Nautical-themed hybrid swimming pool with raised spa, sunshelf, slide, grotto, and pizza oven (September 2013) – Ask the Pool Guy and his team at Legendary Escapes recently unveiled the newest Legendary Escape, a stunning nautical-themed hybrid swimming pool. The hand-carved concrete waterfall, rock slide, and grotto are the focal point of this incredible project, and designer and builder Al Curtis has truly outdone himself this time. Behind the waterfall sits a grotto that seats 8-10 people comfortably. The waterfall, slide, and grotto area come complete with intricate details and additions that perfectly play into the project’s theme. An immense amount of creativity, talent, and skill is required to take ordinary materials like vinyl and concrete and turn them into the outstanding backyards that Curtis creates, but these details allow his creativity to shine in a different light. Curtis immerses himself completely in just one or two projects at a time, which allows him the opportunity to add those intricate details that take his extraordinary projects to the next level. Some of the details in the grotto area of this hybrid project include real ship portholes that open and close, as well as carvings and lanterns to add visual interest inside of the grotto. The project also includes a raised spillover spa and a sunshelf with a bubbling water feature. The sunshelf has steps leading into the main body of the pool, giving swimmers an easy entry point if they don’t feel the urge to jump off the top of the waterfall or take a ride down the hand-carved, hand-tiled slide. The shelf has just enough water to allow shallow wading or lounging, and the pebbled finish provides a perfect place to set a lounge chair without worrying about damaging the vinyl liner. With the spa nearby, this whole end of the pool is perfect for relaxing, talking, or watching the kids while they swim. This incredible hybrid swimming pool also includes a poolside pizza oven, so fresh, stone-fired pizza is never far away. The brick oven can cook a pizza in about 90 seconds, and produces authentic, outstanding pizzas. The homeowners have spent years perfecting their pizza crust and sauce recipes, as well as growing their own tomatoes and basil. The pizza oven adds another element of their own personality, and makes this project even more perfect for them. With a built-in countertop, it’s easy to get a couple of pies going at one time, or to prep ingredients for personal pizzas. The homeowners are very family-oriented and love to have friends and family over to their home. During the construction process, the Legendary Escapes crew met several friends and family members who stopped in for some quality time and to check out the progress of the pool. The finished product is a perfect place for entertaining, and it feels very comfortable and welcoming. With the sunshelf, spa, grotto, poolside seating, and the pool itself, there are plenty of different places to sit or soak and have conversations or splash around. Curtis is incredibly proud of this project, and he has high hopes for it. He was recently named a Master of Design by Pool & Spa News for a hybrid swimming pool he built in Brighton, MI. This new, nautical hybrid pool fits in beautifully with his portfolio, but also stands out as extraordinary. The team at Legendary Escapes anticipates positive feedback and recognition for this project, and looks forward to building more swimming pools that push the envelope and wow clients and fans.

Amazing ways to use your garden space in the summer Summer is the time when we can utilize the garden space to the fullest. When the garden is in full bloom you feel like staying there always. To enjoy the garden you need to decorate your garden by adding some garden décor. Garden décor comprises of but is not limited to fountains, bird baths and feeders, statues etc. This is a very creative enterprise and if you are not a creative person, then you can hire the services of an outdoor garden décor specialist. The garden is a place to unwind and relax and it can be a great place for a get together with friends and family. You can utilize your garden space by adding a barbecue grill. You can have a great time with some great food thrown in. For seating purposes you can add furniture like Rattan garden corner sofa sets. Rattan is a vine that is found in Asia and Africa and this vine is dried and used to make Rattan furniture. You can buy Rattan furniture online at places like Rattan Direct. If you have more space, then you can use that space to build a garden shed. A garden shed is very essential as it frees a lot of space from the main house. Many people use a garden shed to store junk, but it also has other uses. You can use the garden shed as a bar and you can have a great time when your friends visit you. You can use the garden shed as a library, you can read your favourite books in peace and quiet. You can use the garden shed as an office as it will lower your overheads. You can use the garden shed as a play room for the kids, all you need to do is install a television and a PlayStation and the kids will be occupied for a long time and they will not trouble you. Howsoever you use the garden space, it is essential that you take care of the garden too. You need to utilize the garden space in such a way that the beauty of the garden is not hampered. When you add garden décor, or furniture or a shed always ensure that the garden gets priority. The people visiting your home should like your garden more than the additions that you put up in the garden space.

