Search results for "Provide secure" in Home Design Ideas

Improve your living space with the ideal area rug, a key element in enhancing your home's style and comfort. Whether you’re updating your bedroom decor or outfitting your living room, selecting the right rug can transform any area, adding warmth, texture, and a distinctive touch to your space.
For those looking to upgrade their bedroom or living room, area rugs come in a range of styles and materials to suit various tastes and needs. Hand-tufted and hand-knotted rugs offer timeless elegance with their intricate designs and luxurious textures. These handcrafted options are perfect for adding a sophisticated element to your bedroom decor or living room. Hand-loomed rugs, with their artisanal craftsmanship, bring a unique, personalized touch to any room, making them ideal for those who appreciate detailed, bespoke designs.
If you prefer a modern aesthetic, machine-woven rugs provide a practical yet stylish solution. These rugs are available in a variety of patterns and colors and are designed to withstand high foot traffic, making them a durable choice for busy areas. For a more contemporary feel, flat-woven rugs, such as kilims, offer a reversible design that fits seamlessly with both modern and traditional decor themes.
For added comfort and style, consider shag or flokati rugs. Their plush, long fibers create a cozy atmosphere and are perfect for a living room where comfort is key. These rugs are especially suited for spaces where you want to relax and enjoy a soft, inviting texture underfoot.
When it comes to functionality, choosing a rug that is machine washable, stain-resistant, and water-resistant ensures longevity and ease of maintenance. These practical features are essential for busy households and high-traffic areas, helping to keep your rug looking fresh and clean. Non-slip and adhesive backings are also crucial, especially on hardwood floors, to prevent slips and ensure the rug remains securely in place.
For those looking to make a statement, large rugs for the living room or oversized area rugs, such as 8x10 options, can define and elevate your space. Large carpets provide substantial coverage and can anchor a room, adding a sense of scale and sophistication. Whether you opt for a big rug for the living room or a huge carpet to cover a larger area, these choices offer versatility and style.
In addition to large living room rugs, consider rug sets or personalized options to further enhance your decor. Custom rugs with features like fringe or organic textures can add a distinctive element to your space, reflecting your personal style and complementing your existing decor.
To ensure your rug enhances the overall look of your room, consider how it aligns with your decor theme. Contemporary and modern designs offer sleek, clean lines and bold patterns, while traditional and mid-century modern styles provide a more classic or retro look. Transitional rugs blend elements from both traditional and modern styles, offering flexibility and a timeless appeal.
In summary, selecting the right area rug involves balancing aesthetics with practicality. From luxurious hand-tufted and hand-knotted designs to functional machine-woven and flat-woven options, the perfect rug can elevate your living room, bedroom, or kitchen into a stylish and comfortable haven. Explore the vast array of choices available, including large living room rugs and personalized designs, to find the ideal rug that meets both your decorative and functional needs.

Sea Arches is a stunning modern architectural masterpiece, perched atop an eleven-acre peninsular promontory rising 160 feet above the Pacific Ocean on northern California’s spectacular Mendocino coast. Surrounded by the ocean on 3 sides and presiding over unparalleled vistas of sea and surf, Sea Arches includes 2,000 feet of ocean frontage, as well as beaches that extend some 1,300 feet. This one-of-a-kind property also includes one of the famous Elk Sea Stacks, a grouping of remarkable ancient rock outcroppings that tower above the Pacific, and add a powerful and dramatic element to the coastal scenery. Integrated gracefully into its spectacular setting, Sea Arches is set back 500 feet from the Pacific Coast Hwy and is completely screened from public view by more than 400 Monterey cypress trees. Approached by a winding, tree-lined drive, the main house and guesthouse include over 4,200 square feet of modern living space with four bedrooms, two mezzanines, two mini-lofts, and five full bathrooms. All rooms are spacious and the hallways are extra-wide. A cantilevered, raised deck off the living-room mezzanine provides a stunningly close approach to the ocean. Walls of glass invite views of the enchanting scenery in every direction: north to the Elk Sea Stacks, south to Point Arena and its historic lighthouse, west beyond the property’s captive sea stack to the horizon, and east to lofty wooded mountains. All of these vistas are enjoyed from Sea Arches and from the property’s mile-long groomed trails that extend along the oceanfront bluff tops overlooking the beautiful beaches on the north and south side of the home. While completely private and secluded, Sea Arches is just a two-minute drive from the charming village of Elk offering quaint and cozy restaurants and inns. A scenic seventeen-mile coastal drive north will bring you to the picturesque and historic seaside village of Mendocino which attracts tourists from near and far. One can also find many world-class wineries in nearby Anderson Valley. All of this just a three-hour drive from San Francisco or if you choose to fly, Little River Airport, with its mile long runway, is only 16 miles north of Sea Arches. Truly a special and unique property, Sea Arches commands some of the most dramatic coastal views in the world, and offers superb design, construction, and high-end finishes throughout, along with unparalleled beauty, tranquility, and privacy. Property Highlights: • Idyllically situated on a one-of-a-kind eleven-acre oceanfront parcel • Dwelling is completely screened from public view by over 400 trees • Includes 2,000 feet of ocean frontage plus over 1,300 feet of beaches • Includes one of the famous Elk Sea Stacks connected to the property by an isthmus • Main house plus private guest house totaling over 4300 sq ft of superb living space • 4 bedrooms and 5 full bathrooms • Separate His and Hers master baths • Open floor plan featuring Single Level Living (with the exception of mezzanines and lofts) • Spacious common rooms with extra wide hallways • Ample opportunities throughout the home for displaying art • Radiant heated slate floors throughout • Soaring 18 foot high ceilings in main living room with walls of glass • Cantilevered viewing deck off the mezzanine for up close ocean views • Gourmet kitchen with top of the line stainless appliances, custom cabinetry and granite counter tops • Granite window sills throughout the home • Spacious guest house including a living room, wet bar, large bedroom, an office/second bedroom, two spacious baths, sleeping loft and two mini lofts • Spectacular ocean and sunset views from most every room in the house • Gracious winding driveway offering ample parking • Large 2 car-garage with workshop • Extensive low-maintenance landscaping offering a profusion of Spring and Summer blooms • Approx. 1 mile of groomed trails • Equipped with a generator • Copper roof • Anchored in bedrock by 42 reinforced concrete piers and framed with steel girders.
2 Fireplaces
Deck
Granite Countertops
Guest House
Patio
Security System
Storage
Gardens

