Photo by Tre Dunham
Mid-sized trendy back porch idea in Austin with a roof extension

Top down bottom up feature - CrystalPleat® Cellular Shades are a stylish way to boost the energy efficiency of your home. An attractive closed cell design creates pockets of air that insulate windows from heat and cold to lower your energy bills year round. Offering excellent sound absorption, cellular shades also reduce noise in rooms with hard flooring.

This project is entitled 'Bringing Nature Home'; Where the Coyotes Run. While initially meeting with the client on a sunny afternoon a coyote ran across the lawn. This indicated good fortune was waiting. From a Feng Shui perspective...powerful, positive energy. An excerpt from the design concept is...Flowering ornamental grasses colorful perennials with large boulders will accent your new, native plant garden.

Photo by William Enos
Bathroom - small craftsman master multicolored tile porcelain tile bathroom idea in San Francisco with shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz countertops and beige walls

The backyard of this house was a no-man’s land when the owners moved in. With little more than a few established trees and a big, noisy air-conditioning unit, the yard was an almost open canvas bordering the Los Padres National Forest in a high-fire zone. We installed a large infiltration swale to capture as much rainfall as possible from the house rain gutters, so the water can be stored in the soil where plants can access it, reducing the amount of irrigation this landscape needs. Plantings obscure the air-conditioning unit, and a water feature was installed so the sound of trickling water would drown-out its sound. The plants we chose are drought tolerant and attractive to native birds and insects. We paid special attention to the plantings nearest to the house, keeping them fairly low growing as to not create a fire ladder beneath the eves. The plants also hold a good deal of moisture in their stems and leaves and are easily kept free of desiccated material, making them fire-wise plants that can actually reduce the chances of the property burning in the event of a nearby wildfire.

This is an example of a southwestern landscaping in Phoenix.

The Canyon™ ST310 is the perfect stove to heat larger homes, with the ability to warm up to 3,500 square feet with burn times of 7–12 hours. It offers the functional advantage of a multi-level top while providing greater radiant surface area for heat output and two cooktop surfaces. To add your distinctive style, the Canyon can be customized with door, trim, and blower options for a perfect, personalized appearance. Aesthetics Unique, integral airwash system keeps the glass clean and clear for a wide-open view of the fire. Constructed from premium materials, like heavy-gauge stainless steel, for dependable performance and striking appearance. Comfort Ceramic-fiber blanket utilizes technology developed by NASA that has 10 times the insulation value of firebrick, radiating heat back into the firebox, creating higher efficiencies and cleaner gas. Uniquely designed refractory baffle assists the ignition of fuel-rich gases, increasing efficiency and reducing emissions. Stainless steel afterburner tubes mix oxygen with unburned gases and smoke to create a secondary burn, lowering fuel costs. Heavy-duty door contains no nuts or washers, forming a 360° seal for long-lasting durability. EPA Phase II-certified for clean and efficient operation. Ease of Operation Singular draft control for simple operation and burn rate adjustment. Design Versatility Five unique door finishes and a choice of glass styling options. Pedestal or leg choices provide customization for personalized styling preference. *Square-feet heating capacities are approximations only. Actual performance may vary depending upon home design and insulation, ceiling heights, climate, condition and type of wood used, appliance location, burn rate, accessories chosen, chimney installation and how the appliance is operated.

Matthew Millman
Example of a minimalist exterior home design in San Francisco

The backyard of this house was a no-man’s land when the owners moved in. With little more than a few established trees and a big, noisy air-conditioning unit, the yard was an almost open canvas bordering the Los Padres National Forest in a high-fire zone. We installed a large infiltration swale to capture as much rainfall as possible from the house rain gutters, so the water can be stored in the soil where plants can access it, reducing the amount of irrigation this landscape needs. Plantings obscure the air-conditioning unit, and a water feature was installed so the sound of trickling water would drown-out its sound. The plants we chose are drought tolerant and attractive to native birds and insects. We paid special attention to the plantings nearest to the house, keeping them fairly low growing as to not create a fire ladder beneath the eves. The plants also hold a good deal of moisture in their stems and leaves and are easily kept free of desiccated material, making them fire-wise plants that can actually reduce the chances of the property burning in the event of a nearby wildfire.

