This is a great house. Perched high on a private, heavily wooded site, it has a rustic contemporary aesthetic. Vaulted ceilings, sky lights, large windows and natural materials punctuate the main spaces. The existing large format mosaic slate floor grabs your attention upon entering the home extending throughout the foyer, kitchen, and family room. Specific requirements included a larger island with workspace for each of the homeowners featuring a homemade pasta station which requires small appliances on lift-up mechanisms as well as a custom-designed pasta drying rack. Both chefs wanted their own prep sink on the island complete with a garbage “shoot” which we concealed below sliding cutting boards. A second and overwhelming requirement was storage for a large collection of dishes, serving platters, specialty utensils, cooking equipment and such. To meet those needs we took the opportunity to get creative with storage: sliding doors were designed for a coffee station adjacent to the main sink; hid the steam oven, microwave and toaster oven within a stainless steel niche hidden behind pantry doors; added a narrow base cabinet adjacent to the range for their large spice collection; concealed a small broom closet behind the refrigerator; and filled the only available wall with full-height storage complete with a small niche for charging phones and organizing mail. We added 48” high base cabinets behind the main sink to function as a bar/buffet counter as well as overflow for kitchen items. The client’s existing vintage commercial grade Wolf stove and hood commands attention with a tall backdrop of exposed brick from the fireplace in the adjacent living room. We loved the rustic appeal of the brick along with the existing wood beams, and complimented those elements with wired brushed white oak cabinets. The grayish stain ties in the floor color while the slab door style brings a modern element to the space. We lightened the color scheme with a mix of white marble and quartz countertops. The waterfall countertop adjacent to the dining table shows off the amazing veining of the marble while adding contrast to the floor. Special materials are used throughout, featured on the textured leather-wrapped pantry doors, patina zinc bar countertop, and hand-stitched leather cabinet hardware. We took advantage of the tall ceilings by adding two walnut linear pendants over the island that create a sculptural effect and coordinated them with the new dining pendant and three wall sconces on the beam over the main sink.

Making a real impression by designing & building with exceptional people is exactly the effect JL Design & the client as owner-builder have achieved with “Scarborough House” in Scarborough, NSW. The brief required the dwelling to take maximum advantage of stunning views over the ocean & nearby escarpment cliffs. The residence was also to be a contemporary modernist four bedroom family dwelling, maximising built external living & pool areas. The client was extensively involved with the overall design, & carried out material selection, interior detailing and selection of fixtures and fittings. This collective method guaranteed a result where the client as the builder, through continued personal investment throughout the design and construction achieved a stunning result. The concrete, steelwork, windows, timber & various forms of cladding, joinery and concealed lighting are all custom made hand crafted elements. The design called for minimal tolerances, requiring a high level of skill and cooperation between trades. “Scarborough House” features BlueScope Colorbond monument matt ribbed wall cladding with rendered & ‘rendered look’ areas in off-white. A vertical feature hardwood timber screen to the side of the entry softens the ‘industrial’ feel, giving a modernist external appearance. Carefully calculated overhangs allow a passive solar solution to heating & cooling, with efficient reverse-cycle air conditioning required only during weather extremes. Internally, timber floors to the upper living areas give a feel of comfort & warmth. The warm, substantial character of the dwelling is carefully composed by means of the clarity of the detailing, a palette of tactical natural materials and the careful manipulation of light.

sliding trays
Kitchen pantry - mid-sized contemporary l-shaped bamboo floor kitchen pantry idea in Portland Maine with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, ceramic backsplash, paneled appliances and an island

With the services of specialist ADU contractors like Benio Construction, you can now go ahead with an ADU-garage conversion in La Mirada for your space crunched residence, and get that added carpet area or square footage for accommodating new family members, your grandparents, in-laws or arriving guests at home. Home Remodeling in La Mirada, CA - https://www.benioconstruction.com/

