This Skyline Drive home high above Silicon Valley turns a solid shoulder of pigmented cement plaster to the prevailing Pacific weather while offering walls of glass to the inspiring bay views. The home was designed as a tranquil retreat for a single doctor needing an escape from the pressures modern life; every room allows restorative views of soaring hawks, massive Coastal Live Oaks and ephemeral California Poppies, reminding us of how fleeting our lives really are. The timber frame interior (a late client request) is carefully integrated into a warm contemporary interior and offers a pleasing and solid contrast to the open glazed panels. A long covered walkway carefully frames the view and integrates the three-car garage, while bold colors emphasize the simple building forms. Photo by Virginia Baltay

Custom Surface Solutions (www.css-tile.com) - Owner Craig Thompson (512) 430-1215. This project shows a master bathroom remodel. It includes a Porcelanosa large panel tile shower walls, pebble tile shower floor, penny tile wainscot and backsplash, 24 x 12 porcelain tile floor, and IKEA and custom cabinets.

Fu-Tung Cheng, CHENG Design • Kitchen with Concrete Island facing Concrete Fireplace, House 6 Concrete and Wood Home House 6, is Cheng Design’s sixth custom home project, was redesigned and constructed from top-to-bottom. The project represents a major career milestone thanks to the unique and innovative use of concrete, as this residence is one of Cheng Design’s first-ever ‘hybrid’ structures, constructed as a combination of wood and concrete. Photography: Matthew Millman

Inspiration for a transitional home design remodel in Minneapolis

Home design - transitional home design idea in Wichita

© Ascendant Imaging
Inspiration for a large transitional master white tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile, beige floor, double-sink and wallpaper freestanding bathtub remodel in Charlotte with furniture-like cabinets, green cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door, white countertops, a niche and a built-in vanity

Living space with curved clear cedar ceilings, built-in media and storage walls, custom artwork and custom furniture - Interior Architecture: HAUS | Architecture + LEVEL Interiors - Photography: Ryan Kurtz

Our busy Silicon Valley clients asked us to convert their tight-quartered 1960’s ranch house to a gracious family home that would meet their long term needs. Ease of living was paramount, both in functionality and in ordered design. The project was completed on a moderate budget.While retaining most of the structure of the existing house to avoid costly structural changes, we opened walls to improve the sight lines and flow of the house and bring in more light. We made small additions at the front and back bedrooms to gain space for the family and relatives. An existing underused patio area was improved with a simple outdoor kitchen and overhang to extend the living space to the outside. Costs were kept down with choices of modest materials. Everything was made to be functional. Ample storage has been built into the right places. The details of the kitchen were carefully worked out to accommodate all the wishes of the various cooks in the family. The house is set up to be easy to keep clean. Acoustic walls separate living from bedroom spaces so adults can enjoy time together while children sleep. The outdoor kitchen has easy access to the indoor kitchen and the garage, and its setup promotes socializing while cooking outdoors. A large part of the narrow back yard was previously unusable space due to a steep slope up to a neighbor’s higher fence. With a new retaining wall and some re-grading we took back more of the yard for the patio and play space on a new lawn. The remodeled house is a mix of contemporary and traditional elements. Cool colors have a calming effect. Traditional items such as prairie style windows, trellis, mosaic tiles, and Shaker style cabinets, break down the scale in an otherwise streamlined, contemporary design. A new gabled roof with a broad arch at the front of the house marks the entry and resolves a challenging form where the central entry is set back from walls on both sides. Photography: Kurt Manley https://saikleyarchitects.com/portfolio/modern-ranch/

Trendy terra-cotta tile entryway photo in Austin

Mediterranean exterior home idea in San Francisco

Our busy Silicon Valley clients asked us to convert their tight-quartered 1960’s ranch house to a gracious family home that would meet their long term needs. Ease of living was paramount, both in functionality and in ordered design. The project was completed on a moderate budget. While retaining most of the structure of the existing house to avoid costly structural changes, we opened walls to improve the sight lines and flow of the house and bring in more light. We made small additions at the front and back bedrooms to gain space for the family and relatives. An existing underused patio area was improved with a simple outdoor kitchen and overhang to extend the living space to the outside. Costs were kept down with choices of modest materials. Everything was made to be functional. Ample storage has been built into the right places. The details of the kitchen were carefully worked out to accommodate all the wishes of the various cooks in the family. The house is set up to be easy to keep clean. Acoustic walls separate living from bedroom spaces so adults can enjoy time together while children sleep. The outdoor kitchen has easy access to the indoor kitchen and the garage, and its setup promotes socializing while cooking outdoors. A large part of the narrow back yard was previously unusable space due to a steep slope up to a neighbor’s higher fence. With a new retaining wall and some re-grading we took back more of the yard for the patio and play space on a new lawn. The remodeled house is a mix of contemporary and traditional elements. Cool colors have a calming effect. Traditional items such as prairie style windows, trellis, mosaic tiles, and Shaker style cabinets, break down the scale in an otherwise streamlined, contemporary design. A new gabled roof with a broad arch at the front of the house marks the entry and resolves a challenging form where the central entry is set back from walls on both sides. Photography: Kurt Manley https://saikleyarchitects.com/portfolio/modern-ranch/

