Kichler Lighting adds night-time warmth . Photography by: Miranda Estes Photography

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

Design ideas for a transitional partial sun landscaping in Boston with a pergola.

A historic house in Portland, Oregon undergoes a rejuvenating remodel, transforming a dusty attic into a beautiful modern space, creating warmth through the use of natural materials and vivid pops of color. Photo by Jeff Amram Photography

Austin.newhomeprograms.com LLC is a National Real Estate Brokerage Firm providing solutions for the needs of home buyers and sellers in Austin, Established on September 2005 as a web site portal of information for the first time home buyer in the city of Houston, TX. We are a member of the Local, various & National Association of REALTORS®. We offer a variety of programs to assist Austin Residential & Commercial services as well as Apartment Locating services. Our REALTORS® are highly skilled in Mortgage Requirements & Financing, Credit Scoring, Government Down payment Assistance Programs. We provide different kinds of service – • New Home Builders Program • First Time Buyer Program • Luxury Home Buyer Program • Credit Enhancement Program™ • Build on Your Lot Program • Sellers 2% Program

In Seattle's Fremont neighborhood SCJ Studio designed a new landscape to surround and set off a contemporary home by Coates Design Architects. The narrow spaces around the tall home needed structure and organization, and a thoughtful approach to layout and space programming. A concrete patio was installed with a Paloform Bento gas fire feature surrounded by lush, northwest planting. A horizontal board cedar fence provides privacy from the street and creates the cozy feeling of an outdoor room among the trees. LED low-voltage lighting by Kichler Lighting adds night-time warmth . Photography by: Miranda Estes Photography

Photo: Mina Brinkey © 2014 Houzz
Elegant kitchen photo in Tampa

In Seattle's Fremont neighborhood SCJ Studio designed a new landscape to surround and set off a contemporary home by Coates Design Architects. The narrow spaces around the tall home needed structure and organization, and a thoughtful approach to layout and space programming. A concrete patio was installed with a Paloform Bento gas fire feature surrounded by lush, northwest planting. A horizontal board cedar fence provides privacy from the street and creates the cozy feeling of an outdoor room among the trees. LED low-voltage lighting by Kichler Lighting adds night-time warmth. Photography by: Miranda Estes Photography

Kibo Group of Missoula, part of the Rocky Mountain Home family of companies, provided architectural services. Shannon Callaghan Interior Design of Missoula provided extensive consultative services during the project. The log posts with the stone work works together to really give this home a warm rustic feel.

Houston.newhomeprograms.com LLC is a National Real Estate Brokerage Firm providing solutions for the needs of home buyers and sellers in the Houston, Established on September 2005 as a web site portal of information for the first time home buyer in the city of Houston, TX. We are a member of the Local, various & National Association of REALTORS®. We offer a variety of programs to assist Houston Residential & Commercial services as well as Apartment Locating services. Our REALTORS® are highly skilled in Mortgage Requirements & Financing, Credit Scoring, Government Down payment Assistance Programs. We provide different kinds of service – • New Home Builders Program • First Time Buyer Program • Luxury Home Buyer Program • Credit Enhancement Program™ • Build on Your Lot Program • Sellers 2% Program

WARMUP STICKYMAT HEATING MAT NADWM StickyMatt Use under tile, stone & LVT The Warmup StickyMat is designed for use within an adhesive layer under tiles or within a leveling compound under other floor finishes. The fixed spacing and self-adhesive mat makes installation of regularly shaped rooms quick and easy, whilst ensuring precision is maintained. The NADWM floor heating mats are comprised of a low-profile twin conductor cable applied to a sturdy fiberglass mesh. The mats are self-adhesive on both sides and allow freedom of design and speed of installation thanks to the pre-spaced format of the heating cable. ADVANTAGES • The NADWM mats have been specifically designed to provide Primary Heating under a variety of floors. The cable has been pre assembled onto the mat to allow for an easy ’tape-down’ installation. At 132°F peak cable temperature, the NADWM system heats up fast and has been tested and proven to provide 70°F ambient temperature at 4ft in height in 1 hour. • The NADWM mats come with double-sided tape on both sides for a flexible installation over all subfloors. Warmup’s StickyMAT range also provides for a pressure-sensitive adhesive on the mesh to ensure a very low installation profile. • Using the 4iE® Programmable Thermostat, the product can be programmed to suit the user’s needs. The 4iE® monitors the systems’ power usage and will optimize comfort and consumption costs. The 4iE® controller combines the efficiency of built in floor and room sensors. • The cable on the NADWM mats is insulated with ETFE advanced fluoropolymers both on the conductors and the outer jacket for maximum protection. The system is fully grounded with a 10ft lead cable for connection to power. Specifications; Operating voltage - 120V, 208V & 240V; 50/60Hz Width 20” (500mm) Mat thickness - 1/8” (3mm) Inner / Outer Insulation - Advanced fluoropolymer (ETFE) Output rating - 14W/sq ft Coil tail length - 10ft (3m) Approvals - cULus The StickyMatTM System is ideal for installations within regularly shaped areas, where mats can be quickly rolled out across the floor in parallel runs, cut and turned. WARRANTY & MAINTENANCE When installed according to the installation manual and proper testing has been performed throughout, the system requires no maintenance for the duration of its warrantied life. The NADWM mat is warrantied for 30 years against manufacturer’s defects and is protected by Warmup’s SAFETYnet guarantee. See www.warmup.com for full warranty details.