Malibu Glass Box House by Klopf Architecture Following the devastating Woolsey Fire of 2018, the site in Malibu offered a unique opportunity to rebuild not just a home, but a new architectural composition that highlighted the property’s potential while navigating strict fire-rebuild codes in the area. Designed by Klopf Architecture, this project embraced a set of limitations and translated them into an architectural asset. The city’s fire-rebuild process required the new structure to remain close to the original footprint, size and bulk, a constraint that ultimately clarified the architectural direction. Perched near the front of a long, narrow lot, the new home frames and overlooks a private, park-like rear expanse, an uncommon luxury especially in this part of Malibu . Without a fixed program, the design process allowed for a different kind of creative focus allowing Klopf Architecture the opportunity to explore how a modernist home could best respond to this site. The team approached the project not with a list of requirements, but with a question: How might a modernist live here? What spatial qualities would inspire calm, connection, and a sense of wonder in this setting? The process became less about problem-solving and more about architectural storytelling—letting the site, the light, and the principles of modern design guide the form and flow of the home. The response emerged in the form of a glass-box pavilion, an open, Mid-Century Modern inspired living, dining, and kitchen space that floats at the edge of the property’s natural descent. Connected to the more enclosed, private areas of the home by a glass-walled hallway, the living pavilion becomes a distinct centerpiece of the design. It opens on all four sides to the landscape with decks and patios on the flanks, an internal garden and water feature to the north, and a dramatic unguarded view of the expansive backyard and ocean horizon to the south. Because of the mandated footprint, careful planning was required to ensure every space could still engage with light, landscape, or both. Strategic voids in the form of atriums and courtyards allow daylight to filter deep into the home’s core, while offering moments of surprise and retreat. These design gestures allow natural light to filter deep into the interior, creating a sense of brightness and openness throughout the day. At the same time, they expand the perceptual boundaries between inside and out, making the home feel more expansive while anchoring its connection to the surrounding landscape. The siting of the house is what gives it its unique character. Rather than receding into the backyard like the neighboring homes, the house holds a slight prominence. From the central living pavilion, stepping down into the landscape feels more like entering a secluded park where a separate existing accessory structure, trail, and recreational areas await. The home’s modest street presence gives way to this unfolding drama of space, view, and nature. Fire-resilient materials and assemblies are integrated seamlessly throughout including triple-pane glazing, under-slab and roof insulation, and locally sourced fire-rated cladding ensure the house not only meets Calfornia’s rigorous wildland-urban interface (WUI) standards, but feels effortlessly aligned with them. While technical decisions like fire-hardening and mechanical systems presented some construction challenges, particularly around the cantilevered glass box, the team found a functional compromise that preserved the integrity of the design. Inside, a restrained palette and exposed post and beam design celebrate the ethos of mid-century modernism. A central circulation spine extends from the entry to the rear glass wall, offering a continuous visual link from street to ocean. Spaces such as the library and office, though more intimate in scale, are never cut off from nature as each opens to its own unique courtyard or garden view. Though born out of a strict regulatory framework and developed without a specific client, the rebuild design unfolded with remarkable clarity. Grounded in site logic, refined by limitations and an emphasis on timeless spatial relationships – light, proportion, and a strong connection to nature, the resulting design feels both effortless and uplifting. The home lives lightly on the land, opens generously to its surroundings, and strikes a careful balance between privacy, openness, and calm. For Klopf Architecture, it stands as a compelling case study in how site, code, and circumstantial constraints can inspire enduring, modernist architecture. With years of experience reimagining mid-century modern design for how people live today, the firm took the project’s limitations as an opportunity. The result is a home shaped by open, flowing spaces, strong indoor-outdoor connections, and a calm, clear sense of structure. It’s a good reminder that even with strict constraints, there’s still room for architecture to breathe—and for modernism to keep moving forward. Klopf Architecture project team: Geoff Campen, John Klopf, AIA, and Sherry Tan Structural Engineer: ZFA Contractor: Maison D’Artiste Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2023

