This project showcases a bold, architectural approach to a large-scale residential landscape, emphasizing clean lines and high-contrast materials to create a truly high-end outdoor experience. The Design Vision: The objective was to transform this expansive estate into a series of functional "outdoor rooms" that maintain a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. We focused on precision masonry and a neutral palette to allow the structural elements of the design to take center stage. Key Features: Architectural Hardscaping: We utilized large-scale, custom concrete pavers in a "floating" layout, creating a rhythmic and structured pathway that guides movement through the estate. The Sunken Fire Lounge: A primary focal point, the sunken fire pit area features a custom-built, L-shaped bench with integrated stone backing. The use of sleek, light-toned stone veneer and smooth concrete surfaces creates a sophisticated space for evening entertainment. Lush, Low-Maintenance Greenery: Vibrant, emerald artificial turf provides a stark, clean contrast against the cool gray tones of the concrete and stone. To add texture, we integrated native agave and yucca plantings set within dark basalt gravel beds, anchored by large natural boulders. Structural Definition: The entire space is framed by clean-lined black ornamental fencing and multi-level concrete retaining walls, which manage the site's grade while adding to the modern, tiered look of the property. The final result is a seamless blend of luxury and functionality, offering a refined Texas Modern aesthetic that is built for both high-impact visual appeal and effortless living.

Blurring the boundaries between internal and external Casa Pabellón uses a unique plan that brings the external environment inside and directs the inhabitants to secluded nature filled spaces. When fully opened the house allows it’s family to live and work nearly completely outdoors. When privacy, the elements or security require it, the house can be completely closed down. The plan and lightweight pavilion structure allows for a fast and modular construction with off site prefabrication reducing environmental impact and waste. Open air circulation routes through the property reinforce the connection to the surrounding South Pacific jungles that cover the hills in this quiet corner of Costa Rica. It has been our pleasure to work alongside our clients to create for them their dream home and lifestyle in this project and we look forward to guiding the design through the construction phase.

Ransom and Treasure explore the bluestone patio.
Patio - mid-sized craftsman backyard stone patio idea in Chicago with a fire pit

A room that is open on all sides speaks for itself: it symbolizes the maximum development of your ideas of living. But even a completely open space needs structure so it can be optimally tailored to the needs of its occupants. LEICHT’s planning expertise makes it possible to respond to any interior de-sign requirements, even in open spaces. The selection of form and material plays a decisive role in this, as demonstrated by the current example.

As this elegant dining space opens up to a tranquil backyard, sleek lines meet natural light. Modern chairs and a minimalist table invite conversation, while the seamless connection to the outdoors enhances the beauty of every meal.

