One Kings Lane Home Tour
Transitional dining room photo in San Francisco

Completed in 2018, this Westlake Hills duplex, designed by Alterstudio Architects, underwent a dramatic transformation by mixing light & airy with dark & moody design. The goal of the project was to create a more intimate environment using a more saturated and dramatic palette. Additionally, it draws from warmer wood tones such as walnut alongside luxurious textures, particularly in navy, dark grey, and emerald green. The end result is an elegant, timeless, and comfortable space conducive to cozying up with a book at the end of a long day.

u2014 ALE: Wayne Rain Garden Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association u2014 ALE: Wayne Rain Garden Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence winner Category: Residential Up to $15,000 Award Level: Gold Project Description: Our company was contracted by the client to provide a creative solution to an ongoing drainage problem. Their property is located within 30 feet of a local stream that collects storm water from the surrounding area. The nearby stream and high water table caused the lawn area at the side of their home to flood and to remain waterlogged for a few days after each storm. The client not only had difficulty growing plants in the existing conditions, but also had a problem with mosquitoes due to standing water. Our goal was to design a self-contained, naturalistic rain garden that slowed storm water runoff, allowed for percolation, and promoted infiltration while permitting excess clean water to enter the nearby stream with diminished force. As designed, the rain garden allows the earth to slowly and more naturally absorb excess storm water while filtering out toxins such as excess nitrogen and phosphorous which are frequently found in the landscape, therefore reducing the contaminants entering the stream. A percolation test was conducted with criteria of absorbing a one-inch rainstorm within four hours without overflow. The one-inch storm calculation included an existing downspout from the home, which would be piped into the rain garden to reduce roof runoff. The first test failed due to a deep layer of high clay-content soil. Excavation continued until a layer of sandy loam was reached, the percolation test was repeated, and a successful test result was achieved. Next, the entire rain garden basin was excavated to the sandy loam layer and the soil amended with compost and sand to create a highly porous planting media. Geotextile fabric was placed to help reduce migration of the surface stone into the soil and allow for minimal maintenance. Gravel, river stone and small boulders were carefully placed to achieve the look of a natural streambed. A palette of mostly native plants with a few non-invasive ornamentals were chosen for their ability to survive in extreme conditions ranging from floods to drought and were placed according to their specific preferences. Wetland plants were chosen for the lowest portion of the rain garden as that area remains saturated for longer periods of time, with a Chionanthus virginicus as a focal point surrounded by irises and ferns at the lowest depth. Plants tolerant of drier conditions were chosen for the upper edges of the garden. The beautiful colors of Monarda, Ligularia, Eupatorium, Solidago, Chelone, and Rudbeckia were scattered within the upper edge, while movement and softness were incorporated by use of the graceful Nassella that lines the border. Finally, winter interest was provided with a backdrop of Cornus sericea. As built, this small rain garden creates tremendous impact by decreasing the amount of storm water runoff not only on our client's property, but also in the neighboring stream. It serves as a means of slowing the water and providing an area for infiltration back into the earth. The plants provide a habitat for birds, butterflies, and insects, working in harmony with nature and providing beautiful visual interest year-round. Photo Credit: Lisa C. Falls

Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Residential $30,000-$60,000 Award Level: Silver Project Description: Our company was contracted to do a master plan for the family who was in desperate need of a rear yard renovation. The existing lawn area remained saturated throughout most of the year and the runoff from the neighboring property ran across their back yard, down the side of their property and all the way to the sidewalk in front of their house. The water was so intense that it had begun to cut through the back yard and erode the soil across the sidewalk and into the nearby storm drain. By identifying these drainage problems and discussing solutions with the homeowner, we were able to design and create the aesthetically pleasing and sustainable solution of a rain garden. The goal was to slow down storm water runoff, and catch pollution and sediment by creating a rain garden that acts as a filter prior to entering the storm drain, while enhancing the aesthetics of the property. The rain garden created was a shallow depression, 12 - 16" deep that collects rainfall runoff from all downspouts of the home and water collected into perforated pipes underneath the lawn area. The perforated pipe begins at the highest elevation in the yard and ends in the rain garden, the new lowest elevation that has been excavated down to an 8" depth. The perforated pipe captures the runoff water and allows the water to seep slowly back into the ground as it runs across the property and into the garden. The garden was lined with a geotextile filter fabric to aide in removing contaminants from the water, prevent migration of the stone in to the soil, and minimalize maintenance. A large variety of plant material was chosen, focusing mainly on native wetland species for their tolerance of our local soil types, moisture conditions and the habitat they provide for wildlife. The garden was abundant with native wildlife and was a sustainable ecosystem for birds and butterflies upon completion of the project. After planting, we arranged decorative stone throughout the garden to slow the flow of water and help prevent erosion. The combination of vegetative and stone surfaces provides temporary storage for runoff before the water either evaporates or infiltrates the soil. The surrounding beds throughout the property were also all amended with compost and replanted with plants that work in harmony with the rain garden. The front, side, and rear yards are a beautiful display of colors that bloom throughout the seasons and the plants throughout the entire property provide food and shelter for native wildlife. The rear yard that was once a muddy play space for the kids is now a dry lawn space that can be utilized by the family and their neighbors. This multi­ functional garden has become the focal point of the residence. Photo Credit: Terren Landscapes