The Setup The homeowners of this Barrington Hills residence approached Drury Design with a clear vision: transform their existing kitchen into a space that would better serve their active family of four. With two young children who are homeschooled and love to bake with their mom, plus two dogs, this kitchen needed to function as the true heart of the home. The existing kitchen was functional but didn’t maximize the potential of the beautiful natural light and scenic views available through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The space was locked between the dining room and family room, which limited structural modifications, but the homeowners wanted to create a more family-friendly environment that would complement the warm walnut built-ins and furnishings in the adjacent dining room while staying true to the home’s overall aesthetic. Design Objectives: Create a highly functional workspace that accommodates multiple family members cooking and gathering simultaneously Maximize the connection to the beautiful outdoor scenery and natural light through thoughtful design choices Establish a cohesive color palette that complements the existing walnut elements in the adjacent dining room without becoming too tone-on-tone (aka “matchy matchy”) Improve the seating arrangement to take advantage of the stunning views (rather than facing away from the windows) Work within the existing architectural constraints, including a curved soffit that could not be removed Increase storage capacity while maintaining clean, uncluttered sightlines throughout the space Design Challenges: The curved soffit presented a design dilemma of whether to echo the curve throughout the kitchen or work with it in a more subtle way The relatively low ceiling height required careful consideration to avoid making the space feel cramped or cave-like The existing hardwood floor could not be refinished, which meant the new kitchen footprint had to match or exceed the original layout exactly Finding the right balance of warm and neutral tones to complement both the existing walnut elements nearby and the natural outdoor views proved challenging The refrigerator placement was constrained by door swing requirements, which affected the entire layout and prevented centering the sink on the back wall Rethinking the original seating, which faced inward toward the kitchen (turning backs to the beautiful windows and outdoor views) Pendant lighting from the previous kitchen obstructed views to the outdoors despite the abundant natural light available The Renewed Space Design Solutions: The curved soffit was embraced subtly through the full slab backsplash, which echoes the curve without requiring curved cabinetry or architectural elements that might feel forced Low ceiling challenges were addressed by using lighter painted cabinets for some tall elements, including the double oven, pantries, and refrigerator area, creating an airy feel while reserving the darker stained walnut for the center section and island The floor constraint was managed by designing the new layout to cover all previously unfinished areas while maintaining the exact footprint, with only minor touch-ups needed in a few areas The color palette balances warm walnut stain (harmonizing with the dining room built-ins) with soft, neutral painted cabinets – avoiding stark white that wouldn’t complement the home’s warm aesthetic Refrigerator placement was optimized with a slim pullout pantry to the left, allowing proper door clearance while maintaining the desired layout flow and enabling the main pantry to be positioned adjacently The seating was completely reimagined with a built-in banquette facing the windows, allowing diners to enjoy the outdoor views while providing flexible seating for two to four people Decorative pendant lighting was eliminated in favor of recessed can lights, preserving the unobstructed views to the beautiful outdoor scenery This kitchen transformation demonstrates how thoughtful design can dramatically improve functionality for a busy family while honoring existing architectural elements. The children immediately began cooking and baking with their mother in the new space, and the window-facing banquette has become a favorite gathering spot where the family can enjoy both meals and the beautiful outdoor views.

Kitchen - transitional u-shaped kitchen idea in New York with shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