This sleek contemporary staircase pairs rich ebony-stained oak with satin black horizontal iron balusters for a striking modern aesthetic. Square oak newels with chamfered tops anchor the design, while thick contemporary oak treads provide substantial footing. The ebony-stained custom handrails tie the dark tones together, creating visual cohesion from bottom to top. The result is a staircase that balances bold contrast with refined simplicity, proving that durable materials and precise craftsmanship create designs that stand the test of time.
1976-2026 © Century Stair Company
Find the right local pro for your project

3D Rendering/Drawing
A two-level pergola, circular firepit area and outdoor kitchen with a charcoal-gas combo grill star in this Houston patio addition designed for entertaining large crowds in style.
"The client was an attorney with a passion for cooking and entertaining," says the project's principal designer, Lisha Maxey of LGH Designs. "Her main objective with this space was to create a large area for 10 to 20 guests, including seating and the prep and cooking of meals."
Located in the backyard of the client's home in Spring, TX, this beautiful outdoor living and entertaining space includes a 28-by-12-foot patio with Fantastico silver travertine tile flooring, arranged in a Versailles pattern. The walkway is Oklahoma wister flagstone.
Providing filtered shade for the patio is a two-level pergola of treated pine stained honey gold. The larger, higher tier is about 18 by 10 feet; the smaller, lower tier is about 10 feet square.
"We covered the entire pergola with Lexan - a high-quality, clear acrylic sheet that provides protection from the sun, heat and rain," says Outdoor Homescapes of Houston owner Wayne Franks.
Beneath the lower tier of the pergola sits an L-shaped, 12-by-9-foot outdoor kitchen island faced with Carmel Country ledgestone. The island houses a Fire Magic® combination charcoal-gas grill and lowered power burner, a Pacific Living countertop pizza oven and a stainless steel RCS trash drawer and sink. The countertops and raised bar are Fantastico silver travertine (18-square-inch tiles) and the backsplash is real quartz.
"The most unique design item of this kitchen area is the hexagon/circular table we added to the end of the long bar," says Lisha. This enabled the client to add seating for her dining guests."
Under the higher, larger tier of the pergola is a seating area, made up of a coffee table and espresso-colored rattan sofa and club chairs with spring-green-and-white cushions.
"Lighting also plays an important role in this space, since the client often entertains in the evening," says Wayne. Enter the chandelier over the patio seating arrangement and - over the outdoor kitchen - pendant lamps and an industrial-modern ceiling fan with a light fixture in the center. "It's important to layer your lighting for ambiance, security and safety - from an all-over ambient light that fills the space to under-the-counter task lighting for food prep and cooking to path and retaining wall lighting."
Off the patio is a transition area of crushed granite and floating flagstone pavers, leading to a circular firepit area of stamped concrete.
At the center of this circle is the standalone firepit, framed at the back by a curved stone bench. The walls of the bench and column bases for the pergola, by the way, are the same ledgestone as the kitchen island. The top slab on the bench is a hearth piece of manmade stone.
"I think the finish materials blend with the home really well," says Wayne. "We met her objectives of being able to entertain with 10 to 12 to 20 people at one time and being able to cook with charcoal and gas separately in one unit. And of course, the project was on time, on budget."
"It is truly a paradise," says the client in her Houzz review of the project. "They listened to my vision and incorporated their expertise to create an outdoor living space just perfect for me and my family!"

Charming front porch of historic home renovated with James Hardie Siding, wood porch ceiling, and front door.
Project completed by Opal Enterprises in Naperville, IL.
#OpalCurbAppeal

