Kitchen in Wabi Sabi Retreat | Room Type: 3 bed, 4 bath, 3770 square feet- Master Bath, Kitchen, Dining Room, Den, Laundry Room, Powder Bath, Family Room, Living Room, Entry. Project Name: Wabi Sabi Retreat. Key Feature: A wabi sabi–inspired home that captures simplicity, imperfection, and tranquility through organic textures, weathered finishes, and intentional negative space, while working within the existing architecture. Challenge: The home’s architecture did not naturally lend itself to traditional wabi sabi design, requiring a thoughtful approach to achieve the desired feeling without forcing the aesthetic. Solution: Rather than applying a rigid style, the team focused on evoking tranquility through contrast, organic materials, intentional emptiness, and finishes that develop character over time. Materials: Furniture: Four Hands, Noir, Vig, Moss Studio, Dovetail, TOV. Lighting: Arteriors, Lucent Light Shop, Ping Lighting. Rugs: Jaipur, Loloi. Artwork: Leftbank, Etsy. Budget: $100k- $300k | Timeline: 6 months, completed March 2025

LEED certification level: Platinum. Builder: GCCM Construction Services LLC dba UberGreen Spaces & Homes. Mark Twain said it best, "If the world were to end today I'd move to Kentucky because they are 20 years behind everyone else." There is some truth to that because Kentuckians believe that 'if it aint broke dont fix it'. We designed and built Kentucky's first LEED Platinum Net Zero Energy Net Zero Water home in the private sector. We named the home 'My Green Kentucky Home' playing off the state song 'My Old Kentucky Home'. Our take on a home should have people and the planet in mind. We found LEED to be the best most credible third-party green certification program to address these important challenges today. The envelope of the home was designed to minimize energy losses and maximize inside comfort by using Insulated Concrete Form walls from the footers to the roof, spray foam and blown in cellulose in the attic, rigid foam beneath the Lower Level basement slab and triple-pane fully insulated casement windows. The home was oriented with the back facing south to maximize daylighting, passive heating in the winter and solar production. Our HVAC is geothermal with a storage tank to preheat domestic water. A fresh air system was installed in the return side of the HVAC system to filter and then mix with supply air to the home. All paints were zero VOC. The reclaimed KY horse farm fencing turned into beautiful hardwood floors was finished with a low VOC sealer. Carpets were low VOC and the 100% recycled padding was zero VOC. The custom cabinets for the kitchen and baths were made locally and built with FSC certified plywood with no added formaldehyde. The home collects 100% of the rainwater that hits the roof into a 3,300 gallon rainwater collection tank. The primary use of the collected water is to irrigate the lawns, landscaped beds and supply the hose bibs. When the tank is low it automatically shuts the tank valve and opens the city water valve to operate with city water pressure until the tank fills past a certain level, saving electricity and wear and tear on the pump. The cistern is designed to service all the homes domestic water needs when KY State Plumbing code will allow it in the future. All appliances are Energy Star and locally made by GE. The counter tops on all cabinets are recycled materials and durable without requiring sealers or maintenance. We went a step further for indoor air quality and installed AirRenew drywall by Certainteed which works like trees do in the environment by pulling in VOC's into the drywall and making it inert. The Florida Tile was made in Kentucky with recycled content. We monitor all utility usage per electrical circuit and monitor the amount of energy produced by the solar panels as well helping the owners make more informed decisions. The home was such a hit that it was the catalyst that sparked development in a dormant neighborhood of vacant lots. We had the home open for three months to the public where hundreds of folks toured it as it was laid out like an art museum. We had actual walls open all the way to the outside layer of ICF insulation where they saw the concrete and steel inside the walls. We also had the lower level basement slab cut open to show how we insulate beneath the concrete and how we drain and mitigate radon. It was a super inspirational project that made people think about people and the planet much differently than before. We hope to continue making great projects like these to help inspire, educate and create awareness around some of the most important topics and challenges we face today. Thank you to everyone at the USGBC for helping us make this happen and the great work you do every day!

Dark and intense, Navarre closely mimics natural wood. This option is perfect for fans of rustic yet refined design approaches. This specific style features a unique Gra-Matt™ finish. This stylish matte coating eliminates reflections and harsh glares, while its granular surface resists scratches and heavy wear. Unlike high-gloss finishes that highlight fingerprints and smudges, the Gra-Matt™ finish masks everyday marks. Its slip-resistant quality makes it a safer option for areas with kids, pets, or elderly occupants. Plus, its dense protective layer prevents solvent permeation, such as acetone, nitric acid, and other harsh chemicals. Part of the Solstone Coastal Collection, Navarre is a premier option in Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring. Esteemed for its 100% waterproof construction and exceptional durability, this series utilizes advanced technologies to authentically replicate the intricate textures of natural wood and stone. Solstone's distinctive rigid core exhibits unparalleled strength, rendering it an optimal solution for high-traffic areas and commercial settings. Easily install over uneven subfloors, and existing hard surfaces, including tile.