WARMUP STICKYMAT HEATING MAT NADWM StickyMatt Use under tile, stone & LVT The Warmup StickyMat is designed for use within an adhesive layer under tiles or within a leveling compound under other floor finishes. The fixed spacing and self-adhesive mat makes installation of regularly shaped rooms quick and easy, whilst ensuring precision is maintained. The NADWM floor heating mats are comprised of a low-profile twin conductor cable applied to a sturdy fiberglass mesh. The mats are self-adhesive on both sides and allow freedom of design and speed of installation thanks to the pre-spaced format of the heating cable. ADVANTAGES • The NADWM mats have been specifically designed to provide Primary Heating under a variety of floors. The cable has been pre assembled onto the mat to allow for an easy ’tape-down’ installation. At 132°F peak cable temperature, the NADWM system heats up fast and has been tested and proven to provide 70°F ambient temperature at 4ft in height in 1 hour. • The NADWM mats come with double-sided tape on both sides for a flexible installation over all subfloors. Warmup’s StickyMAT range also provides for a pressure-sensitive adhesive on the mesh to ensure a very low installation profile. • Using the 4iE® Programmable Thermostat, the product can be programmed to suit the user’s needs. The 4iE® monitors the systems’ power usage and will optimize comfort and consumption costs. The 4iE® controller combines the efficiency of built in floor and room sensors. • The cable on the NADWM mats is insulated with ETFE advanced fluoropolymers both on the conductors and the outer jacket for maximum protection. The system is fully grounded with a 10ft lead cable for connection to power. Specifications; Operating voltage - 120V, 208V & 240V; 50/60Hz Width 20” (500mm) Mat thickness - 1/8” (3mm) Inner / Outer Insulation - Advanced fluoropolymer (ETFE) Output rating - 14W/sq ft Coil tail length - 10ft (3m) Approvals - cULus The StickyMatTM System is ideal for installations within regularly shaped areas, where mats can be quickly rolled out across the floor in parallel runs, cut and turned. WARRANTY & MAINTENANCE When installed according to the installation manual and proper testing has been performed throughout, the system requires no maintenance for the duration of its warrantied life. The NADWM mat is warrantied for 30 years against manufacturer’s defects and is protected by Warmup’s SAFETYnet guarantee. See www.warmup.com for full warranty details.

Since the double-sided fireplace was removed, new programmable heaters were installed directly into the ceiling to save space and provide heat to specific zones. The newly expanded space now includes a bar area and television cabinet.

In Dubai's luxury residential landscape, the bedroom has evolved from a simple sleep space into a sophisticated personal retreat. Antonovich Group, a distinguished interior design Dubai firm, has perfected the art of modern bedroom transformation through their specialized fit-out and furniture solutions that balance aesthetic refinement with sleep science principles. Their recent bedroom project in Dubai Hills Estate exemplifies their contemporary approach—minimalist architectural detailing provides a serene backdrop for statement furniture pieces and thoughtfully curated materials. As a premier interior renovation company Dubai homeowners select for comprehensive transformations, Antonovich Group begins each bedroom project with a detailed lifestyle assessment to understand sleep patterns, morning routines, and personal preferences. "The modern bedroom serves multiple functions beyond sleep," explains their design director. "It often incorporates dressing areas, work spaces, and relaxation zones while maintaining an atmosphere conducive to rest. This complexity requires thoughtful spatial planning and integrated solutions." What distinguishes Antonovich Group's bedroom designs is their custom furniture program, which creates bespoke pieces tailored precisely to each space and client. Rather than selecting from standard collections, clients receive one-of-a-kind beds, nightstands, wardrobes, and seating that perfectly balance form and function. Each piece undergoes rigorous review for both visual appeal and ergonomic performance. Material selection for these sleep environments showcases the firm's expertise in creating sensory harmony. Acoustic wall treatments minimize noise disruption, temperature-regulating fabrics enhance sleep quality, and carefully selected woods bring natural warmth to the space. Lighting receives particular attention, with programmable systems that support circadian rhythms. "As an interior renovation company Dubai residents trust with their most personal spaces, we recognize that bedroom design affects wellbeing directly," notes the wellness specialist. "Our integrated approach addresses not just aesthetics but also the environmental factors that influence sleep quality." For homeowners contemplating bedroom transformations, Antonovich Group offers consultation services that explore the possibilities of modern sleep sanctuaries—spaces that represent the perfect synthesis of contemporary design principles and deeply personal comfort requirements.