Elevation Drawing/From Side Yard
A two-level pergola, circular firepit area and outdoor kitchen with a charcoal-gas combo grill star in this Houston patio addition designed for entertaining large crowds in style.
"The client was an attorney with a passion for cooking and entertaining," says the project's principal designer, Lisha Maxey of LGH Designs. "Her main objective with this space was to create a large area for 10 to 20 guests, including seating and the prep and cooking of meals."
Located in the backyard of the client's home in Spring, TX, this beautiful outdoor living and entertaining space includes a 28-by-12-foot patio with Fantastico silver travertine tile flooring, arranged in a Versailles pattern. The walkway is Oklahoma wister flagstone.
Providing filtered shade for the patio is a two-level pergola of treated pine stained honey gold. The larger, higher tier is about 18 by 10 feet; the smaller, lower tier is about 10 feet square.
"We covered the entire pergola with Lexan - a high-quality, clear acrylic sheet that provides protection from the sun, heat and rain," says Outdoor Homescapes of Houston owner Wayne Franks.
Beneath the lower tier of the pergola sits an L-shaped, 12-by-9-foot outdoor kitchen island faced with Carmel Country ledgestone. The island houses a Fire Magic® combination charcoal-gas grill and lowered power burner, a Pacific Living countertop pizza oven and a stainless steel RCS trash drawer and sink. The countertops and raised bar are Fantastico silver travertine (18-square-inch tiles) and the backsplash is real quartz.
"The most unique design item of this kitchen area is the hexagon/circular table we added to the end of the long bar," says Lisha. This enabled the client to add seating for her dining guests."
Under the higher, larger tier of the pergola is a seating area, made up of a coffee table and espresso-colored rattan sofa and club chairs with spring-green-and-white cushions.
"Lighting also plays an important role in this space, since the client often entertains in the evening," says Wayne. Enter the chandelier over the patio seating arrangement and - over the outdoor kitchen - pendant lamps and an industrial-modern ceiling fan with a light fixture in the center. "It's important to layer your lighting for ambiance, security and safety - from an all-over ambient light that fills the space to under-the-counter task lighting for food prep and cooking to path and retaining wall lighting."
Off the patio is a transition area of crushed granite and floating flagstone pavers, leading to a circular firepit area of stamped concrete.
At the center of this circle is the standalone firepit, framed at the back by a curved stone bench. The walls of the bench and column bases for the pergola, by the way, are the same ledgestone as the kitchen island. The top slab on the bench is a hearth piece of manmade stone.
"I think the finish materials blend with the home really well," says Wayne. "We met her objectives of being able to entertain with 10 to 12 to 20 people at one time and being able to cook with charcoal and gas separately in one unit. And of course, the project was on time, on budget."
"It is truly a paradise," says the client in her Houzz review of the project. "They listened to my vision and incorporated their expertise to create an outdoor living space just perfect for me and my family!"

Wine tasting tables give this custom wine cellar in Chicago greater functionality, and offer a nice place for wine lovers to sit and enjoy their favorite drink.
We constructed the wine cabinets in unfinished and lacquered white oak and the interior wine racks from unfinished mahogany. Mahogany is a type of wood popular for its natural beauty and durability.
The rolling library ladders were a great addition to the wine cellar space. They provide convenience in accessing wines located high above the racking.
The LED lighting system we installed add a warm ambiance to the hotel's dining area. Making sure that your customers have an unforgettable experience in your establishment can help increase sales.
Take a video tour of this project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bFYemSqEMA
Wine Cellar Specialists
+1 (773) 234-0112
http://www.winecellarspec.com
info@winecellarspec.com
Check us out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WineCellarSpecialists

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

Sea Arches is a stunning modern architectural masterpiece, perched atop an eleven-acre peninsular promontory rising 160 feet above the Pacific Ocean on northern California’s spectacular Mendocino coast. Surrounded by the ocean on 3 sides and presiding over unparalleled vistas of sea and surf, Sea Arches includes 2,000 feet of ocean frontage, as well as beaches that extend some 1,300 feet. This one-of-a-kind property also includes one of the famous Elk Sea Stacks, a grouping of remarkable ancient rock outcroppings that tower above the Pacific, and add a powerful and dramatic element to the coastal scenery. Integrated gracefully into its spectacular setting, Sea Arches is set back 500 feet from the Pacific Coast Hwy and is completely screened from public view by more than 400 Monterey cypress trees. Approached by a winding, tree-lined drive, the main house and guesthouse include over 4,200 square feet of modern living space with four bedrooms, two mezzanines, two mini-lofts, and five full bathrooms. All rooms are spacious and the hallways are extra-wide. A cantilevered, raised deck off the living-room mezzanine provides a stunningly close approach to the ocean. Walls of glass invite views of the enchanting scenery in every direction: north to the Elk Sea Stacks, south to Point Arena and its historic lighthouse, west beyond the property’s captive sea stack to the horizon, and east to lofty wooded mountains. All of these vistas are enjoyed from Sea Arches and from the property’s mile-long groomed trails that extend along the oceanfront bluff tops overlooking the beautiful beaches on the north and south side of the home. While completely private and secluded, Sea Arches is just a two-minute drive from the charming village of Elk offering quaint and cozy restaurants and inns. A scenic seventeen-mile coastal drive north will bring you to the picturesque and historic seaside village of Mendocino which attracts tourists from near and far. One can also find many world-class wineries in nearby Anderson Valley. All of this just a three-hour drive from San Francisco or if you choose to fly, Little River Airport, with its mile long runway, is only 16 miles north of Sea Arches. Truly a special and unique property, Sea Arches commands some of the most dramatic coastal views in the world, and offers superb design, construction, and high-end finishes throughout, along with unparalleled beauty, tranquility, and privacy. Property Highlights: • Idyllically situated on a one-of-a-kind eleven-acre oceanfront parcel • Dwelling is completely screened from public view by over 400 trees • Includes 2,000 feet of ocean frontage plus over 1,300 feet of beaches • Includes one of the famous Elk Sea Stacks connected to the property by an isthmus • Main house plus private guest house totaling over 4300 sq ft of superb living space • 4 bedrooms and 5 full bathrooms • Separate His and Hers master baths • Open floor plan featuring Single Level Living (with the exception of mezzanines and lofts) • Spacious common rooms with extra wide hallways • Ample opportunities throughout the home for displaying art • Radiant heated slate floors throughout • Soaring 18 foot high ceilings in main living room with walls of glass • Cantilevered viewing deck off the mezzanine for up close ocean views • Gourmet kitchen with top of the line stainless appliances, custom cabinetry and granite counter tops • Granite window sills throughout the home • Spacious guest house including a living room, wet bar, large bedroom, an office/second bedroom, two spacious baths, sleeping loft and two mini lofts • Spectacular ocean and sunset views from most every room in the house • Gracious winding driveway offering ample parking • Large 2 car-garage with workshop • Extensive low-maintenance landscaping offering a profusion of Spring and Summer blooms • Approx. 1 mile of groomed trails • Equipped with a generator • Copper roof • Anchored in bedrock by 42 reinforced concrete piers and framed with steel girders.
2 Fireplaces
Deck
Granite Countertops
Guest House
Patio
Security System
Storage
Gardens