The renovation of an extensive linear residence and site facing Port Orchard waterway embraces water, greenspace and forested hillside. The home, completed this fall, serves as an artist’s studio, galleries, family space, game room, outdoor living areas and peaceful retreat. New interiors and exterior spaces and finishes, cabinetry, lighting, paving, landscape and courtyards become settings for the owner’s art + collections, three-generations of family and the wonderful colors and textures of the land + water. Inside, a monumental central stair and tapered two-story tall red cedar and steel column was designed as the residence’s entry focal point and internal landmarks, guiding the visitor’s eye to the main atrium…. and upward. Heavy wide-flange steel moment frames support the house and enable whole walls of glass. Rough, mill-finished steel contrasts refined cabinetry, stone, wood structure and defining dropped ceilings, reflecting the opener’s love of the tension between highly polished and detailed + rough, found art. Outside, A new southern “dining room” was designed for warm summer evening gatherings under a heavy-timber trellis. The focus, opposite water and island views, is a metal perforated screen. The final screen is composed of the lyrics from a Joe Cocker song of great meaning to the owners, cut from ½” marine bronze, set into dark-fired brick. “Oh My Darling, Be Home Soon….” Natural daylight and high-efficiency lighting are central players as in any gallery. From a high clerestory and extensive southern and eastern window-walls to carefully selected up-lighting, pendants, and accent fixtures, Rhodes Architecture + Light worked closely with the owner to ensure that their dark existing house would become one filled with light…. night and day. The owners, Ken and Jane, allowed us to interview them about their experience working with Rhodes Architecture + Light, and how they are feeling about living with the architecture today. What was your experience like, working with Rhodes Architecture + Light? “They worked with us because it was a remodel, an existing thing, and we had to try to make it work for all of our interests and how our family operated. They listened, and we listened, and it was a great communication back and forth.”–Jane How has the renovation changed the way you live and enjoy your home? “I remember saying to them that I want the whole floor heated because it gets so chilly down here. And we had the wood burning stove, but it was over there and now we just turn the floor heat on and we can come down. It’s cozy and nice. So we’re looking forward to winter now.”–Ken “We have 5 kids together and now a bunch of grandchildren. I wanted a marble countertop, but there’s just no way. I didn’t want it to be a place where I had to say, ‘No, no, no. Wipe up your drink, do this, do that.’ I wanted it to be a place where everybody can come with all the kids, and we make a big mess, and I can clean it up. And we can enjoy ourselves here, because that room upstairs, we almost never went in. And now we’re in there eating pizza and watching the game.” –Jane As an artist, Jane enjoyed the collaborative process. “I can’t believe it was as positive as it was. I went into it thinking it would be a great, creative, fun, collaborative thing, and I have to say, with our architects, it was. I like that creative process. I always say when I am doing a painting, it’s a series of problem solving so it wasn’t unusual for me. I am completely blown away by them and had fun with that part of it.” –Jane Architect: Tim James Rhodes RA AIA, Rhodes Architecture + Light Builder: Fairbank Construction Company Structural: Swensen Say Faget

Oakley Home Builders is a custom home builder and remodeling company in the Chicago suburbs that has integrated distinctive home designs into surrounding communities, neighborhoods and coveted residential landscapes. Positioned as a flourishing Chicago western suburbs home builder, Oakley Home Builders demonstrates a passionate pursuit of detail-rich, value-driven design and efficient construction that provides homebuyers with a masterfully planned and executed living environment. Whether building on your site or one of our many available lots, Oakley Home Builders is recognized among Chicago western suburbs home builders for its excellent build-to-suit program. Guiding homebuyers through a simple, step-by-step process, we enhance the building experience by providing practical advice, flexible accommodations, and educational insight. But while we are mainly a home builder in Chicago suburbs, we also build luxurious beach homes in Naples, FL and along the shores of Lake Michigan in Indiana and Michigan's Harbor Country. In addition we serve as an expert suburban Chicago remodeling company catering to the communities of Downers Grove, Hinsdale, Naperville, Glen Ellyn, LaGrange, Western Springs, Elmhurst, and other west suburban locations.

The Japanese style is a fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian design principles. It embraces the simplicity and minimalism of Japanese aesthetics while incorporating the functionality and warmth of Scandinavian design. The resulting style focuses on clean lines, natural materials, neutral color palettes, and a sense of tranquility.

DESIGN TEAM Interiors & Creative Director | Gaile Guevara Design Team | Kristin Swanepoel, Foojan Kasvari, Laura Melling BUILDER Alair Homes | David Babikaiff Site Manager | Jason Zavitz LANDSCAPE Cyan Horticulture GENERAL Area: Burnaby North Location: Capitol Hill BN City: Burnaby Property Type: Residential Detached Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2 Year Built: 1964 | 50 Years Old Floor Area: 2,721 sq. ft. SOURCE GUIDE New Glazing system by Keller Windows Appliances | Miele Package provided by Midland Appliances Millwork Package by Minimal provided by Tidal Living Plumbing Fixtures Hardwood Flooring | by Kentwood Couture - Avalon installed by Frontier Flooring Tile | Mutina Italy provided by Stonetile

At Basile Landscaping & Lawncare LLC, we strive to increase the value of your property. We understand that making decisions about your greatest investment are extremely important. We are here to guide you through the process of making an informative decision about your landscaping and lawn care choices. Basile Landscaping & Lawncare LLC offers a wide range of services that fits each customer’s personal needs and budget. Basile Landscaping & Lawncare LLC invites you to browse our site and contact us with any questions. We look forward to enhancing the value of your property by being your trusted landscaping and lawn care company. Please feel free to call us at 636-825-6200 or visit our website, basilelandscaping.com.

