Photos by Drew Kelly
Inspiration for a mid-sized eclectic formal and enclosed dark wood floor living room remodel in San Francisco with white walls, no fireplace and no tv

Photos by Scott LePage Photography
Transitional l-shaped kitchen photo in New York with stainless steel appliances, stone tile backsplash, wood countertops, shaker cabinets, white cabinets and white backsplash

The goal of this project was to build a house that would be energy efficient using materials that were both economical and environmentally conscious. Due to the extremely cold winter weather conditions in the Catskills, insulating the house was a primary concern. The main structure of the house is a timber frame from an nineteenth century barn that has been restored and raised on this new site. The entirety of this frame has then been wrapped in SIPs (structural insulated panels), both walls and the roof. The house is slab on grade, insulated from below. The concrete slab was poured with a radiant heating system inside and the top of the slab was polished and left exposed as the flooring surface. Fiberglass windows with an extremely high R-value were chosen for their green properties. Care was also taken during construction to make all of the joints between the SIPs panels and around window and door openings as airtight as possible. The fact that the house is so airtight along with the high overall insulatory value achieved from the insulated slab, SIPs panels, and windows make the house very energy efficient. The house utilizes an air exchanger, a device that brings fresh air in from outside without loosing heat and circulates the air within the house to move warmer air down from the second floor. Other green materials in the home include reclaimed barn wood used for the floor and ceiling of the second floor, reclaimed wood stairs and bathroom vanity, and an on-demand hot water/boiler system. The exterior of the house is clad in black corrugated aluminum with an aluminum standing seam roof. Because of the extremely cold winter temperatures windows are used discerningly, the three largest windows are on the first floor providing the main living areas with a majestic view of the Catskill mountains.

Designed by Monica Lewis, CMKBD, MCR, UDCP of J.S. Brown and Co. Photography by Michael Houghton StudiOhio Total size approximately 7'4" x 6'6" Products: Kohler plumbing fixtures and faucets Hudson Valley H653PC light fixture Carerra marble vanity top and bench seat Shiloh Vanity cabinet Mosaic - Anatolia glass / stone blend in "Iceland" Walls - Pratt and Larson; 3x6 in R145, 1/2 x 6 stripe in C10, 1x6 Plaza Liner in RC1, Plaza base in RC1 Floor - Seneca Gregoriana 6x18 porcelain tile in "Cloud" honed finish, and Anatolia 6x6 Bianco Venatino polished marble 6x6. Paint Color: Sherwin Williams Spaulding Gray

Leaving the ceiling as exposed joists adds visual height to the ceiling.
Inspiration for a contemporary basement remodel in Minneapolis

This large bathroom remodel feature a clawfoot soaking tub, a large glass enclosed walk in shower, a private water closet, large floor to ceiling linen closet and a custom reclaimed wood vanity made by Limitless Woodworking. Light fixtures and door hardware were provided by Houzz. This modern bohemian bathroom also showcases a cement tile flooring, a feature wall and simple decor to tie everything together.

