Search results for "Provide inviting" in Home Design Ideas

Inspiration for a large transitional backyard concrete patio remodel in Seattle with a fire pit and no cover

Valerie Wilcox
Mid-sized minimalist l-shaped medium tone wood floor and beige floor open concept kitchen photo in Toronto with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, quartzite countertops, gray backsplash, stone slab backsplash, black appliances, an island and gray countertops
Mid-sized minimalist l-shaped medium tone wood floor and beige floor open concept kitchen photo in Toronto with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, quartzite countertops, gray backsplash, stone slab backsplash, black appliances, an island and gray countertops

At Buffum Homes, we believe every custom home should be a reflection of the family who lives there, and this Spring 2026 Parade Home in Grandville, Michigan was a perfect example of that philosophy brought to life.
This one-of-a-kind home showcased the incredible customization and craftsmanship that Buffum Homes is known for throughout West Michigan. From the moment visitors arrived, it was clear this home was something special. Featuring stunning architectural details, thoughtful design elements, and statement pieces around every corner, this home left a lasting impression on everyone who toured it during the HBA Spring Parade of Homes.
Upon entering, guests were welcomed into a breathtaking two-story great room highlighted by a dramatic wall of windows that floods the space with natural light. Opposite the windows, a beautiful masonry fireplace chase extends upward, surrounded by custom built-ins that create a stunning focal point for the room. Looking above, the eye is immediately drawn to the intricate tray ceiling detail, a signature design feature that Buffum Homes loves incorporating to add character, dimension, and visual impact.
Just off the entryway, the home features both a private office and a versatile flex room complete with beautiful built-in cabinetry. The flex room offers endless possibilities and can easily function as an additional bedroom, playroom, music room, hobby space, or whatever best suits a family’s lifestyle.
Flowing seamlessly from the great room is a spacious dining area and an expansive custom kitchen designed for both everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen is complemented by a large walk-in pantry, providing ample storage and functionality while maintaining the home’s clean and elegant aesthetic.
Natural daylight pours throughout the entire main floor, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in every space. Off the dining area, oversized glass doors lead to a massive covered deck that transitions into an open-air deck space, offering the perfect setting for outdoor living, entertaining guests, or simply enjoying beautiful Michigan evenings.
The mudroom is thoughtfully positioned just off the kitchen and serves as a practical everyday entry point. Complete with a convenient half bath and abundant built-in locker storage for coats, shoes, backpacks, and everyday essentials, the space combines functionality with custom design.
Spanning roughly 1,700 square feet, the main floor was carefully designed to maximize both livability and visual impact. Every room was intentionally crafted to blend beauty, comfort, and practicality, creating a welcoming environment that feels both luxurious and functional.
Ascending to the second floor, homeowners are greeted by a thoughtfully designed upper level offering over 1,100 square feet of comfortable and functional living space.
The spacious primary suite serves as a true retreat, featuring a beautiful cathedral ceiling that enhances the room’s open and airy feel. Large windows provide abundant natural light, creating a peaceful space to unwind at the end of the day.
The luxurious primary bathroom was designed with both comfort and style in mind. It features a custom tiled shower, a relaxing soaking tub, a dual-sink vanity, and plenty of room to move about comfortably. Completing the suite is an oversized walk-in closet with ample storage and organization space.
One of the home’s most practical design features is the direct connection between the walk-in closet and the conveniently located laundry room. The laundry room offers dual access, creating a seamless flow that simplifies everyday living and makes laundry tasks more efficient and accessible.
Also located on the second floor are two generously sized children’s bedrooms along with an additional full bathroom, providing plenty of space for family members or guests. The thoughtful layout balances privacy for the primary suite while maintaining easy access to the secondary bedrooms.
Combining functionality, comfort, and custom design, the second floor perfectly complements the home’s stunning main level while providing over 1,100 square feet of well-planned living space for the entire family.
The finished lower level adds over 1,300 square feet of additional living space, making this home as functional as it is beautiful. Designed with both entertaining and everyday living in mind, the basement features a spacious family room anchored by a stunning custom built-in entertainment center, creating the perfect gathering space for movie nights, sporting events, or simply relaxing with family and friends.
This level also includes two additional bedrooms and a full bathroom, providing comfortable accommodations for guests, older children, or multi-generational living. A dedicated exercise room offers a private space for health and wellness, while still allowing flexibility for future use as hobbies and family needs evolve.
One of the standout features of this lower level is the impressive 9-foot ceilings, which create an open and inviting atmosphere rarely found in traditional basements. Combined with thoughtful design and quality finishes throughout, the space feels like a true extension of the main living areas rather than an afterthought.
In addition to its finished living areas, the basement provides abundant storage space, ensuring homeowners have plenty of room for seasonal items, recreational equipment, and household essentials.
In total, this custom home features over 4,100 square feet of finished living space, including approximately 2,800 square feet above grade and over 1,300 square feet in the finished lower level. The home offers 5 bedrooms, or 6 bedrooms when utilizing the main-floor flex room as a bedroom, 3.5 bathrooms, multiple gathering spaces, a dedicated office, exercise room, expansive outdoor living areas, and countless custom details throughout. Every square foot was intentionally designed to maximize functionality, comfort, and beauty while creating a home uniquely tailored to the homeowners’ lifestyle.
Not only was this a beautiful home situated on a stunning site, but it was also a beautiful project that truly showcased the endless customization possibilities available with Buffum Homes. From the thoughtfully designed floor plan to the carefully selected finishes and statement features throughout, every detail reflected the homeowners’ vision and personality.
We were honored to feature this home in the HBA Spring Parade of Homes and share it with the thousands of visitors who toured it throughout the event. It served as a true testament to the craftsmanship, creativity, and attention to detail that define the Buffum Homes experience.
As you scroll through the photos below, we hope you’ll find inspiration for your own future home and see how thoughtful selections, custom features, and intentional design come together to create something truly special. Let these spaces get your creative juices flowing and help bring your dream home vision to life.
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With its flush hearth floor design, dramatic flame and ember bed presentation along with industry leading heating performance, the Montebello DLX ST provides multiple possibilities for making your living area warm and inviting.
• Dramatic louverless construction gives the fireplace a clean, traditional masonry look and provides the ability to finish right up to the opening.
• Tall ceramic-glass opening provides an exceptional view of the logs and flame.
• The high-definition charred split-oak log set is cast from real wood for an authentic look.
• Platinum embers enhance the glow of the fire.
• Light- and dark-tinted outdoor kits trimmed in stainless steel are available for indoor/outdoor application. The dark-tinted version provides enhanced ambiance from inside the room by creating an infinity effect while reducing glare from the outside environment.
• Outdoor window kit tested and listed to ASTM commercial window standard for air infiltration, water resistance, structural integrity and thermal resistance (U-Value/CRF).