PROJECT TYPE - Renovation | Single Detached - Complete Gut down to studs - Replace All Windows and Doors - New Kitchen & 2 Bathrooms - New Envelope Facade and Deck DESIGN TEAM Interiors & Creative Director | Gaile Guevara Design Team | Kristin Swanepoel, Foojan Kasvari, Laura Melling BUILDER Alair Homes | David Babikaiff Site Manager | Jason Zavitz LANDSCAPE Cyan Horticulture GENERAL Area: Burnaby North Location: Capitol Hill BN City: Burnaby Property Type: Residential Detached Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2 Year Built: 1964 | 50 Years Old Floor Area: 2,721 sq. ft. SOURCE GUIDE New Glazing system by Keller Windows Appliances | Miele Package provided by Midland Appliances Millwork Package by Minimal provided by Tidal Living Plumbing Fixtures Hardwood Flooring | by Kentwood Couture - Avalon installed by Frontier Flooring Tile | Mutina Italy provided by Stonetile

Cohuatichan is a 715 m2 weekend residence located in the Mexican mountains of Puebla. Attached to the edge of a cliff overlooking a 100ha site, the house has stunning views of a waterfall and the surrounding tropical cloud mountain forest. The exuberant context guided the design of this holiday residence extension. The integration of both interior and exterior programs was achieved through the use of a large sliding curtain wall on both levels intended to remain open while the house is in use. This allows the house to open up to the unique landscape, while also connecting the adjacent infinity swimming pool with the public living area on the lower level, and the master bedroom with an open hot tub, bathroom and terrace on the upper level. The house’s aesthetics and materials were kept light and clean in contrast to the breathtaking surroundings in order to foster a unique experience of outdoor living while being under the comfort of a contemporary structure.

Modern Luxe Bathroom A harmonious blend of modern minimalism and refined luxury, this spa-inspired bathroom was designed to evoke a sense of serenity and sophistication. Wrapped in exquisite marble, every surface seamlessly flows, enhancing the sense of continuity and elegance. The floating vanity, framed with natural stone and featuring under-cabinet lighting, creates a soft, ambient glow, adding to the airy and weightless aesthetic. A sculptural freestanding tub serves as the room’s centerpiece, reinforcing the spa-like atmosphere. Thoughtfully integrated built-in shelving ensures functionality without disrupting the clean, streamlined design, while custom glass sconces add warmth and a touch of timeless elegance. The result is a sanctuary of relaxation and contemporary refinement, where every detail is meticulously curated for both beauty and practicality. Bringing visions to life. ✨ This stunning project began with the plans of the renowned architect Philip Hazan, and I had the honor of turning those plans into reality by managing the project and handling the interior design. It started with guiding the clients through selecting the perfect stone, materials, color palette, plumbing fixtures, and other essential elements. I worked closely to tweak the cabinetry and millwork designs to reflect their unique style while ensuring functionality. For this ensuite transformation, I began by meticulously planning the execution—creating a detailed budget, timeline, and schedule—and selecting the best skilled teams to deliver an upscale result. From complete demolition to rebuilding from the skeleton, I was on-site every single day, ensuring every design detail was executed to perfection.