Riad Zasha: Middle Eastern Beauty at the Beach
Private Residence / Alys Beach, Florida
Architect: Khoury & Vogt Architects
Builder: Alys Beach Construction
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“Riad Zasha resides in Alys Beach, a New Urbanist community along Scenic Highway 30-A in the Florida Panhandle,” says the design team at Khoury & Vogt Architects (KVA), the town architects of Alys Beach. “So named by the homeowner, who came with an explicit preference for something more exotic and Middle Eastern, the house evokes Moroccan and Egyptian influences spatially and decoratively while maintaining continuity with its surrounding architecture, all of which is tightly coded.” E. F. San Juan furnished Weather Shield impact-rated windows and doors, a mahogany impact-rated front door, and all of the custom exterior millwork, including shutters, screens, trim, handrails, and gates. The distinctive tower boasts indoor-outdoor “Florida room” living spaces caged in beautiful wooden mashrabiya grilles created by our team. The execution of this incredible home by the professionals at Alys Beach Construction and KVA resulted in a landmark residence for the town.
Challenges:
“Part of [the Alys Beach] coding, along with the master plan itself, dictated that a tower mark the corner of the lot,” says KVA. “Aligning this with the adjoining park to the south reinforces the axiality of each and locks the house into a greater urban whole.” The sheer amount of custom millwork created for this house made it a challenge, but a welcome one. The unique exterior called for wooden details everywhere, from the shutters to the handrails, mouldings and trim, roof decking, courtyard gates, ceiling panels for the Florida rooms, loggia screen panels, and more—but the tower was the standout element. The homeowners’ desire for Middle Eastern influences was met through the wooden mashrabiya (or moucharaby) oriel-style wooden latticework enclosing the third-story tower living space. Creating this focal point was some of our team’s most unique work to date, requiring the ultimate attention to detail, precision, and planning.
The location close to the Gulf of Mexico also dictated that we partner with our friends at Weather Shield on the impact-rated exterior windows and doors, and their Lifeguard line was perfect for the job. The mahogany impact-rated front door also combines safety and security with beauty and style.
Solution:
Working closely with KVA and Alys Beach Construction on the timeline and planning for our custom wood products, windows, and doors was monumental to the success of this build. The amount of millwork produced meant our team had to carefully manage their time while ensuring we provided the highest quality of detail and work. The location south of Scenic Highway 30-A, steps from the beach, also meant deciding with KVA and Alys Beach Construction what materials should be used for the best possible production quality and looks while adhering to coding and standing the test of time in the harsh Gulfside elements such as high winds, humidity, and salt.
The tower elements alone required the utmost care for building and installation. It was truly a test of skill for our team and Alys Beach Construction to create the corbels and other support pieces that would hold up the wooden oriel windows and latticework screens. We couldn’t be happier with the result and are genuinely honored to have been part of the talented team on such a cornerstone residence in the Alys Beach townscape.
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Photography courtesy of Alys Beach

Wine racks improve wine cellars Texas considerably, displaying wine in an attractive fashion.
In a wine store, quality wine racks increase sales, and in residential wine cellars Dallas Texas they are sure to wow guests.
In a nutshell, they are great for any wine storage application, and provide a beautiful canvas upon which to display wines.
Wine Cellar Specialists
1134 Commerce Drive
Richardson
(972)454-0480
75081
winecellarspec.com

