Photo: Peter Vanderwarker
Example of a trendy dining room design in Boston

-- photo credit Ben Hill Photography
Trendy home office photo in Houston

Modern exterior home idea in Seattle

About: Abandoned two years ago by a previous contractor, and overwhelmed by the challenges associated with building an updated porch respectful to this Queen Anne style home, J. Francis Company, LLC was referred to the customer by Maynes & Associates, Architects. Perched at the highest point on the North Side with a panoramic view is where Deb Mortillaro and Mike Gonze make their residence. Owners of the famous Dreadnought Wines and Palate Partners in the Strip District of Pittsburgh, Deb & Mike wanted a porch to use for entertaining & wine tasting parties. Design features include reuse of original porch footers, mahogany tongue & groove flooring, a railing system that compliments the original design yet complies with the code and features a clear coated Cyprus top rail. The original porch columns were most likely stone bases with wood posts that have been replaced with columns to enhance the updated look. The curved corner has been reproduced including a custom-built curved handrail. The whole porch comes together, tying in the red mahogany floor, Cyprus handrail, and stained bead board ceiling. The finished result is a breathtakingly beautiful wrap-around porch with ample room for guests and entertaining. Testimonial: "Our beloved porch had been taken down to be rebuilt for two years before we met the great folks at J. Francis Company. We knew this porch had great potential and all it would take was the right people to make it happen - ones with vision and great craftsmanship. In conjunction with our architect, Greg Maynes, Dave Myers of J. Francis Company guided this project along with tremendous skill and patience. His creative suggestions and practical thought made the process painless and exciting. The head carpenter JK was a marvel and added touches that made a spectacular difference. We use our home and especially this porch to entertain both clients and friends throughout the year. They all have been anxiously waiting to hear that it is done. A pleasant surprise will be theirs when they arrive."

This modern residence has been designed for a multi-generational family that frequently entertains and hosts over-seas guests. The clients were looking for an open floor plan to support both entertaining and space for the individual. The synthesis of interior and exterior spaces on both floors was also a priority. This has been achieved through the addition of multiple decks, balconies, lots of glass and a sun-lit floating stair. To comply with the demanding program within the limited square footage, the house has a full guest suite on the first floor and three bedrooms on the second floor, including a full master suite. A separate granny unit provides privacy for the resident grand mom, while still being close to the main residence. An artist’s studio is nestled against the far side of a detached two car garage providing visual and acoustical privacy from the busy family life. The walkway roofs are designed to be turned into green roofs, while the main roof is to serve as a roof terrace for further outdoor living. Photosgraphs, Vern Nelson

Sally Painter
Enclosed kitchen - mid-sized craftsman u-shaped medium tone wood floor enclosed kitchen idea in Portland with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Book-matched ash wood kitchen by Poggenpohl Hawaii is like no other. The attention to detail provides a beautiful and functional working kitchen. This project was designed for multiple family members and each rave how much they appreciate the new layout and finishes. This oceanfront residence boasts an incredible ocean view and the Ann Sacks Tile mirror porcelain tile backsplash allows for enough reflection to enjoy the beauty from all directions. The porcelain tile floor looks and feels like natural limestone without the maintenance. The hand-tufted wool rug creates a sense of luxury while complying with association rules. Furnishings selected and provided by Vision Design Kitchen and Bath LLC.

This farmhouse style residence is located in the floodplain and situated along Braes Bayou, thus complying with regulations mandated by City of Houston Floodplain Management and FEMA. The challenge was designing the house to be raised 7’ above natural grade and the house not looking like a house on columns. The solution - design a “flood resistant plinth” around the entire perimeter, and re-contour the existing terrain to mitigate the raised appearance and also accommodate a required detention pond. The interior spaces are open, vibrant, and filled with natural light.

Rob Karosis Photography www.robkarosis.com
Inspiration for a contemporary screened-in porch remodel in Burlington

The Fontana Bridge residence is a mountain modern lake home located in the mountains of Swain County. The LEED Gold home is mountain modern house designed to integrate harmoniously with the surrounding Appalachian mountain setting. The understated exterior and the thoughtfully chosen neutral palette blend into the topography of the wooded hillside.

Nat Rea
Example of a beach style two-story wood gable roof design in Providence

A cookie cutter developer three bedroom duplex was transformed into a four bedroom family friendly home complete with fine details and custom millwork. A home office, artist studio and even a full laundry room were added through a better use of space. Additionally, transoms were added to improve light and air circulation. Photo by Ofer Wolberger

Photographer: Tom Crane
Elegant living room photo in Philadelphia

Photo by Kay Kim/Rill Architects
Example of an arts and crafts bathroom design in DC Metro

Inspiration for a modern living room remodel in San Francisco with white walls

Southeast Elevation, View from backyard towards deck with summer sun control overhangs and louvers. Winter sun angles warm and allow nearly year round use.

Staircase - contemporary open staircase idea in Miami

The configuration of a structural wall at one end of the bathroom influenced the interior shape of the walk-in steam shower. The corner chases became home to two recessed shower caddies on either side of a niche where a Botticino marble bench resides. The walls are white, highly polished Thassos marble. For the custom mural, Thassos and Botticino marble chips were fashioned into a mosaic of interlocking eternity rings. The basket weave pattern on the shower floor pays homage to the provenance of the house. The linen closet next to the shower was designed to look like it originally resided with the vanity--compatible in style, but not exactly matching. Like so many heirloom cabinets, it was created to look like a double chest with a marble platform between upper and lower cabinets. The upper cabinet doors have antique glass behind classic curved mullions that are in keeping with the eternity ring theme in the shower. Photographer: Peter Rymwid

© 2012 LARRY E. BOERDER ARCHITECTS
Inspiration for a timeless home theater remodel in Dallas