The backyard of this house was a no-man’s land when the owners moved in. With little more than a few established trees and a big, noisy air-conditioning unit, the yard was an almost open canvas bordering the Los Padres National Forest in a high-fire zone. We installed a large infiltration swale to capture as much rainfall as possible from the house rain gutters, so the water can be stored in the soil where plants can access it, reducing the amount of irrigation this landscape needs. Plantings obscure the air-conditioning unit, and a water feature was installed so the sound of trickling water would drown-out its sound. The plants we chose are drought tolerant and attractive to native birds and insects. We paid special attention to the plantings nearest to the house, keeping them fairly low growing as to not create a fire ladder beneath the eves. The plants also hold a good deal of moisture in their stems and leaves and are easily kept free of desiccated material, making them fire-wise plants that can actually reduce the chances of the property burning in the event of a nearby wildfire.

Spinach is easy to grow in shallow pots or window boxes, and you can harvest leaves as needed for sandwiches, salads, and soups. Photo by Steve Masley

The new terrace sits just six feet from the back of the house and is visible from the main windows of this three-story house. That meant that all views from all directions needed to be considered. Billy Goodnick

Inspiration for a contemporary home design remodel in New York

The backyard of this house was a no-man’s land when the owners moved in. With little more than a few established trees and a big, noisy air-conditioning unit, the yard was an almost open canvas bordering the Los Padres National Forest in a high-fire zone. We installed a large infiltration swale to capture as much rainfall as possible from the house rain gutters, so the water can be stored in the soil where plants can access it, reducing the amount of irrigation this landscape needs. Plantings obscure the air-conditioning unit, and a water feature was installed so the sound of trickling water would drown-out its sound. The plants we chose are drought tolerant and attractive to native birds and insects. We paid special attention to the plantings nearest to the house, keeping them fairly low growing as to not create a fire ladder beneath the eves. The plants also hold a good deal of moisture in their stems and leaves and are easily kept free of desiccated material, making them fire-wise plants that can actually reduce the chances of the property burning in the event of a nearby wildfire.

Inspired by Cape styles, this new Natick client desired an updated look with a better traffic pattern that was more open with smarter storage. By removing the peninsula, island seating reduced their sons fighting because now they weren’t competing for stools. They also fulfilled their dream of a coffee bar. The stove, backsplash and attractive hood are now a beautiful focal point from the family room view. They worked with our partner, Amany Design Studio, to select a clean, seamless look. This busy family now has a hidden command central and charging station. Custom-designed, pull-out shelving created organization and maximum storage within the new cabinets.

TEAM Architect: LDa Architecture & Interiors Builder: Lou Boxer Builder Photographer: Greg Premru Photography
Example of a mid-sized cottage open concept medium tone wood floor, vaulted ceiling, brown floor and shiplap wall living room design in Boston with no tv and white walls

Our state of the art, patented design for these attractive shades incorporates three insulating air pockets, reducing heat loss at the window by 40%. Duette Architella honeycomb shades offer luminous colors, & crisp, consistent pleats. Lower them for privacy or raise completely for maximum light and view- they're beautiful either way. Also available with a variety of lifting systems from remote controlled access, wireless wall switch control, to LiteRise, cordless lifting systems along with the ever popular, TopDown/ Bottom Up option, allowing you to maintain privacy in the lowe portion of your window while allowing maximum light in above. The best of both worlds!

Inspired by Cape styles, this new Natick client desired an updated look with a better traffic pattern that was more open with smarter storage. By removing the peninsula, island seating reduced their sons fighting because now they weren’t competing for stools. They also fulfilled their dream of a coffee bar. The stove, backsplash and attractive hood are now a beautiful focal point from the family room view. They worked with our partner, Amany Design Studio, to select a clean, seamless look. This busy family now has a hidden command central and charging station. Custom-designed, pull-out shelving created organization and maximum storage within the new cabinets.