Challenge
As part-time residents of this Bonita Springs home, our clients were looking to update their outdoor entertainment area. They also planned to be away for the summer during the remodel and needed their renovation project to be finished prior to their return for the winter.
Their needs included:
Changing the color pallet to a monochromatic scheme, removing the yellow brick pavers, adding an outdoor kitchen area, adding an outdoor fireplace, resurfacing the pool and updating the tile, installing a new screen enclosure, and creating privacy from the neighbors, particularly the main sitting areas, pool and outdoor kitchen.
Although there was already a 1,221 sq. ft. lanai under the roof, it lacked functionality needed by the homeowners. Most of its amenities were located at one end of the lanai, and lacked privacy that the homeowners valued.
Solution
The final project design required two additions to the lanai area adding an accumulative 265 sq. ft. to the existing space expanding their sitting area and accommodating a much-needed outdoor kitchen. The new additions also needed to blend with the home’s existing style.
Addition #1—Sitting Area:
The first addition added approximately 145 sq. ft. to the end of the lanai. This allowed Progressive Design Build to tie into the existing gable room for the new space and create privacy from the neighbors.
Addition #2—Outdoor Kitchen:
The second addition was a bump out that added approximately 120 sq. ft. to the end of the house close to the interior kitchen. This allowed the client to add an outdoor over and 52” Viking grill (with a side burner) to their outdoor living space. Other amenities included a new sink and under counter fridge, granite countertops, tumbled stone stile and Cypress cabinetry, custom-fabricated with marine grade plywood boxes and marine grade finishes to withstand moisture, common in the Bonita Bay community.
Special attention was given to the preparation area on either side of the stove, the landing area next to the oven and the serving counter behind the bar. Bar seating was added to the outdoor kitchen, allowing guests to visit with the cook comfortably and easily.
Brick Pavers
During the design phase, we discovered that the original brick pavers were set in sand, with no concrete pad below. Consequently, the retaining wall and several pavers were starting to fail, caused by the shifting sands. To remedy the problem, we installed a new concrete deck and laid new nonslip pavers on top of the deck—ideal for wet area applications.
Pool Renovations
To dramatically improve the enjoyment and ambiance of their pool, Progressive Design Build completely re-plumbed it, putting in additional lighting and new water features. New decorative pool tile, coping, and a paver deck were also installed around the pool. The pool finish chosen by our clients was a nice tropical blue color.
Screen Enclosure
A new screen enclosure was installed in compliance with new local building codes, making it more stable and solid than the existing one. The color change from white to bronze coordinated well with the homeowners’ new color scheme; and the location of the service door and stairs provided convenient access to the new pool equipment.
Results
This project was completed on time and within budget before these homeowners returned for their winter holiday. They were thrilled with the weekly communication, which included two-way phone calls and email photo sharing. They always knew where their project was in the construction process and what was happening at all times—providing security and peace of mind.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

"Before" Shot
A two-level pergola, circular firepit area and outdoor kitchen with a charcoal-gas combo grill star in this Houston patio addition designed for entertaining large crowds in style.
"The client was an attorney with a passion for cooking and entertaining," says the project's principal designer, Lisha Maxey of LGH Designs. "Her main objective with this space was to create a large area for 10 to 20 guests, including seating and the prep and cooking of meals."
Located in the backyard of the client's home in Spring, TX, this beautiful outdoor living and entertaining space includes a 28-by-12-foot patio with Fantastico silver travertine tile flooring, arranged in a Versailles pattern. The walkway is Oklahoma wister flagstone.
Providing filtered shade for the patio is a two-level pergola of treated pine stained honey gold. The larger, higher tier is about 18 by 10 feet; the smaller, lower tier is about 10 feet square.
"We covered the entire pergola with Lexan - a high-quality, clear acrylic sheet that provides protection from the sun, heat and rain," says Outdoor Homescapes of Houston owner Wayne Franks.
Beneath the lower tier of the pergola sits an L-shaped, 12-by-9-foot outdoor kitchen island faced with Carmel Country ledgestone. The island houses a Fire Magic® combination charcoal-gas grill and lowered power burner, a Pacific Living countertop pizza oven and a stainless steel RCS trash drawer and sink. The countertops and raised bar are Fantastico silver travertine (18-square-inch tiles) and the backsplash is real quartz.
"The most unique design item of this kitchen area is the hexagon/circular table we added to the end of the long bar," says Lisha. This enabled the client to add seating for her dining guests."
Under the higher, larger tier of the pergola is a seating area, made up of a coffee table and espresso-colored rattan sofa and club chairs with spring-green-and-white cushions.
"Lighting also plays an important role in this space, since the client often entertains in the evening," says Wayne. Enter the chandelier over the patio seating arrangement and - over the outdoor kitchen - pendant lamps and an industrial-modern ceiling fan with a light fixture in the center. "It's important to layer your lighting for ambiance, security and safety - from an all-over ambient light that fills the space to under-the-counter task lighting for food prep and cooking to path and retaining wall lighting."
Off the patio is a transition area of crushed granite and floating flagstone pavers, leading to a circular firepit area of stamped concrete.
At the center of this circle is the standalone firepit, framed at the back by a curved stone bench. The walls of the bench and column bases for the pergola, by the way, are the same ledgestone as the kitchen island. The top slab on the bench is a hearth piece of manmade stone.
"I think the finish materials blend with the home really well," says Wayne. "We met her objectives of being able to entertain with 10 to 12 to 20 people at one time and being able to cook with charcoal and gas separately in one unit. And of course, the project was on time, on budget."
"It is truly a paradise," says the client in her Houzz review of the project. "They listened to my vision and incorporated their expertise to create an outdoor living space just perfect for me and my family!"