Example of a transitional home design design in New York

Bright yet refined, Vanderbilt dazzles while staying subdued. Its lighter color scheme pairs well with both soft and dark design aesthetics. This specific style features a unique Gra-Matt™ finish. This stylish matte coating eliminates reflections and harsh glares, while its granular surface resists scratches and heavy wear. Unlike high-gloss finishes that highlight fingerprints and smudges, the Gra-Matt™ finish masks everyday marks. Its slip-resistant quality makes it a safer option for areas with kids, pets, or elderly occupants. Plus, its dense protective layer prevents solvent permeation, such as acetone, nitric acid, and other harsh chemicals. Part of the Solstone Coastal Collection, Vanderbilt is a premier option in Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring. Esteemed for its 100% waterproof construction and exceptional durability, this series utilizes advanced technologies to authentically replicate the intricate textures of natural wood and stone. Solstone's distinctive rigid core exhibits unparalleled strength, rendering it an optimal solution for high-traffic areas and commercial settings. Easily install over uneven subfloors, and existing hard surfaces, including tile.

This entry opens directly into the great room with a view to the back yard as well as the hall to the suite of bedrooms and laundry room.
Example of a mid-sized transitional vinyl floor and brown floor foyer design with gray walls

Bellevue, WA In this West-facing terrace, SZ widened the original space to create a more gracious outdoor living room. From here this family can entertain, dine, play and watch their children in the pool, or in the garden below - all while taking in the beauty of the water and carefully landscaped garden. The floors were clad with a light, neutral porcelain tile with a slight texture. SZ designed a long bench of darkened steel, which houses brown velvet cushions that can be stored in an concealed compartment. Two cubic corners of cast concrete at each end match the dark brown hue of the metal. This long bench, which runs the perimeter of the terrace, is secured by a wooden ledge of varying depth - the perfect drink ledge. Conceived of with the planter below, together both elements form a perfect rectangle. Spanning the length of the terrace, a slightly lowered wooden soffit pulls the design together. The lighting is housed on a sliding track to afford different settings. The fixtures, selected from Seattle-based Resolute Lighting, are the poetic Bloom & the Precious rigid stem pendants. The large scale of the Bloom fixture beautifully and organically adds to the terrace experience. The golden glow emanating from this flower-like pendant - made of 12 leaves of fabric enclosed in a resin - is seen through the treas on the boat dock below. The soffit also houses infrared heat panels, so the entire family can enjoy their outdoor terrace, even on a chilly evening, s they sip a drink and seep in the sunset.

Bellevue, WA In this West-facing terrace, SZ widened the original space to create a more gracious outdoor living room. From here this family can entertain, dine, play and watch their children in the pool, or in the garden below - all while taking in the beauty of the water and carefully landscaped garden. The floors were clad with a light, neutral porcelain tile with a slight texture. SZ designed a long bench of darkened steel, which houses brown velvet cushions that can be stored in an concealed compartment. Two cubic corners of cast concrete at each end match the dark brown hue of the metal. This long bench, which runs the perimeter of the terrace, is secured by a wooden ledge of varying depth - the perfect drink ledge. Conceived of with the planter below, together both elements form a perfect rectangle. Spanning the length of the terrace, a slightly lowered wooden soffit pulls the design together. The lighting is housed on a sliding track to afford different settings. The fixtures, selected from Seattle-based Resolute Lighting, are the poetic Bloom & the Precious rigid stem pendants. The large scale of the Bloom fixture beautifully and organically adds to the terrace experience. The golden glow emanating from this flower-like pendant - made of 12 leaves of fabric enclosed in a resin - is seen through the treas on the boat dock below. The soffit also houses infrared heat panels, so the entire family can enjoy their outdoor terrace, even on a chilly evening, s they sip a drink and seep in the sunset.