Concrete makes its way to top Polished countertops lend themselves to contemporary looks with traditional feel October 04, 2007|By Nzong Xiong, McClatchy-Tribune Newspapers Tony and Laurie Adamo of Fresno, Calif., needed a countertop for the bar in their game and bar room. But they didn't want just any kind of countertop. Tony Adamo's instructions to his interior designer, Linda Zoerb of Fresno: "I told her to design it and stay away from my taste because I'm more conservative. I wanted something more fun." Concrete What she did was go with concrete. And after the concrete mixture was poured into a mold at the house and had hardened, Zoerb made a swirl design using gray and black pigment powder before it was sealed. "She did a great job," said Adamo, 56 and owner of All American Sports Fan stores in Fresno, Clovis, Calif., and other locations. "I love it. We entertain a lot, and it gets a lot of use." Concrete isn't just for floors. It also can be used for countertops. And if you want something custom, you can't beat concrete. Custom countertops The concept of using concrete for countertops has been becoming more popular, especially in the last five years, said Sergio Ilic, president of Heritage Bomanite in Fresno. His company has created concrete countertops since 1992. "At the time, it was one here and one there. ...Now, we do it on average about three a month." Evan Lloyd, owner of Solid Solutions Studios in Fresno, agrees. When he started his business in Los Angeles 10 years ago, concrete countertops were very popular there. Then he relocated to Fresno about four years ago. "We used to do one a month, and now we do three or four, which is about all we can handle," he said. What has some people eyeing concrete for countertops is its versatility. "We can really customize your countertop," Lloyd said. "It's not just a rock that's cut to fit; it's custom-made for that home." Concrete has its own unique appeal, said Zoerb, who owns Professional Design Consultants. "I think more people would be more open to it if they could see it, touch it and feel it," she said. "It's a really neat surface. There are so many applications for concrete, but it's not the first application that comes to mind when it comes to countertops." Concrete countertops tend to lend themselves to contemporary looks, she said. But, as Adamo's bar countertop demonstrates, they can have a slightly traditional feel, too. In this case, she accomplished the look by surrounding the countertop with traditional wood and copper cabinetry. "It needed to be playful, classy and functional," she said. Concrete countertops can come in solid colors or color blends. They can be acid-stained or dyed. They can have additional accents, such being inlaid with rocks, tile or shells. Recycled glass or rocks also can be mixed in with the concrete. Cutting-board space or metal bars for trivets can be included. They also can have muted, rustic-looking tops or glossy finishes.

Driven by a passion for the salt life and a love of the natural beauty of the area, they will leave the Northeast on a trek for the Florida Gulf Coast. The winters there are simply too cold to tolerate for any length of time. And why would they suffer those freezing temperatures when the average temperature on Longboat Key in January is 71 degrees? However, this is no migration and the subject is not a bird. My clients cannot be referred to as “Snowbirds” either. This is a homecoming. More so, it is a new beginning; a resurrection! “From the crown of the palm tree, there grew a flame. The flame revealed a nest. As the flames of change kissed the nest, a new being was born. This fantastic creature was born in the image of its predecessor, but it was given a new life. Indeed, it was resurrected. Behold the Phoenix!” Many years ago, they were pulled from the area in the pursuit of better employment. All the while, they maintained a strong connection with the Gulf Coast. This is where they would spend the best years of their lives. Now is their time of rebirth. The property they chose is on boating water on the Bay side of Longboat Key. The property is among the few undeveloped lots scattered around the island. Over the years it had been planted with a variety of tropical species including many of the common house varieties such as Ficus, rubber trees, and Areca Palms. Loving the locale, these species quickly outgrew their space. In the shadows, native Sabal Palms stretched their trunks in an effort to survive. A Phoenix Reclinata Palm sat unassumingly beneath the shadow of a large Ficus. We liberated them by removing all of the invasive varieties. We then relocated all ten of the resident Sabal Palms (our State Tree) on site. The home, designed by celebrated local architect Mark Sultana of DSDG, Inc., is a contemporary flat. The layout is a single living level above parking and grade level outdoor spaces. The architecture is crisp and inspiring and it is sensitive to the smaller scale of the eclectic neighborhood in which it will be constructed. From the elevated balcony, the residents will enjoy watching the many local manatees as they hug the sea wall looking for warmth on chilly mornings. From grade level decks, they will get up close and personal with the abundant schools of mullet in the canal. A northern exposure to the open side of the plan will allow for the amazing breezes offered by passing cool fronts.

