Our introduction to the Tahoe site was in late winter, on a clear sunny day with filtered light and long shadows through snow-laden fir and pine bows. It made a strong impression, stored for future consideration but the impetus for the design came soon after the spring snow melt. A powerful sense of horizontal layering of vegetation and various stages of decomposing downed timber on the two-acre site, juxtaposed with pine and fir trees and the dense canopy of the surrounding forest. The site is located near the historic 1960 Olympic Nordic track, situated on the edge of wetlands and seasonal streams. The homeowners were previous clients and dreamt of having a retreat in the Sierras away from their home base in Berkeley, CA. Among skiers, bike riders, hikers, and boaters, they found the ideal central location for their home base near Lake Tahoe. The home is organized as a series of linked spaces, each providing a unique sensory experience and connection to different parts of the site, both vertically and horizontally. The design includes extensive use of glass to create a true indoor/outdoor connection and maximize natural light. At the center of the site are two large fir trees, which the building respectfully wraps around in an L shape to create a focal point in the landscaped courtyard. A refined, context-driven palette of natural materials including cedar, oak, fir, and steel is used to harmoniously blend in among the surroundings. The construction includes advanced details such as thermally broken steel beams supporting layered roof planes engineered to hold snow rather than shed it. Designed to resist significant load, we exposed the steel structure as a recurring element in the interior spaces. The resulting columns and support beams contribute to the familiar design aspects of each room and provide a better understanding of how the building was constructed. The second floor features cantilevered volumes that reach out into the nearby evergreen limbs, likening the experience to being in a tree house. The house incorporates features such as radiant heating, solar panels, and operable windows for passive cooling. Fire safety measures include the use of naturally fire-resistant materials, a Class A roof construction, sprinklers, and drought-tolerant landscaping beyond the defensible space.

Located in İzmir, this villa brings together the refined lines of architecture with Serapool’s natural tones. The Antique Grey series reflects the natural stone texture of contemporary grey, adding a sophisticated atmosphere around the pool. With a water absorption rate below 0.5%, the tiles ensure long-term durability and demonstrate high resistance to UV rays, chemicals, and thermal shock. A slip resistance value of PTV ≥ 45 enhances surface safety in wet areas. This application not only offers a premium swimming experience but also redefines luxury living through architectural harmony, secure transitions, and enduring elegance.

Located in İzmir, this distinguished villa enhances its refined architectural details with Serapool’s natural stone-textured porcelain solutions. The Antique Beige series used on the pool floor creates a smooth transition to the water and a serene ambiance with the warmth of beige tones. Thanks to a water absorption rate below 0.5%, the tiles offer long-lasting performance and demonstrate high resistance to UV rays, chemical effects, and thermal shock. With a slip resistance value of PTV ≥ 45°, the surface ensures elevated safety in wet areas. Outer trim, scoth outer corner and outer angle corner pieces provide aesthetic and functional integrity in pool edge transitions. This application offers more than a swimming area—it presents a luxurious living experience where design, safety, and comfort converge.

Our introduction to the Tahoe site was in late winter, on a clear sunny day with filtered light and long shadows through snow-laden fir and pine bows. It made a strong impression, stored for future consideration but the impetus for the design came soon after the spring snow melt. A powerful sense of horizontal layering of vegetation and various stages of decomposing downed timber on the two-acre site, juxtaposed with pine and fir trees and the dense canopy of the surrounding forest. The site is located near the historic 1960 Olympic Nordic track, situated on the edge of wetlands and seasonal streams. The homeowners were previous clients and dreamt of having a retreat in the Sierras away from their home base in Berkeley, CA. Among skiers, bike riders, hikers, and boaters, they found the ideal central location for their home base near Lake Tahoe. The home is organized as a series of linked spaces, each providing a unique sensory experience and connection to different parts of the site, both vertically and horizontally. The design includes extensive use of glass to create a true indoor/outdoor connection and maximize natural light. At the center of the site are two large fir trees, which the building respectfully wraps around in an L shape to create a focal point in the landscaped courtyard. A refined, context-driven palette of natural materials including cedar, oak, fir, and steel is used to harmoniously blend in among the surroundings. The construction includes advanced details such as thermally broken steel beams supporting layered roof planes engineered to hold snow rather than shed it. Designed to resist significant load, we exposed the steel structure as a recurring element in the interior spaces. The resulting columns and support beams contribute to the familiar design aspects of each room and provide a better understanding of how the building was constructed. The second floor features cantilevered volumes that reach out into the nearby evergreen limbs, likening the experience to being in a tree house. The house incorporates features such as radiant heating, solar panels, and operable windows for passive cooling. Fire safety measures include the use of naturally fire-resistant materials, a Class A roof construction, sprinklers, and drought-tolerant landscaping beyond the defensible space.

