Juxtaposing a Southern Colorado setting with a Moorish feel, North Star Ranch explores a distinctive Mediterranean architectural style in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The owner raises cutting horses, but has spent much of her free time traveling the world. She has brought art and artifacts from those journeys into her home, and they work in combination to establish an uncommon mood. The stone floor, stucco and plaster walls, troweled stucco exterior, and heavy beam and trussed ceilings welcome guests as they enter the home. Open spaces for socializing, both outdoor and in, are what those guests experience but to ensure the owner's privacy, certain spaces such as the master suite and office can be essentially 'locked off' from the rest of the home. Even in the context of the region's extraordinary rock formations, North Star Ranch conveys a strong sense of personality.

The formal living area in this Brooklyn brownstone once had an awful marble fireplace surround that didn't properly reflect the home's provenance. Sheetrock was peeled back to reveal the exposed brick chimney, we sourced a new mantel with dental molding from architectural salvage, and completed the surround with green marble tiles in an offset pattern. The chairs are Mid-Century Modern style and the love seat is custom-made in gray leather. Custom bookshelves and lower storage cabinets were also installed, overseen by antiqued-brass picture lights.

Our pioneer project, Casita de Tierra in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, showcases the natural building techniques of a rubble trench foundation, earthbag construction, natural plasters, earthen floors, and a composting toilet. Our earthbag wall system consists of locally available, cost-efficient, polypropylene bags that are filled with a formula of clay and aggregate unearthed from our building site. The bags are stacked like bricks in running bonds, which are strengthened by courses of barbed wire laid between each row, and tamped into place. The walls are then plastered with a mix composed of clay, sand, soil and straw, and are followed by gypsum and lime renders to create attractive walls. The casita exhibits a load-bearing wall system demonstrating that thick earthen walls, with no rebar or cement, can support a roofing structure. We, also, installed earthen floors, created an indoor dry-composting toilet system, utilized local woods for the furniture, routed all grey water to the outdoor garden, and maximized air flow by including cross-ventilating screened windows below the natural palm frond and cane roof. Casita de Tierra exemplifies an economically efficient, structurally sound, aesthetically pleasing, environmentally kind, and socially responsible home.

Kevin Weber Photography
Example of a classic dark wood floor and brown floor living room design in Baltimore with gray walls, a standard fireplace and a tv stand

Milgard "Black Bean" Ultra Series windows provide a modern feel to this farmhouse kitchen with their bold, contrasting look. The dark windows are complemented by black accents throughout the kitchen such as the light fixtures and cabinetry hardware. This photo features a fiberglass single hung window with a Milgard Positive Action Lock. Backsplash by Dwellings, formerly Pratt & Larson in Bellevue, from the Picket 111 Solo 3 Collection in “White Mosaic.” dwellings.design

Angela Brown Photography
Example of a transitional master light wood floor alcove bathtub design in Detroit with beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, brown walls and an undermount sink

Final result: kitchen completely open to family room! Sightlines to negative edge pool. Greatly improved family interaction with social integration of spaces: planning area, kitchen, breakfast room, eat-on island, family room and formal dining (to right through barn doors). Todd Ramsey

Whon Photography
Large urban underground carpeted staircase photo in Indianapolis with gray walls and no fireplace

Comfortable Seating and Room for All Thoughtfully designed and strategically positioned in the center of the home, this is the main intersection for intimate family gatherings or larger social events. A custom beverage center in the background keeps coffee warm and alternate beverages cold.

This elegant outdoor kitchen is designed for premium entertaining, featuring a built-in stainless steel grill, spacious stone countertops, refrigeration, and ample storage. Positioned beside the pool, it creates a seamless connection between cooking, dining, and relaxation. The warm brick columns and natural stone finishes add a sophisticated touch, transforming the backyard into a resort-style culinary and social destination perfect for hosting gatherings and outdoor celebrations.

This modern farmhouse kitchen is in a former 1820s stable converted into a home. Natural cherry and soft green painted cabinet finishes paired with Zellige tile accents and beamed ceilings reflect the vintage character of the old barn and compliment the open plan of the space. The Sub-Zero refrigerator is hidden in plain sight while the 48” Wolf range and steam oven are positioned perfectly, allowing this family to stay together while cooking, socializing and eating. By moving the cramped kitchen to the opposite side of the home, this Morris County New Jersey kitchen and bath remodeler was able to take advantage of a much larger and underutilized space while also improving the overall flow in the remainder of the home.

Example of a trendy kitchen design in Salt Lake City

What began as a renovation project morphed into a new house, driven by the natural beauty of the site. The new structures are perfectly aligned with the coastline, and take full advantage of the views of ocean, islands, and shoals. The location is within walking distance of town and its amenities, yet miles away in the privacy it affords. The house is nestled on a nicely wooded lot, giving the residence screening from the street, with an open meadow leading to the ocean on the rear of the lot. The design concept was driven by the serenity of the site, enhanced by textures of trees, plantings, sand and shoreline. The newly constructed house sits quietly in a location advantageously positioned to take full advantage of natural light and solar orientations. The visual calm is enhanced by the natural material: stone, wood, and metal throughout the home. The main structures are comprised of traditional New England forms, with modern connectors serving to unify the structures. Each building is equally suited for single floor living, if that future needs is ever necessary. Unique too is an underground connection between main house and an outbuilding. With their flowing connections, no room is isolated or ignored; instead each reflects a different level of privacy and social interaction. Just as there are layers to the exterior in beach, field, forest and oceans, the inside has a layered approach. Textures in wood, stone, and neutral colors combine with the warmth of linens, wools, and metals. Personality and character of the interiors and its furnishings are tailored to the client’s lifestyle. Rooms are arranged and organized in an intersection of public and private spaces. The quiet palette within reflects the nature outside, enhanced with artwork and accessories.

