Ryann Ford
Mid-sized cottage living room library photo in Austin

Karuna Passive House designed by Holst Architecture and built by Hammer & Hand. This high performance home meets the world's most demanding green building certifications. Photo by Jeremy Bittermann.

Ipe hardwood deck and potting bench; Photo-Mark Edgar
Example of a water fountain deck design in San Diego

jeremy bittermann
Walk-in shower - contemporary concrete floor walk-in shower idea in Portland with beige walls

building Lab is a design build firm specializing in Mid-Century-Modern architecture. Skylight floods the master bath with natural light. Porcelain wall tiles by Heath Ceramics. Photo by Scott Hargis.

This is an example of a country concrete front porch design in San Francisco with a roof extension.

The 864™ TRV Clean Face gas fireplace is the perfect solution for anyone looking to have a big, beautiful fire that provides supplemental heat. Ideal for small to mid-sized homes or zone heating in large living spaces such as great rooms and living rooms, the 864™ clean face gas fireplace allows you to comfortable display a gorgeous, glowing fire all year-round while being able to control the heat output to a setting that is just right for you. The large 864 square inch clean face fire view showcases the highly detailed Dancing-Fyre™ log set and glowing embers from any angle in the room. Its high quality all-glass appearance shows no visible face, grills or louvers and features the 2015 ANSI approved low visibility safety barrier to increase the overall safety of this unit for you and your family without detracting from the fire view. This deluxe gas fireplace comes with the GreenSmart® 2 system that features Comfort Control™, allowing you to turn the heat down while still maintaining the fire and glowing embers. All of the components on this fireplace can be operated simply by accessing the easy-to-use GreenSmart® 2 wall mounted remote control. With the 864™ TRV clean face gas fireplace, you are truly getting a beautiful fire view while being able to control the heat output

addet madan Design
Inspiration for a large contemporary master medium tone wood floor and brown floor bedroom remodel in Los Angeles with white walls and no fireplace

When my client had to move from her company office to work at home, she set up in the dining room. Despite her best efforts, this was not the long-term solution she was looking for. My client realized she needed a dedicated space not on the main floor of the home. On one hand, having your office space right next to the kitchen is handy. On the other hand, it made separating work and home life was not that easy. The house was a ranch. In essence, the basement would run entire length of the home. As we came down the steps, we entered a time capsule. The house was built in the 1950’s. The walls were covered with original knotty pine paneling. There was a wood burning fireplace and considering this was a basement, high ceilings. In addition, there was everything her family could not store at their own homes. As we wound though the space, I though “wow this has potential”, Eventually, after walking through the laundry room we came to a small nicely lit room. This would be the office. My client looked at me and asked what I thought. Undoubtedly, I said, this can be a great workspace, but do you really want to walk through this basement and laundry to get here? Without reservation, my client said where do we start? Once the design was in place, we started the renovation. The knotty pine paneling had to go. Specifically, to add some insulation and control the dampness and humidity. The laundry room wall was relocated to create a hallway to the office. At the far end of the room, we designated a workout zone. Weights, mats, exercise bike and television are at the ready for morning or afternoon workouts. The space can be concealed by a folding screen for party time. Doors to an old closet under the stairs were relocated to the workout area for hidden storage. Now we had nice wall for a beautiful console and mirror for storage and serving during parties. In order to add architectural details, we covered the old ugly support columns with simple recessed millwork panels. This detail created a visual division between the bar area and the seating area in front of the fireplace. The old red brick on the fireplace surround was replaced with stack stone. A mantle was made from reclaimed wood. Additional reclaimed wood floating shelves left and right of the fireplace provides decorative display while maintaining a rustic element balancing the copper end table and leather swivel rocker. We found an amazing rug which tied all of the colors together further defining the gathering space. Russet and burnt orange became the accent color unifying each space. With a bit of whimsy, a rather unusual light fixture which looks like roots from a tree growing through the ceiling is a conversation piece. The office space is quite and removed from the main part of the basement. There is a desk large enough for multiple screens, a small bookcase holding office supplies and a comfortable chair for conference calls. Because working from home requires many online meetings, we added a shiplap wall painted in Hale Navy to contrast with the orange fabric on the chair. We finished the décor with a painting from my client’s father. This is the background online visitors will see. The last and best part of the renovation is the beautiful bar. My client is an avid collector of wine. She already had the EuroCave refrigerator, so I incorporated it into the design. The cabinets are painted Temptation Grey from Benjamin Moore. The counter tops are my favorite hard working quartzite Brown Fantasy. The backsplash is a combination of rustic wood and old tin ceiling like porcelain tiles. Together with the textures of the reclaimed wood and hide poofs balanced against the smooth finish of the cabinets, we created a comfortable luxury for relaxing. There is ample storage for bottles, cans, glasses, and anything else you can think of for a great party. In addition to the wine storage, we incorporated a beverage refrigerator, an ice maker, and a sink. Floating shelves with integrated lighting illuminate the back bar. The raised height of the front bar provides the perfect wine tasting and paring spot. I especially love the pendant lights which look like wine glasses. Finally, I selected carpet for the stairs and office. It is perfect for noise reduction. Meanwhile for the overall flooring, I specifically selected a high-performance vinyl plank floor. We often use this product as it is perfect to install on a concrete floor. It is soft to walk on, easy to clean and does not reduce the overall height of the space.