With adjacent neighbors within a fairly dense section of Paradise Valley, Arizona, C.P. Drewett sought to provide a tranquil retreat for a new-to-the-Valley surgeon and his family who were seeking the modernism they loved though had never lived in. With a goal of consuming all possible site lines and views while maintaining autonomy, a portion of the house — including the entry, office, and master bedroom wing — is subterranean. This subterranean nature of the home provides interior grandeur for guests but offers a welcoming and humble approach, fully satisfying the clients requests.
While the lot has an east-west orientation, the home was designed to capture mainly north and south light which is more desirable and soothing. The architecture’s interior loftiness is created with overlapping, undulating planes of plaster, glass, and steel. The woven nature of horizontal planes throughout the living spaces provides an uplifting sense, inviting a symphony of light to enter the space. The more voluminous public spaces are comprised of stone-clad massing elements which convert into a desert pavilion embracing the outdoor spaces. Every room opens to exterior spaces providing a dramatic embrace of home to natural environment.
Grand Award winner for Best Interior Design of a Custom Home
The material palette began with a rich, tonal, large-format Quartzite stone cladding. The stone’s tones gaveforth the rest of the material palette including a champagne-colored metal fascia, a tonal stucco system, and ceilings clad with hemlock, a tight-grained but softer wood that was tonally perfect with the rest of the materials. The interior case goods and wood-wrapped openings further contribute to the tonal harmony of architecture and materials.
Grand Award Winner for Best Indoor Outdoor Lifestyle for a Home This award-winning project was recognized at the 2020 Gold Nugget Awards with two Grand Awards, one for Best Indoor/Outdoor Lifestyle for a Home, and another for Best Interior Design of a One of a Kind or Custom Home.
At the 2020 Design Excellence Awards and Gala presented by ASID AZ North, Ownby Design received five awards for Tonal Harmony. The project was recognized for 1st place – Bathroom; 3rd place – Furniture; 1st place – Kitchen; 1st place – Outdoor Living; and 2nd place – Residence over 6,000 square ft. Congratulations to Claire Ownby, Kalysha Manzo, and the entire Ownby Design team.
Tonal Harmony was also featured on the cover of the July/August 2020 issue of Luxe Interiors + Design and received a 14-page editorial feature entitled “A Place in the Sun” within the magazine.

