M-S Pro Architects announce the completion of an indoor swimming pool in a state-of-the-art, single storey family home set in a picturesque location on the outskirts of Bratislava - one of Europe’s youngest capital cities. Kebony, a beautiful wood recommended by leading architects, was chosen to craft the ceiling of the swimming pool, which is designed to emulate rippling waves as well as for the terrace deck and structural beams. Sustainability and a desire to recreate the close proximity often seen between wood and water in the natural environment were primary focuses in the design of this project. This led a requirement for a low maintenance wood, compatible humidity and with advanced durability, for the swimming pool ceiling. In addition, a high level of precision when cutting the wood was required in order to achieve the desired appearance of waves. Supplied by Leading Market, Kebony was carefully selected for the pool ceiling, which consists of 490 lamellae of timber, due to its versatility, durability and environmental credentials. Kebony was also installed throughout the exterior of this property, both for the spacious outdoor terrace and the exterior and interior beams. One of the reasons to choose Kebony was the unified look of wood in all these different applications. Developed in Norway, the patented Kebony technology uses an environmentally friendly process, which permanently enhances the properties of sustainable softwood with a bio-based liquid derived from agricultural crop waste. By polymerising the wood’s cell wall with furfuryl alcohol, the wood gains greatly improved durability and dimensional stability, giving it characteristics similar to those of tropical hardwood. In creating a wood with comparable properties to tropical hardwood that can be grown in a FSC certified, sustainably managed forest, the demand for tropical woods is reduced, allowing timber to once again be an important part of sustainable construction. Tomáš Hubinský, Lead Architect at M-S Pro, commented: “From conception through to completion, the creation of this ceiling has been a real feat. Despite the challenges faced by such an intricate design, Kebony was the perfect material to convey our desired effect of waves rippling along the ceiling. We will continue to incorporate Kebony into our interior and exterior designs, with wood fast becoming the first choice material for all architects.” Mette Valen, Sales Manager Norway at Kebony, explained: “The distinctive nature of this design cleverly portrays the capability of Kebony, demonstrating both the aesthetic and performance qualities of the product. We would be honoured to work with M-S Pro in the future and look forward to seeing how they utilise Kebony in their future projects.”

Losing large specimen trees is never desirable. But when the unimaginable happens, we are presented with an opportunity to rethink and refresh, even in traditional residential settings. We replaced the lawn area beneath the remaining London plane with a fine fescue seed mix. Our design strategy was to hold space and create immediate impact while reducing maintenance needs as the landscape matured. Into this base, we planted evergreen basal foliage, long bloomers and early spring/late fall color to create an immersive all-season groundcover that will slowly intermingle. Annually, this low mow is cut no lower than 4” (thereby safeguarding habitat) while the tidily trimmed perimeter utilizes remnant turf grass as visible cues to care. Dissecting the rectilinear green space, permeable hardscaping offers a gently curved path towards the front entryway; an invitation to pause and observe the landscape’s diverse textures and activity up close. Within which, a legacy planting of new specimen trees. Traditional shrub heavy foundation plantings are often static and rigid; this perennial rich redesign is structured yet airy to retain design cohesion with the naturalistic stylized meadow and offer vibrant textural all-season interest. This project blends different landscape styles to create a biodiverse habitat that is ecologically beneficial, beautiful and resilient. In high summer, a doe finds refuge for her fawn while the family’s children delight in the buzzing activity of smaller inhabitants, native bees and assorted pollinators, that now call this habitat home.

Xeriscaping is extremely popular, especially in Southern California. With rising water costs, many homeowners have turned to xeriscaping to lower their utility bills and reduce their carbon footprint. Xeriscaping entails the creative use of hardscape and native and succulant plants to create a beautiful, low-maintenance, drought-tolerant landscape design. Our experienced landscape architects and garden designers specialize in planning out practical, efficient garden designs that use little to no water.