Tileware Bathroom Fixtures - Promessa Series Rectangular Soap Basket available in 3 sizes Dimensions 6 1/8" length x 3 1/2" width x 1 3/8" depth Dimensions 10 1/2" length x 5 1/4" width x 2 1/4" depth Dimensions 10 1/2" length x 5 1/4" width x 4" depth Triangle Corner Soap Basket available in 3 sizes Dimensions 7 3/4" length x 4 7/8" width x 2 1/4" depth Dimensions 7 3/4" length x 4 7/8" width x 1 3/8" depth Dimensions 13 3/4" length x 8" width x 5" depth Combination Basket Shampoo Soap Basket Dimensions 17 7/8" length x 3 1/2" width x 3" depth Available in 3 Finish In stock - Ship Same Day Solid brass basket, brazed construction FlooringSupplyShop.com is pleased to introduce an installation system designed and engineered specifically for tile mechanics from Tileware. Traditional hardware installation requires drilling, compromising tile installations. Now, with the PermaTile™ System, tile mechanics have a clear advantage: a simple installation system that adds value to the tile professional PermaTile™ Fasteners The first non-penetrating, non-intrusive tile fastening system This high quality, stainless steel fastening component will attach with unprecedented strength to wall surfaces with latex modified mortar. This system provides a solution that is simple and measurably strong. PermaTile™ Systems will end unnecessary damages resulting from drilling finished tile work. • Will not violate waterproofing, plumbing or wiring no more drilling • Mortar-based fastening system • Non-corrosive stainless steel fastener • Over 10X the strength of standard fastener • Tested by TCNA (Tile Council of North America) • Designed specifically for tile applications by tile installers • Will work with all standard tile products and thicknesses • Designed specifically for tile professionals • Encourages quick turnaround where shelving is required • Eliminates failures resulting from drilling into completed tile work - such as puncturing waterproofing, tile breakage, plumbing and wiring intrusions • Eliminates the need for wood blocking behind the wall • Installation can occur within the body of a tile or a grout joint • Basket mounting can occur immediately after grouting - no special trips • Learn how to install in minutes • No special tools required our store open to the public 5047 W Jefferson Blvd Los Angeles CA 90016 Mon - Fri 7:00 am - 5:00pm Sunday 8:00 - 12:00 pm

Example of a garage design in Denver

Many Akron-area homeowners just don’t want to spend the time required to maintain a wooden deck. Wooden decks, though beautiful and strong, require maintenance. This includes cleaning, sanding and sealing or staining at least annually in order to stay looking and performing their best. Archadeck of Akron has the answer for homeowners looking for a deck with beauty, longevity and less required maintenance — a TimberTech synthetic deck like the one shown in this custom outdoor living space design.

Transitional u-shaped kitchen photo in New York with shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