Leeann Lavin
Inspiration for an eclectic home design remodel in New York

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

"Welcome to the epitome of culinary luxury and family togetherness - a meticulously crafted high-end kitchen that is truly the heart of this home. Designed with the needs of a family that cherishes cooking and dining experiences with loved ones in mind, this kitchen is both a chef's paradise and a social hub. Equipped with six state-of-the-art ovens, this kitchen allows for simultaneous cooking of multiple dishes, catering effortlessly to the culinary ambitions of its occupants. Imagine the aroma of freshly baked goods mingling with savory roasts, all prepared with precision and care in this culinary haven. The multiple refrigeration units ensure that fresh ingredients are always at hand, ready to be transformed into delectable meals that bring joy and satisfaction to every dining occasion. With an emphasis on quality and convenience, this kitchen seamlessly combines functionality with elegance, offering a sophisticated setting for culinary creativity. At the center of it all stands a magnificent 6-foot Galley sink, a masterful centerpiece that facilitates efficient meal preparation and cleanup while fostering interaction among family members and guests. This spacious and versatile sink becomes a focal point for collaborative cooking sessions, lively conversations, and shared moments that create lasting memories. In this kitchen, every detail has been meticulously thought out to enhance the experience of both cooking enthusiasts and those who appreciate the pleasure of gathering around a beautifully set table. It is a space where culinary artistry meets familial warmth, where the love of food and the joy of togetherness meld seamlessly to create a truly exceptional dining experience for all who enter its inviting domain."

[IceStone Amber Pearl] CTD is a family owned business with a showroom and warehouse in both San Rafael and San Francisco. Our showrooms are staffed with talented teams of Design Consultants. Whether you already know exactly what you want or have no knowledge of what's possible we can help your project exceed your expectations. To achieve this we stock the best Italian porcelain lines in a variety of styles and work with the most creative American art tile companies to set your project apart from the rest. Our warehouses not only provide a safe place for your order to arrive but also stock a complete array of all the setting materials your contractor will need to complete your project saving him time and you, money. The warehouse staff is knowledgeable and friendly to help make sure your project goes smoothly.

Nautical-themed hybrid swimming pool with raised spa, sunshelf, slide, grotto, and pizza oven (September 2013) – Ask the Pool Guy and his team at Legendary Escapes recently unveiled the newest Legendary Escape, a stunning nautical-themed hybrid swimming pool. The hand-carved concrete waterfall, rock slide, and grotto are the focal point of this incredible project, and designer and builder Al Curtis has truly outdone himself this time. Behind the waterfall sits a grotto that seats 8-10 people comfortably. The waterfall, slide, and grotto area come complete with intricate details and additions that perfectly play into the project’s theme. An immense amount of creativity, talent, and skill is required to take ordinary materials like vinyl and concrete and turn them into the outstanding backyards that Curtis creates, but these details allow his creativity to shine in a different light. Curtis immerses himself completely in just one or two projects at a time, which allows him the opportunity to add those intricate details that take his extraordinary projects to the next level. Some of the details in the grotto area of this hybrid project include real ship portholes that open and close, as well as carvings and lanterns to add visual interest inside of the grotto. The project also includes a raised spillover spa and a sunshelf with a bubbling water feature. The sunshelf has steps leading into the main body of the pool, giving swimmers an easy entry point if they don’t feel the urge to jump off the top of the waterfall or take a ride down the hand-carved, hand-tiled slide. The shelf has just enough water to allow shallow wading or lounging, and the pebbled finish provides a perfect place to set a lounge chair without worrying about damaging the vinyl liner. With the spa nearby, this whole end of the pool is perfect for relaxing, talking, or watching the kids while they swim. This incredible hybrid swimming pool also includes a poolside pizza oven, so fresh, stone-fired pizza is never far away. The brick oven can cook a pizza in about 90 seconds, and produces authentic, outstanding pizzas. The homeowners have spent years perfecting their pizza crust and sauce recipes, as well as growing their own tomatoes and basil. The pizza oven adds another element of their own personality, and makes this project even more perfect for them. With a built-in countertop, it’s easy to get a couple of pies going at one time, or to prep ingredients for personal pizzas. The homeowners are very family-oriented and love to have friends and family over to their home. During the construction process, the Legendary Escapes crew met several friends and family members who stopped in for some quality time and to check out the progress of the pool. The finished product is a perfect place for entertaining, and it feels very comfortable and welcoming. With the sunshelf, spa, grotto, poolside seating, and the pool itself, there are plenty of different places to sit or soak and have conversations or splash around. Curtis is incredibly proud of this project, and he has high hopes for it. He was recently named a Master of Design by Pool & Spa News for a hybrid swimming pool he built in Brighton, MI. This new, nautical hybrid pool fits in beautifully with his portfolio, but also stands out as extraordinary. The team at Legendary Escapes anticipates positive feedback and recognition for this project, and looks forward to building more swimming pools that push the envelope and wow clients and fans.