A reduced lawn and shade-tolerant planting create a sustainable landscape rooted in both place and purpose.
This is an example of a french country partial sun backyard river rock and wood fence landscaping in San Francisco for summer.

This home in the upscale Dominion area was completely transformed from an outdated rustic interior to a fresh and modern space! The kitchen has an upgraded island with Taj Mahal waterfall panels and mitered edges, similar to the rest of the kitchen Taj Mahal quartzite countertops and backsplash. The existing perimeter cabinets in the kitchen were painted a classic white lacquer finish. A new dual finish Blue Star vent hood was installed, along with gorgeous matching brass knobs and faucets. The kitchen flooring is white oak herringbone pattern hardwood which flows throughout the house. The entryway has a brand new iron pivot door making for a seamless transition into the home. This homeowner's guest bathroom was completely gutted and replaced with a quartz countertop, wainscoting dolomite tile on bathroom walls, and mother of pearl floor tile. The connecting guest bedroom was completely repainted and given a brand new look with bright blue and white wallpaper. The powder room is to die for, with gold and black accents, a gorgeous new moss green vanity, and a black quartzite countertop with an golden under-mount sink. Lastly, we completed the home bar area, installing a antiqued backsplash and custom lit floating shelves, perfect for keeping the homeowner's liquor of choice. It's 5 o'clock somewhere!

It’s no surprise these Hanover clients reached out to Cathy and Ed of Renovisions for design and build services as they wanted a local professional bath specialist to turn their plain builder-grade bath into a luxurious handicapped accessible master bath. Renovisions had safety and universal design in mind while creating this customized two-person super shower and well-appointed master bath so their clients could escape to a special place to relax and energize their senses while also helping to conserve time and water as it is used simultaneously by them. This completely water proofed spacious 4’x8’ walk-in curb-less shower with lineal drain system and larger format porcelain tiles was a must have for our senior client –with larger tiles there are less grout lines, easier to clean and easier to maneuver using a walker to enter and exit the master bath. Renovisions collaborated with their clients to design a spa-like bath with several amenities and added conveniences with safety considerations. The bench seat that spans the width of the wall was a great addition to the shower. It’s a comfortable place to sit down and stretch out and also to keep warm as electric mesh warming materials were used along with a programmable thermostat to keep these homeowners toasty and cozy! Careful attention to all of the details in this master suite created a peaceful and elegant environment that, simply put, feels divine. Adding details such as the warming towel rack, mosaic tiled shower niche, shiny polished chrome decorative safety grab bars that also serve as towel racks and a towel rack inside the shower area added a measure of style. A stately framed mirror over the pedestal sink matches the warm white painted finish of the linen storage cabinetry that provides functionality and good looks to this space. Pull-down safety grab bars on either side of the comfort height high-efficiency toilet was essential to keep safety as a top priority. Water, water everywhere for this well deserving couple – multiple shower heads enhances the bathing experience for our client with mobility issues as 54 soft sprays from each wall jet provide a soothing and cleansing effect – a great choice because they do not require gripping and manipulating handles yet provide a sleek look with easy cleaning. The thermostatic valve maintains desired water temperature and volume controls allows the bather to utilize the adjustable hand-held shower on a slide-bar- an ideal fixture to shower and spray down shower area when done. A beautiful, frameless clear glass enclosure maintains a clean, open look without taking away from the stunning and richly grained marble-look tiles and decorative elements inside the shower. In addition to its therapeutic value, this shower is truly a design focal point of the master bath with striking tile work, beautiful chrome fixtures including several safety grab bars adding aesthetic value as well as safety benefits.

Our clients on this project were inspired by their travels to Asia and wanted to mimic this aesthetic at their DC property. We designed a water feature that effectively masks adjacent traffic noise and maintains a small footprint.

Property Marketed by Hudson Place Realty - Simply stunning designer duplex in Hoboken’s landmark GREEN /LEED GOLD certified building. With over 3100 sq. ft of interior space & 600 sq. ft. of private outdoor space this Architectural Digest worthy property offers 3 bedrooms, 4 full baths, separate dining room, dedicated media room & separate office. Completely customized with a dramatic floating concrete & glass staircase, Features floor to ceiling windows, a 1st level, professionally maintained, Ipe’ wood deck complete with trees, water & lighting, ELAN whole-home audio/lighting control and touch-pads in all rooms, separate audio/video closet with full rack system. a sleek Italian Valcucine kitchen, SubZero refrigerator, integrated Miele dishwasher, Viking 6 burner range with fully vented hood, Viking wine cooler & tempered glass counters. 2 Master suites with walk in closets & spa baths featuring imported Zen soaking tubs, separate showers, linen closet, Duravit double sinks & Lightolier sconces, Hunter Douglas window treatments, bamboo floors, and custom closets throughout. Concrete sub floors and Quiet Rock insulation for soundproofing. Planted green living roof with residents area featuring fabulous NYC & Hudson views, filtered fresh air system, & bike storage room. Absolutely ideal location, bordered on the western side by the newly established Garden Street Mews pedestrian area.