The range was originally where the pantry is now, with no task areas near it. The reduced depth canning and spice pantry hides a brick chimney chase behind it. cabinet roll out trays are a nice convenience. Photo: Creative Services ltd

Xeriscaping is extremely popular, especially in Southern California. With rising water costs, many homeowners have turned to xeriscaping to lower their utility bills and reduce their carbon footprint. Xeriscaping entails the creative use of hardscape and native and succulant plants to create a beautiful, low-maintenance, drought-tolerant landscape design. Our experienced landscape architects and garden designers specialize in planning out practical, efficient garden designs that use little to no water.

With its sharp, minimalist and contemporary design, this pull down kitchen faucet acts as a statement piece to your modern kitchen. The swivel spout head with dual adjustable water flow functionality is prepared to take on a range of uses, from cleaning, cooking or washing purposes. A single button allows you to instantly switch between aerated stream and spray. The pull down sprayer add even more convenience to this kitchen faucet, facilitating the access of the sink area. A 360 swivel spout is engineered with sustainable technology using an anti-drip guard mechanism to conserve water, eliminating the possibility of dripping or leakage. The kitchen faucet is also equipped with an ergonomic, single handle lever for optimal water and temperature control. This pull down kitchen faucet has been made with certified lead-free material and top-quality components ensuring superior performance and a faucet that will last a life time. This faucet comes with an ultra-durable Kerox ceramic cartridge which has been tested for over 500,000 cycles. Also, a best-in-industry Neoperl aerator that reduces the waste of water without sacrificing pressure. This pull down kitchen faucet fits a standard 35mm hole. It is very easy to install and can be installed in a single or three hole deck plate. Our deck plates are not included with the purchase of a kitchen faucet. For your convenience, the braided cold and hot water hoses are included. Customize the look of your pull down kitchen faucet to complement any kitchen décor. Choose from 4 flawless corrosion-resistant finishes, 100% Matte Black, Matte Black with Brushed Nickel head/handle, Matte Black with Brushed Gold head/handle or 100% Brushed Nickel. Your kitchen will be the envy off everyone when you install this gorgeous pull down kitchen faucet. Our streamlined kitchen faucet is the ideal asset for anyone seeking optimal efficiency in their utilities, without compromising style.

These modest homeowners were looking for drainage solutions, low maintenance plantings, and an entertainment space they could enjoy outside. Mowing the grass had been a pain in the past, so with this design we decided to remove it entirely. Instead, more native grasses were utilized to take in water and reduce erosion. A new fence modernized and updated the space and allowed the interior of the backyard to be leveled providing more opportunities for design elements like a floating bench and custom built fire pit.

Another fun Crestview project! This young couple wanted a back yard that reflected their bohemian-eclectic style and could add additional privacy from the ever climbing construction around them. A place for “hanging out and drinking coffee or beer in the backyard.” But what was most exciting, was the air stream they had just purchased and were in the process of restoring. With the end goal of using it as a guest home for family and friends, we were challenged with creating a space that was cohesive and connected this new living space with the rest of the yard. In the front we had another quark to fix. The sidewalk from their front door to the street suddenly stopped 5 feet from the curb, making a less than inviting entry for guests. So, creating a new usable entryway with additional curb appeal was a top priority. We managed the entertainment space by using modern poured concrete pad’s as a focal. A poured concrete wall serves as a bench as well as creates a visual anchor for the patio area. To soften the hard materials, small plantings of succulents and ground cover were planted in the spaces between the pads. For a backdrop, a custom Cedar Plank wall and trellis combined to soften the vertical space and add plenty of privacy. The trellis is anchored by a Coral Vine to add interest. Cafe style lighting was strung across the area create a sense of intimacy. We also completed the fence transition, and eliminated the grass areas that were not being utilized to reduce the amount of water waste in the landscape, and replaced these areas with beneficial plantings for the wildlife. Overall, this landscape was completed with a cohesive Austin-friendly design in mind for these busy young professionals! Caleb Kerr - http://www.calebkerr.com