Inspiration for a transitional home design remodel in New York

Family Room in Wabi Sabi Retreat | Room Type: 3 bed, 4 bath, 3770 square feet- Master Bath, Kitchen, Dining Room, Den, Laundry Room, Powder Bath, Family Room, Living Room, Entry. Project Name: Wabi Sabi Retreat. Key Feature: A wabi sabi–inspired home that captures simplicity, imperfection, and tranquility through organic textures, weathered finishes, and intentional negative space, while working within the existing architecture. Challenge: The home’s architecture did not naturally lend itself to traditional wabi sabi design, requiring a thoughtful approach to achieve the desired feeling without forcing the aesthetic. Solution: Rather than applying a rigid style, the team focused on evoking tranquility through contrast, organic materials, intentional emptiness, and finishes that develop character over time. Materials: Furniture: Four Hands, Noir, Vig, Moss Studio, Dovetail, TOV. Lighting: Arteriors, Lucent Light Shop, Ping Lighting. Rugs: Jaipur, Loloi. Artwork: Leftbank, Etsy. Budget: $100k- $300k | Timeline: 6 months, completed March 2025

Bellevue, WA In this West-facing terrace, SZ widened the original space to create a more gracious outdoor living room. From here this family can entertain, dine, play and watch their children in the pool, or in the garden below - all while taking in the beauty of the water and carefully landscaped garden. The floors were clad with a light, neutral porcelain tile with a slight texture. SZ designed a long bench of darkened steel, which houses brown velvet cushions that can be stored in an concealed compartment. Two cubic corners of cast concrete at each end match the dark brown hue of the metal. This long bench, which runs the perimeter of the terrace, is secured by a wooden ledge of varying depth - the perfect drink ledge. Conceived of with the planter below, together both elements form a perfect rectangle. Spanning the length of the terrace, a slightly lowered wooden soffit pulls the design together. The lighting is housed on a sliding track to afford different settings. The fixtures, selected from Seattle-based Resolute Lighting, are the poetic Bloom & the Precious rigid stem pendants. The large scale of the Bloom fixture beautifully and organically adds to the terrace experience. The golden glow emanating from this flower-like pendant - made of 12 leaves of fabric enclosed in a resin - is seen through the treas on the boat dock below. The soffit also houses infrared heat panels, so the entire family can enjoy their outdoor terrace, even on a chilly evening, s they sip a drink and seep in the sunset.

Dark and intense, Navarre closely mimics natural wood. This option is perfect for fans of rustic yet refined design approaches. This specific style features a unique Gra-Matt™ finish. This stylish matte coating eliminates reflections and harsh glares, while its granular surface resists scratches and heavy wear. Unlike high-gloss finishes that highlight fingerprints and smudges, the Gra-Matt™ finish masks everyday marks. Its slip-resistant quality makes it a safer option for areas with kids, pets, or elderly occupants. Plus, its dense protective layer prevents solvent permeation, such as acetone, nitric acid, and other harsh chemicals. Part of the Solstone Coastal Collection, Navarre is a premier option in Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring. Esteemed for its 100% waterproof construction and exceptional durability, this series utilizes advanced technologies to authentically replicate the intricate textures of natural wood and stone. Solstone's distinctive rigid core exhibits unparalleled strength, rendering it an optimal solution for high-traffic areas and commercial settings. Easily install over uneven subfloors, and existing hard surfaces, including tile.

Bellevue, WA In this West-facing terrace, SZ widened the original space to create a more gracious outdoor living room. From here this family can entertain, dine, play and watch their children in the pool, or in the garden below - all while taking in the beauty of the water and carefully landscaped garden. The floors were clad with a light, neutral porcelain tile with a slight texture. SZ designed a long bench of darkened steel, which houses brown velvet cushions that can be stored in an concealed compartment. Two cubic corners of cast concrete at each end match the dark brown hue of the metal. This long bench, which runs the perimeter of the terrace, is secured by a wooden ledge of varying depth - the perfect drink ledge. Conceived of with the planter below, together both elements form a perfect rectangle. Spanning the length of the terrace, a slightly lowered wooden soffit pulls the design together. The lighting is housed on a sliding track to afford different settings. The fixtures, selected from Seattle-based Resolute Lighting, are the poetic Bloom & the Precious rigid stem pendants. The large scale of the Bloom fixture beautifully and organically adds to the terrace experience. The golden glow emanating from this flower-like pendant - made of 12 leaves of fabric enclosed in a resin - is seen through the treas on the boat dock below. The soffit also houses infrared heat panels, so the entire family can enjoy their outdoor terrace, even on a chilly evening, s they sip a drink and seep in the sunset.

