Bathroom - mid-sized contemporary master white tile and subway tile medium tone wood floor bathroom idea in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets and medium tone wood cabinets

We converted an underused back yard into a modern outdoor living space. Functions include a cedar soaking tub, outdoor shower, fire pit, and dining area. The decking is ipe hardwood, the fence is stained cedar, and cast concrete with gravel adds texture at the fire pit. Photos copyright Laurie Black Photography.

Summer container gardens Le jardinet
Inspiration for a landscaping in Seattle.

One of the most important things for those of us who like enjoying a hot bath, is the water temperature. As time passes, the water temperature in your bathtub drops down and requires you to constantly be adding hot water to maintain the temperature, which in turn requires large capacity water boilers, wasting water and electricity. Made of state-of-the-art AquateX™ solid surface material, the Aquatica True Ofuro Japanese style bathtub with Tranquility bath heating system is fitted with a recirculation system (just like the traditional Japanese oidaki) and ozone disinfection system. The Tranquility bathtub heating system was designed to eliminate the hot water adding hassle and maintain the water temperature at a constant 104F /40C (41-45C in Europe and other markets). The built-in Tranquility heating system is utilizing a low flow/high-efficiency ultra-quiet pump. Equipped with minimalist control panel, a standard 1.5kW inline water heater (US) or 2kW (Europe and other markets) with ozone disinfection, Bluetooth audio system, and underwater LED сhromotherapy system, the Tranquility system provides the ultimate luxury bathing experience.

The Mazama house is located in the Methow Valley of Washington State, a secluded mountain valley on the eastern edge of the North Cascades, about 200 miles northeast of Seattle. The house has been carefully placed in a copse of trees at the easterly end of a large meadow. Two major building volumes indicate the house organization. A grounded 2-story bedroom wing anchors a raised living pavilion that is lifted off the ground by a series of exposed steel columns. Seen from the access road, the large meadow in front of the house continues right under the main living space, making the living pavilion into a kind of bridge structure spanning over the meadow grass, with the house touching the ground lightly on six steel columns. The raised floor level provides enhanced views as well as keeping the main living level well above the 3-4 feet of winter snow accumulation that is typical for the upper Methow Valley. To further emphasize the idea of lightness, the exposed wood structure of the living pavilion roof changes pitch along its length, so the roof warps upward at each end. The interior exposed wood beams appear like an unfolding fan as the roof pitch changes. The main interior bearing columns are steel with a tapered “V”-shape, recalling the lightness of a dancer. The house reflects the continuing FINNE investigation into the idea of crafted modernism, with cast bronze inserts at the front door, variegated laser-cut steel railing panels, a curvilinear cast-glass kitchen counter, waterjet-cut aluminum light fixtures, and many custom furniture pieces. The house interior has been designed to be completely integral with the exterior. The living pavilion contains more than twelve pieces of custom furniture and lighting, creating a totality of the designed environment that recalls the idea of Gesamtkunstverk, as seen in the work of Josef Hoffman and the Viennese Secessionist movement in the early 20th century. The house has been designed from the start as a sustainable structure, with 40% higher insulation values than required by code, radiant concrete slab heating, efficient natural ventilation, large amounts of natural lighting, water-conserving plumbing fixtures, and locally sourced materials. Windows have high-performance LowE insulated glazing and are equipped with concealed shades. A radiant hydronic heat system with exposed concrete floors allows lower operating temperatures and higher occupant comfort levels. The concrete slabs conserve heat and provide great warmth and comfort for the feet. Deep roof overhangs, built-in shades and high operating clerestory windows are used to reduce heat gain in summer months. During the winter, the lower sun angle is able to penetrate into living spaces and passively warm the exposed concrete floor. Low VOC paints and stains have been used throughout the house. The high level of craft evident in the house reflects another key principle of sustainable design: build it well and make it last for many years! Photo by Benjamin Benschneider

Summer annuals display. Photo by Rachel Carlson
This is an example of a traditional partial sun landscaping in Chicago for summer.

Example of a mid-sized cottage chic backyard patio design in Other

Casey Dunn
Example of a minimalist entryway design in Austin

This is an example of a contemporary landscaping in Chicago.

Grey Giraffe
Design ideas for a transitional landscaping in Salt Lake City.

Time Honored Modern
Inspiration for a timeless gray floor mudroom remodel in Minneapolis

Transitional white tile bathroom photo in Los Angeles with a console sink, open cabinets, white cabinets and a two-piece toilet

Since the completion of the home our company has maintained this property. Originally built by a local builder as a speculation home, it was purchased by two busy professionals. Why is this important? Let's just say the clients are particular and like it when things aren't just so. Both have high level careers, travel often and expect their landscape to be pristine. Year after year our company rises to this challenge. When originally installed, the builder wanted larger plant material to provide a full and mature look. The continued growth provides a pruning challenge, especially when the client prefers a clean, neat and "compact" landscape. We continually monitor growth and hand prune accordingly, including yearly winter pruning. The backyard is particularly difficult due to the shade, moisture run-off from neighboring properties. The turf requires constant monitoring and adjustment to the irrigation system. The trees create a mess requiring clean up along with yearly power washing of the stone. While the challenges are many, the fine maintenance has led to happy clients and numerous referrals.

Inspiration for a modern landscaping in Minneapolis.

Sarah McElravy
Inspiration for a rustic staircase remodel in Other

Spice Ball™ flower close up
Inspiration for an eclectic partial sun landscaping in Chicago.

Petit Bleu caryopteris in the landscape. It reaches around 3' tall each season and should be cut back hard in the spring.
This is an example of a mid-sized eclectic full sun landscaping in Chicago.

Garage Shelving
Elegant attached garage photo in San Francisco