Large, bright entry provides an inviting and functional entrance to the home. The modern style of door with the opaque glass inserts provides great privacy while still letting lots of light into the space.

The family living in this shingled roofed home on the Peninsula loves color and pattern. At the heart of the two-story house, we created a library with high gloss lapis blue walls. The tête-à-tête provides an inviting place for the couple to read while their children play games at the antique card table. As a counterpoint, the open planned family, dining room, and kitchen have white walls. We selected a deep aubergine for the kitchen cabinetry. In the tranquil master suite, we layered celadon and sky blue while the daughters' room features pink, purple, and citrine.

A complete metamorphosis was needed to bring out the buried treasure hidden beneath this yard, and a family of five rattlesnakes had to find a new home!
Here’s the short list of the awkward elements that had to be remedied:
First, the neighbors’ living room window peered perpetually (like, all the time) and directly into the yard with no privacy whatsoever. None.
Second, the vast deep end swallowed up the patio and provided no place for furniture, or walking. Only tripping and treading water was allowed.
Third, the sunken lawn must have been an arena of some sort! Intentionally excavated from natural grade a full -42″ from the patio, for no good reason.
Fourth, the not-worth-a-visit ramada was the focal point for the entire yard. See it up close! It’s gone.
Fifth, the spa was shoved against the farthest wall and provided no invitation. It was so bad, it never had a photo taken! See the statue peeing between the two short columns? It’s over there. Peeing in the corner as all little boys are want to do.
Sixth, the bbq and fire place were non-functional and equally uninviting, and here’s a better view of just how crowded the furniture is. Don’t fall in!
Last, we will not mention the boulder pile droppings distributed around the yard. Oops! Sorry.
The first order of business was to spend several weeks tearing out everything but the pool shell. Then another few weeks were spent wheelbarrowing in a few hundred yards of top soil (there was no access) to fill the matador pit flush to a more relatable -18″. The large gaping trough was then discretely hidden with large removable stones, so it was out of sight but still serviceable.
Second, the neighbor was screened instantly with a row of mature Texas Ebony trees in a raised planter, that also housed a sculptural ironwood tree as the focal point of the property, soon to be reflected in the pool’s richer Midnight Blue pebble tec finish.
A hundred or so yards of shotcrete filled not only the reclaimed deep end, but also created a sun shelf and spa ledge, now the focal jewel in the foreground as a 360 overflow vanishing edge spa clad in Pewter glass tile from Oceanside Glass, and viewed from all the interior living spaces.
The BBQ was tucked around the corner out of sight but still easy access. The fireplace for two gave way to a large inviting built in banco, with a splashes of colorful fabrics to draw one out. The fire pit serves about 10 people easily, for hours at a time.
Last but not least, the foreground of the pool became a sweeping entry shelf extending the full length of the pool, bedecked with fiberoptic starlights and six glowing bubblers set low, to just barely break the surface of the water, giving a lovely and tranquil sound while sleeping away with all retractable doors wide open.
Simple. Serene. Self-evident. That is the remedy.
If your project needs a similar touch, more or less, drop me a line and we’ll figure out a plan.

