This client contacted us when she got stuck after purchasing a sofa and dining set for formal living/dining areas of her Port Moody home. She hired us to finish the rooms and asked us to do so with a touch of glamour. We were happy to oblige! We continued with the dramatic dark wood tones of the dining set and added some bling in the form of oversized mercury glass lamps as well as lots of crystal and chrome. Luxury materials like velvet and faux crocodile skin complete the look. One of our signature custom designed family photo galleries in the staircase adds a personal touch to this glamorous family home. Interior Decorating by Lori Steeves of Simply Home Decorating. Photos by Tracey Ayton Photography.

Tucked behind a quiet street in Venice, this home faced a vulnerable alley elevation with several potential footholds. The owner wanted to stop opportunistic access without changing the minimalist black façade. We capped the fence runs with two complementary profiles: the Ninja Deterrent™ GIZAGIZA Heart along the corner spans for a crisp, graphic silhouette, and Classic short Black Dual-bladed along the bamboo side to create secure continuity where foliage meets the wall. The result is a clean, continuous line that reads like a slim architectural cap from a distance—yet removes hand purchase up close. The homeowner loves that security improved without sacrificing curb appeal.

Tucked behind a quiet street in Venice, this home faced a vulnerable alley elevation with several potential footholds. The owner wanted to stop opportunistic access without changing the minimalist black façade. We capped the fence runs with two complementary profiles: the Ninja Deterrent™ GIZAGIZA Heart along the corner spans for a crisp, graphic silhouette, and Classic short Black Dual-bladed along the bamboo side to create secure continuity where foliage meets the wall. The result is a clean, continuous line that reads like a slim architectural cap from a distance—yet removes hand purchase up close. The homeowner loves that security improved without sacrificing curb appeal.

Tucked behind a quiet street in Venice, this home faced a vulnerable alley elevation with several potential footholds. The owner wanted to stop opportunistic access without changing the minimalist black façade. We capped the fence runs with two complementary profiles: the Ninja Deterrent™ GIZAGIZA Heart along the corner spans for a crisp, graphic silhouette, and Classic short Black Dual-bladed along the bamboo side to create secure continuity where foliage meets the wall. The result is a clean, continuous line that reads like a slim architectural cap from a distance—yet removes hand purchase up close. The homeowner loves that security improved without sacrificing curb appeal.

Tucked behind a quiet street in Venice, this home faced a vulnerable alley elevation with several potential footholds. The owner wanted to stop opportunistic access without changing the minimalist black façade. We capped the fence runs with two complementary profiles: the Ninja Deterrent™ GIZAGIZA Heart along the corner spans for a crisp, graphic silhouette, and Classic short Black Dual-bladed along the bamboo side to create secure continuity where foliage meets the wall. The result is a clean, continuous line that reads like a slim architectural cap from a distance—yet removes hand purchase up close. The homeowner loves that security improved without sacrificing curb appeal.

Tucked behind a quiet street in Venice, this home faced a vulnerable alley elevation with several potential footholds. The owner wanted to stop opportunistic access without changing the minimalist black façade. We capped the fence runs with two complementary profiles: the Ninja Deterrent™ GIZAGIZA Heart along the corner spans for a crisp, graphic silhouette, and Classic short Black Dual-bladed along the bamboo side to create secure continuity where foliage meets the wall. The result is a clean, continuous line that reads like a slim architectural cap from a distance—yet removes hand purchase up close. The homeowner loves that security improved without sacrificing curb appeal.

Tucked behind a quiet street in Venice, this home faced a vulnerable alley elevation with several potential footholds. The owner wanted to stop opportunistic access without changing the minimalist black façade. We capped the fence runs with two complementary profiles: the Ninja Deterrent™ GIZAGIZA Heart along the corner spans for a crisp, graphic silhouette, and Classic short Black Dual-bladed along the bamboo side to create secure continuity where foliage meets the wall. The result is a clean, continuous line that reads like a slim architectural cap from a distance—yet removes hand purchase up close. The homeowner loves that security improved without sacrificing curb appeal.

Upstairs hallway continues toward more bedroom vestibules, with Panache sconces and lanterns lighting the way. Swedish armchairs are in the same fabrics and trim as the Landing.