The bathroom remodel in Bloomington, IN included expanding the shower and installing a new Jacuzzi Primo tub. The main focal point is the 3x6 marble tiles that are place randomly and set to be staggered along the top. Most of the tile came from The Tile Shop and Rush River Studios. The shower floor is tumble marble and the walls are 8x24 planks. The goal was to make everything farily random and interesting. The waterfall tub faucet is from Sumerain and my client ordered it on Wayfair.

This living room was a blank slate, waiting to be filled in with texture and color. With a family room on the other side of the house for tv watching and game playing, we wanted to create a grown up space for when the Mr. and Mrs. entertain their friends. With white walls, a wood mantle and a single Shabby Chic white couch, this room was open to endless possibilities to update and sophisticate! We choose a subtle grey for the walls which was soothing and neutral, but added a much needed warmth. Vintage chinoiserie pots we scored on one of our hunts are a work of art in themselves. Raised on wooden pedestals, these fig leaf trees make great house plants and will continue to grow filling out the space with fresh greenery. The existing couch in the room was white with huge arms and big floppy cushions. It was in need of some TLC and updating. By modernizing the existing frame, it became a comfy Chesterfield in fresh natural woven linen. The tufting of the couch elevates the look without sacrificing the comfort. Our clients loved it so much, we did a second couch to match giving them plenty of seating to chat and enjoy cocktails. A vintage rug loaded with beautiful colors is grounded by the neutrality of the furniture. The mantle was painted in a rich dark grey that matched the veins in the marble hearth and looks like it’s own framed work of art. When deciding on what to do with the blank walls, she showed us some of her daughter’s recent artwork. We were totally inspired with what we saw. What a treasure to have such talent! We suggested a gallery wall, framing each masterpiece, in different vintage frames. A mix of sizes and patterns look super chic when all done in a uniform color. With touches of brass throughout the room, gilded with gold was the way to go. One of our favorite finds – a brass swan, became the perfect unexpected vase for fresh tulips. A bone tray is a beautiful contrast to the vintage coffee table we lacquered in black and inlaid with beveled smokey mirror. The finishing touches were the pieces to finish off the fireplace. I always love a lion, a protector of the house. We snatched up this beautiful marble and brass fire tool set the minute we saw it and the rest is history. A beautiful space to relax and entertain, while showing off their very own art gallery. Foster the creativity within your children, and everyone will reap the benefits.

The other bathroom on the second floor of this new home is a Jack and Jill set up sitting between the two kids bedrooms. This unique space falls behind the eyebrow window featured in the center of the front facade just above the front door. With some creative designing we were still able to fit a double bowl vanity and full custom shower set up including classic white subway and black hex accents.

The main floor rooms are connected by large openings that provide interior views and bring the rooms together for a spacious feeling. At the centre is a generous dining room, designed to set off an heir-loom dining set. In the double-height entry, a broad stairway leads to a bright upper hall with the children's rooms to one side and the master suite to the other. Large windows bring light into every room.

With the preservation of the historic structure and Dublin landmark always at the forefront of our minds, we found a way to integrate our passionate dedication to the young 21st-century creators of modern Ireland -- all of whom we had previously scouted for the body of creatives known as ‘The Irish Collection’ -- and I believe we successfully achieved showcasing their creations in one of the most well-known settings in the country. It was our ability to listen closely to our clients and translate our vision to them in a way that eventually awarded the studio the opportunity to advocate for artistry in this famous Dublin landmark that will go on to inspire creatives in Ireland for a long time to come. In our determination to show fierce integrity to the original structure, the project became one of the most celebrated expressions of Irish craftsmanship and resource efficiency in 2017. Our studio integrated our clear vision for sophistication and flair within tight constraints -- paving the way for another 20 years of distinguished work.

Rhythm + Hue is a San Diego interior design project rooted in reinvention. After relocating from another country, this family set down roots near their two youngest children in college, creating a home designed for connection, creativity, and everyday ease—one that could comfortably host four adult children while still feeling deeply personal.

Inspiration for a timeless medium tone wood floor dining room remodel in San Francisco with beige walls

Great room - transitional dark wood floor great room idea in San Francisco with gray walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