A complete metamorphosis was needed to bring out the buried treasure hidden beneath this yard, and a family of five rattlesnakes had to find a new home!
Here’s the short list of the awkward elements that had to be remedied:
First, the neighbors’ living room window peered perpetually (like, all the time) and directly into the yard with no privacy whatsoever. None.
Second, the vast deep end swallowed up the patio and provided no place for furniture, or walking. Only tripping and treading water was allowed.
Third, the sunken lawn must have been an arena of some sort! Intentionally excavated from natural grade a full -42″ from the patio, for no good reason.
Fourth, the not-worth-a-visit ramada was the focal point for the entire yard. See it up close! It’s gone.
Fifth, the spa was shoved against the farthest wall and provided no invitation. It was so bad, it never had a photo taken! See the statue peeing between the two short columns? It’s over there. Peeing in the corner as all little boys are want to do.
Sixth, the bbq and fire place were non-functional and equally uninviting, and here’s a better view of just how crowded the furniture is. Don’t fall in!
Last, we will not mention the boulder pile droppings distributed around the yard. Oops! Sorry.
The first order of business was to spend several weeks tearing out everything but the pool shell. Then another few weeks were spent wheelbarrowing in a few hundred yards of top soil (there was no access) to fill the matador pit flush to a more relatable -18″. The large gaping trough was then discretely hidden with large removable stones, so it was out of sight but still serviceable.
Second, the neighbor was screened instantly with a row of mature Texas Ebony trees in a raised planter, that also housed a sculptural ironwood tree as the focal point of the property, soon to be reflected in the pool’s richer Midnight Blue pebble tec finish.
A hundred or so yards of shotcrete filled not only the reclaimed deep end, but also created a sun shelf and spa ledge, now the focal jewel in the foreground as a 360 overflow vanishing edge spa clad in Pewter glass tile from Oceanside Glass, and viewed from all the interior living spaces.
The BBQ was tucked around the corner out of sight but still easy access. The fireplace for two gave way to a large inviting built in banco, with a splashes of colorful fabrics to draw one out. The fire pit serves about 10 people easily, for hours at a time.
Last but not least, the foreground of the pool became a sweeping entry shelf extending the full length of the pool, bedecked with fiberoptic starlights and six glowing bubblers set low, to just barely break the surface of the water, giving a lovely and tranquil sound while sleeping away with all retractable doors wide open.
Simple. Serene. Self-evident. That is the remedy.
If your project needs a similar touch, more or less, drop me a line and we’ll figure out a plan.