Malibu Glass Box House by Klopf Architecture Following the devastating Woolsey Fire of 2018, the site in Malibu offered a unique opportunity to rebuild not just a home, but a new architectural composition that highlighted the property’s potential while navigating strict fire-rebuild codes in the area. Designed by Klopf Architecture, this project embraced a set of limitations and translated them into an architectural asset. The city’s fire-rebuild process required the new structure to remain close to the original footprint, size and bulk, a constraint that ultimately clarified the architectural direction. Perched near the front of a long, narrow lot, the new home frames and overlooks a private, park-like rear expanse, an uncommon luxury especially in this part of Malibu . Without a fixed program, the design process allowed for a different kind of creative focus allowing Klopf Architecture the opportunity to explore how a modernist home could best respond to this site. The team approached the project not with a list of requirements, but with a question: How might a modernist live here? What spatial qualities would inspire calm, connection, and a sense of wonder in this setting? The process became less about problem-solving and more about architectural storytelling—letting the site, the light, and the principles of modern design guide the form and flow of the home. The response emerged in the form of a glass-box pavilion, an open, Mid-Century Modern inspired living, dining, and kitchen space that floats at the edge of the property’s natural descent. Connected to the more enclosed, private areas of the home by a glass-walled hallway, the living pavilion becomes a distinct centerpiece of the design. It opens on all four sides to the landscape with decks and patios on the flanks, an internal garden and water feature to the north, and a dramatic unguarded view of the expansive backyard and ocean horizon to the south. Because of the mandated footprint, careful planning was required to ensure every space could still engage with light, landscape, or both. Strategic voids in the form of atriums and courtyards allow daylight to filter deep into the home’s core, while offering moments of surprise and retreat. These design gestures allow natural light to filter deep into the interior, creating a sense of brightness and openness throughout the day. At the same time, they expand the perceptual boundaries between inside and out, making the home feel more expansive while anchoring its connection to the surrounding landscape. The siting of the house is what gives it its unique character. Rather than receding into the backyard like the neighboring homes, the house holds a slight prominence. From the central living pavilion, stepping down into the landscape feels more like entering a secluded park where a separate existing accessory structure, trail, and recreational areas await. The home’s modest street presence gives way to this unfolding drama of space, view, and nature. Fire-resilient materials and assemblies are integrated seamlessly throughout including triple-pane glazing, under-slab and roof insulation, and locally sourced fire-rated cladding ensure the house not only meets Calfornia’s rigorous wildland-urban interface (WUI) standards, but feels effortlessly aligned with them. While technical decisions like fire-hardening and mechanical systems presented some construction challenges, particularly around the cantilevered glass box, the team found a functional compromise that preserved the integrity of the design. Inside, a restrained palette and exposed post and beam design celebrate the ethos of mid-century modernism. A central circulation spine extends from the entry to the rear glass wall, offering a continuous visual link from street to ocean. Spaces such as the library and office, though more intimate in scale, are never cut off from nature as each opens to its own unique courtyard or garden view. Though born out of a strict regulatory framework and developed without a specific client, the rebuild design unfolded with remarkable clarity. Grounded in site logic, refined by limitations and an emphasis on timeless spatial relationships – light, proportion, and a strong connection to nature, the resulting design feels both effortless and uplifting. The home lives lightly on the land, opens generously to its surroundings, and strikes a careful balance between privacy, openness, and calm. For Klopf Architecture, it stands as a compelling case study in how site, code, and circumstantial constraints can inspire enduring, modernist architecture. With years of experience reimagining mid-century modern design for how people live today, the firm took the project’s limitations as an opportunity. The result is a home shaped by open, flowing spaces, strong indoor-outdoor connections, and a calm, clear sense of structure. It’s a good reminder that even with strict constraints, there’s still room for architecture to breathe—and for modernism to keep moving forward. Klopf Architecture project team: Geoff Campen, John Klopf, AIA, and Sherry Tan Structural Engineer: ZFA Contractor: Maison D’Artiste Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2023

Tileware Bathroom Fixtures - Promessa Series Rectangular Soap Basket available in 3 sizes Dimensions 6 1/8" length x 3 1/2" width x 1 3/8" depth Dimensions 10 1/2" length x 5 1/4" width x 2 1/4" depth Dimensions 10 1/2" length x 5 1/4" width x 4" depth Triangle Corner Soap Basket available in 3 sizes Dimensions 7 3/4" length x 4 7/8" width x 2 1/4" depth Dimensions 7 3/4" length x 4 7/8" width x 1 3/8" depth Dimensions 13 3/4" length x 8" width x 5" depth Combination Basket Shampoo Soap Basket Dimensions 17 7/8" length x 3 1/2" width x 3" depth Available in 3 Finish In stock - Ship Same Day Solid brass basket, brazed construction FlooringSupplyShop.com is pleased to introduce an installation system designed and engineered specifically for tile mechanics from Tileware. Traditional hardware installation requires drilling, compromising tile installations. Now, with the PermaTile™ System, tile mechanics have a clear advantage: a simple installation system that adds value to the tile professional PermaTile™ Fasteners The first non-penetrating, non-intrusive tile fastening system This high quality, stainless steel fastening component will attach with unprecedented strength to wall surfaces with latex modified mortar. This system provides a solution that is simple and measurably strong. PermaTile™ Systems will end unnecessary damages resulting from drilling finished tile work. • Will not violate waterproofing, plumbing or wiring no more drilling • Mortar-based fastening system • Non-corrosive stainless steel fastener • Over 10X the strength of standard fastener • Tested by TCNA (Tile Council of North America) • Designed specifically for tile applications by tile installers • Will work with all standard tile products and thicknesses • Designed specifically for tile professionals • Encourages quick turnaround where shelving is required • Eliminates failures resulting from drilling into completed tile work - such as puncturing waterproofing, tile breakage, plumbing and wiring intrusions • Eliminates the need for wood blocking behind the wall • Installation can occur within the body of a tile or a grout joint • Basket mounting can occur immediately after grouting - no special trips • Learn how to install in minutes • No special tools required our store open to the public 5047 W Jefferson Blvd Los Angeles CA 90016 Mon - Fri 7:00 am - 5:00pm Sunday 8:00 - 12:00 pm