Torr Kaelan Mixed Use / San Diego, California This five-story, zero energy mixed-use building sits in the shadow of the new Central Library and houses the Quigley Architectural offices. The "juicy joint" block is animated by San Diego's bright sun and protects a series of balconies and bay windows meant to encourage an interactive "conversation" with the street. 42' wide and constructed of fireproof materials, a penthouse rental unit perches above the offices and faces 13th street. Unusual in a dense urban situation, the top floor living/dining area has light from the ceiling and three sides allowing the path of the sun to continually alter the mood of the space. Archaic California and City laws prohibited logical grey water recycling. The unusual roof form provides the proper angle for solar collectors and guides rain water to the back of the site where it is channeled and filtered through gardens and stones before it reaches the street. The unique penthouse is the counterpoint that allows you to observe the city’s East Village below as it evolves. Rob Wellington Quigley, FAIA Photo Credit: Darren Bradley Photography

Nestled in the hills of Orinda, California, this 1951 residence is one of only seven extant homes, now known as “The Magnificent Seven”, designed by architect Olof Dahlstrand, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright. With its low-slung rooflines, natural materials, and deep integration with the sloping landscape, the home is a pristine example of mid-century modern design inspired by Wright’s organic principles. Over the years, prior homeowners have emphasized preservation, ensuring that the house remained relatively untouched. Each owner has respected the original architecture and stayed true to Dahlstrand’s intent. When a family of five—two college-aged sons and a middle school-aged daughter—acquired the property, they were captivated by its history, legacy of care, and architectural significance. While they appreciated Dahlstrand’s original vision, they also recognized the need to adapt the home for contemporary living while preserving its design integrity. The remodel was conceived as a thoughtful response to the past—an effort to bring the house into the 21st century without compromising its soul. The primary mandate was to maintain architectural continuity while improving the functionality, comfort, and livability for a modern family. The design team—architects and contractor alike—worked with a shared reverence for the original architecture, allowing that mindset to guide even the most technical or pragmatic decisions. A key objective was to increase natural light in the kitchen—a departure from Wrightian principles of enclosed, intimate cooking spaces—while maintaining the home’s architectural language. The kitchen was reconfigured to foster a stronger connection to adjacent living spaces while retaining the underlying concept of spatial separation. One of the most transformative architectural changes was the removal of a ridge beam that was originally planned to remain visible through the kitchen. During construction, the team collaborated on a better solution: a wide-flanged steel beam concealed within the roof envelope. This subtle move preserved the clean lines and ceiling continuity, a modern update carried out with utmost respect for the existing framework. The home’s original powder room, previously accessible only through the kitchen, was relocated for better flow and privacy. A new powder room was carved out of former kitchen cabinetry—a narrow, interior space that could have felt dark and enclosed. To avoid this, the design extended the line of original transom windows into the new powder room and added a skylight above the vanity. The result is a bright and airy space that feels consistent with the rest of the home. Other updates included the installation of new solid-core interior doors with veneers carefully matched to the original mahogany, enhancing the continuity of the interiors. Even smaller decisions, such as placing the door knobs at 42 inches high, mirrored the original proportions. Every choice reflected a shared belief between the architect, contractor, and client: that new work should serve the integrity of the old. The home’s extensive interior redwood millwork and paneling was meticulously restored. Where new materials were introduced—such as the replacement redwood soffit paneling—the contractor took pains to find finish nails that matched the original, rather than using modern equivalents. This level of craftsmanship and collaboration defined the project. It extended even to the detailing of a blind door to the new powder room, which had to disappear into the existing redwood board-and-batten wall. It was a team effort: the owner found a suitable handle, the architects devised the custom in-swing mechanism, and the contractor executed it so the door aligned precisely with the battens. Throughout, the homeowners were deeply engaged in the design process. One, a meticulous design enthusiast, focused on aesthetic integrity and historic detail. The other brought a practical and function-driven perspective, ensuring that new fixtures and materials would be durable and require minimal maintenance. While the home’s location posed no major site challenges, sustainability was a key concern. The team upgraded the roof insulation, installed solar panels with battery storage, and added ductless mini-split cooling systems. Lighting was another area where modern technology was woven into a historic framework: new square LED fixtures echo the original custom perimeter soffit lights, maintaining the design language while offering advanced performance. A planned expansion of a bedroom into suite with a bathroom had to be shelved due to budget constraints and the high cost of below-grade foundation work. Still, the team focused their efforts on making the most of the existing footprint, resolving constraints through design ingenuity rather than adding square footage. This renovation represents a collaborative achievement in preserving and evolving a historically significant home. Every decision was shaped by a shared ethos among clients, architects, and contractor: to maintain the home’s architectural soul while updating it for contemporary life. The result is a timeless modernist residence that continues Olof Dahlstrand’s legacy, remaining grounded in nature, craftsmanship, and human-scale design. Klopf Architecture Team: John Klopf, AIA, Klara Kevane, Fernanda Bernardes
Interior Architectural Design: Klopf Architecture
Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao
Contractor: Don Larwood, Larwood Construction Photography: Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2022