A complete metamorphosis was needed to bring out the buried treasure hidden beneath this yard, and a family of five rattlesnakes had to find a new home!
Here’s the short list of the awkward elements that had to be remedied:
First, the neighbors’ living room window peered perpetually (like, all the time) and directly into the yard with no privacy whatsoever. None.
Second, the vast deep end swallowed up the patio and provided no place for furniture, or walking. Only tripping and treading water was allowed.
Third, the sunken lawn must have been an arena of some sort! Intentionally excavated from natural grade a full -42″ from the patio, for no good reason.
Fourth, the not-worth-a-visit ramada was the focal point for the entire yard. See it up close! It’s gone.
Fifth, the spa was shoved against the farthest wall and provided no invitation. It was so bad, it never had a photo taken! See the statue peeing between the two short columns? It’s over there. Peeing in the corner as all little boys are want to do.
Sixth, the bbq and fire place were non-functional and equally uninviting, and here’s a better view of just how crowded the furniture is. Don’t fall in!
Last, we will not mention the boulder pile droppings distributed around the yard. Oops! Sorry.
The first order of business was to spend several weeks tearing out everything but the pool shell. Then another few weeks were spent wheelbarrowing in a few hundred yards of top soil (there was no access) to fill the matador pit flush to a more relatable -18″. The large gaping trough was then discretely hidden with large removable stones, so it was out of sight but still serviceable.
Second, the neighbor was screened instantly with a row of mature Texas Ebony trees in a raised planter, that also housed a sculptural ironwood tree as the focal point of the property, soon to be reflected in the pool’s richer Midnight Blue pebble tec finish.
A hundred or so yards of shotcrete filled not only the reclaimed deep end, but also created a sun shelf and spa ledge, now the focal jewel in the foreground as a 360 overflow vanishing edge spa clad in Pewter glass tile from Oceanside Glass, and viewed from all the interior living spaces.
The BBQ was tucked around the corner out of sight but still easy access. The fireplace for two gave way to a large inviting built in banco, with a splashes of colorful fabrics to draw one out. The fire pit serves about 10 people easily, for hours at a time.
Last but not least, the foreground of the pool became a sweeping entry shelf extending the full length of the pool, bedecked with fiberoptic starlights and six glowing bubblers set low, to just barely break the surface of the water, giving a lovely and tranquil sound while sleeping away with all retractable doors wide open.
Simple. Serene. Self-evident. That is the remedy.
If your project needs a similar touch, more or less, drop me a line and we’ll figure out a plan.

Bright, Airy, and Inviting Living Room Remodel
This stunning living room remodel is the perfect blend of classic elegance and modern comfort. Flooded with natural light, the space features a soft, neutral color palette with warm wood floors that provide an inviting foundation for relaxed living and entertaining.
The focal point of the room is the beautifully detailed fireplace, flanked by custom built-in shelving, ideal for displaying curated collections of art, books, and ceramics. A herringbone marble tile surround adds texture and sophistication to the fireplace design.
Sumptuous upholstered seating in creamy, textured fabrics is arranged for easy conversation, centered around a substantial wood coffee table that adds rustic charm. A mix of natural greenery and brass accents throughout the room provides warmth and depth, enhancing the calm and collected aesthetic.
Carefully chosen accessories and layered textiles — from cozy throws to decorative trays and candlesticks — add interest without clutter, making this space feel effortlessly chic and welcoming.
Perfect for both casual gatherings and quiet evenings by the fire, this remodeled living room is a serene retreat that feels timeless yet fresh.

Bright, Airy, and Inviting Living Room Remodel
This stunning living room remodel is the perfect blend of classic elegance and modern comfort. Flooded with natural light, the space features a soft, neutral color palette with warm wood floors that provide an inviting foundation for relaxed living and entertaining.
The focal point of the room is the beautifully detailed fireplace, flanked by custom built-in shelving, ideal for displaying curated collections of art, books, and ceramics. A herringbone marble tile surround adds texture and sophistication to the fireplace design.
Sumptuous upholstered seating in creamy, textured fabrics is arranged for easy conversation, centered around a substantial wood coffee table that adds rustic charm. A mix of natural greenery and brass accents throughout the room provides warmth and depth, enhancing the calm and collected aesthetic.
Carefully chosen accessories and layered textiles — from cozy throws to decorative trays and candlesticks — add interest without clutter, making this space feel effortlessly chic and welcoming.
Perfect for both casual gatherings and quiet evenings by the fire, this remodeled living room is a serene retreat that feels timeless yet fresh.