Eco-Terr Slabs - Bergamo Black G used in Midtown Manhattan’s rooftop bar. Located on the 21st floor of AC Hotel New York Times Square on West 40th Street. This classic NYC cocktail lounge is perfectly positioned for drinks on your way to – or from – the bright lights of Broadway and the energy of Times Square.

"Dramatically positioned along Pelican Crest's prized front row, this Newport Coast House presents a refreshing modern aesthetic rarely available in the community. A comprehensive $6M renovation completed in December 2017 appointed the home with an assortment of sophisticated design elements, including white oak & travertine flooring, light fixtures & chandeliers by Apparatus & Ladies & Gentlemen, & SubZero appliances throughout. The home's unique orientation offers the region's best view perspective, encompassing the ocean, Catalina Island, Harbor, city lights, Palos Verdes, Pelican Hill Golf Course, & crashing waves. The eminently liveable floorplan spans 3 levels and is host to 5 bedroom suites, open social spaces, home office (possible 6th bedroom) with views & balcony, temperature-controlled wine and cigar room, home spa with heated floors, a steam room, and quick-fill tub, home gym, & chic master suite with frameless, stand-alone shower, his & hers closets, & sprawling ocean views. The rear yard is an entertainer's paradise with infinity-edge pool & spa, fireplace, built-in BBQ, putting green, lawn, and covered outdoor dining area. An 8-car subterranean garage & fully integrated Savant system complete this one of-a-kind residence. Residents of Pelican Crest enjoy 24/7 guard-gated patrolled security, swim, tennis & playground amenities of the Newport Coast Community Center & close proximity to the pristine beaches, world-class shopping & dining, & John Wayne Airport." via Cain Group / Pacific Sotheby's International Realty Photo: Chris Snitko

"Dramatically positioned along Pelican Crest's prized front row, this Newport Coast House presents a refreshing modern aesthetic rarely available in the community. A comprehensive $6M renovation completed in December 2017 appointed the home with an assortment of sophisticated design elements, including white oak & travertine flooring, light fixtures & chandeliers by Apparatus & Ladies & Gentlemen, & SubZero appliances throughout. The home's unique orientation offers the region's best view perspective, encompassing the ocean, Catalina Island, Harbor, city lights, Palos Verdes, Pelican Hill Golf Course, & crashing waves. The eminently liveable floorplan spans 3 levels and is host to 5 bedroom suites, open social spaces, home office (possible 6th bedroom) with views & balcony, temperature-controlled wine and cigar room, home spa with heated floors, a steam room, and quick-fill tub, home gym, & chic master suite with frameless, stand-alone shower, his & hers closets, & sprawling ocean views. The rear yard is an entertainer's paradise with infinity-edge pool & spa, fireplace, built-in BBQ, putting green, lawn, and covered outdoor dining area. An 8-car subterranean garage & fully integrated Savant system complete this one of-a-kind residence. Residents of Pelican Crest enjoy 24/7 guard-gated patrolled security, swim, tennis & playground amenities of the Newport Coast Community Center & close proximity to the pristine beaches, world-class shopping & dining, & John Wayne Airport." via Cain Group / Pacific Sotheby's International Realty Photo: Chris Snitko

A modern living room design with large floor to ceiling windows creating an open air feeling. Multiple textures from the leather and fabric sofas, floor lamps and rug create energy. Stressless E600 has a sleek, modern design with elegant lines and tall, slim armrests. But don’t get fooled into thinking it’s all about good looks: hidden under those chic cushions lies our Stressless ErgoAdapt™-system, which automatically adjusts itself to support you in all angles and positions, whether sitting up or lying down. The difference is one to experience first hand.

Eco-Terr Slabs - Bergamo Black G used in Midtown Manhattan’s rooftop bar. Located on the 21st floor of AC Hotel New York Times Square on West 40th Street. This classic NYC cocktail lounge is perfectly positioned for drinks on your way to – or from – the bright lights of Broadway and the energy of Times Square.

A minimalist outdoor lounge elevated by the warm presence of a sculptural fire feature. This rust-toned, linear fire pit anchors the space with understated drama, creating a powerful visual contrast against the clean-lined sectional and neutral tones of the wood deck. Its low profile ensures unobstructed sightlines while the steady, ribbon-like flame draws the eye and adds dynamic movement to an otherwise tranquil setting. Positioned poolside and framed by natural grasses and warm-toned materials, the fire pit extends the usability of the space well into the evening. The gentle flicker reflects off surrounding surfaces, casting subtle shadows across the concrete wall and highlighting the rich textures of the natural elements. More than a heat source, this fire feature becomes the emotional centerpiece—inviting conversation, comfort, and connection in a space designed for both solitude and social gathering.