A cedar entry was created to provide not only warmth and interest, but to define and celebrate the unique entry that existed in the house. Photo by: Zephyr McIntyre

On the upper level the kids’ rooms were opened up to provide more space within the existing footprint

This was done in a new construction home. Using Tuscany plaster in dark shades of blue provides a sophisticated and rustic appearance to the walls and ceilings of a powder room. Creating unique atmospheric ambiance in the space.

This room addition features a unique corner window, providing the clients with a panoramic view of the pool and backyard! Photo by Mike Medford.
Family room - modern family room idea in Dallas

This entryway has a THIN-FINISH™ Decorative Concrete Overlay to provide a unique custom finish that is long-lasting and durable.

The 130-foot perimeter of the pool provides ample space for family and friends to gather and enjoy quality time together. Yet, it is also a very inviting retreat for the homeowner to quietly enjoy after a long day.

We designed an exterior space that provided them with privacy from neighbors and visiting guests. The indoor patio is located between the living room and guest bedroom, which gave us the idea to create a zen concept with water fountains, hanging chairs and white partitions with lots of orchids and flowers. Rolando Diaz Photographer

The covered portion of the upper deck level. The Owner hand selected various elements such as these salvaged shutters to provide a unique and weathered character to the space.

This green console with gold accents creates a unique environment for the entryway of the home. Modern accessories and a stack of books provide an interesting twist.

Bellawood Exotics are chosen for their distinctive appearances and strength, and Brazilian koa embodies both of those requirements. Its unmistakable orange hue and dark stripes provide a unique, bold flooring that you won't see in every home.

This functional children's bedroom takes advantage of the room's unique second-story layout. Custom built-ins provide ample storage while a soft upholstered chair and playful accessories make the room feel warm and inviting.

Our introduction to the Tahoe site was in late winter, on a clear sunny day with filtered light and long shadows through snow-laden fir and pine bows. It made a strong impression, stored for future consideration but the impetus for the design came soon after the spring snow melt. A powerful sense of horizontal layering of vegetation and various stages of decomposing downed timber on the two-acre site, juxtaposed with pine and fir trees and the dense canopy of the surrounding forest. The site is located near the historic 1960 Olympic Nordic track, situated on the edge of wetlands and seasonal streams. The homeowners were previous clients and dreamt of having a retreat in the Sierras away from their home base in Berkeley, CA. Among skiers, bike riders, hikers, and boaters, they found the ideal central location for their home base near Lake Tahoe. The home is organized as a series of linked spaces, each providing a unique sensory experience and connection to different parts of the site, both vertically and horizontally. The design includes extensive use of glass to create a true indoor/outdoor connection and maximize natural light. At the center of the site are two large fir trees, which the building respectfully wraps around in an L shape to create a focal point in the landscaped courtyard. A refined, context-driven palette of natural materials including cedar, oak, fir, and steel is used to harmoniously blend in among the surroundings. The construction includes advanced details such as thermally broken steel beams supporting layered roof planes engineered to hold snow rather than shed it. Designed to resist significant load, we exposed the steel structure as a recurring element in the interior spaces. The resulting columns and support beams contribute to the familiar design aspects of each room and provide a better understanding of how the building was constructed. The second floor features cantilevered volumes that reach out into the nearby evergreen limbs, likening the experience to being in a tree house. The house incorporates features such as radiant heating, solar panels, and operable windows for passive cooling. Fire safety measures include the use of naturally fire-resistant materials, a Class A roof construction, sprinklers, and drought-tolerant landscaping beyond the defensible space.

Our firm was honored with being selected to present in the prestigious annual Street of Dreams Home Showcase in Lincoln, California. This 6,000 sq.ft. Tuscan Showcase Home provides for a casual family lifestyle in an elegant setting. The interior entry courtyard provides privacy for secure indoor and outdoor living. Unique features include a gate house, formal entry, parlor, great room off of a unique gourmet kitchen and dining loggia, a formal dining room, wine room, four bedrooms, six bathrooms, a courtyard, outdoor kitchen with pizza oven, a four car garage and service motorcourt, view terrace with swimming pool and spa just off the master suite retreat.