Bellevue, WA In this West-facing terrace, SZ widened the original space to create a more gracious outdoor living room. From here this family can entertain, dine, play and watch their children in the pool, or in the garden below - all while taking in the beauty of the water and carefully landscaped garden. The floors were clad with a light, neutral porcelain tile with a slight texture. SZ designed a long bench of darkened steel, which houses brown velvet cushions that can be stored in an concealed compartment. Two cubic corners of cast concrete at each end match the dark brown hue of the metal. This long bench, which runs the perimeter of the terrace, is secured by a wooden ledge of varying depth - the perfect drink ledge. Conceived of with the planter below, together both elements form a perfect rectangle. Spanning the length of the terrace, a slightly lowered wooden soffit pulls the design together. The lighting is housed on a sliding track to afford different settings. The fixtures, selected from Seattle-based Resolute Lighting, are the poetic Bloom & the Precious rigid stem pendants. The large scale of the Bloom fixture beautifully and organically adds to the terrace experience. The golden glow emanating from this flower-like pendant - made of 12 leaves of fabric enclosed in a resin - is seen through the treas on the boat dock below. The soffit also houses infrared heat panels, so the entire family can enjoy their outdoor terrace, even on a chilly evening, s they sip a drink and seep in the sunset.

This new two story home was an infill home in an established, sought after neighborhood with a stunning river view. Although not huge in stature, this home is huge on presence with a modern cottage look featuring three two story columns clad in natural longboard and stone, grey earthtone acrylic stucco, staggered roofline, and the typography of the lot allowed for exquisite natural landscaping. Inside is equally impressive with features including: - Radiant heat floors on main level, covered by engineered hardwoods and 2' x 4' travertini Lexus tile - Grand entry with custom staircase - Two story open concept living, dining and kitchen areas - Large, fully appointed butler's pantry - Glass encased wine feature wall - Show stopping two story fireplace - Custom lighting indoors and out for stunning evening illumination - Large 2nd floor balcony with views of the river. - R-value of this new build was increased to improve efficiencies by using acrylic stucco, upgraded over rigid insulation and using sprayfoam on the interior walls.

This new two story home was an infill home in an established, sought after neighborhood with a stunning river view. Although not huge in stature, this home is huge on presence with a modern cottage look featuring three two story columns clad in natural longboard and stone, grey earthtone acrylic stucco, staggered roofline, and the typography of the lot allowed for exquisite natural landscaping. Inside is equally impressive with features including: - Radiant heat floors on main level, covered by engineered hardwoods and 2' x 4' travertini Lexus tile - Grand entry with custom staircase - Two story open concept living, dining and kitchen areas - Large, fully appointed butler's pantry - Glass encased wine feature wall - Show stopping two story fireplace - Custom lighting indoors and out for stunning evening illumination - Large 2nd floor balcony with views of the river. - R-value of this new build was increased to improve efficiencies by using acrylic stucco, upgraded over rigid insulation and using sprayfoam on the interior walls.

This new two story home was an infill home in an established, sought after neighborhood with a stunning river view. Although not huge in stature, this home is huge on presence with a modern cottage look featuring three two story columns clad in natural longboard and stone, grey earthtone acrylic stucco, staggered roofline, and the typography of the lot allowed for exquisite natural landscaping. Inside is equally impressive with features including: - Radiant heat floors on main level, covered by engineered hardwoods and 2' x 4' travertini Lexus tile - Grand entry with custom staircase - Two story open concept living, dining and kitchen areas - Large, fully appointed butler's pantry - Glass encased wine feature wall - Show stopping two story fireplace - Custom lighting indoors and out for stunning evening illumination - Large 2nd floor balcony with views of the river. - R-value of this new build was increased to improve efficiencies by using acrylic stucco, upgraded over rigid insulation and using sprayfoam on the interior walls.

This new two story home was an infill home in an established, sought after neighborhood with a stunning river view. Although not huge in stature, this home is huge on presence with a modern cottage look featuring three two story columns clad in natural longboard and stone, grey earthtone acrylic stucco, staggered roofline, and the typography of the lot allowed for exquisite natural landscaping. Inside is equally impressive with features including: - Radiant heat floors on main level, covered by engineered hardwoods and 2' x 4' travertini Lexus tile - Grand entry with custom staircase - Two story open concept living, dining and kitchen areas - Large, fully appointed butler's pantry - Glass encased wine feature wall - Show stopping two story fireplace - Custom lighting indoors and out for stunning evening illumination - Large 2nd floor balcony with views of the river. - R-value of this new build was increased to improve efficiencies by using acrylic stucco, upgraded over rigid insulation and using sprayfoam on the interior walls.