LEED Certification Level: Platinum. Builder: R & S Engineering & Construction. The Cavanaugh Residence is a contemporary split level with a split personality. Totally designed from the ground up to minimize impact and maximize energy and water efficiency, its beautiful facade belies its hard-working, high-producing systems, earning it a LEED Platinum score of 116.5, and a HERS rating of minus 22. The 2774 square foot home produces over 100 per cent of its power with a 10.8 kw pv system, and captures 100 per cent of its freshwater needs from the curved metal roofs through an engineered collection and purification system, stored in an integrated concrete cistern. Constructed of locally made SIP panels on an infill waterfront lot, the home is oriented to maximize the production of the pv panels. Six inch SIP panels work together with a highly reflective, highly emmisive cool standing seam roof, icynene insulation in ceiling and floors, and carefully placed high efficiency windows and doors to create a tightly sealed environment. The 17-seer Trane heat pump variable speed compressors and TAM 7 air handlers, along with a whole house dehumidifier and fresh air intake provide a comfortable, clean indoor environment while using little energy. In the shoulder seasons, natural ventilation cools the home with fresh breezes drawn from lower windows in each room flowing through the curved ceilings to clerestory windows at the top of the house. Natural daylighting, with windows placed in corners and high clerestories, bounce the abundant natural light so that the owners use the interior LED lighting primarily at night. Windows were sited to frame views of the neighboring park and water, and capture the light, but represent a very low percentage of glazing to wall to conserve energy. Primarily native, xeriscaped turfless landscaping sips reclaimed water from its drip and bubbler irrigiation system, and requires little trimming or chemicals. Established trees, protected during construction, shade the home, FSC certified decks, and yard, providing a cool place to enjoy the outdoors at any time of the day, even in Florida's summer heat. Rainwater is diverted from the bay through the engineered collection and filtration system to an integrated concrete cistern hidden beneath the decks. Abundant Florida rainwater supplies 100 per cent of the home's needs, including drinking, bathing, and cleaning. Naturally soft, the highly filtered and UV purified water requires no chemical treatment or water softener. Coupled with minimal hardscape and permeable drive and walkways, almost all ground water remains on the lot, and out of storm sewers and bay runoffs. Designed as a forever home for this active retired couple, an open floor plan provides diagonal interior views along with great circulation space. Wide hallways and doors, curbless showers, an elevator, and extra blocking in the walls for grab rails insures the couple of being able to use their home even if physical disabilities arise. The home's footprint is minimized by building over the conditioned crawlspace and over-sized garage, and the finished floor height, at least two feet above flood code requirements, significantly reduces insurance costs while maximizing storage space for camping and water sports equipment. Materials, fixtures and appliances were carefully selected for energy and water efficiency, local production where possible, recycled content/recyclability, durability, and cost-effectiveness. The owners were very involved in vetting and materials selections, and assisted in just-in-time purchasing to minimize waste. Scrap materials were sorted daily for re-use elsewhere in the project (blocking, concrete forms, drywall scraps as acoustical insulation in interior walls, etc.), resulting in a tiny waste pile at the end of a dumpster-free project. Concrete waste was hauled to a local recycler to become road base, and extra useable materials were returned to the vendor or donated to Habitat Restore. Cost-effective choices, and careful planning, saved significant dollars in construction cost as well as landfill space. One of the biggest challenges was finding qualified subcontractors who would work within the guidelines. With the help of our LEED consultant and meetings and explanations, most subcontractors not only bought into the ideas readily, but offered up new ideas. Highly skilled and professional, the team of subs, LEED consultant, and contractor proved that LEED construction is excellent construction. The team, the owners, and I also found that LEED construction makes great economic sense. Most materials (other than increased insulation and photovoltaic panels) cost no more, and sometimes less, than those employed in construction of a lesser standard. The owners have been living in the home for a year now, and are thrilled with the results. No power bill. No water bill. Extremely low insurance bill. Minimal ground maintenance. No fabric softener. Reduced use of soap, detergents, and shampoos and cleaning supplies. Less time cleaning with spot-free rainwater. Careful planning and materials selection brought the project in under budget, and the home operates at an extremely low cost, both to the homeowners, and the environment. Who wouldn't be thrilled?