Closeup of the quarried stone shelves we set into the fireplace surround. Pottery by the homeowner. Joshua Seaman Photography
Inspiration for a contemporary family room remodel in Portland

Driven by a passion for the salt life and a love of the natural beauty of the area, they will leave the Northeast on a trek for the Florida Gulf Coast. The winters there are simply too cold to tolerate for any length of time. And why would they suffer those freezing temperatures when the average temperature on Longboat Key in January is 71 degrees? However, this is no migration and the subject is not a bird. My clients cannot be referred to as “Snowbirds” either. This is a homecoming. More so, it is a new beginning; a resurrection! “From the crown of the palm tree, there grew a flame. The flame revealed a nest. As the flames of change kissed the nest, a new being was born. This fantastic creature was born in the image of its predecessor, but it was given a new life. Indeed, it was resurrected. Behold the Phoenix!” Many years ago, they were pulled from the area in the pursuit of better employment. All the while, they maintained a strong connection with the Gulf Coast. This is where they would spend the best years of their lives. Now is their time of rebirth. The property they chose is on boating water on the Bay side of Longboat Key. The property is among the few undeveloped lots scattered around the island. Over the years it had been planted with a variety of tropical species including many of the common house varieties such as Ficus, rubber trees, and Areca Palms. Loving the locale, these species quickly outgrew their space. In the shadows, native Sabal Palms stretched their trunks in an effort to survive. A Phoenix Reclinata Palm sat unassumingly beneath the shadow of a large Ficus. We liberated them by removing all of the invasive varieties. We then relocated all ten of the resident Sabal Palms (our State Tree) on site. The home, designed by celebrated local architect Mark Sultana of DSDG, Inc., is a contemporary flat. The layout is a single living level above parking and grade level outdoor spaces. The architecture is crisp and inspiring and it is sensitive to the smaller scale of the eclectic neighborhood in which it will be constructed. From the elevated balcony, the residents will enjoy watching the many local manatees as they hug the sea wall looking for warmth on chilly mornings. From grade level decks, they will get up close and personal with the abundant schools of mullet in the canal. A northern exposure to the open side of the plan will allow for the amazing breezes offered by passing cool fronts.

Example of a cottage exterior home design in Chicago

Driven by a passion for the salt life and a love of the natural beauty of the area, they will leave the Northeast on a trek for the Florida Gulf Coast. The winters there are simply too cold to tolerate for any length of time. And why would they suffer those freezing temperatures when the average temperature on Longboat Key in January is 71 degrees? However, this is no migration and the subject is not a bird. My clients cannot be referred to as “Snowbirds” either. This is a homecoming. More so, it is a new beginning; a resurrection! “From the crown of the palm tree, there grew a flame. The flame revealed a nest. As the flames of change kissed the nest, a new being was born. This fantastic creature was born in the image of its predecessor, but it was given a new life. Indeed, it was resurrected. Behold the Phoenix!” Many years ago, they were pulled from the area in the pursuit of better employment. All the while, they maintained a strong connection with the Gulf Coast. This is where they would spend the best years of their lives. Now is their time of rebirth. The property they chose is on boating water on the Bay side of Longboat Key. The property is among the few undeveloped lots scattered around the island. Over the years it had been planted with a variety of tropical species including many of the common house varieties such as Ficus, rubber trees, and Areca Palms. Loving the locale, these species quickly outgrew their space. In the shadows, native Sabal Palms stretched their trunks in an effort to survive. A Phoenix Reclinata Palm sat unassumingly beneath the shadow of a large Ficus. We liberated them by removing all of the invasive varieties. We then relocated all ten of the resident Sabal Palms (our State Tree) on site. The home, designed by celebrated local architect Mark Sultana of DSDG, Inc., is a contemporary flat. The layout is a single living level above parking and grade level outdoor spaces. The architecture is crisp and inspiring and it is sensitive to the smaller scale of the eclectic neighborhood in which it will be constructed. From the elevated balcony, the residents will enjoy watching the many local manatees as they hug the sea wall looking for warmth on chilly mornings. From grade level decks, they will get up close and personal with the abundant schools of mullet in the canal. A northern exposure to the open side of the plan will allow for the amazing breezes offered by passing cool fronts.