The client purchased this property with grand plans of renovating the entire place; from top to bottom, and from inside to outside. And while the inside canvas was very generous and even somewhat forgiving, the outside space would be anything but. We wanted to squeeze in as much seating space as possible in their limited courtyard area, without encroaching on the already compact-sized pool. The first and most obvious solution was to get rid of the trees and shrubs that separated this house from its zero-lot-line neighbor. With the addition of Lueder limestone pavers, this new area alone would free up nearly 120 additional square feet, which happened to be the perfect amount of space for a mobile gas fire pit and sectional sofa. And this would make for the perfect place to enjoy the afternoon sunset with the implementation of a custom-built metal pergola standing above it all. The next problem to overcome was the disconnected feel of the existing patio; there were too many levels of steps and stairs, which meant that it would have been difficult to have any sort of traditional furniture arrangement in their outdoor space. Randy knew that it only made sense to bring in a wood deck that could be mated to the highest level of the patio, thus creating and gaining the greatest amount of continuous, flat space that the client needed. But even so, that flat space would be limited to a very tight "L-shape" around the pool. And knowing this, the client decided that the larger space would be more valuable to them than the spa, so they opted to have a portion of the deck built over it in order to allow for a more generous amount of patio space. And with the edge of the patio/deck dropping off almost 2 feet to the waterline, it now created the perfect opportunity to have a visually compelling raised wall that could be adorned with different hues of plank-shaped tiles. From inside the pool, the varying shades of brown were a great accent to the wood deck that sat just above. However, the true visual crowning jewel of this project would end up being the raised back wall along the fence, fully encased in a large format, 24x24 slate grey tile, complete with a custom stainless steel, square-tube scupper bank, installed at just the right height to create the perfect amount of water noise. But Randy wasn't done just yet. With two entirely new entertaining areas opened up at opposite ends of the pool, the only thing left to do now was to connect them. Knowing that he nor the client wanted to eliminate any more water space, he decided to bring a new traffic pattern right into the pool by way of two "floating", Lueder limestone stepper pads. It would be a visually perfect union of both pool and walking spaces. The existing steps and walkways were then cut away and replaced with matching Lueder limestone caps and steppers. All remaining hardscape gaps were later filled with Mexican beach pebble, which helped to promote a very "zen-like" feel in this outdoor space. The interior of the pool was coated with Wet Edge Primerastone "Blue Pacific Coast" plaster, and then lit up with the incredibly versatile Pentair GloBrite LED pool lights. In the end, the client ended up gaining the additional entertaining and seating space that they needed, and the updated, modern feel that they loved.

The client purchased this property with grand plans of renovating the entire place; from top to bottom, and from inside to outside. And while the inside canvas was very generous and even somewhat forgiving, the outside space would be anything but. We wanted to squeeze in as much seating space as possible in their limited courtyard area, without encroaching on the already compact-sized pool. The first and most obvious solution was to get rid of the trees and shrubs that separated this house from its zero-lot-line neighbor. With the addition of Lueder limestone pavers, this new area alone would free up nearly 120 additional square feet, which happened to be the perfect amount of space for a mobile gas fire pit and sectional sofa. And this would make for the perfect place to enjoy the afternoon sunset with the implementation of a custom-built metal pergola standing above it all. The next problem to overcome was the disconnected feel of the existing patio; there were too many levels of steps and stairs, which meant that it would have been difficult to have any sort of traditional furniture arrangement in their outdoor space. Randy knew that it only made sense to bring in a wood deck that could be mated to the highest level of the patio, thus creating and gaining the greatest amount of continuous, flat space that the client needed. But even so, that flat space would be limited to a very tight "L-shape" around the pool. And knowing this, the client decided that the larger space would be more valuable to them than the spa, so they opted to have a portion of the deck built over it in order to allow for a more generous amount of patio space. And with the edge of the patio/deck dropping off almost 2 feet to the waterline, it now created the perfect opportunity to have a visually compelling raised wall that could be adorned with different hues of plank-shaped tiles. From inside the pool, the varying shades of brown were a great accent to the wood deck that sat just above. However, the true visual crowning jewel of this project would end up being the raised back wall along the fence, fully encased in a large format, 24x24 slate grey tile, complete with a custom stainless steel, square-tube scupper bank, installed at just the right height to create the perfect amount of water noise. But Randy wasn't done just yet. With two entirely new entertaining areas opened up at opposite ends of the pool, the only thing left to do now was to connect them. Knowing that he nor the client wanted to eliminate any more water space, he decided to bring a new traffic pattern right into the pool by way of two "floating", Lueder limestone stepper pads. It would be a visually perfect union of both pool and walking spaces. The existing steps and walkways were then cut away and replaced with matching Lueder limestone caps and steppers. All remaining hardscape gaps were later filled with Mexican beach pebble, which helped to promote a very "zen-like" feel in this outdoor space. The interior of the pool was coated with Wet Edge Primerastone "Blue Pacific Coast" plaster, and then lit up with the incredibly versatile Pentair GloBrite LED pool lights. In the end, the client ended up gaining the additional entertaining and seating space that they needed, and the updated, modern feel that they loved.

- Purchased as a newly completed spec home built by Robert Elliott Custom Homes, the beauty of the steel windows let in an abundance of light. We chose to add personality of the family by painting numerous walls, adding layers of wallcovering in majority of the spaces, replaced light fixtures and carefully designed each room with touches of geometry to continue the classic approach.

Eggplants thrive in terra-cotta pots. Photo by Steve Masley.
Photo of a traditional landscaping in San Francisco.

With an elegant bar on one side and a cozy fireplace on the other, this sitting room is sure to keep guests happy and entertained. Custom cabinetry and mantel, Neolith counter top and fireplace surround, and shiplap accents finish this room.