The Verde Guatemala Villa Pool Project presents a sophisticated design that blends the natural tones of green with the depth of water. The Verde Guatemala series used on the pool floor gives the water a serene and refined appearance with its natural stone texture and rich green transitions. Its Low Water Absorption ensures long-lasting use by providing resistance to UV Resistance, chemicals, and thermal shocks. The PTV ≥ 45° Non-slip value creates a safe swimming experience. The Verde Guatemala Scoth Outer Corner and Outer Angle Corner elements used in the transitions provide technical integrity while enhancing the visual continuity of the design. The result is a pool area that is both aesthetically and functionally balanced, in harmony with its natural surroundings.

Located in İzmir this villa harmonizes its contemporary architecture with Serapool’s natural stone-textured porcelain products. The Snow White series used on the pool floor creates a fresh and elegant atmosphere in the water with its clean white tones. Featuring a low water absorption rate below 0.5%, the tiles ensure long-lasting performance and offer high resistance to UV rays, chemical exposure and thermal shocks. With a slip resistance value of PTV ≥ 45°, the surface enhances safety around the pool. Silver Travertine anti slip terrace tiles, Snow White outer trim and Silver Travertine outer trim pieces provide aesthetic continuity in transition zones. This application goes beyond swimming—it delivers a luxurious living experience where comfort, safety and visual harmony converge.

The primary considerations for this project were to offer color and textural interest to the street-side view while reducing maintenance and water use. The majority of the plants fall into the are low-growing to create the illusion of more space, and form a tapestry of cheery bright green hues. (photo by Billy Goodnick)

The master bath was dressed up with a new capiz shell chandelier over the tub, custom drapes with a patterned black and gold drapery trim and a remote controlled woven window shade. The bathroom was further enhanced with antique gold plumbing fixtures and cabinet hardware, which contrast beautifully against the dark cabinets. Custom mirror frames were added to fill the space over the vanity, while black and gold wall sconces add a touch of sophistication.

Custom outdoor Screen Porch with Scandinavian accents, teak dining table, custom pillows, and amazing sconces and pendants
This is an example of a mid-sized rustic tile screened-in back porch design in Raleigh with a roof extension.

This 1990's home, located in North Vancouver's Lynn Valley neighbourhood, had high ceilings and a great open plan layout but the decor was straight out of the 90's complete with sponge painted walls in dark earth tones. The owners, a young professional couple, enlisted our help to take it from dated and dreary to modern and bright. We started by removing details like chair rails and crown mouldings, that did not suit the modern architectural lines of the home. We replaced the heavily worn wood floors with a new high end, light coloured, wood-look laminate that will withstand the wear and tear from their two energetic golden retrievers. Since the main living space is completely open plan it was important that we work with simple consistent finishes for a clean modern look. The all white kitchen features flat doors with minimal hardware and a solid surface marble-look countertop and backsplash. We modernized all of the lighting and updated the bathrooms and master bedroom as well. The only departure from our clean modern scheme is found in the dressing room where the client was looking for a more dressed up feminine feel but we kept a thread of grey consistent even in this more vivid colour scheme. This transformation, featuring the clients' gorgeous original artwork and new custom designed furnishings is admittedly one of our favourite projects to date!

Summer foliage of Persian Spire Persian Ironwood - new for 2014 Photo credit; John Lewis/JLPN
Design ideas for a landscaping in Cleveland.

Bathroom - small contemporary master gray tile ceramic tile bathroom idea in Denver with an undermount sink, quartz countertops, a two-piece toilet and blue walls

Beauty and durability come together in a scratch- and stain-resistant surface that’s glossy and easy to clean.
Inspiration for a contemporary kitchen remodel in Chicago

Della Terra is a natural quartz surface, it is a blend of nature and technology, combining beauty and functionality in a high performance surface. Della Terra is comprised of more than 93% natural quartz crystals, one of the hardest minerals in nature. Color controlled quartz is blended together with technologically advanced polymers. Because of its high quartz content, Arizona Tile's Della Terra Quartz surfaces are ultra-durable and resistant to scratches and chipping. Its dense composition also makes Della Terra Quartz highly resistant to staining. Photo: Aperture Architectural Images

Inspiration for a modern deck remodel in Singapore

Minimalist kitchen photo in San Francisco

Inspiration for a transitional home design remodel

Pool - mid-sized contemporary backyard tile and custom-shaped pool idea in Phoenix

Design ideas for a large southwestern drought-tolerant backyard gravel landscaping in Phoenix.