A complete metamorphosis was needed to bring out the buried treasure hidden beneath this yard, and a family of five rattlesnakes had to find a new home!
Here’s the short list of the awkward elements that had to be remedied:
First, the neighbors’ living room window peered perpetually (like, all the time) and directly into the yard with no privacy whatsoever. None.
Second, the vast deep end swallowed up the patio and provided no place for furniture, or walking. Only tripping and treading water was allowed.
Third, the sunken lawn must have been an arena of some sort! Intentionally excavated from natural grade a full -42″ from the patio, for no good reason.
Fourth, the not-worth-a-visit ramada was the focal point for the entire yard. See it up close! It’s gone.
Fifth, the spa was shoved against the farthest wall and provided no invitation. It was so bad, it never had a photo taken! See the statue peeing between the two short columns? It’s over there. Peeing in the corner as all little boys are want to do.
Sixth, the bbq and fire place were non-functional and equally uninviting, and here’s a better view of just how crowded the furniture is. Don’t fall in!
Last, we will not mention the boulder pile droppings distributed around the yard. Oops! Sorry.
The first order of business was to spend several weeks tearing out everything but the pool shell. Then another few weeks were spent wheelbarrowing in a few hundred yards of top soil (there was no access) to fill the matador pit flush to a more relatable -18″. The large gaping trough was then discretely hidden with large removable stones, so it was out of sight but still serviceable.
Second, the neighbor was screened instantly with a row of mature Texas Ebony trees in a raised planter, that also housed a sculptural ironwood tree as the focal point of the property, soon to be reflected in the pool’s richer Midnight Blue pebble tec finish.
A hundred or so yards of shotcrete filled not only the reclaimed deep end, but also created a sun shelf and spa ledge, now the focal jewel in the foreground as a 360 overflow vanishing edge spa clad in Pewter glass tile from Oceanside Glass, and viewed from all the interior living spaces.
The BBQ was tucked around the corner out of sight but still easy access. The fireplace for two gave way to a large inviting built in banco, with a splashes of colorful fabrics to draw one out. The fire pit serves about 10 people easily, for hours at a time.
Last but not least, the foreground of the pool became a sweeping entry shelf extending the full length of the pool, bedecked with fiberoptic starlights and six glowing bubblers set low, to just barely break the surface of the water, giving a lovely and tranquil sound while sleeping away with all retractable doors wide open.
Simple. Serene. Self-evident. That is the remedy.
If your project needs a similar touch, more or less, drop me a line and we’ll figure out a plan.

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A complete metamorphosis was needed to bring out the buried treasure hidden beneath this yard, and a family of five rattlesnakes had to find a new home!
Here’s the short list of the awkward elements that had to be remedied:
First, the neighbors’ living room window peered perpetually (like, all the time) and directly into the yard with no privacy whatsoever. None.
Second, the vast deep end swallowed up the patio and provided no place for furniture, or walking. Only tripping and treading water was allowed.
Third, the sunken lawn must have been an arena of some sort! Intentionally excavated from natural grade a full -42″ from the patio, for no good reason.
Fourth, the not-worth-a-visit ramada was the focal point for the entire yard. See it up close! It’s gone.
Fifth, the spa was shoved against the farthest wall and provided no invitation. It was so bad, it never had a photo taken! See the statue peeing between the two short columns? It’s over there. Peeing in the corner as all little boys are want to do.
Sixth, the bbq and fire place were non-functional and equally uninviting, and here’s a better view of just how crowded the furniture is. Don’t fall in!
Last, we will not mention the boulder pile droppings distributed around the yard. Oops! Sorry.
The first order of business was to spend several weeks tearing out everything but the pool shell. Then another few weeks were spent wheelbarrowing in a few hundred yards of top soil (there was no access) to fill the matador pit flush to a more relatable -18″. The large gaping trough was then discretely hidden with large removable stones, so it was out of sight but still serviceable.
Second, the neighbor was screened instantly with a row of mature Texas Ebony trees in a raised planter, that also housed a sculptural ironwood tree as the focal point of the property, soon to be reflected in the pool’s richer Midnight Blue pebble tec finish.
A hundred or so yards of shotcrete filled not only the reclaimed deep end, but also created a sun shelf and spa ledge, now the focal jewel in the foreground as a 360 overflow vanishing edge spa clad in Pewter glass tile from Oceanside Glass, and viewed from all the interior living spaces.
The BBQ was tucked around the corner out of sight but still easy access. The fireplace for two gave way to a large inviting built in banco, with a splashes of colorful fabrics to draw one out. The fire pit serves about 10 people easily, for hours at a time.
Last but not least, the foreground of the pool became a sweeping entry shelf extending the full length of the pool, bedecked with fiberoptic starlights and six glowing bubblers set low, to just barely break the surface of the water, giving a lovely and tranquil sound while sleeping away with all retractable doors wide open.
Simple. Serene. Self-evident. That is the remedy.
If your project needs a similar touch, more or less, drop me a line and we’ll figure out a plan.