A client with a high-rise apartment in Manchester city centre contacted us in relation to the look of their bathroom tiles. The grout had become grubby and black with mould and it was clear from their message that they were considering have the grout replaced in order to freshen up the bathroom. We discussed the problem over the telephone, and they emailed a picture of the bathroom across so I could get a better idea of what needed doing. It turns out that the apartment had been rented out previously and they needed the bathroom renovating so they could start letting it again. Clearly, they were keen to have the work completed as soon as possible. Fortunately, we are sometimes able to come out on short notice, especially for small jobs like this and so were able to do the work the following week Re-grouting is a lot of work and very time consuming so I explained the benefits of Grout Colouring which is much quicker and results in a more practical finish as I will explain. There was a small issue with parking as one would expect from the city centre, but we were able to use one of the parking spaces of a neighbour in the basement of the building. My first task was to get the grout as clean as possible before applying the colourant and given the amount of mould I decided to apply Tile Doctor Duo-Clean which is a Tile Cleaner/Mould Remover and ideal for use on ceramic tile and grout. The product was sprayed onto the tiles and grout and then scrubbed in by hand to get the grout as clean as possible. I also used a powerful steam cleaner to get the grout as clean as possible before rinsing the soil off with water. This process went well, and the grout looked much cleaner afterwards but was now a little patchy in places due to deep staining. It’s worth noting that mould thrives in damp warm conditions and can easily be controlled by ensuring the bathroom has adequate ventilation. Some modern showers have a function that cool the bathroom down after use by running the shower on a cold setting. Improving cross-ventilation by leaving the bathroom door and a window open can also improve the situation and of course you can always apply Tile Doctor Duo-Clean on a regular basis. Once the grout was dry and as clean as it could be, I applied a White Tile Doctor Grout Colourant along the grout lines with a small brush taking care to wipe off any excess from the tiles as I went. Only one bottle of colourant was needed, and I have found baby wipes work well when wiping off the excess. The last step in the bathroom renovation was to strip out all the old mouldy silicone between the bath and the tiles and replace with new mould resistant silicone. The cleaning and grout colour completely transformed the look of the bathroom leaving it looking fresh. The grout which was previously dark and patchy was now a consistent white colour giving the impression it had only been recently tiled. The colourant also forms an epoxy barrier over the grout that will prevent dirt from becoming ingrained in the grouts surface going forward, it’s also much easier to clean. The customer was most impressed with the result and has informed us since that they will back in touch about renovating the grout in their own home! They left the following comment on the Tile Doctor website. “Kamila made a wonderful job cleaning my grout and silicone. The bathroom looks like new. She was also easy to deal, very friendly and professional. Thank you!” Alex Logozny Greater Manchester Tile Doctor

Our busy Silicon Valley clients asked us to convert their tight-quartered 1960’s ranch house to a gracious family home that would meet their long term needs. Ease of living was paramount, both in functionality and in ordered design. The project was completed on a moderate budget.While retaining most of the structure of the existing house to avoid costly structural changes, we opened walls to improve the sight lines and flow of the house and bring in more light. We made small additions at the front and back bedrooms to gain space for the family and relatives. An existing underused patio area was improved with a simple outdoor kitchen and overhang to extend the living space to the outside. Costs were kept down with choices of modest materials. Everything was made to be functional. Ample storage has been built into the right places. The details of the kitchen were carefully worked out to accommodate all the wishes of the various cooks in the family. The house is set up to be easy to keep clean. Acoustic walls separate living from bedroom spaces so adults can enjoy time together while children sleep. The outdoor kitchen has easy access to the indoor kitchen and the garage, and its setup promotes socializing while cooking outdoors. A large part of the narrow back yard was previously unusable space due to a steep slope up to a neighbor’s higher fence. With a new retaining wall and some re-grading we took back more of the yard for the patio and play space on a new lawn. The remodeled house is a mix of contemporary and traditional elements. Cool colors have a calming effect. Traditional items such as prairie style windows, trellis, mosaic tiles, and Shaker style cabinets, break down the scale in an otherwise streamlined, contemporary design. A new gabled roof with a broad arch at the front of the house marks the entry and resolves a challenging form where the central entry is set back from walls on both sides. Photography: Kurt Manley https://saikleyarchitects.com/portfolio/modern-ranch/