Private Residence / Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
Architect: Savoie Architects
Builder: Davis Dunn Construction
The owners of this lovely, wooded five-parcel site on Choctawhatchee Bay wanted to build a comfortable and inviting home that blended in with the natural surroundings. They also wanted the opportunity to bring the outside indoors by allowing ample natural lighting through windows and expansive folding door systems that they could open up when the seasons permitted. The windows on the home are custom made and impact-rated by our partners at Loewen in Steinbach, Canada. The natural wood exterior doors and transoms are E. F. San Juan Invincia® impact-rated products.
Edward San Juan had worked with the home’s interior designer, Erika Powell of Urban Grace Interiors, showing her samples of poplar bark siding prior to the inception of this project. This product was historically used in Appalachia for the exterior siding of cabins; Powell loved the product and vowed to find a use for it on a future project. This beautiful private residence provided just the opportunity to combine this unique material with other natural wood and stone elements. The interior wood beams and other wood components were sourced by the homeowners and made a perfect match to create an unobtrusive home in a lovely natural setting.
Challenges:
E. F. San Juan’s main challenges on this residential project involved the large folding door systems, which opened up interior living spaces to those outdoors. The sheer size of these door systems made it necessary that all teams work together to get precise measurements and details, ensuring a seamless transition between the areas. It was also essential to make sure these massive door systems would blend well with the home’s other components, with the reflection of nature and a rustic look in mind. All elements were also impact-rated to ensure safety and security in any coastal storms.
Solution:
We worked closely with the teams from Savoie, Davis Dunn, and Urban Grace to source the impact-rated folding doors from Euro-Wall Systems and create the perfect transition between nature and interior for this rustic residence on the bay. The customized expansive folding doors open the great room up to the deck with outdoor living space, while the counter-height folding window opens the kitchen up to bar seating and a grilling area.
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Photos by Brittany Godbee Photographer

This project was such an incredible design opportunity, and instilled inspiration and excitement at every turn! Our amazing clients came to us with the challenge of converting their beloved family home into a welcoming haven for all members of the family. At the time that we met our clients, they were struggling with the difficult personal decision of the fate of the home. Their father/father-in-law had passed away and their mother/mother-in-law had recently been admitted into a nursing facility and was fighting Alzheimer’s. Resistant to loss of the home now that both parents were out of it, our clients purchased the home to keep in in the family. Despite their permanent home currently being in New Jersey, these clients dedicated themselves to keeping and revitalizing the house. We were moved by the story and became immediately passionate about bringing this dream to life.
The home was built by the parents of our clients and was only ever owned by them, making this a truly special space to the family. Our goal was to revitalize the home and to bring new energy into every room without losing the special characteristics that were original to the home when it was built. In this way, we were able to develop a house that maintains its own unique personality while offering a space of welcoming neutrality for all members of the family to enjoy over time.
The renovation touched every part of the home: the exterior, foyer, kitchen, living room, sun room, garage, six bedrooms, three bathrooms, the laundry room, and everything in between. The focus was to develop a style that carried consistently from space to space, but allowed for unique expression in the small details in every room.
Starting at the entry, we renovated the front door and entry point to offer more presence and to bring more of the mid-century vibe to the home’s exterior. We integrated a new modern front door, cedar shingle accents, new exterior paint, and gorgeous contemporary house numbers that really allow the home to stand out. Just inside the entry, we renovated the foyer to create a playful entry point worthy of attention. Cement look tile adorns the foyer floor, and we’ve added new lighting and upgraded the entry coat storage.
Upon entering the home, one will immediately be captivated by the stunning kitchen just off the entry. We transformed this space in just about every way. While the footprint of the home ultimately remained almost identical, the aesthetics were completely turned on their head. We re-worked the kitchen to maximize storage and to create an informal dining area that is great for casual hosting or morning coffee.
We removed the entry to the garage that was once in the informal dining, and created a peninsula in its place that offers a unique division between the kitchen/informal dining and the formal dining and living areas. The simple light warm light gray cabinetry offers a bit of traditional elegance, along with the marble backsplash and quartz countertops. We extended the original wood flooring into the kitchen and stained all floors to match for a warmth that truly resonates through all spaces. We upgraded appliances, added lighting everywhere, and finished the space with some gorgeous mid century furniture pieces.
In the formal dining and living room, we really focused on maintaining the original marble fireplace as a focal point. We cleaned the marble, repaired the mortar, and refinished the original fireplace screen to give a new sleek look in black. We then integrated a new gas insert for modern heating and painted the upper portion in a rich navy blue; an accent that is carried through the home consistently as a nod to our client’s love of the color.
The former entry into the old covered porch is now an elegant glass door leading to a stunning finished sunroom. This room was completely upgraded as well. We wrapped the entire space in cozy white shiplap to keep a casual feel with brightness. We tiled the floor with large format concrete look tile, and painted the old brick fireplace a bright white. We installed a new gas burning unit, and integrated transitional style lighting to bring warmth and elegance into the space. The new black-frame windows are adorned with decorative shades that feature hand-sketched bird prints, and we’ve created a dedicated garden-ware “nook” for our client who loves to work in the yard. The far end of this space is completed with two oversized chaise loungers and overhead lights…the most perfect little reading nook!
Just off the dining room, we created an entirely new space to the home: a mudroom. The clients lacked this space and desperately needed a landing spot upon entering the home from the garage. We uniquely planned existing space in the garage to utilize for this purpose, and were able to create a small but functional entry point without losing the ability to park cars in the garage. This new space features cement-look tile, gorgeous deep brown cabinetry, and plenty of storage for all the small items one might need to store while moving in and out of the home.
The remainder of the upstairs level includes massive renovations to the guest hall bathroom and guest bedroom, upstairs master bed/bath suite, and a third bedroom that we converted into a home office for the client.
Some of the largest transformations were made in the basement, where unfinished space and lack of light were converted into gloriously lit, cozy, finished spaces. Our first task was to convert the massive basement living room into the new master bedroom for our clients. We removed existing built-ins, created an entirely new walk-in closet, painted the old brick fireplace, installed a new gas unit, added carpet, introduced new lighting, replaced windows, and upgraded every part of the aesthetic appearance. One of the most incredible features of this space is the custom double sliding barn door made by a Denver artisan. This space is truly a retreat for our clients!
We also completely transformed the laundry room, back storage room, basement master bathroom, and two bedrooms.
This home’s massive scope and ever-evolving challenges were thrilling and exciting to work with, and the result is absolutely amazing. At the end of the day, this home offers a look and feel that the clients love. Above all, though, the clients feel the spirit of their family home and have a welcoming environment for all members of the family to enjoy for years to come.