Bright, Airy, and Inviting Living Room Remodel
This stunning living room remodel is the perfect blend of classic elegance and modern comfort. Flooded with natural light, the space features a soft, neutral color palette with warm wood floors that provide an inviting foundation for relaxed living and entertaining.
The focal point of the room is the beautifully detailed fireplace, flanked by custom built-in shelving, ideal for displaying curated collections of art, books, and ceramics. A herringbone marble tile surround adds texture and sophistication to the fireplace design.
Sumptuous upholstered seating in creamy, textured fabrics is arranged for easy conversation, centered around a substantial wood coffee table that adds rustic charm. A mix of natural greenery and brass accents throughout the room provides warmth and depth, enhancing the calm and collected aesthetic.
Carefully chosen accessories and layered textiles — from cozy throws to decorative trays and candlesticks — add interest without clutter, making this space feel effortlessly chic and welcoming.
Perfect for both casual gatherings and quiet evenings by the fire, this remodeled living room is a serene retreat that feels timeless yet fresh.

A complete metamorphosis was needed to bring out the buried treasure hidden beneath this yard, and a family of five rattlesnakes had to find a new home!
Here’s the short list of the awkward elements that had to be remedied:
First, the neighbors’ living room window peered perpetually (like, all the time) and directly into the yard with no privacy whatsoever. None.
Second, the vast deep end swallowed up the patio and provided no place for furniture, or walking. Only tripping and treading water was allowed.
Third, the sunken lawn must have been an arena of some sort! Intentionally excavated from natural grade a full -42″ from the patio, for no good reason.
Fourth, the not-worth-a-visit ramada was the focal point for the entire yard. See it up close! It’s gone.
Fifth, the spa was shoved against the farthest wall and provided no invitation. It was so bad, it never had a photo taken! See the statue peeing between the two short columns? It’s over there. Peeing in the corner as all little boys are want to do.
Sixth, the bbq and fire place were non-functional and equally uninviting, and here’s a better view of just how crowded the furniture is. Don’t fall in!
Last, we will not mention the boulder pile droppings distributed around the yard. Oops! Sorry.
The first order of business was to spend several weeks tearing out everything but the pool shell. Then another few weeks were spent wheelbarrowing in a few hundred yards of top soil (there was no access) to fill the matador pit flush to a more relatable -18″. The large gaping trough was then discretely hidden with large removable stones, so it was out of sight but still serviceable.
Second, the neighbor was screened instantly with a row of mature Texas Ebony trees in a raised planter, that also housed a sculptural ironwood tree as the focal point of the property, soon to be reflected in the pool’s richer Midnight Blue pebble tec finish.
A hundred or so yards of shotcrete filled not only the reclaimed deep end, but also created a sun shelf and spa ledge, now the focal jewel in the foreground as a 360 overflow vanishing edge spa clad in Pewter glass tile from Oceanside Glass, and viewed from all the interior living spaces.
The BBQ was tucked around the corner out of sight but still easy access. The fireplace for two gave way to a large inviting built in banco, with a splashes of colorful fabrics to draw one out. The fire pit serves about 10 people easily, for hours at a time.
Last but not least, the foreground of the pool became a sweeping entry shelf extending the full length of the pool, bedecked with fiberoptic starlights and six glowing bubblers set low, to just barely break the surface of the water, giving a lovely and tranquil sound while sleeping away with all retractable doors wide open.
Simple. Serene. Self-evident. That is the remedy.
If your project needs a similar touch, more or less, drop me a line and we’ll figure out a plan.