Eichler X-100 Rear Exterior & Pool: Where Architecture Meets Landscape The rear exterior of the Eichler X-100 is where the home fully expresses its vision of indoor-outdoor living—a seamless composition of architecture, landscape, and water that feels both sculptural and deeply livable. Designed by A. Quincy Jones and Frederick Emmons for Joseph Eichler, this side of the home transforms the backyard into an extension of the interior experience. A Wall of Glass to the Landscape The rear façade is defined by expansive floor-to-ceiling glass walls, dissolving the boundary between inside and out. Living spaces open directly to the backyard, allowing light, air, and views to flow freely through the home. From nearly every angle, the outdoors becomes part of the architecture. The Pool as a Design Element At the center of the backyard is a striking geometric pool, often described as being formed through intersecting circular forms. This is not just a recreational feature—it is a deliberate extension of the home’s architectural language. The curves of the pool contrast with the linear steel structure, creating a balanced interplay between softness and precision. Outdoor Living, Elevated The rear grounds are carefully composed to support both relaxation and entertaining: Integrated patio and seating areas Clean hardscape that echoes the home’s geometry Landscaping that enhances privacy while maintaining openness Every element is intentional, reinforcing a sense of calm and cohesion. A Continuous Flow of Space Large sliding glass panels allow the interior to open fully to the backyard, turning the living areas into an open-air pavilion. Whether hosting guests or enjoying a quiet moment, the transition between interior and exterior is effortless. This is California Modernism in its purest form. Framed Views and Privacy Despite the openness, the design maintains a strong sense of privacy and enclosure. The positioning of the home, landscaping, and surrounding elements creates a protected environment—one that feels expansive without being exposed. A Lifestyle, Not Just a Backyard The rear exterior of the Eichler X-100 is more than a setting—it is a lifestyle environment, where architecture and nature work together to shape daily life. It’s where morning light reflects off the water, where evenings unfold under open skies, and where the home’s original vision—of living seamlessly between indoors and out—comes fully to life. In the X-100, the backyard isn’t separate from the home. It is the home—just without walls.

Eichler X-100 Rear Exterior & Pool: Where Architecture Meets Landscape The rear exterior of the Eichler X-100 is where the home fully expresses its vision of indoor-outdoor living—a seamless composition of architecture, landscape, and water that feels both sculptural and deeply livable. Designed by A. Quincy Jones and Frederick Emmons for Joseph Eichler, this side of the home transforms the backyard into an extension of the interior experience. A Wall of Glass to the Landscape The rear façade is defined by expansive floor-to-ceiling glass walls, dissolving the boundary between inside and out. Living spaces open directly to the backyard, allowing light, air, and views to flow freely through the home. From nearly every angle, the outdoors becomes part of the architecture. The Pool as a Design Element At the center of the backyard is a striking geometric pool, often described as being formed through intersecting circular forms. This is not just a recreational feature—it is a deliberate extension of the home’s architectural language. The curves of the pool contrast with the linear steel structure, creating a balanced interplay between softness and precision. Outdoor Living, Elevated The rear grounds are carefully composed to support both relaxation and entertaining: Integrated patio and seating areas Clean hardscape that echoes the home’s geometry Landscaping that enhances privacy while maintaining openness Every element is intentional, reinforcing a sense of calm and cohesion. A Continuous Flow of Space Large sliding glass panels allow the interior to open fully to the backyard, turning the living areas into an open-air pavilion. Whether hosting guests or enjoying a quiet moment, the transition between interior and exterior is effortless. This is California Modernism in its purest form. Framed Views and Privacy Despite the openness, the design maintains a strong sense of privacy and enclosure. The positioning of the home, landscaping, and surrounding elements creates a protected environment—one that feels expansive without being exposed. A Lifestyle, Not Just a Backyard The rear exterior of the Eichler X-100 is more than a setting—it is a lifestyle environment, where architecture and nature work together to shape daily life. It’s where morning light reflects off the water, where evenings unfold under open skies, and where the home’s original vision—of living seamlessly between indoors and out—comes fully to life. In the X-100, the backyard isn’t separate from the home. It is the home—just without walls.