The renovation of an extensive linear residence and site facing Port Orchard waterway embraces water, greenspace and forested hillside. The home, completed this fall, serves as an artist’s studio, galleries, family space, game room, outdoor living areas and peaceful retreat. New interiors and exterior spaces and finishes, cabinetry, lighting, paving, landscape and courtyards become settings for the owner’s art + collections, three-generations of family and the wonderful colors and textures of the land + water. Inside, a monumental central stair and tapered two-story tall red cedar and steel column was designed as the residence’s entry focal point and internal landmarks, guiding the visitor’s eye to the main atrium…. and upward. Heavy wide-flange steel moment frames support the house and enable whole walls of glass. Rough, mill-finished steel contrasts refined cabinetry, stone, wood structure and defining dropped ceilings, reflecting the opener’s love of the tension between highly polished and detailed + rough, found art. Outside, A new southern “dining room” was designed for warm summer evening gatherings under a heavy-timber trellis. The focus, opposite water and island views, is a metal perforated screen. The final screen is composed of the lyrics from a Joe Cocker song of great meaning to the owners, cut from ½” marine bronze, set into dark-fired brick. “Oh My Darling, Be Home Soon….” Natural daylight and high-efficiency lighting are central players as in any gallery. From a high clerestory and extensive southern and eastern window-walls to carefully selected up-lighting, pendants, and accent fixtures, Rhodes Architecture + Light worked closely with the owner to ensure that their dark existing house would become one filled with light…. night and day. The owners, Ken and Jane, allowed us to interview them about their experience working with Rhodes Architecture + Light, and how they are feeling about living with the architecture today. What was your experience like, working with Rhodes Architecture + Light? “They worked with us because it was a remodel, an existing thing, and we had to try to make it work for all of our interests and how our family operated. They listened, and we listened, and it was a great communication back and forth.”–Jane How has the renovation changed the way you live and enjoy your home? “I remember saying to them that I want the whole floor heated because it gets so chilly down here. And we had the wood burning stove, but it was over there and now we just turn the floor heat on and we can come down. It’s cozy and nice. So we’re looking forward to winter now.”–Ken “We have 5 kids together and now a bunch of grandchildren. I wanted a marble countertop, but there’s just no way. I didn’t want it to be a place where I had to say, ‘No, no, no. Wipe up your drink, do this, do that.’ I wanted it to be a place where everybody can come with all the kids, and we make a big mess, and I can clean it up. And we can enjoy ourselves here, because that room upstairs, we almost never went in. And now we’re in there eating pizza and watching the game.” –Jane As an artist, Jane enjoyed the collaborative process. “I can’t believe it was as positive as it was. I went into it thinking it would be a great, creative, fun, collaborative thing, and I have to say, with our architects, it was. I like that creative process. I always say when I am doing a painting, it’s a series of problem solving so it wasn’t unusual for me. I am completely blown away by them and had fun with that part of it.” –Jane Architect: Tim James Rhodes RA AIA, Rhodes Architecture + Light Builder: Fairbank Construction Company Structural: Swensen Say Faget

Leicht's white kitchen flows into a warm living room. Earthy browns & precise lighting create a cohesive & inviting space
Home design - modern home design idea in San Diego

A timeless architectural gem from the '90s, originally designed by the visionary Mark Singer, has been given a stunning renovation. Stylish and historic, this Dana Point home merges modern and classical elements ? Photographer: Brett Hillyard

Leicht's white kitchen flows into a warm living room. Earthy browns & precise lighting create a cohesive & inviting space
Example of a minimalist home design design in San Diego