Reverse Shed Eichler This project is part tear-down, part remodel. The original L-shaped plan allowed the living/ dining/ kitchen wing to be completely re-built while retaining the shell of the bedroom wing virtually intact. The rebuilt entertainment wing was enlarged 50% and covered with a low-slope reverse-shed roof sloping from eleven to thirteen feet. The shed roof floats on a continuous glass clerestory with eight foot transom. Cantilevered steel frames support wood roof beams with eaves of up to ten feet. An interior glass clerestory separates the kitchen and livingroom for sound control. A wall-to-wall skylight illuminates the north wall of the kitchen/family room. New additions at the back of the house add several “sliding” wall planes, where interior walls continue past full-height windows to the exterior, complimenting the typical Eichler indoor-outdoor ceiling and floor planes. The existing bedroom wing has been re-configured on the interior, changing three small bedrooms into two larger ones, and adding a guest suite in part of the original garage. A previous den addition provided the perfect spot for a large master ensuite bath and walk-in closet. Natural materials predominate, with fir ceilings, limestone veneer fireplace walls, anigre veneer cabinets, fir sliding windows and interior doors, bamboo floors, and concrete patios and walks. Landscape design by Bernard Trainor: www.bernardtrainor.com (see “Concrete Jungle” in April 2014 edition of Dwell magazine). Microsoft Media Center installation of the Year, 2008: www.cybermanor.com/ultimate_install.html (automated shades, radiant heating system, and lights, as well as security & sound).

Colorful, elegant and cozy master bedroom. Photography by Andy Frame
Bedroom - large coastal master medium tone wood floor bedroom idea in Chicago with gray walls

Ashley Avila
Inspiration for a timeless porch remodel in Grand Rapids

Backyard border garden terracing and water feature -corten steel & stone
Inspiration for a small asian partial sun front yard stone formal garden in New York for winter.

Patrick Barta
Inspiration for a contemporary kitchen remodel in Seattle

Soundview Photography
Inspiration for a craftsman backyard patio remodel in Seattle with a bbq area

If you'd like to start eating better (not just healthier, but tastier too), you will love yard-to-table gardening. Growing your own fresh food steps from the kitchen ensures you'll always have options come dinner time. Best of all, we can provide a helping hand, making an organic garden a reality for even the busiest families.

Design ideas for a large modern backyard concrete paver landscaping in New York.

Modern Xeriscaping The transition from the home to the garden is marked by a shift in materials. Leaving the warm, reddish-brown tiled patio, you step onto a winding path of large, rectangular concrete pavers "floating" in a bed of light-colored gravel. This smart xeriscaping choice not only looks modern and clean but is perfectly suited for the Palm Springs climate, reducing water usage while adding significant textural contrast.

Designer: Rochelle McAvin Photographer: Karen Palmer Welcome to our stunning mid-century kitchen and bath makeover, designed with function and color. This home renovation seamlessly combines the timeless charm of mid-century modern aesthetics with the practicality and functionality required by a busy family. Step into a home where classic meets contemporary and every detail has been carefully curated to enhance both style and convenience. Kitchen Transformation: The heart of the home has been revitalized with a fresh, open-concept design. Sleek Cabinetry: Crisp, clean lines dominate the kitchen's custom-made cabinets, offering ample storage space while maintaining cozy vibes. Rich, warm wood tones complement the overall aesthetic. Quartz Countertops: Durable and visually stunning, the quartz countertops bring a touch of luxury to the space. They provide ample room for food preparation and family gatherings. Statement Lighting: 2 central pendant light fixtures, inspired by mid-century design, illuminates the kitchen with a warm, inviting glow. Bath Oasis: Our mid-century bath makeover offers a tranquil retreat for the primary suite. It combines retro-inspired design elements with contemporary comforts. Patterned Tiles: Vibrant, geometric floor tiles create a playful yet sophisticated atmosphere. The black and white motif exudes mid-century charm and timeless elegance. Floating Vanity: A sleek, vanity with clean lines maximizes floor space and provides ample storage for toiletries and linens. Frameless Glass Shower: The bath features a modern, frameless glass shower enclosure, offering a spa-like experience for relaxation and rejuvenation. Natural Light: Large windows in the bathroom allow natural light to flood the space, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. Storage Solutions: Thoughtful storage solutions, including built-in niches and shelving, keep the bathroom organized and clutter-free. This mid-century kitchen and bath makeover is the perfect blend of style and functionality, designed to accommodate the needs of a young family. It celebrates the iconic design of the mid-century era while embracing the modern conveniences that make daily life a breeze.

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard stamped concrete patio remodel in Seattle with no cover

Inspiration for a large timeless backyard stone patio remodel in New York with a fire pit and no cover

This modern home, near Cedar Lake, built in 1900, was originally a corner store. A massive conversion transformed the home into a spacious, multi-level residence in the 1990’s. However, the home’s lot was unusually steep and overgrown with vegetation. In addition, there were concerns about soil erosion and water intrusion to the house. The homeowners wanted to resolve these issues and create a much more useable outdoor area for family and pets. Castle, in conjunction with Field Outdoor Spaces, designed and built a large deck area in the back yard of the home, which includes a detached screen porch and a bar & grill area under a cedar pergola. The previous, small deck was demolished and the sliding door replaced with a window. A new glass sliding door was inserted along a perpendicular wall to connect the home’s interior kitchen to the backyard oasis. The screen house doors are made from six custom screen panels, attached to a top mount, soft-close track. Inside the screen porch, a patio heater allows the family to enjoy this space much of the year. Concrete was the material chosen for the outdoor countertops, to ensure it lasts several years in Minnesota’s always-changing climate. Trex decking was used throughout, along with red cedar porch, pergola and privacy lattice detailing. The front entry of the home was also updated to include a large, open porch with access to the newly landscaped yard. Cable railings from Loftus Iron add to the contemporary style of the home, including a gate feature at the top of the front steps to contain the family pets when they’re let out into the yard. Tour this project in person, September 28 – 29, during the 2019 Castle Home Tour!

David Patterson Photography
Example of a large arts and crafts yellow brick gable roof design in Denver with a shingle roof

Builder: John Kraemer & Sons | Architect: Swan Architecture | Interiors: Katie Redpath Constable | Landscaping: Bechler Landscapes | Photography: Landmark Photography

A custom home built in a private mountainside lot takes advantage of the unique features of its lot for a cohesive yet unique design. This home features an open floor plan with ample living space, as well as a full lower level perfect for entertaining, a screened deck, gorgeous master suite, and an upscale mountain design style.

John Beaudry
This is an example of a large mediterranean drought-tolerant and partial sun side yard stone garden path in San Diego for summer.

We designed and constructed this swinging daybed as a destination point in this incredibly lush garden. This garden is one of the most famous in the Southeast, having been featured on numerous tours and publications.

photography by Andrea Calo
Inspiration for a huge transitional backyard patio container garden remodel in Austin with a gazebo