3D Preview Drawing
Outdoor Kitchen Island
A two-level pergola, circular firepit area and outdoor kitchen with a charcoal-gas combo grill star in this Houston patio addition designed for entertaining large crowds in style.
"The client was an attorney with a passion for cooking and entertaining," says the project's principal designer, Lisha Maxey of LGH Designs. "Her main objective with this space was to create a large area for 10 to 20 guests, including seating and the prep and cooking of meals."
Located in the backyard of the client's home in Spring, TX, this beautiful outdoor living and entertaining space includes a 28-by-12-foot patio with Fantastico silver travertine tile flooring, arranged in a Versailles pattern. The walkway is Oklahoma wister flagstone.
Providing filtered shade for the patio is a two-level pergola of treated pine stained honey gold. The larger, higher tier is about 18 by 10 feet; the smaller, lower tier is about 10 feet square.
"We covered the entire pergola with Lexan - a high-quality, clear acrylic sheet that provides protection from the sun, heat and rain," says Outdoor Homescapes of Houston owner Wayne Franks.
Beneath the lower tier of the pergola sits an L-shaped, 12-by-9-foot outdoor kitchen island faced with Carmel Country ledgestone. The island houses a Fire Magic® combination charcoal-gas grill and lowered power burner, a Pacific Living countertop pizza oven and a stainless steel RCS trash drawer and sink. The countertops and raised bar are Fantastico silver travertine (18-square-inch tiles) and the backsplash is real quartz.
"The most unique design item of this kitchen area is the hexagon/circular table we added to the end of the long bar," says Lisha. This enabled the client to add seating for her dining guests."
Under the higher, larger tier of the pergola is a seating area, made up of a coffee table and espresso-colored rattan sofa and club chairs with spring-green-and-white cushions.
"Lighting also plays an important role in this space, since the client often entertains in the evening," says Wayne. Enter the chandelier over the patio seating arrangement and - over the outdoor kitchen - pendant lamps and an industrial-modern ceiling fan with a light fixture in the center. "It's important to layer your lighting for ambiance, security and safety - from an all-over ambient light that fills the space to under-the-counter task lighting for food prep and cooking to path and retaining wall lighting."
Off the patio is a transition area of crushed granite and floating flagstone pavers, leading to a circular firepit area of stamped concrete.
At the center of this circle is the standalone firepit, framed at the back by a curved stone bench. The walls of the bench and column bases for the pergola, by the way, are the same ledgestone as the kitchen island. The top slab on the bench is a hearth piece of manmade stone.
"I think the finish materials blend with the home really well," says Wayne. "We met her objectives of being able to entertain with 10 to 12 to 20 people at one time and being able to cook with charcoal and gas separately in one unit. And of course, the project was on time, on budget."
"It is truly a paradise," says client Carvanna Cloud in her Houzz review of the project. "They listened to my vision and incorporated their expertise to create an outdoor living space just perfect for me and my family!"

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Riad Zasha: Middle Eastern Beauty at the Beach
Private Residence / Alys Beach, Florida
Architect: Khoury & Vogt Architects
Builder: Alys Beach Construction
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“Riad Zasha resides in Alys Beach, a New Urbanist community along Scenic Highway 30-A in the Florida Panhandle,” says the design team at Khoury & Vogt Architects (KVA), the town architects of Alys Beach. “So named by the homeowner, who came with an explicit preference for something more exotic and Middle Eastern, the house evokes Moroccan and Egyptian influences spatially and decoratively while maintaining continuity with its surrounding architecture, all of which is tightly coded.” E. F. San Juan furnished Weather Shield impact-rated windows and doors, a mahogany impact-rated front door, and all of the custom exterior millwork, including shutters, screens, trim, handrails, and gates. The distinctive tower boasts indoor-outdoor “Florida room” living spaces caged in beautiful wooden mashrabiya grilles created by our team. The execution of this incredible home by the professionals at Alys Beach Construction and KVA resulted in a landmark residence for the town.
Challenges:
“Part of [the Alys Beach] coding, along with the master plan itself, dictated that a tower mark the corner of the lot,” says KVA. “Aligning this with the adjoining park to the south reinforces the axiality of each and locks the house into a greater urban whole.” The sheer amount of custom millwork created for this house made it a challenge, but a welcome one. The unique exterior called for wooden details everywhere, from the shutters to the handrails, mouldings and trim, roof decking, courtyard gates, ceiling panels for the Florida rooms, loggia screen panels, and more—but the tower was the standout element. The homeowners’ desire for Middle Eastern influences was met through the wooden mashrabiya (or moucharaby) oriel-style wooden latticework enclosing the third-story tower living space. Creating this focal point was some of our team’s most unique work to date, requiring the ultimate attention to detail, precision, and planning.
The location close to the Gulf of Mexico also dictated that we partner with our friends at Weather Shield on the impact-rated exterior windows and doors, and their Lifeguard line was perfect for the job. The mahogany impact-rated front door also combines safety and security with beauty and style.
Solution:
Working closely with KVA and Alys Beach Construction on the timeline and planning for our custom wood products, windows, and doors was monumental to the success of this build. The amount of millwork produced meant our team had to carefully manage their time while ensuring we provided the highest quality of detail and work. The location south of Scenic Highway 30-A, steps from the beach, also meant deciding with KVA and Alys Beach Construction what materials should be used for the best possible production quality and looks while adhering to coding and standing the test of time in the harsh Gulfside elements such as high winds, humidity, and salt.
The tower elements alone required the utmost care for building and installation. It was truly a test of skill for our team and Alys Beach Construction to create the corbels and other support pieces that would hold up the wooden oriel windows and latticework screens. We couldn’t be happier with the result and are genuinely honored to have been part of the talented team on such a cornerstone residence in the Alys Beach townscape.
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Photography courtesy of Alys Beach