Our busy Silicon Valley clients asked us to convert their tight-quartered 1960’s ranch house to a gracious family home that would meet their long term needs. Ease of living was paramount, both in functionality and in ordered design. The project was completed on a moderate budget.While retaining most of the structure of the existing house to avoid costly structural changes, we opened walls to improve the sight lines and flow of the house and bring in more light. We made small additions at the front and back bedrooms to gain space for the family and relatives. An existing underused patio area was improved with a simple outdoor kitchen and overhang to extend the living space to the outside. Costs were kept down with choices of modest materials. Everything was made to be functional. Ample storage has been built into the right places. The details of the kitchen were carefully worked out to accommodate all the wishes of the various cooks in the family. The house is set up to be easy to keep clean. Acoustic walls separate living from bedroom spaces so adults can enjoy time together while children sleep. The outdoor kitchen has easy access to the indoor kitchen and the garage, and its setup promotes socializing while cooking outdoors. A large part of the narrow back yard was previously unusable space due to a steep slope up to a neighbor’s higher fence. With a new retaining wall and some re-grading we took back more of the yard for the patio and play space on a new lawn. The remodeled house is a mix of contemporary and traditional elements. Cool colors have a calming effect. Traditional items such as prairie style windows, trellis, mosaic tiles, and Shaker style cabinets, break down the scale in an otherwise streamlined, contemporary design. A new gabled roof with a broad arch at the front of the house marks the entry and resolves a challenging form where the central entry is set back from walls on both sides. Photography: Kurt Manley https://saikleyarchitects.com/portfolio/modern-ranch/

Our busy Silicon Valley clients asked us to convert their tight-quartered 1960’s ranch house to a gracious family home that would meet their long term needs. Ease of living was paramount, both in functionality and in ordered design. The project was completed on a moderate budget.While retaining most of the structure of the existing house to avoid costly structural changes, we opened walls to improve the sight lines and flow of the house and bring in more light. We made small additions at the front and back bedrooms to gain space for the family and relatives. An existing underused patio area was improved with a simple outdoor kitchen and overhang to extend the living space to the outside. Costs were kept down with choices of modest materials. Everything was made to be functional. Ample storage has been built into the right places. The details of the kitchen were carefully worked out to accommodate all the wishes of the various cooks in the family. The house is set up to be easy to keep clean. Acoustic walls separate living from bedroom spaces so adults can enjoy time together while children sleep. The outdoor kitchen has easy access to the indoor kitchen and the garage, and its setup promotes socializing while cooking outdoors. A large part of the narrow back yard was previously unusable space due to a steep slope up to a neighbor’s higher fence. With a new retaining wall and some re-grading we took back more of the yard for the patio and play space on a new lawn. The remodeled house is a mix of contemporary and traditional elements. Cool colors have a calming effect. Traditional items such as prairie style windows, trellis, mosaic tiles, and Shaker style cabinets, break down the scale in an otherwise streamlined, contemporary design. A new gabled roof with a broad arch at the front of the house marks the entry and resolves a challenging form where the central entry is set back from walls on both sides. Photography: Kurt Manley https://saikleyarchitects.com/portfolio/modern-ranch/

Our busy Silicon Valley clients asked us to convert their tight-quartered 1960’s ranch house to a gracious family home that would meet their long term needs. Ease of living was paramount, both in functionality and in ordered design. The project was completed on a moderate budget.While retaining most of the structure of the existing house to avoid costly structural changes, we opened walls to improve the sight lines and flow of the house and bring in more light. We made small additions at the front and back bedrooms to gain space for the family and relatives. An existing underused patio area was improved with a simple outdoor kitchen and overhang to extend the living space to the outside. Costs were kept down with choices of modest materials. Everything was made to be functional. Ample storage has been built into the right places. The details of the kitchen were carefully worked out to accommodate all the wishes of the various cooks in the family. The house is set up to be easy to keep clean. Acoustic walls separate living from bedroom spaces so adults can enjoy time together while children sleep. The outdoor kitchen has easy access to the indoor kitchen and the garage, and its setup promotes socializing while cooking outdoors. A large part of the narrow back yard was previously unusable space due to a steep slope up to a neighbor’s higher fence. With a new retaining wall and some re-grading we took back more of the yard for the patio and play space on a new lawn. The remodeled house is a mix of contemporary and traditional elements. Cool colors have a calming effect. Traditional items such as prairie style windows, trellis, mosaic tiles, and Shaker style cabinets, break down the scale in an otherwise streamlined, contemporary design. A new gabled roof with a broad arch at the front of the house marks the entry and resolves a challenging form where the central entry is set back from walls on both sides. Photography: Kurt Manley https://saikleyarchitects.com/portfolio/modern-ranch/