This kitchen was part of a whole house remodel and, as such, it required a complete reimagining of the space. Given the new layout of the rather upscale home, the kitchen would be relatively open to other areas and could not sacrifice elegance for the purpose of functionality. Meanwhile, high functionality was a major requirement as the client was a cook who required professional appliances, wide countertop work areas and plenty of storage space. At $85,000, the kitchen fell well within the client’s budget while meeting her expectations.

New Urban Luxury Private Residence – Alys Beach, Florida Architect: Khoury & Vogt Architects Builder: BRW Builders of Destin E. F. San Juan supplied all the interior and exterior wood millwork for this expertly designed residence adjacent to the snow-white dunes found in the serene New Urban townscape of Alys Beach, Florida. Challenges: The most significant design challenge of this project was to engineer a processing method to fabricate the complex millwork components in mass for the outdoor lounge. Khoury & Vogt Architects created a custom design for an inspiring and elegant outdoor living space. Fortunately, this house had a resourceful and creative team ensuring the vision of the design stayed intact. Solution: The intricate design required a creative approach which entailed high-level fabricating skills. “This project stands out in my mind because it required that I personally design and build numerous jigs,” says Edward San Juan. Taking on the challenge, San Juan designed and handcrafted each jig to the exact specification required for the exterior design. The team at E. F. San Juan continued with the creative approach, integrating and assembling the custom jigs to produce a work of art. The millwork beautifully complements the sleek white design on the deep indoor-outdoor decks, allowing the feel of the surrounding nature to flow inside. The result is a breathtaking and inspiring New Urban home in a luxurious beach town along Scenic Highway 30-A. --- Photography by Jack Gardner

Bath mats are vital elements in bathroom decor, beautifully blending style and functionality. These bath rugs offer essential moisture protection, ensuring your floors remain dry while providing slip prevention for safety. When choosing a bath mat, prioritize quality; look for options that are absorbent, comfortable, and add warmth to your space. Consider the size and proportion of the bath mat in relation to your tub and vanity. If you have a double vanity, you can select individual rugs for each sink or opt for a long runner rug for a cohesive appearance. Always measure your bathroom area to ensure a perfect fit, allowing enough space for doors to open freely. Durability is another crucial factor. Since bath mats frequently encounter water and foot traffic, choose rugs with a nonslip surface and rubber backing to enhance safety on wet floors. Many options are crafted from high-quality cotton, providing a soft texture and easy maintenance, as most are machine washable. However, some may require professional cleaning, so checking care instructions is advisable. The choice of bath mat size largely depends on the area you want to cover and the dimensions of your bathroom. Look for a shower mat that is appropriately sized for your tub and vanity, ensuring it provides adequate coverage. If your bathroom features a double vanity, you can opt for either individual rugs for each sink or a long runner rug for a cohesive appearance. Before shopping, take measurements of the spaces to ensure a perfect fit. In smaller bathrooms, remember to leave enough space for the door to swing open without obstructing the rug. Durability should be a top consideration when selecting a bath mat. Since shower mats are frequently exposed to water and heavy foot traffic, it’s important to prioritize quality. Look for options with a nonslip surface and rubber backing to reduce the risk of slipping when the floor or mat is wet. Additionally, pay attention to the cleaning instructions. Most mats are crafted from cotton or chenille and can be machine washed, but some may require professional cleaning, so it’s best to verify before making a purchase. moisture and helping prevent slips. When choosing a bath mat, quality is just as essential as aesthetics; you'll want one that not only looks appealing and is absorbent but also feels comfortable underfoot. As you search for the ideal bath rug, consider these helpful tips to guide your decision. The choice of bath mat size largely depends on the area you want to cover and the dimensions of your bathroom. Look for a shower mat that is appropriately sized for your tub and vanity, ensuring it provides adequate coverage. If your bathroom features a double vanity, you can opt for either individual rugs for each sink or a long runner rug for a cohesive appearance. Before shopping, take measurements of the spaces to ensure a perfect fit. In smaller bathrooms, remember to leave enough space for the door to swing open without obstructing the rug. Durability should be a top consideration when selecting a bath mat. Since shower mats are frequently exposed to water and heavy foot traffic, it’s important to prioritize quality. Look for options with a nonslip surface and rubber backing to reduce the risk of slipping when the floor or mat is wet. Additionally, pay attention to the cleaning instructions. Most mats are crafted from cotton or chenille and can be machine washed, but some may require professional cleaning, so it’s best to verify before making a purchase. Having a bubbly pink color, this polyester footmat from Turkey ensures that it gets noticed by one and all. Its oriental patterns follow a definite sense of standard geometry. Buy it for your house and it will become an inseparable part of it for sure.