Kittery Junction was originally constructed by the York Harbor & Beach Railroad Co. between 1886 and 1887. In the days when the locomotive was the preferred method of transportation for much of America’s population, this project site provided both passenger and freight service between Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and York Beach, Maine. It was usually the case that a train station constructed during this period would have its own unique architecture, and this site was no exception. Now privately owned, this structure proudly stands overlooking Barrell’s Pond. To capture this view, the new owner approached our design team with a vision of a master bedroom Victorian conservatory facing the serene body of water. Respectful of the existing architectural details, Sunspace Design worked to bring this vision to reality using our solid conventional walls, custom Marvin windows, and a custom shop-built octagonal conservatory glass roof system. This combination enabled us to meet strong energy efficiency requirements while creating a classic Victorian conservatory that met the client’s hopes. The glass roof system was constructed in the shop, transported to site, and raised in place to reduce on site construction time. With windows and doors provided by a top window manufacturer, the 2’ x 6’ wall construction with gave us complete design control. With solid wood framing, fiberglass R-21 insulation in the walls, and sputter coated low-E sun control properties in the custom glass roof system, the construction is both structurally and thermally sound. The end result is a comfortable Victorian conservatory addition that can easily withstand the harsh elements of a Maine winter. We’ve been designing and building conservatories in New England since 1981. This project stands as a model of our commitment to quality. We utilize this construction process for all of our sunrooms, skylights, conservatories, and orangeries to ensure a final product that is unsurpassed in quality and performance.

Block the sun and maintain your view! Our large selection of interior solar screens is the ideal solution to your indoor natural lighting needs. Allow the proper amount of sunlight in while creating the perfect environment in your home. Utilize the interior solar screens to reduce the sun’s glare while saving money by blocking the heat from entering the room. Choose from a variety of fabrics that can blend with their surroundings or feature them as a design aspect in the room. Our interior solar screens are best for windows, glass doors, and sunrooms. Maintain your view while blocking harmful UV rays.

Another fun Crestview project! This young couple wanted a back yard that reflected their bohemian-eclectic style and could add additional privacy from the ever climbing construction around them. A place for “hanging out and drinking coffee or beer in the backyard.” But what was most exciting, was the air stream they had just purchased and were in the process of restoring. With the end goal of using it as a guest home for family and friends, we were challenged with creating a space that was cohesive and connected this new living space with the rest of the yard. In the front we had another quark to fix. The sidewalk from their front door to the street suddenly stopped 5 feet from the curb, making a less than inviting entry for guests. So, creating a new usable entryway with additional curb appeal was a top priority. We managed the entertainment space by using modern poured concrete pad’s as a focal. A poured concrete wall serves as a bench as well as creates a visual anchor for the patio area. To soften the hard materials, small plantings of succulents and ground cover were planted in the spaces between the pads. For a backdrop, a custom Cedar Plank wall and trellis combined to soften the vertical space and add plenty of privacy. The trellis is anchored by a Coral Vine to add interest. Cafe style lighting was strung across the area create a sense of intimacy. We also completed the fence transition, and eliminated the grass areas that were not being utilized to reduce the amount of water waste in the landscape, and replaced these areas with beneficial plantings for the wildlife. Overall, this landscape was completed with a cohesive Austin-friendly design in mind for these busy young professionals! Caleb Kerr - http://www.calebkerr.com

Our client wanted a SIP built home and we incorporated this and many other energy and sustainability features into this home which was in the Sheboygan County Parade of Homes. Named "The Green Balanced Home", this project was all about creating practical and stunning living spaces that combined with sound environmental building materials and methods. By showcasing an assortment of leading-edge- green technologies, the Green Balanced Home was the talk of the Parade that year. In cooperation with our client, our methodology was: Start with the site: 1. Protected tree lines 2. Drought resistant vegetation 3. High proportion of natural, plantings versus higher maintenance lawn 4. Optimal home placement on lot for solar exposure 5. Narrower streets Build a high thermal envelope: 1. R-10 Gold Guard laminated EPS foam under basement, garage, and patio. 2. R-10 Gold Guard laminated EPS foam around exterior foundation walls. 3. R-10 ESP foam "shirt" around foundation 4. R-24 Structural Insulated panels (SIPs) for exterior walls, including garage 5. Sprayed foam in basement box sills and attic separation walls 6. R-15 garage door 7. R-60 blown cellulose attic insulation Add efficient heating, cooling, ventilation, and electric utilization elements: 1. High efficiency fireplace with auxiliary ducting 2. Pull-out exterior wood-loading drawer 3. Air-to-air heat pump 4. 95% efficient, ultra-quiet variable capacity furnace 5. 19 SEER air conditioner 6. Five zones with programmable thermostats 7. Heat reclamation from hot water usage 8. LED lighting 9. Skylights 10. Energy Star appliances 11. Prep for in-floor heating system 12. Prep for photovoltaic (PV) solar 13. Prep for solar hot water Incorporate water conservation: 1. Rain water recapture for toilet flushing and irrigation 2. Motion activated hot water circulation system 3. Power flush toilets 4. Dual flush toilets Create high indoor air quality: 1. HEPA and UV filters 2. Air-to-air exchanger 3. Ultra-quiet bathroom fans with moisture sensor activation Integrate sustainable, efficient materials: * Expanded polystyrene (ESP) foam that does not emit HCFC "greenhouse" gases * Oriented strand board (OSB) based siding, trim, and shutters * SIPs panels that contain ESP an OSB * Carpeting pads made from recycled materials * Stewardship-certified cabinet manufacturing * Job site recycling and reduce waste with SIPs