Original Artwork by Stephanie Cramer, Photography by Jeremy Mason McGraw
Family room - mid-sized eclectic enclosed light wood floor family room idea in Little Rock

Sometimes the true inspiration for a space come from who the client's really are at heart. The owners of this center-hall colonial just didn't seem to match their house. Oh sure the space was cut up and horrendously decorated, but the true inspiration was the client's love for the horse world and their down-to-earth lifestyle. Immediately, I blew out the walls of a space that was segregated into three little rooms; a dressing room, a vanity/tub room, and a shower/commode room. Using the supply and waste lines locations of the tub I was able to build them a custom shower area that better fit their lifestyle. Jumping on the old shower supply and waste lines, I was able to add a second vanity to this master suite. The real magic came from the use of materials. I didn't want this to come off a "gitchy", over-the-top horse and barn motif but a space that spoke of an earthy naturalness. I chose materials that had a irregular, organic feel and juxtaposed them against a containing grid and strong vertical lines. The palette is intentionally simple so as not to overwhelm the strong saturation of the natural materials. The simplicity of line and the scale of the shapes are all designed to compliment the pungent earthiness of the well-chosen materials. Now they have a room that "feels" like them, but allows them to interpret that as they enjoy the room for years to come!

Absolutely stunning sums it up for this living room. All the classic elements of a solid design with fresh fabrics, finishes and patterns. Timeless yet trending is what this room is all about. Many shades of gold finishes mix with saturated deep wood tones to make this space interesting while adding depth to the design. The color palette of gold and ivory effortlessly compliment the navy and ivory dining room while the gold, blue and ivory come together in the foyer as the palette moves into the great room area. Beautiful accessories, custom pillows and window treatments are the final layer and bring the room together beautifully. This is a statement room that will be enjoyed for many years to come.

True Blues Layer in varying shades of indigo in playful patters for a chic bohemian vibe.
Mid-sized tuscan light wood floor living room photo in San Francisco with white walls

Master Bedroom
Bedroom - modern bedroom idea in New York

Cotinus 'Royal Purple' with clump-forming Fallopia
Photo of a craftsman landscaping in New York.

Adding a big, bold dose of color to a room creates excitement. To get just the right amount of pop, start with a neutral base. Then add a few bright accessories—or an accent wall—to deliver the color you crave.

Inspired by a favorite symbol of summer, our pretty flamingos will infuse your home with a serious splash of whimsy. Drenched in pinks, greens (even a splash of navy) against a two-toned aqua background. Hooked of 100% polypropylene yarns, marled for even more textural appeal. A versatile choice for indoor or outdoor use. Company C

Completed in 2018, this Westlake Hills duplex, designed by Alterstudio Architects, underwent a dramatic transformation by mixing light & airy with dark & moody design. The goal of the project was to create a more intimate environment using a more saturated and dramatic palette. Additionally, it draws from warmer wood tones such as walnut alongside luxurious textures, particularly in navy, dark grey, and emerald green. The end result is an elegant, timeless, and comfortable space conducive to cozying up with a book at the end of a long day.

Photographed by Karol Steczkowski
Inspiration for a coastal medium tone wood floor foyer remodel in Los Angeles with white walls

Ashley Avila
Inspiration for a timeless freestanding desk carpeted home office remodel in Grand Rapids with gray walls

Completed in 2018, this Westlake Hills duplex, designed by Alterstudio Architects, underwent a dramatic transformation by mixing light & airy with dark & moody design. The goal of the project was to create a more intimate environment using a more saturated and dramatic palette. Additionally, it draws from warmer wood tones such as walnut alongside luxurious textures, particularly in navy, dark grey, and emerald green. The end result is an elegant, timeless, and comfortable space conducive to cozying up with a book at the end of a long day.

The design was centered around the client's love of color and whimsical Chinoiserie accents. It's a family friendly space that is at once sophisticated and comfortable.

Modern Nursery with bold saturated colors, playful patterns mid century modern furniture + vintage toys. Photo Credit: Megan Weaver
Nursery - mid-sized modern boy carpeted nursery idea in Dallas with gray walls

What started as a kitchen and two-bathroom remodel evolved into a full home renovation plus conversion of the downstairs unfinished basement into a permitted first story addition, complete with family room, guest suite, mudroom, and a new front entrance. We married the midcentury modern architecture with vintage, eclectic details and thoughtful materials.