Girl's Bathroom. Custom designed vanity in blue with glass knobs, bubble tile accent wall and floor, wallpaper above wainscot. photo: David Duncan Livingston

Our clients on this project were inspired by their travels to Asia and wanted to mimic this aesthetic at their DC property. We designed a water feature that effectively masks adjacent traffic noise and maintains a small footprint.

By relocating the sink and dishwasher to the island the new kitchen layout allows the owners to engage with guests seated at the island and the banquette while maintaining a view to the outdoor terrace.

Mid-sized transitional open concept medium tone wood floor family room library photo in Charlotte with a tv stand, white walls, a standard fireplace and a wood fireplace surround

Luxury Basement Remodel Featuring Spa, Home Gym, Gun Room, and Full Kitchen This luxury basement remodel redefines what a lower level can be, transforming unused square footage into a fully immersive lifestyle environment. Designed with intention, precision, and premium materials, this space blends wellness, security, fitness, and entertainment into one cohesive custom basement design that feels elevated, warm, and unmistakably high-end. From the moment you enter, this luxury basement remodel feels open and expansive. Wide-plank flooring flows seamlessly throughout the space, creating visual continuity while adding warmth rarely seen in traditional basements. Clean architectural lines and thoughtful zoning allow each area to stand on its own while still feeling connected as part of a complete design. Basement Spa and Sauna Retreat A standout feature of this luxury basement remodel is the private basement spa, designed to deliver a true retreat experience within the home. The custom glass-enclosed sauna acts as both a functional wellness feature and a striking architectural element. Natural wood surfaces wrap the interior, bringing warmth, texture, and a calming atmosphere that mirrors high-end resort spas. Integrated LED lighting enhances the natural wood grain while providing soft, ambient illumination. The stone sauna heater anchors the space visually while delivering consistent heat for daily use. Glass walls allow light to flow freely, preventing the space from feeling closed in and reinforcing the open feel of the overall custom basement design. This basement spa was designed not as an accessory, but as a core component of the luxury basement remodel—supporting health, relaxation, and everyday wellness. Custom Gun Room and Secure Display Space Security meets craftsmanship in the custom gun room, a defining element of this luxury basement remodel. Designed to function as both a secure storage solution and a refined display space, the room balances protection with presentation. Precision-mounted wall panels allow firearms and accessories to be displayed in a clean, organized layout. Integrated LED lighting highlights each piece while adding depth and contrast to the room. Custom wood framing ties the space into the broader custom basement design, ensuring visual consistency throughout the project. Lower cabinetry provides concealed storage while maintaining a clean, uncluttered appearance. Climate control and security were integrated seamlessly, creating a room that is as practical as it is visually impressive. Home Gym Basement with Professional Design This home gym basement was designed to rival commercial fitness facilities while maintaining the comfort and privacy of a residential environment. The layout supports strength training, functional workouts, and cardio without feeling crowded or overwhelming. Mirrored walls expand the space visually and provide practical training feedback. Heavy-duty flooring absorbs impact and minimizes noise, making the gym ideal for daily use. Overhead, a custom LED grid ceiling delivers even, shadow-free lighting, elevating both functionality and aesthetics. As part of the overall luxury basement remodel, the gym connects naturally to adjacent spaces, reinforcing the idea that fitness is integrated into everyday living—not isolated or hidden away. Basement with Full Kitchen and Entertaining Space Designed for hosting and everyday use, the basement with full kitchen anchors the entertainment zone of this luxury basement remodel. Custom cabinetry offers ample storage while maintaining clean lines and a refined appearance. Premium countertops provide durability and visual impact, serving as both a workspace and gathering point. Integrated appliances ensure full functionality without disrupting the design. Layered lighting enhances usability and atmosphere, making the kitchen equally suited for casual evenings or large gatherings. This basement with full kitchen allows the space to function independently from the main level, adding both convenience and long-term value. Luxury Tile Basement Details Tile plays a key role throughout this luxury tile basement, serving as a design feature rather than just a finish. Carefully selected tile textures and patterns add depth and visual interest to accent walls and functional areas. Each tile installation was executed with precision, showcasing clean transitions and expert craftsmanship. The tile selections complement the surrounding wood and stone elements, reinforcing the layered material palette that defines this custom basement design. Craftsmanship That Defines the Space What sets this luxury basement remodel apart is the attention to detail in every element. Custom millwork, seamless trim transitions, and intentional lighting design elevate the space beyond typical basement renovations. Ceilings are treated as design features, walls are crisp and refined, and built-in elements feel integrated rather than added. This level of craftsmanship ensures the basement feels timeless, durable, and thoughtfully designed. A Custom Basement Design Built for Lifestyle This project demonstrates how a custom basement design can become one of the most valuable and lived-in areas of a home. By combining a basement spa, secure gun room, home gym basement, basement with full kitchen, and luxury tile finishes, this space delivers unmatched versatility and comfort. This luxury basement remodel is not simply an upgrade—it is a complete transformation that enhances daily living while adding long-term value.