Wild Lupine / Lupinus perennis
Photo of a landscaping in Minneapolis.

“EURO-LAKEVIEW ESTATE” This beautifully wooded lake-side estate is owned by a very special couple who contacted the Fred Parker Company design-build team from the company’s Houzz.com professional website profile. The owners were interviewing design-build firms, and Custom Builder and AIBD Building Designer Ron Parker and ASID Interior Designer Lila Parker connected with this special couple on their first appointment. The couple was recently married and both had survived the loss of their spouse in years past. Ron and Lila accepted this as a very special opportunity to fulfill the owner’s dreams for this home through taking a fresh and very unique approach to this amazing residence and property. The incredible home was originally designed and built by the husband for his family. Ron and Lila understood the importance of honoring and respecting the significance of these memories. The wife had a beautifully restored home on White Rock Lake and desired for the design and feel of her existing home to be incorporated with the architecture and style of this home to be renovated. The Parker’s design / build team embraced this tremendous opportunity and were awarded the contracts for design and construction. Additions were created to expand the Kitchen and Dining Area overlooking the lake. A beautiful European style kitchen was designed to include flush inset and stained cabinets; quartz counters with a “waterfall effect” at the island and serving bar; significant cabinet and storage details; large and expansive Andersen Windows and Patio Doors, custom wood beams, and oversized porcelain tile flooring. The Family Area was redesigned with a custom entertainment center and new Andersen Doors and Windows. Other remodeling and interior design upgrades were completed in the home including converting the existing Dining Room and Butler’s Pantry into a Library and Reading Area, and remodeling the Powder Room to include a free-standing contemporary vanity. Changes and upgrades were also made to the Study and Master Bath. A large patio was built with stone retaining walls, borders, planters, and steps leading to the beautifully terraced yard. This project also included a quaint and refreshing detached Art Room addition with cathedral ceiling, nestled in the trees overlooking the lake. A new two-car garage addition with storage closets was also added to the existing garage. Due to the proximately of these additions to the lake, special permission and critical guidelines were required by the Corps of Engineers and local city building authorities. These legal requirements created design, engineering, and building challenges which were approved and completed as required. Ron and Lila Parker and the Fred Parker Company Design / Build Team are extremely proud of the work that was achieved to redesign, renovate, and update this amazing estate for this fine couple and their families. Ron’s personal mission statement “To meet or exceed the client’s expectations and end with a good relationship” was certainly tested but he believes this was respectively achieved as indicated by the client’s eloquent “Five-Star Houzz Review”.