Nautical-themed hybrid swimming pool with raised spa, sunshelf, slide, grotto, and pizza oven (September 2013) – Ask the Pool Guy and his team at Legendary Escapes recently unveiled the newest Legendary Escape, a stunning nautical-themed hybrid swimming pool. The hand-carved concrete waterfall, rock slide, and grotto are the focal point of this incredible project, and designer and builder Al Curtis has truly outdone himself this time. Behind the waterfall sits a grotto that seats 8-10 people comfortably. The waterfall, slide, and grotto area come complete with intricate details and additions that perfectly play into the project’s theme. An immense amount of creativity, talent, and skill is required to take ordinary materials like vinyl and concrete and turn them into the outstanding backyards that Curtis creates, but these details allow his creativity to shine in a different light. Curtis immerses himself completely in just one or two projects at a time, which allows him the opportunity to add those intricate details that take his extraordinary projects to the next level. Some of the details in the grotto area of this hybrid project include real ship portholes that open and close, as well as carvings and lanterns to add visual interest inside of the grotto. The project also includes a raised spillover spa and a sunshelf with a bubbling water feature. The sunshelf has steps leading into the main body of the pool, giving swimmers an easy entry point if they don’t feel the urge to jump off the top of the waterfall or take a ride down the hand-carved, hand-tiled slide. The shelf has just enough water to allow shallow wading or lounging, and the pebbled finish provides a perfect place to set a lounge chair without worrying about damaging the vinyl liner. With the spa nearby, this whole end of the pool is perfect for relaxing, talking, or watching the kids while they swim. This incredible hybrid swimming pool also includes a poolside pizza oven, so fresh, stone-fired pizza is never far away. The brick oven can cook a pizza in about 90 seconds, and produces authentic, outstanding pizzas. The homeowners have spent years perfecting their pizza crust and sauce recipes, as well as growing their own tomatoes and basil. The pizza oven adds another element of their own personality, and makes this project even more perfect for them. With a built-in countertop, it’s easy to get a couple of pies going at one time, or to prep ingredients for personal pizzas. The homeowners are very family-oriented and love to have friends and family over to their home. During the construction process, the Legendary Escapes crew met several friends and family members who stopped in for some quality time and to check out the progress of the pool. The finished product is a perfect place for entertaining, and it feels very comfortable and welcoming. With the sunshelf, spa, grotto, poolside seating, and the pool itself, there are plenty of different places to sit or soak and have conversations or splash around. Curtis is incredibly proud of this project, and he has high hopes for it. He was recently named a Master of Design by Pool & Spa News for a hybrid swimming pool he built in Brighton, MI. This new, nautical hybrid pool fits in beautifully with his portfolio, but also stands out as extraordinary. The team at Legendary Escapes anticipates positive feedback and recognition for this project, and looks forward to building more swimming pools that push the envelope and wow clients and fans.

Paint by Sherwin Williams Body Color - Wool Skein - SW 6148 Flooring & Tile by Macadam Floor & Design Carpet Products by Dream Weaver Carpet Main Level Carpet Cosmopolitan in Iron Frost Counter Backsplash & Shower Niche by Glazzio Tiles Tile Product - Orbit Series in Meteor Shower Shower Wall & Mud Set Shower Pan by Emser Tile Shower Wall Product - Esplanade in Alley Mud Set Shower Pan Product - Venetian Pebbles in Medici Blend Bathroom Floor by Florida Tile Bathroom Floor Product - Sequence in Drift Tub Wall Tile by Pental Surfaces Tub Wall Tile Product - Parc in Botticino - 3D Bloom Freestanding Tub by MAAX Freestanding Tub Product - Ariosa Tub Sinks by Decolav Faucets by Delta Faucet Slab Countertops by Wall to Wall Stone Corp Main Level Granite Product Colonial Cream Downstairs Quartz Product True North Silver Shimmer Windows by Milgard Windows & Doors Window Product Style Line® Series Window Supplier Troyco - Window & Door Window Treatments by Budget Blinds Lighting by Destination Lighting Interior Design by Creative Interiors & Design Custom Cabinetry & Storage by Northwood Cabinets Customized & Built by Cascade West Development Photography by ExposioHDR Portland Original Plans by Alan Mascord Design Associates

https://pipafineart.com/pages/floral-still-life-colorful-bouquet-watercolor-painting-digital-artwork-prints-and-digital-backgrounds This digital watercolor, titled "Floral Still Life," offers a fantastic way to enhance your professional environment. The vibrant and expressive style of this piece can add a touch of color and natural serenity to any office or workspace, whether you're at home or in a corporate setting. The lively blend of blues, oranges, and purples is both calming and uplifting, perfect for inspiring creativity and focus. Elevate your office aesthetic and create a more inviting atmosphere for clients and colleagues. This unique artwork can serve as a a sophisticated focal point, reflecting a creative and forward-thinking mindset.

[Vogue Bay Cultural Brick MG23 Millenium] Update your fireplace surround into a captivating statement piece with Ceramic Tile Design. CTD is a family owned business with a showroom and warehouse in both San Rafael and San Francisco. Our showrooms are staffed with talented teams of Design Consultants. Whether you already know exactly what you want or have no knowledge of what's possible we can help your project exceed your expectations. To achieve this we stock the best Italian porcelain lines in a variety of styles and work with the most creative American art tile companies to set your project apart from the rest. Our warehouses not only provide a safe place for your order to arrive but also stock a complete array of all the setting materials your contractor will need to complete your project saving him time and you, money. The warehouse staff is knowledgeable and friendly to help make sure your project goes smoothly.