A Heartfelt Kitchen A modern kitchen is more than a cooking space—it’s the welcoming core of your home. In 2025, kitchen designs marry functionality with warmth, natural beauty, and personal expression. 1. Warm Natural Materials

• Earthy woods like walnut, oak, and bamboo enrich the visual texture and add warmth to cabinetry, islands, and shelving.
• Stone surfaces—marble, quartz, soapstone—deliver durability and timeless appeal in counters and backsplashes.
• Eco-conscious finishes and reclaimed elements bring character and long-lasting quality.

2. Bold, Living Color Palettes

• Move beyond white and gray: contemporary kitchens favor deep greens, navy blues, terracottas, and soft taupes.
• Two-tone cabinet schemes—mixing moodier lower cabinets with light upper ones—add drama and balance.
• Consider bold cabinetry or painted islands paired with neutral walls to anchor the palette.

3. Clever Storage & Hidden Utility

• Expect built-in cabinetry solutions: pull-out pantries, toe-kick drawers, corner organizers, integrated sinks, and appliance garages.
• Conceal dishwashers and refrigerators behind matching panels for a clean, polished look.
• These smart features make kitchens more functional and visually serene.

4. Dual Kitchens & Sculleries

• Luxury homes increasingly include a secondary “dirty” kitchen, or scullery, to handle prep and mess out of sight.
• This keeps the main space pristine for entertaining while blending function and elegance seamlessly.

5. Islands & Cook’s Tables as Hubs

• Islands serve multiple roles: prep stations, dining surfaces, coffee bars, or beverage centers.
• Floating or furniture-inspired cook’s tables fit lighter spaces while still offering storage and usability.
• Material mixes—wood, terrazzo, stone—make islands focal and functional.

6. Curves, Fluting & Organic Forms

• Cabinets and islands with rounded corners or fluted panels soften visual lines and add sculptural interest.
• Curved work islands and edges elevate a kitchen from purely practical to artful and inviting.

7. Bold Textures & Material Mixes

• Combine textures—ribbed wood panels, carved stone counters, matte cabinetry—to build visual richness and tactility.
• Full‑height stone backsplashes (sometimes called “countersplash”) create a unified, clean aesthetic.
• Layered materials support a timeless yet expressive design.

8. Statement Lighting & Layered Illumination

• Oversized pendants, sleek LED strips, metallic chandeliers, or sculptural fixtures double as decor.
• Layer light sources—ambient overhead lighting, focused under-cabinet lamps, and accent fixtures—to set mood and function.
• Natural light through windows and skylights remains key to ambiance and energy efficiency.

9. Sustainability & Green Tech

• Eco‑friendly materials—reclaimed wood, recycled stone, or bamboo—support conscious living.
• Smart appliances conserve water and energy while offering connectivity (voice control, smart fridges, app‑enabled cooktops).
• Low‑VOC paints, compost zones, and recycling solutions support both style and wellness.

10. Ergonomic & Efficient Layouts

• Kitchens built around the classic work triangle (sink, stove, fridge) optimize workflow and reduce unnecessary movement.
• Open or zoned layouts support multitasking and social cooking.
• Universal design features—adjustable counters, soft-close drawers—ensure comfort and long-lasting usability.