Challenge
As part-time residents of this Bonita Springs home, our clients were looking to update their outdoor entertainment area. They also planned to be away for the summer during the remodel and needed their renovation project to be finished prior to their return for the winter.
Their needs included:
Changing the color pallet to a monochromatic scheme, removing the yellow brick pavers, adding an outdoor kitchen area, adding an outdoor fireplace, resurfacing the pool and updating the tile, installing a new screen enclosure, and creating privacy from the neighbors, particularly the main sitting areas, pool and outdoor kitchen.
Although there was already a 1,221 sq. ft. lanai under the roof, it lacked functionality needed by the homeowners. Most of its amenities were located at one end of the lanai, and lacked privacy that the homeowners valued.
Solution
The final project design required two additions to the lanai area adding an accumulative 265 sq. ft. to the existing space expanding their sitting area and accommodating a much-needed outdoor kitchen. The new additions also needed to blend with the home’s existing style.
Addition #1—Sitting Area:
The first addition added approximately 145 sq. ft. to the end of the lanai. This allowed Progressive Design Build to tie into the existing gable room for the new space and create privacy from the neighbors.
Addition #2—Outdoor Kitchen:
The second addition was a bump out that added approximately 120 sq. ft. to the end of the house close to the interior kitchen. This allowed the client to add an outdoor over and 52” Viking grill (with a side burner) to their outdoor living space. Other amenities included a new sink and under counter fridge, granite countertops, tumbled stone stile and Cypress cabinetry, custom-fabricated with marine grade plywood boxes and marine grade finishes to withstand moisture, common in the Bonita Bay community.
Special attention was given to the preparation area on either side of the stove, the landing area next to the oven and the serving counter behind the bar. Bar seating was added to the outdoor kitchen, allowing guests to visit with the cook comfortably and easily.
Brick Pavers
During the design phase, we discovered that the original brick pavers were set in sand, with no concrete pad below. Consequently, the retaining wall and several pavers were starting to fail, caused by the shifting sands. To remedy the problem, we installed a new concrete deck and laid new nonslip pavers on top of the deck—ideal for wet area applications.
Pool Renovations
To dramatically improve the enjoyment and ambiance of their pool, Progressive Design Build completely re-plumbed it, putting in additional lighting and new water features. New decorative pool tile, coping, and a paver deck were also installed around the pool. The pool finish chosen by our clients was a nice tropical blue color.
Screen Enclosure
A new screen enclosure was installed in compliance with new local building codes, making it more stable and solid than the existing one. The color change from white to bronze coordinated well with the homeowners’ new color scheme; and the location of the service door and stairs provided convenient access to the new pool equipment.
Results
This project was completed on time and within budget before these homeowners returned for their winter holiday. They were thrilled with the weekly communication, which included two-way phone calls and email photo sharing. They always knew where their project was in the construction process and what was happening at all times—providing security and peace of mind.

Private Residence / Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
Architect: Savoie Architects
Builder: Davis Dunn Construction
The owners of this lovely, wooded five-parcel site on Choctawhatchee Bay wanted to build a comfortable and inviting home that blended in with the natural surroundings. They also wanted the opportunity to bring the outside indoors by allowing ample natural lighting through windows and expansive folding door systems that they could open up when the seasons permitted. The windows on the home are custom made and impact-rated by our partners at Loewen in Steinbach, Canada. The natural wood exterior doors and transoms are E. F. San Juan Invincia® impact-rated products.
Edward San Juan had worked with the home’s interior designer, Erika Powell of Urban Grace Interiors, showing her samples of poplar bark siding prior to the inception of this project. This product was historically used in Appalachia for the exterior siding of cabins; Powell loved the product and vowed to find a use for it on a future project. This beautiful private residence provided just the opportunity to combine this unique material with other natural wood and stone elements. The interior wood beams and other wood components were sourced by the homeowners and made a perfect match to create an unobtrusive home in a lovely natural setting.
Challenges:
E. F. San Juan’s main challenges on this residential project involved the large folding door systems, which opened up interior living spaces to those outdoors. The sheer size of these door systems made it necessary that all teams work together to get precise measurements and details, ensuring a seamless transition between the areas. It was also essential to make sure these massive door systems would blend well with the home’s other components, with the reflection of nature and a rustic look in mind. All elements were also impact-rated to ensure safety and security in any coastal storms.
Solution:
We worked closely with the teams from Savoie, Davis Dunn, and Urban Grace to source the impact-rated folding doors from Euro-Wall Systems and create the perfect transition between nature and interior for this rustic residence on the bay. The customized expansive folding doors open the great room up to the deck with outdoor living space, while the counter-height folding window opens the kitchen up to bar seating and a grilling area.
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Photos by Brittany Godbee Photographer
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