Bright, Airy, and Inviting Living Room Remodel
This stunning living room remodel is the perfect blend of classic elegance and modern comfort. Flooded with natural light, the space features a soft, neutral color palette with warm wood floors that provide an inviting foundation for relaxed living and entertaining.
The focal point of the room is the beautifully detailed fireplace, flanked by custom built-in shelving, ideal for displaying curated collections of art, books, and ceramics. A herringbone marble tile surround adds texture and sophistication to the fireplace design.
Sumptuous upholstered seating in creamy, textured fabrics is arranged for easy conversation, centered around a substantial wood coffee table that adds rustic charm. A mix of natural greenery and brass accents throughout the room provides warmth and depth, enhancing the calm and collected aesthetic.
Carefully chosen accessories and layered textiles — from cozy throws to decorative trays and candlesticks — add interest without clutter, making this space feel effortlessly chic and welcoming.
Perfect for both casual gatherings and quiet evenings by the fire, this remodeled living room is a serene retreat that feels timeless yet fresh.

Bright, Airy, and Inviting Living Room Remodel
This stunning living room remodel is the perfect blend of classic elegance and modern comfort. Flooded with natural light, the space features a soft, neutral color palette with warm wood floors that provide an inviting foundation for relaxed living and entertaining.
The focal point of the room is the beautifully detailed fireplace, flanked by custom built-in shelving, ideal for displaying curated collections of art, books, and ceramics. A herringbone marble tile surround adds texture and sophistication to the fireplace design.
Sumptuous upholstered seating in creamy, textured fabrics is arranged for easy conversation, centered around a substantial wood coffee table that adds rustic charm. A mix of natural greenery and brass accents throughout the room provides warmth and depth, enhancing the calm and collected aesthetic.
Carefully chosen accessories and layered textiles — from cozy throws to decorative trays and candlesticks — add interest without clutter, making this space feel effortlessly chic and welcoming.
Perfect for both casual gatherings and quiet evenings by the fire, this remodeled living room is a serene retreat that feels timeless yet fresh.

Bright, Airy, and Inviting Living Room Remodel
This stunning living room remodel is the perfect blend of classic elegance and modern comfort. Flooded with natural light, the space features a soft, neutral color palette with warm wood floors that provide an inviting foundation for relaxed living and entertaining.
The focal point of the room is the beautifully detailed fireplace, flanked by custom built-in shelving, ideal for displaying curated collections of art, books, and ceramics. A herringbone marble tile surround adds texture and sophistication to the fireplace design.
Sumptuous upholstered seating in creamy, textured fabrics is arranged for easy conversation, centered around a substantial wood coffee table that adds rustic charm. A mix of natural greenery and brass accents throughout the room provides warmth and depth, enhancing the calm and collected aesthetic.
Carefully chosen accessories and layered textiles — from cozy throws to decorative trays and candlesticks — add interest without clutter, making this space feel effortlessly chic and welcoming.
Perfect for both casual gatherings and quiet evenings by the fire, this remodeled living room is a serene retreat that feels timeless yet fresh.

Bright, Airy, and Inviting Living Room Remodel
This stunning living room remodel is the perfect blend of classic elegance and modern comfort. Flooded with natural light, the space features a soft, neutral color palette with warm wood floors that provide an inviting foundation for relaxed living and entertaining.
The focal point of the room is the beautifully detailed fireplace, flanked by custom built-in shelving, ideal for displaying curated collections of art, books, and ceramics. A herringbone marble tile surround adds texture and sophistication to the fireplace design.
Sumptuous upholstered seating in creamy, textured fabrics is arranged for easy conversation, centered around a substantial wood coffee table that adds rustic charm. A mix of natural greenery and brass accents throughout the room provides warmth and depth, enhancing the calm and collected aesthetic.
Carefully chosen accessories and layered textiles — from cozy throws to decorative trays and candlesticks — add interest without clutter, making this space feel effortlessly chic and welcoming.
Perfect for both casual gatherings and quiet evenings by the fire, this remodeled living room is a serene retreat that feels timeless yet fresh.
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