The design of this home was driven by the owners’ desire for a three-bedroom waterfront home that showcased the spectacular views and park-like setting. As nature lovers, they wanted their home to be organic, minimize any environmental impact on the sensitive site and embrace nature. This unique home is sited on a high ridge with a 45° slope to the water on the right and a deep ravine on the left. The five-acre site is completely wooded and tree preservation was a major emphasis. Very few trees were removed and special care was taken to protect the trees and environment throughout the project. To further minimize disturbance, grades were not changed and the home was designed to take full advantage of the site’s natural topography. Oak from the home site was re-purposed for the mantle, powder room counter and select furniture. The visually powerful twin pavilions were born from the need for level ground and parking on an otherwise challenging site. Fill dirt excavated from the main home provided the foundation. All structures are anchored with a natural stone base and exterior materials include timber framing, fir ceilings, shingle siding, a partial metal roof and corten steel walls. Stone, wood, metal and glass transition the exterior to the interior and large wood windows flood the home with light and showcase the setting. Interior finishes include reclaimed heart pine floors, Douglas fir trim, dry-stacked stone, rustic cherry cabinets and soapstone counters. Exterior spaces include a timber-framed porch, stone patio with fire pit and commanding views of the Occoquan reservoir. A second porch overlooks the ravine and a breezeway connects the garage to the home. Numerous energy-saving features have been incorporated, including LED lighting, on-demand gas water heating and special insulation. Smart technology helps manage and control the entire house. Greg Hadley Photography

A 3-unit townhouse located in Houston that takes advantage of a unique site utilization strategy by providing garage access via a rare alleyway.
Example of a trendy exterior home design in Houston

This 1902 San Antonio home was beautiful both inside and out, except for the kitchen, which was dark and dated. The original kitchen layout consisted of a breakfast room and a small kitchen separated by a wall. There was also a very small screened in porch off of the kitchen. The homeowners dreamed of a light and bright new kitchen and that would accommodate a 48" gas range, built in refrigerator, an island and a walk in pantry. At first, it seemed almost impossible, but with a little imagination, we were able to give them every item on their wish list. We took down the wall separating the breakfast and kitchen areas, recessed the new Subzero refrigerator under the stairs, and turned the tiny screened porch into a walk in pantry with a gorgeous blue and white tile floor. The french doors in the breakfast area were replaced with a single transom door to mirror the door to the pantry. The new transoms make quite a statement on either side of the 48" Wolf range set against a marble tile wall. A lovely banquette area was created where the old breakfast table once was and is now graced by a lovely beaded chandelier. Pillows in shades of blue and white and a custom walnut table complete the cozy nook. The soapstone island with a walnut butcher block seating area adds warmth and character to the space. The navy barstools with chrome nailhead trim echo the design of the transoms and repeat the navy and chrome detailing on the custom range hood. A 42" Shaws farmhouse sink completes the kitchen work triangle. Off of the kitchen, the small hallway to the dining room got a facelift, as well. We added a decorative china cabinet and mirrored doors to the homeowner's storage closet to provide light and character to the passageway. After the project was completed, the homeowners told us that "this kitchen was the one that our historic house was always meant to have." There is no greater reward for what we do than that.

This unique city-home is designed with a center entry, flanked by formal living and dining rooms on either side. An expansive gourmet kitchen / great room spans the rear of the main floor, opening onto a terraced outdoor space comprised of more than 700SF. The home also boasts an open, four-story staircase flooded with natural, southern light, as well as a lower level family room, four bedrooms (including two en-suite) on the second floor, and an additional two bedrooms and study on the third floor. A spacious, 500SF roof deck is accessible from the top of the staircase, providing additional outdoor space for play and entertainment. Due to the location and shape of the site, there is a 2-car, heated garage under the house, providing direct entry from the garage into the lower level mudroom. Two additional off-street parking spots are also provided in the covered driveway leading to the garage. Designed with family living in mind, the home has also been designed for entertaining and to embrace life's creature comforts. Pre-wired with HD Video, Audio and comprehensive low-voltage services, the home is able to accommodate and distribute any low voltage services requested by the homeowner. This home was pre-sold during construction. Steve Hall, Hedrich Blessing

A roll top desk provides a laptop perch, and an old fireplace grate on the wall makes for unique art.

This entryway has a THIN-FINISH™ Decorative Concrete Overlay to provide a unique custom finish that is long-lasting and durable.