Design Style Concepts A. Cozy Natural Retreat Warm wood cabinets in sage or taupe. A stone countersplash flows into the full-height backsplash. Rounded-edge island with brass pendants. Potted herbs and open shelving add life and color. B. Elegant Contrast & Depth Deep navy lowers, light upper cabinets, clean stone counters. Two-tone cabinetry adds dimension. Mixed-metal hardware in gold or polished nickel adds shine. Moody lighting enhances drama. C. Minimalist Function with a Curve Handleless, soft-gray cabinetry meets flowing island form. Mattes and warm under-cabinet lighting enhance texture. Integrated appliances and open shelving sustain an airy feel. Quick Tips at a Glance

• Material harmony: balance tactile woods, stone surfaces, and subtle metals.
• Color with intention: jewel tones or soft earth hues create focal interest.
• Opt for hidden storage: it keeps spaces uncluttered without sacrificing accessibility.
• Design islands for dual roles: they are both workspaces and social centers.
• Light with layers and style: combine task, ambient, and accent lighting.
• Incorporate greenery: herb racks or plants deliver freshness and natural life.

Why This Style is Here to Stay Modern kitchen design blends warmth, sustainability, and longevity. It’s not about fleeting trends—it’s about creating a space that feels personal, functional, and safe. Whether you love cozy, organic kitchens or sleek, minimalist designs with personality, these trends offer both timelessness and individuality. In summary: Your 2025 kitchen should be inviting, efficient, and expressive—built around thoughtful layouts, beautiful materials, curated color, functional innovation, and eco-conscious details. It’s where aesthetics meets everyday ease.

Xeriscaping is extremely popular, especially in Southern California. With rising water costs, many homeowners have turned to xeriscaping to lower their utility bills and reduce their carbon footprint. Xeriscaping entails the creative use of hardscape and native and succulant plants to create a beautiful, low-maintenance, drought-tolerant landscape design.

This is garage we were able to help utilize the height of their garage and give them back the floor space that they had lost. There is always a lot of room along the walls and up the walls that aren't used correctly to reduce clutter.

Perched on a south-facing slope overlooking Belvedere lagoon and the San Francisco Bay, this 4,000 sf residence was designed to utilize the foundations of an existing house. The house consists of two bars connected by a glazed transparent zone containing the Kitchen and Dining spaces. This glazed space is the link between the protected and serene entry/pool garden to the north and a terrace and expansive views to the south. The master suite occupies the second floor and captures significant views of Mt. Tamalpais to the northwest. Crisp detailing defines a simple interior pallette of polished stone flooring, anegre wood, painted wood and gypsum board, and exterior finishes are limited to cement plaster, stained cedar, stainless steel and anodized aluminum windows and doors. Strategic demolition of the existing house allowing for the resell of materials, passive and active systems, the use of certified woods and the reuse of foundations significantly reduces the projects embodied energy throughout it’s life cycle. Drama, clarity, and a garden designed by the architects combine to achieve a sense of appropriateness and indoor/outdoor livability in this modern hillside home. Photography by Cesar Rubio

Xeriscaping is extremely popular, especially in Southern California. With rising water costs, many homeowners have turned to xeriscaping to lower their utility bills and reduce their carbon footprint. Xeriscaping entails the creative use of hardscape and native and succulant plants to create a beautiful, low-maintenance, drought-tolerant landscape design.

This is garage we were able to help utilize the height of their garage and give them back the floor space that they had lost. There is always a lot of room along the walls and up the walls that aren't used correctly to reduce clutter.

the new kitchen Sometimes, in remodel designs, it is best to keep things simple. Do small things to affect utility, flow and aesthetics. For this mid-century modern, for all their noted openness, the kitchen was closed off from the public, living areas. Hard to entertain to a wall. This we fixed. The other big flaw was the flow. While there was no way to economically change the path of travel through the kitchen. Nudging here and there could at least reduce the disruption at the core kitchen work areas. See the before and after plans and the photos: Photo Credits - Beatrice McGinnis