Concrete board formed tile fireplace surround and floating concrete hearth Orange County California
Inspiration for a modern living room remodel in Orange County

Photo: Kayla Stark © 2016 Houzz
Example of a small classic brick floor sunroom design in New Orleans with a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace and a standard ceiling

Bathroom - contemporary bathroom idea in Boston with flat-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, orange walls and a drop-in sink

This modern green home offers both a vacation destination on Cape Cod near local family members and an opportunity for rental income. FAMILY ROOTS. A West Coast couple living in the San Francisco Bay Area sought a permanent East Coast vacation home near family members living on Cape Cod. As academic professionals focused on sustainability, they sought a green, energy efficient home that was well-aligned with their values. With no green homes available for sale on Cape Cod, they decided to purchase land near their family and build their own. SLOPED SITE. Comprised of a 3/4 acre lot nestled in the pines, the steeply sloping terrain called for a plan that embraced and took advantage of the slope. Of equal priority was optimizing solar exposure, preserving privacy from abutters, and creating outdoor living space. The design accomplished these goals with a simple, rectilinear form, offering living space on the both entry and lower/basement levels. The stepped foundation allows for a walk-out basement level with light-filled living space on the down-hill side of the home. The traditional basement on the eastern, up-hill side houses mechanical equipment and a home gym. The house welcomes natural light throughout, captures views of the forest, and delivers entertainment space that connects indoor living space to outdoor deck and dining patio. MODERN VISION. The clean building form and uncomplicated finishes pay homage to the modern architectural legacy on the outer Cape. Durable and economical fiber cement panels, fixed with aluminum channels, clad the primary form. Cedar clapboards provide a visual accent at the south-facing living room, which extends a single roof plane to cover the entry porch. SMART USE OF SPACE. On the entry level, the “L”-shaped living, dining, and kitchen space connects to the exterior living, dining, and grilling spaces to effectively double the home’s summertime entertainment area. Placed at the western end of the entry level (where it can retain privacy but still claim expansive downhill views) is the master suite with a built-in study. The lower level has two guest bedrooms, a second full bathroom, and laundry. The flexibility of the space—crucial in a house with a modest footprint—emerges in one of the guest bedrooms, which doubles as home office by opening the barn-style double doors to connect it to the bright, airy open stair leading up to the entry level. Thoughtful design, generous ceiling heights and large windows transform the modest 1,100 sf* footprint into a well-lit, spacious home. *(total finished space is 1800 sf) RENTAL INCOME. The property works for its owners by netting rental income when the owners are home in San Francisco. The house especially caters to vacationers bound for nearby Mayo Beach and includes an outdoor shower adjacent to the lower level entry door. In contrast to the bare bones cottages that are typically available on the Cape, this home offers prospective tenants a modern aesthetic, paired with luxurious and green features. Durable finishes inside and out will ensure longevity with the heavier use that comes with a rental property. COMFORT YEAR-ROUND. The home is super-insulated and air-tight, with mechanical ventilation to provide continuous fresh air from the outside. High performance triple-paned windows complement the building enclosure and maximize passive solar gain while ensuring a warm, draft-free winter, even when sitting close to the glass. A properly sized air source heat pump offers efficient heating & cooling, and includes a carefully designed the duct distribution system to provide even comfort throughout the house. The super-insulated envelope allows us to significantly reduce the equipment capacity, duct size, and airflow quantities, while maintaining unparalleled thermal comfort. ENERGY EFFICIENT. The building’s shell and mechanical systems play instrumental roles in the home’s exceptional performance. The building enclosure reduces the most significant energy glutton: heating. Continuous super-insulation, thorough air sealing, triple-pane windows, and passive solar gain work together to yield a miniscule heating load. All active energy consumers are extremely efficient: an air source heat pump for heating and cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation (ERV), and high efficiency appliances. The result is a home that uses 70% less energy than a similar new home built to code requirements. OVERALL. The home embodies the owners’ goals and values while comprehensively enabling thermal comfort, energy efficiency, a vacation respite, and supplementary income. PROJECT TEAM ZeroEnergy Design - Architect & Mechanical Designer A.F. Hultin & Co. - Contractor Pamet Valley Landscape Design - Landscape & Masonry Lisa Finch - Original Artwork European Architectural Supply - Windows Eric Roth Photography - Photography

- Purchased as a newly completed spec home built by Robert Elliott Custom Homes, the beauty of the steel windows let in an abundance of light. We chose to add personality of the family by painting numerous walls, adding layers of wallcovering in majority of the spaces, replaced light fixtures and carefully designed each room with touches of geometry to continue the classic approach.

- Purchased as a newly completed spec home built by Robert Elliott Custom Homes, the beauty of the steel windows let in an abundance of light. We chose to add personality of the family by painting numerous walls, adding layers of wallcovering in majority of the spaces, replaced light fixtures and carefully designed each room with touches of geometry to continue the classic approach.