A chef's range is the focal point for this multiple cook & prep area & is flanked by pull-out storage on either side. This kitchen is designed for an active family who loves to bake, cook and entertain. It is beautifully functional, provides room for multiple cooks, storage for all the kitchen gadgets, lots of space for preparation, an eat-in area and a workable flow to the rest of the house. Relocating appliances eliminates the bottleneck. In addition, opening up the wall to the dining room allows for conversation and pass through but still provides needed storage with beautiful glass front cabinets. Photo:J. Brent Reeves

Ground up single-family residence; a very unique and difficult build given Granite Ridge’s topography and inherent boulders. The structure takes advantage of a creek running through the property by creating a series of waterfalls and ponds. This natural stream was relocated during construction and brought back into the courtyard design for year-round enjoyment. The home expresses a modern take on mountain materials such as stone and wood combined with steel, Italian cabinets, and large glazed openings. Large Unilux European windows provide a view of the western mountains and the eastern valley. The snow loading in the area is well above average and required a well-thought-out roof and hardscape design. The landscape and tree selection in the courtyard are equally inviting to people and to occasional wildlife visitors.

Ground up single-family residence; a very unique and difficult build given Granite Ridge’s topography and inherent boulders. The structure takes advantage of a creek running through the property by creating a series of waterfalls and ponds. This natural stream was relocated during construction and brought back into the courtyard design for year-round enjoyment. The home expresses a modern take on mountain materials such as stone and wood combined with steel, Italian cabinets, and large glazed openings. Large Unilux European windows provide a view of the western mountains and the eastern valley. The snow loading in the area is well above average and required a well-thought-out roof and hardscape design. The landscape and tree selection in the courtyard are equally inviting to people and to occasional wildlife visitors.

Ground up single-family residence; a very unique and difficult build given Granite Ridge’s topography and inherent boulders. The structure takes advantage of a creek running through the property by creating a series of waterfalls and ponds. This natural stream was relocated during construction and brought back into the courtyard design for year-round enjoyment. The home expresses a modern take on mountain materials such as stone and wood combined with steel, Italian cabinets, and large glazed openings. Large Unilux European windows provide a view of the western mountains and the eastern valley. The snow loading in the area is well above average and required a well-thought-out roof and hardscape design. The landscape and tree selection in the courtyard are equally inviting to people and to occasional wildlife visitors.

Ground up single-family residence; a very unique and difficult build given Granite Ridge’s topography and inherent boulders. The structure takes advantage of a creek running through the property by creating a series of waterfalls and ponds. This natural stream was relocated during construction and brought back into the courtyard design for year-round enjoyment. The home expresses a modern take on mountain materials such as stone and wood combined with steel, Italian cabinets, and large glazed openings. Large Unilux European windows provide a view of the western mountains and the eastern valley. The snow loading in the area is well above average and required a well-thought-out roof and hardscape design. The landscape and tree selection in the courtyard are equally inviting to people and to occasional wildlife visitors.

Ground up single-family residence; a very unique and difficult build given Granite Ridge’s topography and inherent boulders. The structure takes advantage of a creek running through the property by creating a series of waterfalls and ponds. This natural stream was relocated during construction and brought back into the courtyard design for year-round enjoyment. The home expresses a modern take on mountain materials such as stone and wood combined with steel, Italian cabinets, and large glazed openings. Large Unilux European windows provide a view of the western mountains and the eastern valley. The snow loading in the area is well above average and required a well-thought-out roof and hardscape design. The landscape and tree selection in the courtyard are equally inviting to people and to occasional wildlife visitors.

Ground up single-family residence; a very unique and difficult build given Granite Ridge’s topography and inherent boulders. The structure takes advantage of a creek running through the property by creating a series of waterfalls and ponds. This natural stream was relocated during construction and brought back into the courtyard design for year-round enjoyment. The home expresses a modern take on mountain materials such as stone and wood combined with steel, Italian cabinets, and large glazed openings. Large Unilux European windows provide a view of the western mountains and the eastern valley. The snow loading in the area is well above average and required a well-thought-out roof and hardscape design. The landscape and tree selection in the courtyard are equally inviting to people and to occasional wildlife visitors.