3D 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!"

Phil and Rocio, little did you know how perfect your timing was when you came to us and asked for a “small but perfect home”. Fertile ground indeed as we thought about working on something like a precious gem, or what we’re calling a NEW Jewel. So many of our clients now are building smaller homes because they simply don’t need a bigger one. Seems smart for many reasons: less vacuuming, less heating and cooling, less taxes. And for many, less strain on the finances as we get to the point where retirement shines bright and hopeful. For the jewel of a home we wanted to start with 1,000 square feet. Enough room for a pleasant common area, a couple of away rooms for bed and work, a couple of bathrooms and yes to a mudroom and pantry. (For Phil and Rocio’s, we ended up with 1,140 square feet.) The Jewel would not compromise on design intent, envelope or craft intensity. This is the big benefit of the smaller footprint, of course. By using a pure and simple form for the house volume, a true jewel would have enough money in the budget for the highest quality materials, net-zero levels of insulation, triple pane windows, and a high-efficiency heat pump. Additionally, the doors would be handcrafted, the cabinets solid wood, the finishes exquisite, and craftsmanship shudderingly excellent. Our many thanks to Phil and Rocio for including us in their dream home project. It is truly a Jewel! From the homeowners (read their full note here): “It is quite difficult to express the deep sense of gratitude we feel towards everyone that contributed to the Jewel…many of which I don’t have the ability to send this to, or even be able to name. The artistic, creative flair combined with real-life practicality is a major component of our place we will love for many years to come. Please pass on our thanks to everyone that was involved. We look forward to visits from any and all as time goes by." –Phil and Rocio Read more about the first steps for this Jewel on our blog. Reclaimed Wood, Kitchen Cabinetry, Bedroom Door: Pioneer Millworks Entry door: NEWwoodworks Professional Photos: Loren Nelson Photography

Deck - traditional deck idea in Bridgeport

Eichler X-100 Kitchen: A Futuristic Vision of Function and Design The kitchen of the Eichler X-100 is not just a place to cook—it is a designed system, a forward-thinking experiment in how everyday living could be streamlined, modernized, and elevated through architecture. Envisioned by A. Quincy Jones and Frederick Emmons for Joseph Eichler, the space reflects a bold reimagining of the American kitchen in the mid-20th century. A Central Hub of the Home Positioned within the home’s central utility core, the kitchen is strategically located to connect all major living zones. Rather than being tucked away, it becomes a functional anchor, allowing for seamless interaction between cooking, dining, and gathering spaces. This layout reinforces Eichler’s philosophy: the kitchen is not separate—it’s part of everyday life. Innovation Built In What sets the X-100 kitchen apart is its integration of experimental, built-in features that were far ahead of their time. Highlights include: A sliding dining table with integrated electric burners, blending cooking and dining into one continuous experience Built-in appliances and systems, designed to reduce clutter and maximize efficiency Thoughtful ergonomic planning that simplifies daily routines These elements reflect a larger idea: that the home should work for you—not the other way around. Material as Modern Expression The kitchen showcases extensive use of laminate surfaces (Formica)—a material that, in the 1950s, symbolized innovation, durability, and modern living. Clean, smooth, and easy to maintain, these surfaces reinforce the home’s futuristic identity. Paired with steel structure and clean lines, the material palette creates a space that feels both industrial and approachable. Open, Light-Filled Design True to the X-100’s overall concept, the kitchen is fully integrated into the open-plan layout. Sightlines extend outward to living areas, glass walls, and even interior gardens, ensuring the space never feels enclosed. Natural light filters in from multiple directions, enhanced by skylights and reflective surfaces, giving the kitchen a bright, uplifting atmosphere throughout the day. A Prototype for Modern Living In many ways, the X-100 kitchen anticipated how we live today: Open-concept layouts Multi-functional islands and dining spaces Integrated appliances Clean, minimal design What feels standard now was radical in 1956. Where Design Meets Daily Life The kitchen of the Eichler X-100 is a perfect example of how architecture can elevate the everyday. It transforms routine into experience—where cooking, gathering, and living all happen within a single, beautifully orchestrated space. It’s not just a kitchen. It’s a glimpse into the future—designed decades ahead of its time.

We purchased this home that hadn't had much of an opportunity to have been revitalized throughout the years, therefore, had grown old and tired. We were excited at the vision of what it could be! Through a 5 month process we renovated and refurbished this home with updated bathrooms, kitchen, flooring, ceilings, and exterior work, and fully new windows and french door to create the indoor/outdoor living. Added on a new guest bathroom and laundry room, skylights, and elegant chandeliers and further updated the electrical, plumbing and A/C and heating units. The end product was magnificently elegant with a breathtaking kitchen, modern bathrooms, with a distinct contrast in flooring materials used that left an impressive impression for everyone that toured the property. The before and after pictures of the facade of the property were so contrasting that people who had previously seen pictures of the property or the property itself had a hard time recognizing it when driving by. This project was a huge success for our company and created the elevated energy for all that were involved, including the upliftment of the neighborhood.

Bedroom photo in Bridgeport

Kitchen photo in Bridgeport

Inspiration for a timeless home design remodel in Bridgeport

Patio - patio idea in Bridgeport

Dining room - traditional dining room idea in Bridgeport

Inspiration for a timeless home design remodel in Bridgeport

Tropical Rainforest There are not enough words to describe the countless detail in this one-of-a-kind scene. From the spa to the outdoor dining room, every square inch of this swimming pool scene is a tapestry designed for the rainforest retreat effect. We encourage you to invest your time in the pictures and the video and feast your eyes on every pixel-perfect image. We've had people ask if these are computer renderings, but in fact, we achieved this level of perfection in real life. All thanks to our client, who had the vision & creativity to guide her imagination into the hands of our design & build teams. Because we hope you agree, this Dream is real!

Example of a living room design in Bridgeport

Inspiration for a timeless living room remodel in Bridgeport

Example of a classic living room design in Bridgeport

Photo of a traditional landscaping in Bridgeport.

Bring a new dimension in style to smaller spaces with our Floorcraft™ Ossabaw Island narrow laminate flooring. Wider strips can sometimes over power a small space whereas narrower strips make a perfect visual fit. Offered in two color options, this laminate reflects a rich, engaging grain pattern that is so real you’ll have to remind yourself it’s laminate. Of course, that’s also a good time to remember what an extraordinary value Ossabaw Island represents. Much less expensive than real wood, it’s also tougher. Use it on, above or below grade under the most demanding family lifestyles secure in the knowledge that it’s so durable we back it with a 50-year warranty. Focus your attention on a floor with broad advantages – Ossabaw Island narrow laminate.

Example of a classic bathroom design in Bridgeport

Kitchen - traditional kitchen idea in Bridgeport