Emily Minton Redfield
Inspiration for a contemporary freestanding bathtub remodel in Denver with a vessel sink

Photographer Kat Alves
Inspiration for a transitional single-wall dark wood floor wet bar remodel in Sacramento with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, wood countertops, brown backsplash and mosaic tile backsplash

Originally designed by one of the most notable landscape architects in town, this once impressive project had faltered in recent years. The pool and spa still functioned well, and the client wanted to keep it intact. In addition, they wanted to keep as much of the existing landscaping as possible. The surrounding decks, walls, and steps were fair game. At first glance, one might think that our changes were simple material changes. Upon closer inspection, however, one can see the subtle, yet transformative changes that come together to update this classic pool in a tasteful, timeless manner, and improve the flow and usability of the deck areas, while softening the feel of the massive hardscape. The subtle changes begin as soon as you walk out the back door of the house. The existing decking had a lot of what we call “tweeners”; areas that are overly generous walkways, yet not large enough to house furniture. The awkwardly small bluestone patio was expanded to accommodate a generous seating area, by pushing the step-down closer to the pool. Our talented stone mason carefully married the new bluestone into the existing, resulting in an imperceptible difference between the two. As you descend the new bluestone steps to the pool level, your bare feet will be thankful for the new smooth-finished limestone colored concrete, with a hand cut pattern carefully etched into its surface. The old red brick decking was so hot that the owners could not walk around the pool in bare feet. The brick coping was also replaced with an eased edge Pennsylvania Premier Stone which matches the new step treads throughout the project. Between the house and the pool, a large raised planter was reconfigured, giving additional space to the pool deck for a shaded lounge chair area. Across the pool, a bank of rather tall painted brick retaining walls were cut down, shortened, and moved. This lessened the visual impact of the walls, which were rather overwhelming in the space, as well as opening up a new seating area, nestled under the arms of the massive pecan at the back of the property. Rather than continuing solid decking around the entire pool, the area near these walls has been transformed to large stone stepper pads set in a sea of beautiful St. Augustine lawn. This creates a visually softened area that is still suited to setting tables and chairs when the guest list calls for additional seating. The spa area is quite possibly the most dramatic change on this project. Yet more raised planter walls divided this area into awkward spaces, unsuited to proper furniture placement. The planters were removed, new stone decks, once again expertly married into the existing, opening the area to house a large dining table and new built in bbq area. The spa itself was re-imagined with the bluestone coping, and painted brick veneer. The most impressive addition though is the new handmade glazed tiles that surround the existing cast stone water feature. This water feature was almost unnoticeable against the painted brick wall, but now the dramatic arch and pop of color draw the eye to this quaint little corner of the property.

Open concept kitchen - large coastal l-shaped light wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen idea in San Francisco with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface countertops, gray backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

A simple wooden boardwalk passes through the forest. The stone sculpture is by Aaron G. Edwards
This is an example of an eclectic garden path in Seattle with decking.

Designed by Growsgreen Landscape Design: growsgreen.com.
Example of a trendy patio design in San Francisco

Mid-sized transitional walk-out laminate floor and brown floor basement photo in Seattle with gray walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

Alcove shower - large transitional master beige tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile and beige floor alcove shower idea in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, quartz countertops, a one-piece toilet, black cabinets, gray walls and white countertops

Nat Rea
Inspiration for a coastal mudroom remodel in Boston with white walls

Inspiration for a timeless formal medium tone wood floor living room remodel in Birmingham with white walls, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace and a media wall

Black and White bathroom with forest green vanity cabinets.
Example of a mid-sized farmhouse master white tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile, white floor, single-sink and wallpaper freestanding bathtub design in Denver with recessed-panel cabinets, green cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door, white countertops and a built-in vanity

Example of a small urban medium tone wood floor and brown floor dining room design in Milwaukee with gray walls and no fireplace

While renovating the master bedroom last year, the Mohrmans replaced the fireplace surround with white ceramic tile. Placed in a herringbone pattern, the tile and dark grout work together to lend a period feel to the room. As with many renovations, there were some surprises along the way. "From what we could tell the mantle had never been removed", Chelsea explains. "We removed the mantle and found bits and pieces of photos, ticket stubs, coins, etc that had fallen back there over the years. Some of the items were dated back to the 1930’s." Being the eighth owners of the home, it was hard to tell whether there was something there from every previous owner, "... but we gathered it all, placed it in a tin, added our own piece, and placed it back inside the mantle as a time capsule for future owners to find in decades to come."

Scott Griggs
Inspiration for a rustic dark wood floor family room remodel in Albuquerque with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv

This light and airy condo living space is thrift done right. Curio and second-hand furniture pieces create a playful yet cohesive feel with a few modern and industrial touches. From The Hip Photo | Denver, Colorado

This project was a one of a kind remodel. it included the demolition of a previously existing wall separating the kitchen area from the living room. The inside of the home was completely gutted down to the framing and was remodeled according the owners specifications. This remodel included a one of a kind custom granite countertop and eating area, custom cabinetry, an indoor outdoor bar, a custom vinyl window, new electrical and plumbing, and a one of a kind entertainment area featuring custom made shelves, and stone fire place.

Danny Piassick
Country white tile and subway tile light wood floor freestanding bathtub photo in Dallas

Example of a small transitional master bedroom design in Calgary with gray walls